News
BREAKING: 2025 JAMB Policy Ushers in Major Admission Reforms-Ranking Now More Crucial Than Raw Scores
Editorial
Abuja, Nigeria – The 2025 edition of the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting has introduced sweeping changes set to reshape university admissions in Nigeria. The announcements, which were made by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during the Policy gathering in Abuja, have since been reported by major national media including Channels TV, The Nation, Vanguard, Daily Trust, and The Punch.
One of the most notable revelations is a shift in the evaluation framework for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates: ranking is now more significant than absolute scores.
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam,”
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB.
With this redefinition of purpose, every JAMB result slip will now feature not just a candidate’s raw score, but also their national ranking- a comparative measure showing how well they performed in relation to others across the country.
Why Rank Matters More Than Score
The implication is clear: a high score may no longer guarantee an edge if other candidates outperformed you nationally. Real-world data shared by JAMB supports this:
• A student with 370 marks ranked only 16th nationwide.
• Another candidate who scored 200 was placed 533,005th.
• Someone with 140 could rank below 1.5 million.
This means that candidates and parents must now focus more on relative ranking than just the numeric score.
2025 UTME Top Performers Unveiled
JAMB has officially released the names of the top 10 candidates in the 2025 UTME, most of whom applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) -an emerging hub for top-tier engineering aspirants.
Here are the standout Performers:
1. Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan – 379, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering.
2. Ayuba Simon-Peter John – 378, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
3. Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka – 374, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
4. Roberts Daniels Ayiba – 373, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
5. Ononogbu Chigozirim Chlbuozor – 373, UNILAG, Electrical/Electronic Engineering
6. Olawoye Garrudes Tumise – 371, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
7. Afiunu Ofeortiee Leslle – 369, COVENANT, Computer Science
8. Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka – 369, COVENANT, Mechanical Engineering
9. Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel – 369, OAU, Areospace Engineering
10. Omeigie Osalogho Cecil – 365, UI Mechanical Engineering
Most Popular Universities in 2025
Jamb also released data on the instructions with the highest number of first-choice applications, According to Daily Trust and The Nation, the top 10 most sought – after installations are:
1. Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000
2. University of Lagos (UNI LAG) – 58,645
3. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,734
4. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,103
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,467
6. University of Ibadon (UI) – 48,291
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,542
8. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,686
9. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 43,777
Insight: The more applications a school receives, the stiffer the competition – especially for high – demand programs like medicine, Law , and Engineering.
Approved Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Admissions
In line with the new policy direction, JAMB has set the following minimum Cut-Off Marks:
a. Federal & State Universities: 150
b. Colleges of Nursing: 140
c. Polytechnics, Colleges of Education & Agriculture: 100
Admission Timelines and Deadlines
Jamb also released strict deadlines for completing the admissions process:
a. Public universities are expected to conclude admissions by October 2025.
b. Private universities and institutions have up until November -December 2025.
Candidates must also act promptly on admission offers:
a. If JAMB recommends a candidate to a school, it must accept or reject the offer within two weeks.
b. If a candidate receives a direct offer from an institution, they have four weeks to respond. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in the forfeiture of admissions.
Stricter Merit-Based Admission Policy
To clamp down on manipulative admission practices, JAMB now mandates that institutions must fill at least 90% of their admission slots based strictly on merit before resorting to the exemption mode- often abused for “connection -based” entries.
This decision, as reported by Channels Television, reinforces JAMB ‘s commitment to fairness and meritocracy.
Minimum Age Requirement Still 16
The board reaffirmed that the minimum Age for University admission remains 16 years. Candidates below the age are not eligible , regardless to their POST UTME scores.
Medical Courses Remain Overwhelmingly Competitive
In another significant update, over 570,000 candidates reportedly applied for programmes under Medical Sciences. However, available slots across the country can accommodate only about 115,000 students – meaning only 1 in 5 applicant will be admitted.
A Final Word to Parents and Candidates
In light of these reforms, both students and parents must now adopt a new mindset. Scoring 300+ May look good on paper, but if thousands of others scored higher, the rank is what truly determines admission.
Stay informed, monitor your rank, and respond quickly to offers. The new JAMB era demands strategy, speed and smart choices .
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice