Major Reforms Unveiled at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced groundbreaking reforms at its 2025 Policy Meeting, fundamentally changing how candidates are assessed and admitted into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
From a new national ranking system to strict admission deadlines, the entire admission process will now emphasize merit, transparency, and competitiveness.
If you plan to gain admission in 2025, this new policy framework could determine your success.
Ranking System Now Outweighs Raw UTME Scores
During the meeting, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, made a defining statement:
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam.”
This signals a complete paradigm shift, admission will now depend on how your score ranks nationally, not just the number itself.
Henceforth, every JAMB result slip will display:
- The candidate’s UTME score
- The candidate’s national ranking
For example:
- A candidate with 370 may rank 16th nationwide.
- Another with 200 may rank 533,005th.
- A score of 140 could fall below 1.5 millionth position.
Lesson: Focus on ranking performance, not just your raw score.
Top 10 JAMB Candidates in 2025
The 2025 Policy Meeting also revealed the top-performing UTME candidates, with Mechanical Engineering at UNILAG emerging as the most sought-after course.
| Rank | Name | Score | Institution | Course |
| 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 Chibuozor | 373 | UNILAG | Electrical/Electronic Engr |
| 6 | Olawoye Garrudee Tumise | 371 | UNILAG | Mechanical Engineering |
| 7 | Afiunu Ofeoritse Leslie | 369 | Covenant University | Computer Science |
| 8 | Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka | 369 | Covenant University | Mechanical Engineering |
| 9 | Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel | 369 | OAU | Aerospace Engineering |
| 10 | Omigie Osaiogho Cecil | 367 | UI | Mechanical Engineering |
Most Sought-After Universities in Nigeria (2025)
According to JAMB, these universities attracted the highest number of first-choice applications:
- Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 58,645
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,734
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,103
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,467
- University of Ibadan (UI) – 48,291
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,542
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,686
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 43,777
Competition remains fiercest in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Nursing programmes.
Official 2025 JAMB Cut-Off Marks
| Institution Type | Minimum Score |
| Federal & State Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 140 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Agriculture/Education | 100 |
Note: Institutions may raise their cut-offs but cannot go below the approved national minimum.
Strict Admission Deadlines and Expiry Rules
JAMB has introduced new time-sensitive admission rules:
- Public Universities: Must conclude admissions by October 2025.
- Private Institutions: Have until December 2025.
- When JAMB recommends a candidate: the institution has 2 weeks to accept/reject.
- When an institution offers admission: the candidate has 4 weeks to accept or decline.
Failure to act within these windows means automatic forfeiture of the admission offer.
Merit-First Admission Policy
To combat corruption and favoritism, JAMB mandates that 90% of admissions must be merit-based before any discretionary or special slots are considered.
Prof. Oloyede reaffirmed:
“Merit-first is now policy, and it will be enforced.”
Minimum Admission Age Remains 16
Candidates below 16 years of age are not eligible for admission into any tertiary institution, regardless of their JAMB scores.
Medicine Still the Most Competitive Field
Over 570,000 candidates applied for medical and health-related courses nationwide, yet fewer than 115,000 slots are available less than 1 in 5 will gain admission.
Aspiring doctors are strongly advised to explore alternative health or science-related courses.
Final Advice to Candidates and Parents
The 2025 admission cycle prioritizes ranking, merit, and prompt action.
- Monitor your JAMB CAPS portal regularly.
- Check your ranking position and admission status often.
- Accept or reject offers promptly before expiry.
Remember, “JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam.”
Adapting quickly to this new policy gives you a higher chance of securing admission.
Call to Action
Visit your JAMB CAPS Portal now: https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng
- Check your ranking position
- Confirm your admission status
- Accept offers before the deadline
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