2026 UTME: JAMB decides cut-off marks 26 days after

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that the board will determine the cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session 26 days from the commencement of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The 2026 UTME cut-off marks will be announced about 51 days earlier than last year. Recall that JAMB announced 2025 admission cut-off marks for tertiary institutions and top UTME scorers on Tuesday, July 8, 2025; the exam commenced on April 24.

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, made this known on Sunday, in a statement, when he explained that the board will hold its 2026 Policy meeting on admissions on Monday, May 11, where key decisions, including the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session, will be determined.

“The meeting will take place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja,” he said.

Besides, Benjamin emphasised that key policy directions will be unveiled by Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education.

“The board’s annual policy meeting on admissions is a crucial annual gathering where stakeholders decide minimum tolerable UTME marks, admission guidelines, and policies for tertiary institutions.

Read also: Why Nigeria must reconsider JAMB as higher institutions’ entrance exam

“Furthermore, the meeting is expected to, in particular, formally set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission exercise while impressing it on attendees the need to adhere strictly to stipulated guidelines,” the statement read.

In addition, he stated, “Attendees at the 2026 meeting would include critical stakeholders such as vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars and their admission officers.

“Others are regulatory bodies ranging from the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), among others.”

The statement also noted that goodwill messages are expected from agencies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other stakeholders.

Benjamin disclosed that the event will feature the 6th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M), aimed at promoting compliance with admission guidelines and improving standards in tertiary education.