The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently made significant announcements during the 2024 policy meeting held in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu. This meeting addressed crucial aspects of the upcoming admissions process for Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education in Nigeria. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key decisions made and how they impact prospective students.
Minimum Cut-off Marks:
For the 2023/2024 admissions, JAMB has set the national minimum cut-off mark for universities at 140, while Polytechnics and Colleges of Education have a minimum cut-off of 100. It’s important to note that institutions are now granted the autonomy to set their own minimum UTME scores for admission.
Direct Entry Admissions:
Institutions will determine the specific number of points required for direct entry admissions. Candidates with total scores below the institution’s minimum will not be eligible for admission, aligning with the decisions made at the Policy Meeting.
Application Process:
All applications for regular and non-regular admissions must be submitted through JAMB, adhering to its enabling law. This centralized approach streamlines the admission process, ensuring transparency and uniformity.
Discretionary Admission Power:
A noteworthy change involves granting 10% discretionary power of admission to heads of tertiary institutions. This adjustment allows institutions more flexibility in their admission criteria.
Post-UTME Screening:
Institutions can conduct post-UTME screenings, and the cost for these screenings is capped at N2,000. This ensures that the screening process remains affordable and accessible for all prospective students.
“Bring Your Own Device” Initiative:
JAMB is planning a groundbreaking “Bring Your Own Device” initiative for the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examinations (UTME) and Direct Entry Examinations. This initiative aims to allow candidates to take the exams using their mobile phones, reducing costs associated with traditional examination methods.
Conclusion:
As schools prepare to announce their Post-UTME sales forms and screening dates, prospective students should stay informed about these changes. The decision to empower institutions with more control over their admission criteria and the introduction of innovative initiatives like the “Bring Your Own Device” plan mark significant steps toward enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the education system in Nigeria. Stay tuned for updates as institutions begin to roll out their admission processes for the 2023/2024 academic year.