JAMB To Reduce Cut-Off Mark From 180

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has approved the reduction of the cut-off mark for admission into tertiary institutions from 180.

JAMB’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Ishaq Oleyede, made this know during the 2nd Technical Committee Meeting for 2016 Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, which was held at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri.

Oloyede explained that the decision became necessary, due to the inability of some schools to implement the cut-off mark.

He said: “it was in a meeting of the Board of higher institutions and other Stakeholders that a decision of 180 as the 2016 National cut-off mark was reached.

“However, many Institutions, though part of the decision, have expressed concern on their inability to effect this cut-off mark as they are finding it difficult to fill a reasonable percentage of their quota if the rule is strictly applied as we insist.

“A large number of institutions, particularly the budding ones, have applied for a waiver to enable them admit candidates who in some instances scored below 180 marks. For some, this may sound unreasonable with the largely false impression that a large percentage of those who score above 180 and are qualified for admission cannot find any placement in our institutions.

“I think this cry needs attention, otherwise, some of these institutions whether public or privately-owned may soon begin to wobble or even close shops. This will be counter-productive and even defeat the Government Policy of expansion of access to higher education and manpower development.”

Oloyede added that, “as a Board, we have studied the trend of admissions and have come up with a finding that hardly do the institutions collectively fill their quota annually.

“Indeed, in some cases, up to 50% of approved quota is wasted particularly by upright institutions which do not circumspect the rule. Unfortunately, a large number of institutions flagrantly disregarded the cut-off and many other policies yet they found a way to eventually regularize the illegal admissions through corrupt process.”

He, however, explained that the new flexible cut-off, will only apply to institutions that have exhausted the list of candidates that scored 180.

“As a Board, we have collated the requests from the various Senates and Academic Boards and have made your pleas known to appropriate authorities . Just this morning we received a green light on flexible cut-off mark only for institutions which have exhausted the list of candidates with 180 and above, subject , of course to a minimum acceptable to JAMB and meeting of other pre-requisite”, he added.

Oloyede also assured that JAMB will not impose candidates on schools, but will work hand in hand with the institutions to carry out the mandates of their respective Senates and Academic Boards on admission matters.

He added: “The Board would not impose candidates on them but, as a referee, would ensure that no applicant is unjustifiably denied the opportunity of access to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

“In this respect, together, we should be seen in a conspicuous and proven manner that we have the interest of the nation in mind in carrying out our statutory functions.”

He warned that no institution, whether Federal or State, will be allowed to continue with admission of students after the November 30 deadline.