The 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting has rolled out major updates that will shape how university and tertiary admissions work in Nigeria this year. From stricter age rules to a new focus on ranking — here’s everything you need to know to avoid surprises
It’s No Longer Just About Your Score — Ranking Now Matters More
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made it clear:
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam.”
This means it’s not only about what you scored — but how your score stacks up against millions of other candidates.
From 2025 onwards, every JAMB result slip will now show:
- Your actual UTME score
- Your national rank
Example:
- A candidate with 370 ranked only 16th.
- A candidate with 200 ranked over 500,000th.
- A score of 140 could leave you behind 1.5 million others.
Key point: It’s your rank — not just your score — that determines how competitive you are for admission.
Meet the 2025 UTME Top 10 Scorers
JAMB also unveiled the highest scorers this year — and many are eyeing Mechanical Engineering at UNILAG.
Top 10 for 2025:
- Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan — 379, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
- Ayuba Simon-Peter John — 378, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
- Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka — 374, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
- Roberts Daniels Ayiba — 373, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
- Ononogbu Chigozirim Chibuozor — 373, UNILAG, Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Olawoye Garrudee Tumise — 371, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
- Afiunu Ofeoritse Leslie — 369, Covenant University, Computer Science
- Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka — 369, Covenant University, Mechanical Engineering
- Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel — 369, OAU, Aerospace Engineering
- Omigie Osaiogho Cecil — 367, UI, Mechanical Engineering
Insight: Mechanical Engineering at UNILAG remains hugely competitive.
Most Popular Universities for 2025 Admissions
These institutions 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
Tip: The more applications a school gets, the tougher your chances — especially in Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
Approved 2025 Admission Cut-Off Marks
- Federal/State Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing: 140
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Agriculture/Education: 100
Admission Deadlines for 2025/2026
- Public Universities: Must complete admissions by October 2025.
- Private Institutions: By November–December 2025.
New Rules: Admission Offers Have Expiry Dates
- If JAMB recommends you: the institution must accept/reject within 2 weeks.
- If the institution offers you admission: you must accept/reject within 4 weeks.
Miss the window? You could lose your slot.
JAMB Clamps Down on Admission Manipulation
At least 90% of admissions must be strictly on merit before any school can use “exemption” slots for special cases.
Minimum Age Stays at 16
No candidate under 16 can be admitted, no matter how high they score.
Medical Courses Remain Fiercely Competitive
Over 570,000 applied for Medical Sciences — but only about 115,000 can be admitted. Fewer than 1 in 5 will get in.
Final Advice
The rules have changed:
- A high score alone isn’t enough — watch your ranking.
- Act fast when you get an offer — deadlines matter.
- Have a backup plan, especially if you’re targeting
- Medicine or Engineering in the most popular universities.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Get it right.