JAMB boss speaks on UTME scores, cut-off marks, admission

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that JAMB cut-off marks, post-UTME, O’ level results and other admission criteria determined by institutions can ensure candidates’ admission.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB registrar, said this at an intensive Training and Sensitization Forum on Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) for the 2017/2018 academic session on Thursday.

Oloyede explained that scoring higher than the minimum cut-off marks did not guarantee admission but made candidates eligible for admission consideration.
He added that institutions determined the institutional programme and course cut-off marks and other admission criteria in exercise of their autonomy.
“JAMB is not an examination body rather it is a ranking body. If there are enough spaces in the tertiary institutions there may not be need for UTME.
“JAMB is a screening body to rank already qualified candidates. It is a coordinating and clearing house.

“The cut-off mark is not a pass or fail mark. It is not the total score but one of many factors such as post-UTME (where applicable), O’ Level results scoring, etc,” he explained.
He added that regulating agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), among others could decide the admission quota for institutions.
Oloyede advised candidates to ensure that they indicate the acceptance or rejection of admission online and timely to enable the processing of onward admission.
The JAMB boss further urged institutions to comply with their advertised criteria for admission including the cut-off marks.