The 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting held on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Abuja officially shaped the 2026/2027 admission season for Nigerian students.
This is the meeting where JAMB, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and the Minister of Education decide the official admission benchmarks, deadlines, institutional guidelines, and major policy changes for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and nursing institutions.
This year’s meeting was chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. And yes, there were many major announcements. Here is everything that happened
1. JAMB Approved Official 2026 Cut-Off Marks
The first major announcement was the official minimum admissible UTME benchmark for the 2026 admission session. JAMB approved:
- Universities — 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences — 150
- Polytechnics — 100
- Monotechnics — 100
- Colleges of Education (NCE) — No UTME required for some programmes
- Some Agriculture-related ND programmes — No UTME required
This means universities cannot admit below 150, while polytechnics cannot admit below 100. However, schools can still set their own institutional cut-off marks higher depending on competitiveness.
For example, Pan-Atlantic University fixed 220, while schools like University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University fixed 200.
2. Admission Deadlines Were Officially Announced
This was another major update. JAMB fixed strict deadlines for institutions to complete admissions. The approved deadlines are:
- Public Universities — October 31, 2026
- Private Universities — November 30, 2026
- Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Education — December 31, 2026
This means schools must complete Post-UTME, screening, departmental admissions, and CAPS processing before these dates. JAMB also warned institutions not to exceed their approved admission quotas.
3. LASU Became the Most Preferred University in Nigeria
One of the biggest surprises from the meeting was the release of the Top 10 Most Preferred Universities for 2026. Lagos State University (LASU) topped the list as the most chosen university by candidates nationwide.
Top 10 Most Preferred Universities:
- LASU — 84,426 applications
- University of Lagos — 78,240
- Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370
- University of Ibadan — 58,895
- University of Benin — 55,425
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085
- University of Ilorin — 52,514
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272
- University of Port Harcourt — 48,199
This shows where admission competition will be highest this year.
4. JAMB Released the Top Highest Scorers in Nigeria
JAMB also revealed the top-performing candidates nationwide. The highest scorer for the 2026 UTME was:
Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin
Score: 372/400, State of Origin: Ekiti, First Choice Institution: University of Lagos, Course: MBBS.
She emerged as the highest scorer in the entire country. Several others scored between 367 and 370, with most choosing Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science. Here’s the official list of top 10 candidates and their scores:
- Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin. (F) Score: 372
- Enwere Kingsley Ikenna (M) 370
- Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel (M) 369
- Olabiyisi Olanrewaju Oluwatimileyin (M) 368
- Victor-Onyeka Daniel Ifeanyi (M) 368
- Osaglobare Daniel Osahenrumwen (M) 368
- Ademiluyi Adebowale Anthony (M) 368
- Azuike Kenechukwu Anthony (M) 368
- Offorkile Micheal Okechukwu (M) 367
- Adebisi Eniola Sonari (M) 367
- Umukoro Gift Oghenevovwero (M) 367
5. UTME Was Waived for NCE and Some Agriculture Courses
Another major policy shift: Candidates applying for NCE programmes and selected ND Agriculture programmes no longer need UTME. However, they must still register through JAMB CAPS because admissions outside CAPS remain invalid. This move is expected to boost enrollment in education and agriculture-related programmes.
6. Degree Programmes in Colleges of Education Were Addressed
The Federal Government also discussed restructuring colleges of education and strengthening teacher training institutions. This is part of the broader reform to improve quality assurance and standardize admissions across tertiary education.
Important Notice for all JAMB 2026 candidates
- JAMB has not yet activated the portal for printing original results.
- Change of course and institution has NOT started yet.
- Uploading of O’Level results has not started yet.
We’ll update you once these processes begin.
Read also: JAMB 2026 Admission Requirements for Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria
Conclusion
The 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting was not just about cut-off marks, it completely shaped the admission season. From LASU becoming the most preferred university, to the release of the national top scorer, to strict admission deadlines and UTME waivers, one thing is clear: Admission this year will be faster, stricter, and more competitive.
For students, the message is simple: Check your school’s Post-UTME updates early, upload your O’Level results, monitor CAPS regularly, and make realistic admission decisions. Because in 2026, speed and smart decisions may matter just as much as your JAMB score.
