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Outrage Grows as JAMB Cut-Off Marks Drop in Nigerian Universities—Is Quality Education at Risk?

Concerns have been raised about Nigeria’s falling Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off scores for university admissions. Brian Jonah Dennis’s social media post has generated a lot of conversation over the ramifications of the present admittance requirements, which have witnessed a sharp decline in cut-off scores over time.

Dennis remembered the days when cut-off scores were significantly higher, since competitive disciplines like medicine at colleges like the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Benin (UNIBEN) required cut-off scores of 220 and more. Cut-off scores for other universities and polytechnics were 200 or 180, which reflected the level of academic rigor that was anticipated at the time.

Declining Standards Over Time

The post emphasizes how cut-off marks have continuously decreased over time, going from 220 to 200, then 200 to 180, and finally 160 to 140. Dennislamen stated that what was once regarded as a failing grade is now adequate for admission to universities.
Standards That Are Falling Over Time
The article highlights the gradual decline in cut-off scores, which went from 220 to 200, then to 180, and eventually to 160 to 140. According to Dennislamen, a grade that was previously considered a failing grade is now sufficient for university admission.

“Someone who scored 150 on the JAMBO in 2009 wouldn’t bother telling their parents their score; they would just say that their center was canceled or something.” “However, if you scored 140 in 2025, you could get into university,” he said.

Impact on Educational Standards: Dennis claims that these falling cut-off scores are a reflection of the nation’s deteriorating academic standards. He accused the system of “rewarding unintelligence” and creating a generation of graduates that struggle when it comes to reading comprehension.

“We are creating a dull society and rewarding stupidity. That’s why graduates read but don’t understand what we read,” he added.

An Appeal for Introspection

Concerns over the caliber of graduates and the general condition of Nigeria’s tertiary education system are still frequently expressed by those involved in the country’s educational system. Lower cut-off scores are seen by some as a compromise on academic achievement, while others argue that they provide students with additional opportunities. It is necessary to dwell on this.

Increasing Discussion

The post has sparked a lot of online debate, with many individuals concurring that as cut-off grades are falling, so are the nation’s educational standards.
Some, however, argue that the issue is that the educational system has to be redesigned, facilities need to be upgraded, and funds need to be allocated for high-quality instruction.

Conclusion

To rebuild trust in Nigeria’s academic institutions, players in the education system must come up with long-term solutions to these problems. A balanced strategy that guarantees diversity without sacrificing intellectual standards is required, as seen by the falling cut-off scores for university admissions.