JAMB Reveals Factors That Determine Admission Beyond UTME Scores

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained that a high score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) does not automatically guarantee admission into a Nigerian tertiary institution, stating that there are other to be considered.

According to the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, candidates’ admission chances are influenced by several factors, including merit, catchment area, Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) considerations, and the competitiveness of the programme selected.

Aina explained while responding to questions from candidates on X, amid concerns about situations in which candidates with lower UTME scores secure admission while others with higher scores are unsuccessful.

The registrar explained that admission into federal institutions generally operates within established quota considerations. He stated that merit accounts for 45%, catchment area for 30%, and ELDS for 20%, subject to applicable admission policies.

Candidates who do not benefit from catchment area or ELDS considerations are considered through the merit category, according to Aina.

“This means that once such a candidate does not meet the merit threshold, he or she may not secure admission. However, a candidate from the institution’s catchment area or an ELDS may be considered under the other applicable quotas.”

The JAMB registrar noted that this arrangement can produce situations where a candidate with a higher UTME score does not gain admission, while another candidate with a slightly lower score is admitted.

For instance, he explained that a candidate who scores 255 could miss out on admission while another candidate with 250 could secure a place if both candidates are assessed under different admission considerations.

Preparing to sit for UTME? Download ExamGuide UTME Practice App from www.examguide.com/offline/products/utme

Beyond UTME scores, Aina stressed that the competitiveness of the chosen programme is another important factor. Courses with limited spaces and high demand may have higher admission thresholds than less competitive programmes.

He also noted that the consideration of geographical factors and other affirmative measures in admission is not unique to Nigeria, as similar approaches are used in some other countries.

The clarification underscores the difference between UTME performance and final admission decisions. While the UTME score remains an important part of the process, institutions must also work within approved admission policies, quotas and the number of available spaces for each programme.

Meanwhile, Aina disclosed that JAMB had resolved more than 5,000 outstanding customer service complaints during his first week as registrar.

If you want to pass the 2027 JAMB UTME exam with flying colors, practice with ExamGuide UTME Learning App. Download the app from https://www.examguide.com/offline/products/utme

He said the Board was also strengthening its communication channels, including its verified social media platforms, to provide candidates and other stakeholders with more reliable information.

The registrar further disclosed that JAMB had engaged with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on technology-based initiatives that could improve collaboration between both agencies.

Aina also provided an update on the correction-of-name portal for 2026 candidates, saying work was ongoing to improve the platform and that it would become available later in the week.

However, candidates from previous years can still access the relevant correction services through the existing portal, according to the registrar.

The latest updates come as JAMB continues efforts to improve its interaction with candidates and address complaints through digital platforms, particularly during the admission and registration period.

If you want to pass the 2027 JAMB UTME exam with flying colors, practice with ExamGuide UTME Learning App. Download the app from https://www.examguide.com/offline/products/utme