Last updated: 14 October 2026. Admission rules and deadlines change each year, and institutions set their own extra requirements, so confirm everything with JAMB and your chosen school. We replaced an earlier version with the 2026/27 decisions.
Getting into a Nigerian university is competitive, and the rules shift from year to year. The most important decisions for 2026/27 were made at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting held in Abuja on 11 May 2026.
The 2026/27 rules
- Cut-off marks: heads of tertiary institutions retained 150 as the minimum UTME score for admission into universities and colleges of nursing, and 100 for polytechnics, out of 400 obtainable marks. These are national minimums: institutions and departments can set higher cut-offs, and competitive courses such as medicine, law, pharmacy and engineering usually do. Reaching the minimum only makes you eligible for consideration, not guaranteed a place.
- Colleges of education: the Federal Government announced that UTME is no longer required for admission into colleges of education, and the exemption was extended to some agriculture and non-engineering courses in colleges of education and polytechnics.
- Minimum age: 16 years for tertiary admission was maintained. Reports said underage candidates with very high scores might be screened.
- CAPS only: the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said admissions made outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System are illegal and will not be recognised.
- Deadlines: JAMB’s approved deadlines are 31 October 2026 for public universities and 30 November 2026 for private universities. JAMB restored its CAPS platform on 28 September 2026 after a disruption and urged institutions to speed up admissions while keeping the deadlines unchanged. Candidates with 2026 NECO results were also told to upload and verify them promptly.
Steps to get admission
- Choose your course and institutions carefully. Check the subject combination, O-level requirements and cut-off history. Have a backup choice.
- Sit the UTME and aim as high as possible. Check your results only on JAMB’s official channels.
- Find the institution’s own cut-off and screening process. Many universities hold post-UTME screening or other assessments, and some use their own online screening. Read the school’s official notices.
- Prepare your documents: O-level results, birth certificate or age declaration, passport photographs and your NIN. Check that your names match across all documents.
- Monitor CAPS. Admission offers appear on the system, and you must accept or reject them within the time given. Follow the instructions carefully.
- Pay fees only through official portals, then complete clearance and registration.
If you do not get admission
- Consider changing course or institution during the allowed period, or applying to a polytechnic, a college of education or a private university with space.
- Look at foundation programmes, diplomas and other routes, but check their accreditation.
- Use the time to build skills and savings. See skills in demand and side hustles.
Paying for school
Compare fees, hostel costs and transport, and look for scholarships and bursaries. See our guides on scholarships in Nigeria and scholarships abroad. University strikes can delay your programme, so read our guide on the ASUU strike situation. After graduation, expect NYSC. See NYSC in 2026.
Admission scams
- “Buy admission” agents: admission cannot legally be bought, and offers outside CAPS are not recognised.
- Fake results and slips: JAMB has disowned fake result slips circulating online. Verify results only on official channels.
- Fake school portals and Post-UTME forms: check the school’s official website before paying.
- Fake “admission lists” on social media. See our guides on internet scams and verifying news.
Tips for a stronger application
- Start preparing early, use past questions and practise under timed conditions.
- Pick courses you are suited for, not only the most popular.
- Keep all your documents in order and keep copies.
- Check your email and the CAPS portal regularly.
The Rules in Plain English
- Cut-offs: at its May 2026 policy meeting, JAMB and heads of tertiary institutions set 150 as the minimum admissible score for universities and colleges of nursing, and 100 for polytechnics and monotechnics. Schools can set higher cut-offs but cannot go below these.
- Post-UTME: institutions may run screening, but JAMB’s Registrar said the charge must not exceed ₦2,000.
- Accepting admission: successful candidates must accept offers on CAPS within four weeks or the offer can be withdrawn.
- CAPS only: the Minister of Education said admissions made outside CAPS are illegal and will not be recognised.
- No UTME for some routes: candidates for colleges of education (NCE), and for education and agriculture non-engineering programmes in colleges of education and polytechnics, are exempt.
- Age: 16 remains the minimum age for tertiary admission.
- Next year: JAMB said it would introduce a “bring your own device” option for the UTME from 2027.
A Note on the Deadlines
One report quoted the Registrar as giving 31 December 2026 for public universities, but the policy meeting’s decision, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, and JAMB’s 28 September update both give 31 October 2026 for public universities and 30 November 2026 for private ones. Plan around 31 October and check your school’s notices.
Step-by-Step After Your Result
- Confirm your UTME score on JAMB’s official channels only. JAMB has disowned fake result slips circulating online.
- Upload your O-level results on CAPS and make sure your names match.
- Register for Post-UTME at each school you applied to and keep receipts.
- Monitor CAPS for offers, then accept the one you want within the deadline.
- Pay school fees only through the institution’s official portal, and keep proof of admission.
Admission Scams to Avoid
Be wary of anyone who promises “guaranteed admission”, asks you to pay an agent to “push” your name on CAPS or sells a fake admission letter. See our guide on internet scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026?
150 for universities and colleges of nursing, and 100 for polytechnics, though schools can set higher marks.
Is UTME compulsory for colleges of education?
Not any more, according to the announced policy, though you should check the school’s requirements.
Can I pay someone to get admission?
No. Anyone selling admission is a scammer, and admissions outside CAPS are not recognised.
Sources
- Channels TV: JAMB retains 150 cut-off for 2026/27
- VON: JAMB and tertiary institutions fix cut-off marks
- ICIR: Cut-off mark for varsity admission remains 150
- News Central: JAMB announces 2026 admission cut-off marks
- SchoolNgr: Minimum tolerable UTME scores
- Nairametrics: JAMB restores CAPS, urges institutions to speed up 2026/2027 admissions
- NAN: JAMB fixes 2026 cut-off marks, sets deadline for admissions
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