The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently announced a new cut-off mark for admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This development has left many prospective students and their parents curious about the implications and potential changes it may bring to the admission process.
In a bid to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates, JAMB has set the new benchmark at 140 for University admissions out of a possible 160 marks, while 100 marks was for Polytechnic. Previously, the cut-off mark was set at 180 and 160, heightening the competition among applicants. This reduction has raised mixed reactions among stakeholders in the education sector.
Supporters of the new cut-off mark argue that it will expand access to education, enabling more students to pursue their dreams of higher learning. They believe that the previous high cut-off mark was too restrictive and prevented many qualified candidates from gaining admission.
On the other hand, skeptics express concerns about maintaining academic standards and the potential devaluation of degrees. They worry that lowering the bar may lead to a decline in merit-based admissions, compromising the quality of graduates that institutions produce.
While the new cut-off mark introduces a level of inclusivity, it is essential for institutions to uphold rigorous admission criteria to ensure that deserving candidates are admitted. Admissions officers will need to consider other factors such as performance in subject-specific exams, aptitude tests, and interviews to ensure that only the most qualified students are admitted.
In conclusion, the new cut-off mark for JAMB marks a significant reform in the admission process. It aims to strike a balance between accessibility and maintaining academic standards. The impact of this change will only be fully realized in the coming years, as institutions adapt and refine their selection processes to accommodate the new benchmark.
