• The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced plans to hold its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions on May 11 in Abuja
• The stakeholders will decide the minimum UTME cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session
• Education Minister Maruf Alausa will unveil major policy directions for the 2026/2027 academic session

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will hold its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions on Monday, May 11, where critical decisions on admission into tertiary institutions, including the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session, will be taken.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, who confirmed that the annual policy meeting would take place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.

According to Benjamin, the meeting remains one of the most important events in Nigeria’s tertiary education calendar because it brings together key stakeholders to decide the framework for the new admission cycle.

He noted that major policy directions for the 2026/2027 academic session would be unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, as stakeholders deliberate on admission benchmarks and compliance standards for institutions across the country.

“The Board’s annual policy meeting on admissions is a crucial annual gathering where stakeholders decide minimum tolerable UTME marks, admission guidelines, and policies for tertiary institutions.

“Furthermore, the meeting is expected to, in particular, formally set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission exercise while impressing it on attendees the need to adhere strictly to stipulated guidelines,” the statement read.

Benjamin added that the meeting would be attended by major players in the tertiary education sector, including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and admission officers.

Also expected at the meeting are representatives of top regulatory agencies such as the National Universities Commission, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education, alongside other stakeholders in the education sector.

“It added that goodwill messages are expected from agencies including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other stakeholders.”

The event will also feature the 6th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards, aimed at rewarding institutions that comply with admission guidelines and encouraging higher standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

The annual meeting is expected to set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission process and provide clarity for institutions and candidates awaiting the start of admissions.

2026 Direct Entry: JAMB extends DE registration to May 8 as five new centres open nationwide

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had extended the 2026 Direct Entry registration deadline to May 8, 2026, and approved five additional registration centres across Nigeria to improve access for prospective candidates.

According to the Board, the extension and expansion of registration centres are part of broader measures designed to ensure more candidates can access tertiary education opportunities without unnecessary delays or exclusion.

The statement explained that the decision was taken to improve accessibility and reduce congestion at existing registration points nationwide.