Admission

• Magnusbau George
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2025 University Admissions In Nigeria: Latest Updates And Deadlines

The university admission process in Nigeria is constantly evolving, with new guidelines and deadlines set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other educational authorities. For the 2025 academic session, several significant updates have been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency.

This article provides detailed information on admission requirements, JAMB UTME registration, Direct Entry (DE) application, age requirements, post-UTME screening, and other critical updates

Overview of 2025 University Admissions

Admission into federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria is overseen by JAMB. For 2025, there are several new policies, including:

✔ New cut-off marks for universities and polytechnics.
✔ Changes in JAMB UTME registration procedures.
✔ Mandatory age requirements for university admission.
✔ The introduction of student loan programs to help with tuition costs.

Let’s break down these updates in detail.

JAMB UTME 2025: Registration, Exam Dates, and Cut-Off Marks

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is the most common route for gaining admission into Nigerian universities.

Registration Process

• Registration Start Date: February 3, 2025

• Registration Deadline: March 8, 2025 (No extension)

• Application Fee: ₦7,700

• Subjects: Candidates must choose four subjects, with English Language being compulsory.

To register, candidates must:

1. Generate a JAMB Profile Code by sending their NIN (National Identification Number) to 55019 or 66019.

2. Pay the registration fee via banks, online payment platforms, or JAMB-accredited centers.

3. Complete the online registration at an approved CBT (Computer-Based Test) center.

Exam Dates and Structure

• UTME Exam Dates: April 18 – April 28, 2025

• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Exam Duration: 2 hours per session

• Scoring System: Total score out of 400

JAMB Cut-Off Marks

JAMB and tertiary institutions will determine the final cut-off marks after the UTME results are released. However, based on previous years, the expected minimum cut-off scores are:

• Federal and State Universities: 140 – 200

• Polytechnics: 100 and above

• Colleges of Education: 100 and above

Each university may set its own cut-off marks, which are usually higher than JAMB’s minimum.

Direct Entry (DE) Admissions 2025 

Direct Entry (DE) allows candidates with advanced qualifications to gain direct admission into the second year of university programs.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must possess one or more of the following qualifications:

✔ National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Upper Credit.
✔ Advanced Level (A-Level) results.
✔ Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

How to Apply

• Registration Start Date: March 8, 2025

• Deadline: April 7, 2025

• Application Fee: ₦5,700

Steps to Register:

1. Generate a JAMB Profile Code by sending "NIN [Your NIN]" to 55019 or 66019.

2. Pay the registration fee through banks or online platforms.

3. Visit a JAMB CBT center to complete the DE application.

4. Submit all required documents, including transcripts and certificates.

New Age Requirement for University Admissions

JAMB has introduced a new minimum age requirement for university admissions:

✔ For 2024/2025 Admissions: Candidates must be at least 16 years old by August 31, 2025.
✔ For 2025/2026 Admissions and Beyond: Only candidates aged 18 and above will be eligible for admission.

This change is meant to align Nigeria’s education system with global university entry requirements.

Post-UTME Screening and Fees 

After the UTME, universities conduct Post-UTME screenings to select the best candidates.

✔ Screening fees must not exceed ₦2,000, as set by JAMB.
✔ Some universities conduct computer-based or written Post-UTME tests.
✔ Candidates should check each university’s official website for specific screening requirements.

O-Level Result Integration

To streamline the admission process, JAMB has integrated O-Level results into its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

✔ Universities will no longer require candidates to manually submit O-Level results.
✔ Biometric verification and photographs will be automatically sourced from JAMB’s database.

This update aims to prevent fraud and reduce errors during admission processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the JAMB UTME registration deadline for 2025?

The deadline is March 8, 2025. No extensions will be granted.

2. Can I register for both UTME and Direct Entry?

No. Candidates can only apply for one admission method per academic session.

3. What is the minimum UTME score for university admission?

The JAMB cut-off for universities is 140 – 200, but some universities set higher cut-offs.

4. What happens if I am below 18 years old?

If you are 16 years old by August 31, 2025, you can apply. However, from 2026 onwards, only candidates aged 18 and above will be admitted.

5. How much is the Post-UTME fee?

JAMB has set a ₦2,000 limit, but universities may charge additional processing fees.

Conclusion

The 2025 university admission process in Nigeria includes new deadlines, registration guidelines, and eligibility criteria. Prospective students must stay informed and meet all requirements to secure a place in their preferred institution.

For the latest updates, always check the official JAMB website and your chosen university’s admission portal.