In 2021, 125 students with perfect scores on the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the Direct Entry Examination were denied entry to universities.


This number was calculated using data collected by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board throughout the analyzed time frame. Although colleges and universities can set whatever admissions standards they choose, the consensus is that people with higher UTME scores have a better shot of getting in than those with lower ones.

Our reporter heard from the board on the weekend that 715 people had scored 300 or above in the 2021 exams. JAMB reported that 590 of the 715 applicants were ultimately accepted, while 125 were not, with 35 of the 125 having applied to medical schools. Sixty-four students applied to programs in engineering, one to teach, and eighteen in science.

The board also found that while four applicants were interested in social science programs, just three were interested in admissions courses.

The committee commented on the new situation, stating that the failure to admit the 125 top scorers was due to a combination of circumstances.

Candidates for medical school who didn't take math as part of their UTME combination would be at a disadvantage; those who took English and literature as part of their UTME would have a better shot at getting into law school or other related fields.

It was brought to the board's attention that some applicants did not submit their O-Level scores through CAPS.

It nevertheless added that “sensitization of applicants to post O’ level results on CAPS is generating results”.

Meanwhile, JAMB released part of the admissions requirements for 2022/2023 on Saturday.

The board's website says, "Every institution is at liberty to decide the minimum UTME score acceptable to it for admission."

Like with DE, each school will set its point threshold for direct entry admission. In any case, no school may endorse or accept a student with fewer than two points for direct admittance.

“No institution will be allowed to suggest or accept applicants whose UTME score is below the threshold of 140 and 100 for Degree and ND/NCE, respectively.

"No Institution shall propose or admit any Candidate whose Total Score falls below the Minimum Score established by the Institution and authorized by the Policy Meeting. The % minimum score should be determined after considering the candidate's ranking scores.