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“Academic Suicide!” — Experts Slam JAMB’s Shocking New Admission Benchmark
LAGOS – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) recent decision to set the minimum university admission cut-off mark at 150 for the 2025/2026 academic session has ignited a flurry of criticism from education stakeholders, parents, and civil society groups nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to NIVONEWS, many believe the score is too low to inspire academic excellence or meaningful preparation among candidates.
At the annual policy meeting held in Abuja, JAMB also announced that 100 would be the benchmark for admissions into polytechnics and colleges of education, while colleges of nursing will operate with a minimum cut-off of 140. In a move that further raised eyebrows, the board also lowered the minimum admission age to 16 years, ostensibly to accommodate high-performing younger applicants.
Educationists are not holding back. Dr. Tunde Elebute, a Lagos-based private school proprietor, lamented that the lowered benchmark sends the wrong message to students. “It’s a reflection of how social distractions have overtaken our classrooms,” he said. According to NIVONEWS, Elebute called for urgent reforms, including summits, awareness campaigns, and a revamp of the curriculum to reignite student interest in academic excellence.
Dr. Benneth Eze, a lecturer at a private university, warned that while 150 might seem like a modest improvement from last year’s 140, it still falls short of the standard needed to produce quality graduates. He suggested that universities should not settle for anything below 180, which represents 45% of the total Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score. On the admission age, he agreed that 16 was acceptable—provided the students demonstrate emotional and intellectual readiness.
Dr. Victor Mathew of the Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN) described the 150 mark as a “serious compromise on educational quality.” He told NIVONEWS that such a policy, while perhaps aimed at inclusion, could degrade university output over time. “This policy appears to cater more to states that have failed to improve their education systems. It’s retrogressive,” he warned. However, he supported the reduction in age, noting that some exceptionally bright students skip classes and should not be held back.
Utase Joseph, an education consultant, voiced concern that while the revised benchmark might expand access to higher education, it risks compromising academic quality. He advocated for more robust internal screening processes by universities and emotional support systems to prepare younger candidates for the demands of university life.
Economist and commentator, Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, offered a different perspective. He noted that although the cut-off scores are low compared to past standards—where 200 was the norm—they may reflect present academic realities. He argued that exams alone should not define knowledge, citing admission processes in the United States as examples of a more holistic approach.
In conclusion, while the policy shift by JAMB may be well-intentioned, it remains controversial. According to NIVONEWS, many experts urge a reevaluation of the cut-off system to ensure a balance between accessibility and academic integrity in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
”NIVONEWS REPORTS”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened a high-level security meeting with former governors and key stakeholders in a renewed effort to address the ongoing wave of violence in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the meeting comes amid fresh attacks in parts of Plateau State that have left several people dead and properties destroyed, worsening security concerns in the North-Central region.
The gathering follows recent violence in Anguwan Rukuba and nearby communities, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed, adding to years of recurring insecurity that has claimed many lives, including women and children.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, and Joshua Dariye, as well as former military administrator Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (retd.) and other key stakeholders.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Mutfwang said discussions focused on security, welfare, and the overall development of Plateau people, with special attention on the recent attacks in rural communities.
According to sources, participants reviewed the security situation and expressed deep concern over continued loss of lives and destruction of property.
The stakeholders reportedly agreed on a united approach to restoring peace, strengthening unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
They also resolved to develop stronger frameworks to address the root causes of the violence, anchored on values of discipline, courage, and patriotism.
The late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was reportedly on a phone call with his twin brother moments before he was killed during a terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the incident, which occurred on April 9, 2026, claimed the lives of the senior officer and several other soldiers.
A family source told Vanguard that the General was speaking with his identical twin brother, who resides in the United Kingdom, at the time of the attack.
According to the source, the twins maintained a daily routine of speaking around midnight, but the conversation took a sudden turn that night when unusual activity was noticed at the General’s end.
He said the line went dead abruptly after the General paused during the call, apparently due to the unfolding situation at the base.
The twin brother reportedly made repeated attempts to reconnect, sending messages and calling continuously, but received no response throughout the night.
“He kept trying until about 4 am, but there was no answer,” the source said.
The family later confirmed the tragedy after a senior military officer contacted them around 6:30 am, informing them that the base had come under attack and that the Brigade Commander was among those killed.
The relative described the incident as devastating, noting that communication had broken down during the assault.
The late General was later buried alongside other fallen soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The founder of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has suspended the planned marriage of his 21-year-old adopted daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor, who is autistic, following an overwhelming number of applications from interested suitors.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the cleric announced the decision on Thursday via his social media page, stating that over 1,000 men had expressed interest in marrying her, prompting him to halt the process indefinitely.
He wrote, “Chiemeka Chibuzor’s wedding is hereby suspended. More than a thousand applications. No more wedding pending further directive from me.”
The cleric had earlier this week publicly invited proposals for her marriage, setting conditions that included the suitor being young and in good physical and mental health, alongside promised financial support and housing benefits.
He also said the couple would enjoy lifelong support, including shared property ownership and periodic welfare checks from church members.
The development follows a similar arrangement recently conducted by the church involving a non-verbal autistic man who was married in a ceremony organised by the ministry.
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