JAMB Clarifies: UTME Cut-Off Is Minimum Score, Not Admission Guarantee

JAMB has clarified that what institutions announce as "cut-off marks" are actually minimum tolerable scores, not automatic admission thresholds.

According to the board, the figure represents the lowest score an institution will accept only if no better candidates are available. For competitive courses like Medicine, the effective minimum can be much higher — often 350 or 370 — regardless of the general minimum published by the institution.

JAMB explained that the admission system blocks institutions from admitting any candidate below their declared minimum. For example, if a university sets 200 as its minimum, the system will not allow it to admit a candidate with 190.

The board urged parents and candidates to understand that scoring above an institution's minimum does not guarantee admission. Admission depends on available slots, course competitiveness, and the scores of other applicants.

JAMB advised candidates who score below an institution's minimum to change their institution choice as early as possible to avoid missing out on admission opportunities entirely.

What this means for FUOYE applicants

FUOYE's general cut-off mark is 160 — but this is the minimum tolerable score, not the score that gets you admitted. In practice, competitive courses like Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Medicine require scores well above the published minimum because many candidates compete for limited spaces.

FUOYE does not run a Post-UTME exam. Instead, it uses a Screening Points formula: UTME score (max 60pts) + O'Level grades (max 30pts) + Sitting bonus (max 10pts) = 100 total. The higher your aggregate, the better your chances against other applicants for the same course.

Key takeaways

If you scored above FUOYE's published cut-off, you are eligible — but not guaranteed. The real competition is among all eligible candidates for the available slots in your course. If your score is close to the minimum, consider a less competitive course or faculty where you have a stronger chance. Change of institution or course on the JAMB portal is your best move if your score falls short.

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