Universities utilise 74% of admission spaces, polytechnics, colleges record 34% — Report

The group also urged JAMB to publish the data and evidence used in determining the national minimum admission benchmark, commonly referred to as the UTME cut-off mark.

It argued that making the basis for the decision public would help Nigerians understand how admission policies are formulated and how national priorities are reflected in the process, particularly in relation to science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes.

The initiative further proposed that JAMB publish an annual “Admissions and Access Report” after each admission cycle.

It said such a report should bring together applicant-level admission figures and institutional capacity data to provide a consistent picture of admissions from one year to another.

According to the group, the publication of a comprehensive annual report would also help resolve discrepancies that may arise when different datasets from the same admission cycle are interpreted separately.

The report also examined the proposed Bring Your Own Device approach to computer-based testing and called for caution before its nationwide implementation.

The initiative recommended that JAMB conduct controlled pilot programmes as well as independent assessments of the security, accessibility and equity implications of allowing candidates to use personal devices for examinations.

It warned that any such policy should not create an additional disadvantage for candidates who cannot afford or access suitable computers or other approved devices.

The group also called for greater access to computer-based testing facilities and readiness programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

It recommended the development of a free examination preparation programme that candidates could access regardless of their location or financial circumstances.

The initiative stressed that participation in any preparation programme should not become a condition that prevents candidates who cannot physically access the facility from registering for the examination.

The recommendations come as the new JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, begins his tenure ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The report acknowledged that recent developments in admission processing and computer-based testing had created a foundation for further reforms, but urged the examination body to place greater emphasis on transparency, equitable access and the effective utilisation of existing tertiary education capacity.

It noted that 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, although the 2026 admission process was still ongoing when the report was released.

The initiative said the latest figures should prompt a broader discussion about Nigeria’s tertiary admission challenge, moving beyond the number of candidates seeking university places to examine how available spaces are distributed, who can access them and why thousands of approved places remain vacant.

It stressed that understanding these gaps would be critical to developing admission policies that make better use of existing capacity while expanding meaningful access to higher education for qualified Nigerians.