Nigeria's tertiary admissions landscape is set for a major policy shift as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has scheduled its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions for Monday, May 11, where the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination cut off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session will be determined.

The board's spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, confirming that the meeting will be held at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.

Benjamin stated that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, would unveil major policy directions at the gathering, which will bring together key stakeholders across Nigeria's tertiary education sector.

The board noted in its statement that the annual meeting is "a crucial annual gathering where stakeholders decide minimum tolerable UTME marks, admission guidelines, and policies for Tertiary Institutions."

It added that the meeting would "formally set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission exercise while impressing on attendees the need to adhere strictly to stipulated guidelines."

Expected attendees include Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Registrars, and their Admission Officers, alongside regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education.

The board further revealed that goodwill messages are expected from agencies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the National Youth Service Corps.

Benjamin also disclosed that the event will feature the 6th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Awards, designed to promote compliance with admission guidelines and raise standards in tertiary education nationwide.