The Lagos State Government has rejected the newly approved national admission cut-off marks set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for the 2026/2027 academic session, insisting that candidates seeking entry into its tertiary institutions must obtain a minimum score of 185 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, disclosed the position on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during a ministerial briefing in Ikeja held to mark the seventh year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
JAMB had fixed 150 as the cut-off mark for universities and 100 for polytechnics nationwide for the new admission cycle.
However, the Lagos State Government said the benchmark was too low for its institutions and would not be adopted.
Sule said the state’s policy is aimed at safeguarding academic standards and strengthening Lagos’ position as a leading centre for higher education, innovation and skilled manpower development in West Africa.
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He explained that ongoing reforms in the education sector include expanded infrastructure, improved digital learning systems, increased scholarship opportunities and broad upgrades across state-owned tertiary institutions.
According to him, government investment has also covered lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels and improved welfare packages for both academic and non-academic staff.
The commissioner also disclosed plans, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to establish a University of Medicine and Health Sciences to train more healthcare professionals and address shortages in the sector.
He added that the initiative is also intended to reduce the migration of medical workers abroad.
Sule further said the state is working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to curb drug abuse among students in tertiary institutions.
He stressed that while Lagos will continue to expand access to higher education, it will not compromise on quality or merit in admissions.