The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new policy regarding university admission scores for the South-West geopolitical zone, comprising Osun, Oyo, and Ondo States. Stakeholders, including vice chancellors and JAMB officials, have agreed on a minimum benchmark score of 140 for the 2024/2025 academic session.
This move signifies a shift in JAMB’s approach to university admissions and has sparked discussions about its potential impact on access to higher education in the region.
Understanding the Benchmark Score: Not a Uniform Cut-off
It’s crucial to clarify that the 140 score is not a uniform cut-off mark for all universities in the South-West. JAMB does not have the authority to set individual university admission requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the new policy:
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Minimum Threshold: The 140 score represents the minimum benchmark that any university within the zone can consider for admissions. This ensures a baseline standard across institutions.
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Individual University Cut-Offs: Universities retain the autonomy to set their own cut-off scores, which can be higher than the 140 benchmark. This allows them to consider other factors beyond the JAMB score, such as performance in post-UTME exams and secondary school records.
The new policy aims to strike a balance between ensuring a minimum standard for university admissions and allowing institutions to maintain their unique selection criteria.
Reasons for the Change: Addressing Challenges in South-West Education
The introduction of the minimum benchmark score stems from concerns regarding university admissions in the South-West:
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Quality Concerns: There have been concerns about the quality of secondary school education in some parts of the region. The benchmark score aims to raise the bar for university admissions and ensure students entering tertiary institutions possess a strong foundation.
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Competition for Places: Universities in the South-West, particularly those with strong reputations, receive a large number of applications each year. The benchmark score can help manage competition and ensure only students who meet a minimum standard are considered.
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Standardization and Fairness: The policy seeks to create a more standardized approach to admissions across the South-West, potentially promoting greater fairness in the selection process.
The new policy is intended to address these challenges and improve the overall quality of university education in the region.
Potential Impact: Benefits and Concerns
The new benchmark score has generated mixed reactions:
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Benefits: Proponents of the policy argue that it will lead to a more qualified student population in universities, improve academic standards, and encourage competition among secondary schools to raise their educational quality.
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Concerns: Critics worry that the benchmark might disadvantage students from less privileged backgrounds who may not have access to quality secondary education resources. Additionally, concerns exist about the potential for some universities to raise their cut-off scores significantly above the benchmark, creating a situation where students with scores well above 140 are still denied admission due to high competition.
The true impact of the policy will depend on its implementation and how universities utilize the benchmark score within their individual admission processes.
The Road Ahead: Monitoring and Adjustments
JAMB and stakeholders in the South-West education sector will need to closely monitor the impact of the new benchmark score:
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Data Analysis: Analyzing student performance data over time will be crucial to assess if the policy is achieving its intended objectives.
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Fairness and Equity: It’s vital to ensure that the policy doesn’t disproportionately disadvantage students from certain backgrounds. Measures might be needed to address potential equity concerns.
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Flexibility and Adaptation: The benchmark score should be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and adapts to changing educational landscapes.
JAMB and education authorities should be prepared to make adjustments if necessary to ensure the policy contributes to a more robust and equitable higher education system in the South-West.
Beyond the Benchmark: Addressing Underlying Issues
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Improved Resources: Investing in teacher training, infrastructure development, and educational resources in secondary schools across the region is crucial for long-term improvement.
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Bridging the Gap: Programs addressing educational disparities between urban and rural areas are necessary to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
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Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond standardized tests, universities can consider a more holistic approach to admissions, taking into account factors like extracurricular activities and leadership potential.
By addressing these issues alongside the new benchmark score, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and effective higher education system in the South-West.
