Board moves to reduce 180 cut-off mark

The registrar and chief executive of the exam board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure during the 2nd Technical Committee Meeting for 2016 Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, Daily Post reports.

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The event was held at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri, Abia state.

Oloyede had earlier called for a national debate on the propriety of the cut-off marks, as well as expressing concerns over the uniform marks for all tertiary institutions.

He explained that the decision was reached due to the fact that some schools have been unable to implement the cut-off mark.

“It was at a meeting of the Board of higher institutions and other Stakeholders that a decision of 180 as the 2016 National cut-off mark was reached.

“However, many Institutions, though part of the decision, have expressed concern about their inability to effect this cut-off mark as they are finding it difficult to fill a reasonable percentage of their quota if the rule is strictly applied as we insist.

“A large number of institutions, particularly the budding ones, have applied for a waiver to enable them admit candidates who in some instances scored below 180 marks. For some, this may sound unreasonable with the largely false impression that a large percentage of those who score above 180 and are qualified for admission cannot find any placement in our institutions.

“I think this cry needs attention, otherwise, some of these institutions whether public or privately-owned may soon begin to wobble or even close shops. This will be counter-productive and even defeat the Government Policy of expansion of access to higher education and manpower development,” he said.

According to Daily Post, Oloyede added that “as a Board, we have studied the trend of admissions and have come up with a finding that hardly does the institutions collectively fill their quota annually.

“Indeed, in some cases, up to 50% of approved quota is wasted particularly by upright institutions which do not circumspect the rule. Unfortunately, a large number of institutions flagrantly disregarded the cut-off and many other policies yet they found a way to eventually regularise the illegal admissions through corrupt process.”

Oloyede explained that the new cut-off mark which would be flexible will only apply to institutions that have exhausted their list of candidates who scored 180 and need more.

“As a Board, we have collated the requests from the various Senates and Academic Boards and have made your pleas known to appropriate authorities . Just this morning we received a green light on flexible cut-off mark only for institutions which have exhausted the list of candidates with 180 and above, subject , of course to a minimum acceptable to JAMB and meeting of other pre-requisite”, he stated.

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Oloyede gave an assurance that candidates would not be forced on any school but that the board will work hand in hand with the institutions to enforce the mandates of their respective senates and academic boards on matters of admission.

He added: “The Board would not impose candidates on them but, as a referee, would ensure that no applicant is unjustifiably denied the opportunity of access to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

“In this respect, together, we should be seen in a conspicuous and proven manner that we have the interest of the nation in mind in carrying out our statutory functions.”

Oloyede also warned that no federal or state institution will be allowed to continue admitting students after the November 30 deadline.