The spokesperson for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has given reasons why some candidates with high scores in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) might not secure admission.
Speaking during a recent interview with Arise Television, Benjamin emphasized that admission is not solely based on candidates’ scores but also depends on the cut-off marks established by various institutions and specific departments.
He stated, “Admission is contingent upon the cut-off marks set by schools and specific departments. There is a common misconception that high scores automatically secure admission, which is not necessarily the case.”
He added the core purpose of the UTME, highlighting that it serves as a selection exercise rather than a straightforward pass-fail assessment.
Benjamin noted, “Our examination is not a pass-fail examination; it is a selection exercise. The intent of the exercise is critical in understanding its outcomes.
“You can only say a candidate has failed if, in the final analysis, the purpose of such an examination is not achieved. It’s essential to recognize that even candidates scoring 300 or above might not be admitted if the demand for their chosen program at a specific university is too high.”