The Polytechnic Ibadan, popularly called Poly Ibadan, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected and competitive polytechnics. Every academic year, thousands of candidates apply through JAMB, hoping to secure a place in one of its National Diploma programmes. If you are among those aspiring to study at Poly Ibadan in the 2025/2026 academic session, understanding the official JAMB cut-off mark, departmental cut-off points, and general admission requirements is essential. This guide explains everything clearly, using up-to-date and reliable data in simple, well-structured English that anyone can understand.
Understanding the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Poly Ibadan 2025/2026
In Nigeria’s admission process, the term “cut-off mark” refers to the minimum score that a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) before becoming eligible for admission consideration. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets national minimum thresholds for each category of tertiary institutions, but individual schools may raise theirs to manage competition. For Polytechnics, JAMB usually recommends a general benchmark, and each institution then decides its own final cut-off mark.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the Polytechnic Ibadan has maintained a minimum JAMB cut-off mark of 150 for National Diploma (ND) programmes. This means that any candidate who scores at least 150 in UTME can apply for admission into the institution’s post-UTME screening. Scoring below that mark automatically disqualifies an applicant from the screening process.
However, meeting this benchmark does not automatically guarantee admission. It simply means that you have crossed the first hurdle. Poly Ibadan is a highly competitive institution, and some departments demand higher scores due to limited spaces and large applicant numbers. Therefore, candidates who aim to study at the Polytechnic should target scores significantly above 150 to improve their chances.
Departmental Cut-Off Points and Course-Specific Competition
Every department within the Polytechnic Ibadan has its own internal cut-off mark, which often differs based on the popularity and demand for the course. While the institution’s general UTME threshold remains 150, certain programmes like Mass Communication, Accountancy, Computer Science, and Engineering fields usually require higher marks before candidates are considered during screening.
Recent admission data suggest that the most competitive courses often attract students with UTME scores between 180 and 230. For example, earlier records from official and education sources indicate that Mass Communication has required scores above 220 in previous years, while Business Administration has hovered around 190 to 200. Courses such as Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, and Civil Engineering have also recorded departmental cut-offs around 180 and above. Meanwhile, less competitive departments such as Estate Management, Statistics, or Library and Information Science may accept candidates whose UTME scores are close to the general 150 threshold.
These variations show that not all programmes are equal in terms of competitiveness. A candidate applying for a popular course with a UTME score of 150 might find it difficult to secure admission when compared to someone who applied for a less-competitive department with the same score. This is why prospective students are always advised to research previous departmental cut-off marks and aim for higher UTME scores well beyond the general minimum.
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Admission Requirements for Poly Ibadan ND Programmes
Admission into The Polytechnic Ibadan is not determined by JAMB scores alone. Candidates must meet several other academic and administrative requirements. To begin with, you must have chosen the institution as your first choice during JAMB registration. Poly Ibadan prioritizes candidates who selected it first on their JAMB application. However, those who initially picked other institutions may still be considered if they later apply for a change of institution through JAMB’s official portal.
Applicants must also possess a minimum of five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings. The accepted examination bodies include WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. For science, engineering, and technology-based programmes, credits in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are usually compulsory. Business and management-related courses, on the other hand, emphasize English Language, Mathematics, and Economics, while courses under the arts and humanities often prioritize English and other related subjects.
After meeting both UTME and O’Level requirements, candidates must participate in the institution’s internal screening exercise, sometimes referred to as post-UTME or online verification. During this process, Poly Ibadan assesses your UTME score, O’Level grades, and other factors to determine whether you meet the departmental standard for your chosen course. Only those who perform well in the screening are eventually shortlisted for provisional admission.
It is also worth noting that the Polytechnic enforces the national policy on minimum entry age. Applicants must have attained at least sixteen years of age before the start of the academic session. This rule aligns with the federal government’s directive that restricts tertiary admissions to candidates aged sixteen and above.
How to Increase Your Admission Chances
Getting into Poly Ibadan requires a blend of preparation, smart choices, and timing. The first and most important step is achieving a high score in the JAMB UTME. While the minimum cut-off is 150, it is safer to target at least 180 or higher if you are applying for competitive courses like Business Administration, Mass Communication, or Computer Science. A higher UTME score boosts your overall ranking during screening.
Choosing the right course also matters. Some candidates lose their admission opportunities because they focus only on popular courses without assessing how competitive those departments are. If your UTME score is moderate, you might want to apply for a less competitive programme within the same faculty. For example, instead of aiming for Mass Communication, a candidate with an average score could consider Local Government Studies or Public Administration, which typically have lower departmental cut-offs but still offer good career prospects.
Your O’Level results play a huge role in determining your aggregate admission score. Ensure that you have the required subjects with strong grades. Candidates with distinctions or high credits are usually rated higher during screening, especially when combined with a solid UTME performance.
It is equally important to monitor the school’s official website and credible education portals for updates on the post-UTME form, screening dates, and departmental cut-off announcements. The Polytechnic Ibadan posts all official updates on its admission portal, and missing deadlines could cost you your slot even if you are qualified. Staying informed, submitting documents on time, and following instructions carefully are small but vital steps that can make the difference between being admitted and being left out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poly Ibadan Cut-Off Mark and Admission
Many students often ask whether scoring 150 automatically means they will be admitted. The answer is no. Scoring 150 only makes you eligible for the screening process; admission depends on how your score compares with other applicants in your department. Another common question is whether all courses have the same cut-off mark. The answer again is no. Departmental cut-offs differ according to competition and availability of spaces.
Some applicants wonder if they can still apply if their UTME score falls below 150. Unfortunately, Poly Ibadan does not accept UTME scores below the official minimum for any of its ND programmes. If your score is lower, you may need to consider another institution with a lower benchmark or retake the UTME the following year. Similarly, scoring above the departmental cut-off does not guarantee automatic admission. It simply increases your chances. The institution will still consider your O’Level grades, screening performance, and overall ranking before releasing the final admission list.
Why the Cut-Off Mark Matters
Cut-off marks serve as a fairness mechanism in the Nigerian education system. They ensure that only candidates who meet a certain academic standard are considered for admission. For Poly Ibadan, the 150 minimum ensures that students have achieved a basic level of competence suitable for its diploma programmes. Departmental cut-offs then help control competition and maintain quality by selecting the best students for each course.
They also create transparency and manage expectations. Candidates can easily know whether they are eligible to apply or whether they need to improve their results before trying again. From an institutional perspective, cut-off marks maintain academic standards and prevent the admission of underqualified students, which could affect the school’s reputation and graduation outcomes.
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Conclusion
The Polytechnic Ibadan continues to stand out as a first-choice destination for students seeking practical, skill-based education in Nigeria. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the JAMB cut-off mark for admission into its National Diploma programmes is 150. However, departmental competition remains intense, with some courses demanding scores much higher than that. Aspiring students should therefore aim beyond the minimum, maintain strong O’Level results, and perform well in the post-UTME screening.
Understanding the cut-off mark, researching your preferred department’s requirements, and following official updates from the institution will greatly increase your chances of success. Admission into Poly Ibadan is achievable, but only those who plan ahead, study diligently, and remain focused from JAMB registration to screening will secure their desired placement. If you take the right steps, the Polytechnic Ibadan can become the perfect foundation for your academic and professional journey.