Owoeye Jesudunsin Emerges 2026 UTME Top Scorer
Owoeye Jesudunsin, who hails from Ekiti State and sat for the examination in Ogun State, applied to study Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG.
Her impressive score of 372 made her the best-performing candidate among over two million candidates who participated in the 2026 UTME nationwide.
The candidate’s outstanding performance has attracted nationwide attention following the release of the official results.
Other Candidates With Highest UTME Scores
Several other candidates also recorded exceptional performances in the 2026 UTME.
Enwere Ikenna from Imo State came second with 370 marks and applied to Nile University of Nigeria to study Computer Science.
Bamisile Emmanuel from Ondo State secured third position with 369 marks and applied to Federal University of Technology Akure for Software Engineering.
Other top candidates include:
- Olabiyisi Olanrewaju Oluwatimileyin
- Victor-Onyeka Daniel Ifeanyi
- Osagiobare Daniel Osahenrumwen
- Ademiluyi Adebowale Anthony
- Azuike Kenechukwu Anthony
Most of the candidates selected engineering, medical, and technology-related courses.
JAMB Retains 150 Cut-Off Mark for Universities
During the policy meeting, JAMB and education stakeholders retained 150 as the minimum admission benchmark for universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The meeting also approved:
- 100 for polytechnics
- 100 for colleges of education
- 150 for colleges of nursing
However, tertiary institutions still have the authority to set higher cut-off marks for their admission processes.
According to JAMB, no institution is allowed to admit candidates below the approved benchmark scores.
JAMB Announces Admission Deadlines
JAMB also released deadlines for the completion of admissions into tertiary institutions.
Public universities are expected to conclude admissions on or before October 31, 2026.
Private universities have until November 30, 2026, while polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education must complete admissions before December 31, 2026.
The board warned institutions against delaying admissions beyond the approved timeline.
FG Warns Against Illegal Admissions
Speaking during the meeting, Minister of Education Maruf Alausa warned institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System.
According to him, any admission conducted outside CAPS will be considered illegal.
The minister stated that institutions violating the policy could face sanctions, including suspension of licences.
FG Retains 16 Years Minimum Admission Age
The Federal Government also retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
Maruf Alausa explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews.
He added that exceptionally gifted students would only be considered under strict and clearly defined guidelines.
NCE Candidates Exempted From UTME
The minister further announced that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education programmes would no longer be required to sit for UTME if they already possess the required qualifications.
However, such candidates must still register with JAMB for screening and admission processing through CAPS.
The exemption also covers National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural courses.
The emergence of Owoeye Jesudunsin as the 2026 UTME top scorer highlights the increasing academic competition among Nigerian students.
As JAMB retains the 150 university benchmark and strengthens admission regulations, stakeholders expect improved transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.