2026 JAMB POLICY MEETING: More Female Candidates Seeking Tertiary Admission Than Males in 22 States

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more female candidates from 22 states across Nigeria registered for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) than their male counterparts.

This development means that in those states, a higher number of girls showed interest in gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education compared to boys.

The report has sparked conversations among education stakeholders, parents, and students, especially as it reflects a gradual shift in educational participation across different parts of the country.

Over the years, male candidates have traditionally dominated admission statistics in many regions. However, recent trends now show increasing female participation in education, particularly in tertiary institution applications.

According to education analysts, this rise may be linked to increased awareness about girl-child education, scholarship opportunities for female students, parental support, and campaigns encouraging young girls to pursue higher education.

Many Nigerians have also praised the development, describing it as a positive sign for gender inclusion and educational growth in the country.

Some stakeholders believe the increase in female participation could also influence admission patterns in competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Nursing, Mass Communication, Accounting, and Engineering, where more female candidates are now actively applying.

Experts further noted that the growing number of female candidates does not necessarily mean male students are losing interest in education entirely. Instead, it may indicate that more young women are now becoming determined to secure academic and professional opportunities through higher education.

Meanwhile, education observers have advised governments and institutions to continue creating equal learning opportunities for both male and female students while also addressing factors responsible for declining educational participation among some young men.

The announcement once again highlights the changing face of education in Nigeria and the increasing determination of female students to pursue academic excellence and career advancement through tertiary education.

As admission processes continue for the 2026 academic session, many will be watching closely to see how this trend affects overall admission statistics across Nigerian tertiary institutions.