JAMB
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for All Universities in Nigeria (2026 Updated List)
NLTC Team · 16 May 2026 · 8 min read
Looking for the latest JAMB cut-off marks for Nigerian universities in 2026? Here is the updated list for federal, state, and private universities.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for All Universities in Nigeria (2026 Updated List)
One of the biggest questions students ask after writing JAMB is: “What is the cut-off mark for my university?”
If you are seeking admission into a Nigerian university in the 2026/2027 academic session, understanding university cut-off marks is extremely important because it can help you determine your admission chances and decide your next steps wisely.
In this article, we provide the latest available JAMB cut-off marks for universities in Nigeria in 2026, including federal, state, and private universities.
We will also explain the difference between JAMB cut-off marks, school cut-off marks, and departmental cut-off marks, because many students misunderstand these terms.
What Is the Official JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Universities in 2026?
At the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) approved 150 as the minimum benchmark score for university admission in Nigeria.
However, students should understand something very important:
150 does not automatically guarantee admission.
Each university is allowed to set its own institutional cut-off mark, which is often higher than the national benchmark depending on competition and institutional standards.
Difference Between JAMB Cut-Off Mark and Departmental Cut-Off Mark
Many students get confused here.
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: The minimum score required to qualify for a university’s admission process.
- Departmental Cut-Off Mark: The score required for a specific course after combining JAMB and Post-UTME performance.
For example:
- A university may accept 200 generally.
- But Medicine may require 280+.
- Accounting may require 250+.
That is why students should not only focus on school cut-off marks but also consider course competitiveness.
Federal Universities and Their JAMB Cut-Off Marks (2026)
| University | Cut-Off Mark (2026) |
|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 200 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 180 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) | 180 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 180 |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 180 |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 180 |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | 150 |
| Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 170 |
| Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 150 |
| Federal University Dutse (FUD) | 150 |
| Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) | 150 |
| Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) | 150 |
| Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) | 170 |
| Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) | 150 |
| Alex Ekwueme Federal University (AEFUNAI) | 150 |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 180 |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 150 |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 150 |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK) | 180 |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 150 |
| Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun | 180 |
Important Note: Some universities are still expected to officially update their institutional cut-off marks for the 2026 admission cycle. This article reflects the latest available information as at publication.
What If Your JAMB Score Is Low?
Do not panic immediately.
Many students still gain admission every year despite scoring below 200.
Possible options include:
- Changing institution
- Changing course
- Applying to universities with lower cut-off marks
- Considering polytechnics or colleges of education
- Preparing strategically for the next UTME
Remember: a lower score does not automatically mean the end of your academic journey.
In the next section, we will cover the full list of state universities and their JAMB cut-off marks for 2026.
State Universities and Their JAMB Cut-Off Marks (2026)
State universities remain a strong option for many Nigerian students because they often offer quality education at relatively affordable tuition fees compared to private institutions.
However, admission into many state universities can still be highly competitive, especially for courses like Medicine, Nursing, Law, Computer Science, Accounting, and Engineering.
Below is the latest available list of state universities in Nigeria and their JAMB cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission session.
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | 195 |
| Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) | Lagos | 185 |
| Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) | Lagos | 195 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | Ogun | 180 |
| Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) | Ogun | 160 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | Ekiti | 160 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | Osun | 160 |
| Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) | Ondo | 160 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | 170 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | Edo | 140 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | Rivers | 190 |
| Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) | Rivers | 150 |
| Benue State University (BSU) | Benue | 150 |
| Kogi State University (Prince Abubakar Audu University) | Kogi | 150 |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Ebonyi | 140 |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | Enugu | 160 |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | Imo | 160 |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | Abia | 140 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) | Anambra | 150 |
| Plateau State University (PLASU) | Plateau | 170 |
| Taraba State University (TSU) | Taraba | 140 |
| Sule Lamido University (SLU) | Jigawa | 150 |
| Kwara State University (KWASU) | Kwara | 160 |
| Nasarawa State University (NSUK) | Nasarawa | 160 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | Kaduna | 170 |
| Borno State University (BOSU) | Borno | 140 |
| Yobe State University (YSU) | Yobe | 140 |
| Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT) | Zamfara | 140 |
| Gombe State University (GSU) | Gombe | 150 |
| Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) | Kebbi | 140 |
| Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) | Akwa Ibom | 140 |
| Cross River State University (UNICROSS) | Cross River | 140 |
| Adamawa State University (ADSU) | Adamawa | 140 |
| Bauchi State University (BASUG) | Bauchi | 140 |
| Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) | Kano | 150 |
| Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) | Ondo | 150 |
Important Things Students Should Know About State University Admissions
Before choosing a state university, students should understand a few important things:
- Catchment Advantage: Some state universities may favour indigenes during admission.
- Competitive Courses Need Higher Scores: Even if a school accepts 160, courses like Medicine, Nursing, Law, Computer Science, and Engineering often require significantly higher scores.
- Post-UTME Matters: Some universities combine your JAMB score and screening/Post-UTME performance before offering admission.
- First Choice Requirement: Many state universities only consider candidates who selected them as first choice.
What Score Is Safe for Competitive Courses?
If you are applying for highly competitive courses, here is a realistic guide:
- Medicine & Surgery: 270+
- Nursing: 240+
- Law: 250+
- Pharmacy: 250+
- Computer Science: 220+
- Engineering: 220+
- Accounting: 220+
These are not official departmental cut-off marks but realistic competitive ranges based on previous admission patterns.
In the next section, we will cover the full list of private universities and their JAMB cut-off marks for 2026.
Private Universities and Their JAMB Cut-Off Marks (2026)
Private universities have become increasingly popular in Nigeria because of their stable academic calendars, modern facilities, lower strike disruptions, and faster graduation timelines.
Although tuition fees are generally higher than federal and state universities, many parents and students now consider private institutions a strong alternative for quality education and smoother academic progression.
Below is the latest available list of private universities and their JAMB cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission session.
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ogun | 200 |
| Babcock University | Ogun | 170 |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | 180 |
| Bowen University | Osun | 160 |
| Pan-Atlantic University | Lagos | 220 |
| Lead City University | Oyo | 160 |
| Redeemer’s University | Osun | 160 |
| Madonna University | Enugu | 140 |
| Igbinedion University | Edo | 160 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) | Osun | 160 |
| Ajayi Crowther University | Oyo | 160 |
| Caleb University | Lagos | 160 |
| Bells University of Technology | Ogun | 160 |
| Oduduwa University | Osun | 140 |
| Al-Hikmah University | Kwara | 140 |
| Veritas University | Abuja | 160 |
| Mountain Top University | Ogun | 140 |
| Nile University | Abuja | 180 |
| Achievers University | Ondo | 140 |
| Chrisland University | Ogun | 160 |
| Hallmark University | Ogun | 140 |
| Wellspring University | Edo | 140 |
| Edwin Clark University | Delta | 140 |
| Elizade University | Ondo | 160 |
| Augustine University | Lagos | 160 |
How to Choose the Right University Based on Your JAMB Score
One of the biggest mistakes students make is choosing universities without considering their JAMB score realistically.
Here is a simple guide:
- 250 and above: You have strong chances for competitive universities and courses.
- 220–249: You still have solid opportunities in many universities and professional courses.
- 180–219: Focus on universities with moderate competition and less competitive courses.
- 150–179: Consider schools with lower cut-off marks and flexible admission policies.
- Below 150: You may need to consider polytechnics, colleges of education, IJMB, JUPEB, or prepare for another UTME attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2026?
JAMB approved 150 as the minimum benchmark for university admissions in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 admission session.
Can I gain admission with 150 in JAMB?
Yes, but it depends on the university and course. Some schools accept 150, while highly competitive institutions and courses usually require much higher scores.
Does meeting the cut-off mark guarantee admission?
No.
Meeting the cut-off mark only qualifies you to be considered. Other factors such as Post-UTME performance, O’Level grades, catchment policies, and competition also matter.
Can I change my university after JAMB?
Yes.
JAMB allows candidates to apply for a change of institution if they believe another school offers better admission chances.
What are departmental cut-off marks?
Departmental cut-off marks are course-specific scores used internally by universities after combining JAMB and screening/Post-UTME performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right university after JAMB is not only about prestige — it is about strategy.
Students should consider their JAMB score, course competitiveness, tuition affordability, location, and long-term career goals before making admission decisions.
Remember: getting admitted into the right university is more important than chasing a university name that may not match your current admission chances.
At Next Level Tutorial College, we remain committed to helping students make smart academic decisions and stay updated with the latest admission information in Nigeria.
Disclaimer: Some universities may still adjust their institutional cut-off marks after Post-UTME announcements. Students are advised to confirm details through official university admission portals.