List of Nigerian Universities and Their Official Cut-Off Marks for Admission

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List of Nigerian Universities and Their Official Cut-Off Marks for Admission

Securing admission into a Nigerian tertiary institution is a major milestone for secondary school leavers and UTME candidates. To make this transition easier, StudentArrive provides comprehensive updates on the requirements you need. One of the most critical requirements for admission is meeting the required Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off mark.

Following the latest national policy meetings, JAMB officially set the national minimum cut-off mark for university admission at 150. However, top-tier federal, state, and private institutions exercise their right to set their own institutional benchmarks. These benchmarks are often higher depending on the competitiveness of the school and the course of study.

In this article, we provide a complete, well-categorized list of Nigerian universities and their official minimum UTME cut-off marks, alongside tips on what to do if your score is below your preferred school’s requirement.

What is a JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

Before diving into the lists, it is crucial to understand the two types of cut-off marks used in the Nigerian admission process:

  1. The National Minimum Cut-Off Mark: This is the baseline score set by JAMB in conjunction with heads of tertiary institutions during their annual policy meeting. For the current admissions cycle, this is 150 for universities, 140 for Colleges of Nursing, and 100 for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

  1. Institutional/Departmental Cut-Off Mark: This is the minimum score set by individual universities for their overall admission or for specific courses (e.g., a university may have an institutional cut-off of 200, but require 250+ for Medicine and Surgery).

Learn more about managing your registration processes by reading our detailed guides on StudentArrive UTME Registration and how to prepare.

Category 1: Elite Universities with a 200 Cut-Off Mark

These are highly competitive federal and private universities in Nigeria. To be eligible for their Post-UTME screening, you must score at least 200 in your UTME.

S/N University Name Minimum Cut-Off Mark
1 University of Lagos (UNILAG) 200
2 University of Ibadan (UI) 200
3 University of Benin (UNIBEN) 200
4 Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) 200
5 University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) 200
6 Covenant University (CU) 200
7 Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) 200
8 Fed. Univ. of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Abeokuta 200
9 Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) 220 (Highest in Nigeria)

Note: If you plan to study highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Pharmacy at these institutions, you will need a score significantly higher than the 200 baseline to secure admission.

Category 2: Universities with a 180 – 195 Cut-Off Mark

These prestigious state and federal universities are also highly sought after but have slightly more accessible cut-off points.

The 195 Cut-Off Mark

  • Lagos State University (LASU) — 195

  • Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) — 195

The 185 Cut-Off Mark

  • Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) — 185

The 180 Cut-Off Mark

  • University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — 180

  • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU, Zaria) — 180

  • University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) — 180

  • Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) — 180

  • Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun — 180

  • Nigeria Police Academy (NPA, Wudil) — 180

  • Shanahan University — 180

  • Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) — 180

Before applying to any of these, make sure your O’level results align with their requirements. You can verify how to upload your results on the StudentArrive O’Level Upload Guide.

Scholarship

Category 3: Universities with a 170 Cut-Off Mark

If you scored between 170 and 179, you are fully eligible to apply for admission to the following federal, state, and private institutions:

  • University of Jos (UNIJOS) — 170 (Note: UNIJOS uses a differential model where competitive courses require up to 220–250).

  • Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo — 170

  • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) — 170

  • Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) — 170

  • Augustine University — 170

  • Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia — 170

  • Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) — 170

  • BITS University, Bwari — 170

Category 4: Universities with a 160 Cut-Off Mark

A massive portion of Nigeria’s federal, state, and private universities set their baseline at 160. Scoring 160 or above gives you access to high-quality degree programs in these institutions:

  • Bayero University, Kano (BUK) — 160

  • Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK, Awka) — 160

  • Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU, Ago-Iwoye) — 160

  • Osun State University (UNIOSUN) — 160

  • Kwara State University (KWASU) — 160

  • Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU, Bauchi) — 160

  • Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — 160

  • Redeemer’s University — 160

  • Landmark University — 160

  • Bells University of Technology, Ota — 160

  • Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU, Lapai) — 160

  • Plateau State University (PLASU) — 160

  • Caleb University — 160

  • Lead City University — 160

Category 5: Universities Accepting 150 (The National Minimum)

If your score is right at the 150 mark, do not lose hope. Numerous state and private institutions accept the baseline score of 150 for many of their programs:

  • Adamawa State University (ADSU) — 150

  • Adeleke University, Ede — 150

  • African School of Economics, Abuja — 150

  • AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University — 150

  • Federal University, Gashua (FUGASHUA) — 150

  • Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) — 150

What to Do If Your Score is Below Your School’s Cut-Off Mark?

If you did not score high enough to meet the cut-off mark of your dream university, there are several strategic paths you can take to secure university admission:

  1. Apply for a JAMB Change of Course/Institution: You can log into your portal and switch to a less competitive university or course that aligns with your UTME score. For a complete walkthrough of this process, check out the StudentArrive Change of Course Guide.

  2. Consider Alternative Programs (IJMB or JUPEB): These direct entry programs span 9–12 months and allow you to gain admission directly into the 200 Level without needing a JAMB score.

  3. Register for Post-UTME Wisely: Some schools calculate admission using a composite formula (JAMB score + O’Level + Post-UTME). A stellar Post-UTME performance can often make up for a slightly lower UTME score! Learn how to navigate these portals via StudentArrive Admission Portal Guides.

Stay updated on the latest admission news, school portal openings, and detailed subject combinations by bookmarking StudentArrive, your ultimate companion to campus life!

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