Nursing Cut Off Mark in Nigerian Universities 2026/2027: Federal, State and Private Universities

Nursing Science remains one of the most highly competitive courses to secure admission into across Nigerian tertiary institutions. Understanding the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities is therefore essential for candidates planning to study Nursing during the 2026/2027 admission exercise.

For the 2026/2027 academic session, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) along with the heads of tertiary institutions established a minimum baseline benchmark of 150 for universities and 140 for Colleges of Nursing Sciences. However, because the number of applicants far exceeds the available carrying capacity of most institutions, individual universities set their program-specific cut-off marks much higher than the national baseline.

If you aim to study Nursing Science in Nigeria, achieving the minimum baseline is rarely enough. This detailed guide breaks down the specific departmental cut off marks across Federal, State, and Private Universities to help you evaluate your chances of admission.

The Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities varies significantly depending on the institution, competition level, admission quota, and screening method adopted by each school.

Table of Contents

Factors That Determine Nursing Admission Cut Off Marks

A university’s announced departmental cut off mark is influenced by several overlapping factors every admission cycle:

The Number of Applicants: If 5,000 students select a specific school for Nursing and the laboratory and clinical spaces can only accommodate 100 students, the school naturally raises the entry bar.

Performance Statistics: When general performance in the UTME is exceptionally high, cut-off marks scale upward accordingly.

Post-UTME Screening Scores: Most Federal and State universities combine your UTME score, O’Level results, and Post-UTME screening score to generate a final aggregate percentage.

Catchment Area and ELDS: Federal universities divide admissions into Merit (45%), Catchment Area (35%), and Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS – 20%). The merit score is consistently the highest.

Federal Universities Nursing Cut Off Mark in Nigerian Universities (2026/2027)

Federal universities receive the highest volume of applications due to their affordable school fees and structural prestige. Consequently, their departmental benchmarks are usually the most rigorous. To be safe, candidates applying to top-tier federal universities should target a UTME score of 240 to 250+ to remain competitive when calculating their final aggregate parameters.

Exam Guide

Below is the compilation of the required UTME cut-off targets across federal institutions offering Nursing Science:

S/N	Federal University	Acronym	Expected Nursing Cut-Off
1	University of Ibadan	UI	240+ (High Aggregate)
2	University of Lagos	UNILAG	250+ (High Aggregate)
3	University of Nigeria, Nsukka	UNN	240+
4	Obafemi Awolowo University	OAU	240+
5	University of Benin	UNIBEN	230+
6	University of Ilorin	UNILORIN	230+
7	Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria	ABU	220+
8	Bayero University, Kano	BUK	220+
9	University of Calabar	UNICAL	220+
10	University of Port Harcourt	UNIPORT	220+
11	Nnamdi Azikiwe University	UNIZIK	220+
12	University of Jos	UNIJOS	210+
13	University of Abuja	UNIABUJA	210+
14	Federal University, Oye-Ekiti	FUOYE	240+
15	Federal University, Lafia	FULAFIA	210+
16	Federal University, Birnin Kebbi	FUBK	200+
17	Federal University, Dutse	FUD	200+
18	Federal University, Lokoja	FULOKOJA	210+
19	Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo	FUHSO	220+
20	Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare	FUHSA	210+
21	Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun	FUHSI	220+
22	Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto	UDUSOK	200+
23	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi	ATBU	200+
24	Modibbo Adama University, Yola	MAU	200+

Candidates who fail to meet the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities at highly competitive federal institutions can still explore opportunities in state universities.

State Universities Cut Off Marks for Nursing (2026/2027)

State universities offer an excellent alternative for candidates who score slightly below the extreme requirements of competitive federal schools. While their overall structural entry point is marginally lower, highly populated state institutions like LASU or IMSU still maintain strict limits due to local competitive pressures.

Generally, a UTME score between 200 and 220 makes you highly eligible for consideration across the following state institutions:

State University Acronym Expected Nursing Cut Off Mark

S/N	State University	Acronym	Expected Nursing Cut-Off
1	Lagos State University	LASU	230+
2	Ladoke Akintola University of Technology	LAUTECH	220+
3	Olabisi Onabanjo University	OOU	210+
4	Ekiti State University	EKSU	210+
5	Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko	AAUA	210+
6	Osun State University	UNIOSUN	210+
7	Delta State University	DELSU	210+
8	Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma	AAU	200+
9	Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University	COOU	200+
10	Imo State University	IMSU	210+
11	Abia State University	ABSU	200+
12	Rivers State University	RSU	200+
13	Niger Delta University	NDU	200+
14	Ebonyi State University	EBSU	200+
15	Enugu State University of Science and Technology	ESUT	200+
16	Benue State University, Makurdi	BSU	200+
17	Kaduna State University	KASU	210+
18	Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University	UMYU	190+
19	Gombe State University	GSU	190+
20	Taraba State University	TSU	190+
21	Yobe State University	YSU	190+
22	Kwara State University	KWASU	200+
23	Prince Abubakar Audu University	PAAU	180+
24	University of Medical Sciences, Ondo	UNIMED	200+
25	Edo State University, Uzairue	EDSU	170+

Fortunately, some private institutions maintain a relatively flexible Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities, giving more applicants an opportunity to pursue Nursing Science.

Private Universities Cut Off Marks for Nursing (2026/2027)

Private universities offer a faster, highly reliable academic calendar uninterrupted by public industrial actions. Because their tuition structures are higher, the applicant volume relative to capacity is more balanced. Consequently, many accredited private universities accept candidates meeting the general institutional benchmarks of 180 to 200, provided they pass their internal screening exercises and fulfill vital O’Level prerequisites.

Private University Location Expected Nursing Cut Off Mark

S/N	Private University	Location	Expected Nursing Cut-Off
1	Babcock University	Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State	180+
2	Afe Babalola University	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State	190+
3	Bowen University	Iwo, Osun State	180+
4	Madonna University	Elele, Rivers State	180+
5	Bingham University	Karu, Nasarawa State	180+
6	Lead City University	Ibadan, Oyo State	180+
7	Redeemer’s University	Ede, Osun State	180+
8	Covenant University	Ota, Ogun State	200+
9	Igbinedion University	Okada, Edo State	180+
10	Ajayi Crowther University	Oyo, Oyo State	180+
11	Al-Hikmah University	Ilorin, Kwara State	180+
12	Fountain University	Osogbo, Osun State	180+
13	Caleb University	Imota, Lagos State	180+
14	Veritas University	Abuja, FCT	180+
15	Gregory University	Uturu, Abia State	180+
16	Pan-Atlantic University	Lagos State	220+
17	Rhema University	Aba, Abia State	180+

O’Level Admission Requirements for Nursing Science

Apart from meeting the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities, candidates must also satisfy all O’Level subject requirements.

Crucial Notice: Meeting or exceeding the UTME cut-off mark alone does not guarantee your admission. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) alongside individual university senates strictly enforce the foundational Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) parameters.

Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes obtained in not more than two sittings. These credits must include:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Sitting Variations

Most premier federal universities (such as UNILAG and UI) strictly require that these five core science credits be obtained in one single sitting. Ensure you check the specific guidelines in the official JAMB brochure for your chosen institution before proceeding with your application.

Effective Action Plan If Your JAMB Score Falls Short

If your UTME score falls below the required departmental cutoff for your target school, avoid letting panicky decisions derail your session. You can take several structural pathways to ensure you still pursue your professional healthcare aspirations:

Utilize the JAMB Change of Institution/Course Form

If you scored within the 180–210 bracket but originally chose a hyper-competitive federal school like UNILAG, consider switching to a State or Private University that accepts your current range. Alternatively, you can change your course to closely related foundational medical programs like Anatomy, Physiology, or Public Health, and then explore internal transfer options later if permitted by the university’s academic regulations.

Apply to Accredited Colleges of Nursing Sciences

Colleges of Nursing Sciences offer highly professional training paths leading to direct Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM) certifications. Since their baseline admission standard starts at 140, this serves as an excellent option to step directly into clinical practice without standard university aggregate constraints.

Consider Direct Entry (DE) via JUPEB or IJMB

If you prefer not to wait for another UTME cycle, enrolling in advanced programs like the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) or Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) can provide a solid platform. Securing a minimum of 10 points with excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics enables you to apply directly into the 200-level tier of your preferred Nursing program the following session.

Admission Tips for Nursing Aspirants

Securing admission into Nursing Science requires more than simply meeting the minimum benchmark. Candidates should target scores significantly above the published departmental requirements, especially in highly subscribed institutions. Preparing adequately for Post-UTME examinations, maintaining excellent O’Level grades, and staying updated with official university announcements can substantially improve admission prospects.

Candidates are also advised to monitor the JAMB CAPS portal regularly, upload their O’Level results promptly, and consider alternative institutions if their preferred university becomes overly competitive. Early planning and realistic school selection remain some of the most effective strategies for candidates seeking admission into Nursing Science programmes in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Ultimately, understanding the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities will help candidates make informed decisions regarding course selection, change of institution, and admission planning. Candidates are encouraged to regularly monitor official university portals and the JAMB CAPS platform for updates, as admission requirements and departmental benchmarks may vary from one institution to another and can change from year to year.

For more admission guides, cut-off mark updates, and Post-UTME information, continue visiting edusphere.com.ng to stay ahead in your 2026/2027 admission journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum JAMB score required to study Nursing Science in Nigeria?

The minimum JAMB score required to study Nursing Science depends on the institution. While the general JAMB benchmark for universities may be lower, most federal universities offering Nursing Science require candidates to score at least 220–250 or above to remain competitive. Some state and private universities may consider candidates with scores from 180–220, depending on their admission policies.

Can I study Nursing Science with two sittings in WAEC or NECO?

Yes, many universities accept candidates who combine two sittings of WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results for Nursing Science. However, some highly competitive institutions may prefer or strictly require the five core science credits. English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to be obtained in one sitting. Candidates should always confirm the latest requirements in the JAMB brochure and on their preferred university’s admission portal.

Does meeting the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities guarantee admission?

No. Meeting the Nursing cut off mark in Nigerian universities only makes you eligible for consideration. Admission into Nursing Science is highly competitive and also depends on factors such as your Post-UTME or screening performance, O’Level grades, available admission quota, catchment area considerations, and the number of applicants competing for limited spaces. Scoring well above the stated cut-off mark significantly improves your chances of securing admission.