Check the latest cut off marks for Nigerian universities and courses for the 2026/2027 academic session including UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN, ABU, LASU, and more.
The admission process for the 2026/2027 academic session is expected to be highly competitive as thousands of candidates across Nigeria prepare to secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Understanding the cut off marks for Nigerian universities is one of the most important steps every aspirant must take before applying for admission.
Many students wrongly assume that scoring the minimum JAMB requirement automatically guarantees admission. However, admission into most institutions depends on several factors including departmental competition, Post-UTME performance, aggregate score, admission quota, O’Level grades
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expected and official cut off marks for Nigerian universities for the 2026/2027 academic session, including federal, state, and private institutions.
Official JAMB Cut Off Marks for 2026/2027
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board sets the minimum benchmark for tertiary institutions every year during the annual policy meeting.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, the approved minimum scores are expected to remain within these ranges: Institution Type, Minimum Cut Off Mark,
Universities accept minimum of 140, polytechnics accept minimum of 120 while college of education and other institution accept minimum of 100
It is important to understand that these are only general benchmarks. Most top institutions usually set their own admission standards much higher than the official minimum requirement.
For example, while the national benchmark for universities may be 140, highly competitive institutions like University of Lagos and University of Ibadan often require a minimum of 200 before candidates can participate in Post-UTME screening.
This is why understanding the real cut off marks for Nigerian universities is extremely important.
Federal Universities and Their Cut Off Marks
Federal universities remain the most competitive institutions in Nigeria because of their affordable tuition fees, strong academic reputation, nationwide recognition
Below are some of the expected institutional cut off marks for top federal universities in Nigeria.
| University | Expected Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 |
| University of Nigeria (UNN) | 160 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 180 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 180 |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 180 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 160 |
| Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | 180 |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) | 180 |
| Federal University Dutse (FUD) | 150 |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | 150 |
| Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 170 |
| Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 150 |
| Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) | 170 |
| Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) | 150 |
| Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU) | 180 |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 150 |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 150 |
Although these are the institutional cut off marks, candidates should understand that departmental admission requirements are often much higher.
Departmental Cut Off Marks for Competitive Courses
Departmental cut off marks are the actual scores used to determine admission into specific courses. These scores vary yearly depending on student performance, number of applicants, available admission slots. For highly competitive courses, the required scores are usually significantly higher than the university’s general cut off mark.
Medical Courses Cut Off Marks
Medical and health-related courses remain among the most competitive in Nigeria.
| Course | Estimated Competitive Score |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 280+ |
| Dentistry | 270+ |
| Pharmacy | 250+ |
| Nursing Science | 240+ |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 240+ |
| Physiotherapy | 220+ |
| Radiography | 220+ |
| Optometry | 240+ |
| Public Health | 210+ |
| Human Anatomy | 220+ |
| Human Physiology | 200+ |
| Biochemistry | 200+ |
| Nutrition and Dietetics | 200+ |
| Environmental Health Science | 210+ |
| Health Education | 210+ |
| Biomedical Technology | 210+ |
Candidates applying for these courses are usually expected to have excellent JAMB scores, strong Post-UTME performance and good O’Level grades.
Engineering and Technology Courses
Engineering and technology courses are also highly competitive in many universities.
| Course | Estimated Competitive Score |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | 220–250 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 220+ |
| Electrical Engineering | 220+ |
| Civil Engineering | 220+ |
| Computer Science | 220–260 |
| Chemical Engineering | 220–250 |
| Petroleum Engineering | 220–250 |
| Electronic Engineering | 220+ |
| Mechatronics Engineering | 220–240 |
| Software Engineering | 230–260 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | 230–260 |
| Agricultural Engineering | 200–220 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 220–240 |
| Industrial Engineering | 210–230 |
| Production Engineering | 210–230 |
| Marine Engineering | 220–240 |
| Automotive Engineering | 200–220 |
| Mining Engineering | 200–220 |
| Polymer and Textile Engineering | 200–220 |
| Food Engineering | 200–220 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 200–220 |
Due to the growing demand for technology-related careers, departments such as Computer Science now require much higher scores than before.
Social Sciences and Law Cut Off Marks
Courses in the social sciences and humanities also attract large numbers of applicants yearly.
| Course | Estimated Competitive Score |
|---|---|
| Law | 260+ |
| Accounting | 220–250 |
| Economics | 220–240 |
| Mass Communication | 220+ |
| Political Science | 210+ |
| Sociology | 200–230 |
| Psychology | 200–240 |
| International Relations | 220–250 |
| Public Administration | 200–230 |
| Business Administration | 210–240 |
| Marketing | 200–230 |
| Banking and Finance | 210–240 |
| Entrepreneurship | 180–210 |
| Criminology and Security Studies | 200–230 |
| Library and Information Science | 180–210 |
| Geography | 200–230 |
Law remains one of the most competitive non-science courses in Nigerian universities.
UNILAG Admission Analysis
University of Lagos remains one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria.
UNILAG uses a 100-point aggregate system that combines JAMB, Post-UTME and O’Level performance.
Below are estimated departmental merit scores for highly competitive courses:
Medicine and Surgery: 85+, Nursing Science: 78+, Pharmacy: 77+, Law: 79+, Computer Science: 82+, Accounting: 76+, Mechanical Engineering: 79+.
Because of the university’s competitiveness, students aiming for admission into UNILAG should target very high aggregate scores.
UNN Admission Analysis
University of Nigeria uses a system that considers merit, catchment areas and educationally less developed states
Below are estimated competitive scores for some departments:
Medicine and Surgery: 290, Law: 275, Pharmacy: 268, Nursing Science: 260, Civil Engineering: 230, Economics: 235, Mass Communication: 265
Students applying to UNN should understand that admission competitiveness varies greatly across departments.
OAU Admission Analysis
Obafemi Awolowo University uses a formula that combines JAMB, Post-UTME and O’Level results. Competitive courses in OAU often require very high aggregate scores.
Medicine and Surgery: 80+, Dentistry: 78+, Pharmacy: 76+, Law: 75+, Computer Science: 77+, Chemical Engineering: 74+
OAU is known for maintaining high academic standards, making admission highly competitive.
State Universities Cut Off Marks
State universities generally offer more flexible admission opportunities compared to federal universities.
Below are estimated cut off marks for some state universities.
| State University | Estimated Cut Off |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 190 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 190 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | 170 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 170 |
| Kwara State University (KWASU) | 160 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | 180 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 180 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 180 |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 170 |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 170 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU Ekpoma) | 180 |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | 170 |
| Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) | 160 |
| Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) | 170 |
| Gombe State University (GSU) | 160 |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 170 |
| Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) | 160 |
| Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) | 170 |
| Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) | 170 |
| Plateau State University (PLASU) | 160 |
| Adamawa State University (ADSU) | 160 |
| Bauchi State University Gadau (BASUG) | 160 |
| Sokoto State University (SSU) | 160 |
Many students with moderate scores often have better admission chances in state universities.
Private Universities Cut Off Marks
Private universities in Nigeria generally maintain lower cut off marks because they have more flexible admission systems.
| Private University | Estimated Cut Off |
|---|---|
| Most Private Universities (General Entry) | 140+ |
| Highly Competitive Private Universities | 180–200 (depending on course) |
| Covenant University | 180+ |
| Babcock University | 160–200 |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 180+ |
| Bowen University | 160–180 |
| Igbinedion University | 150+ |
| Bells University of Technology | 160–180 |
| Redeemer’s University | 160–180 |
| Lead City University | 140+ |
| Ajayi Crowther University | 140–160 |
| Joseph Ayo Babalola University | 140–160 |
| Al-Hikmah University | 140–170 |
| Oduduwa University | 140+ |
| Veritas University | 150–170 |
| Anchor University Lagos | 140–160 |
| Rhema University | 140–160 |
| Paul University Awka | 140+ |
How to Calculate Aggregate Scores
Understanding aggregate calculation is very important because admission decisions are usually based on aggregate scores rather than JAMB alone.
Many universities use a formula similar to this:
Step 1: Divide JAMB Score by 8
Example: 240 ÷ 8 = 30
Step 2: Divide Post-UTME Score by 2
Example: 60 ÷ 2 = 30
Step 3: Add Both Scores
30 + 30 = 60%
The final score becomes the candidate’s aggregate score.
Some universities also include O’Level grades during aggregate calculation.
Click here to get the detailed information on various ways universities calculate Post-UTME aggregate score
Factors That Affect Cut Off Marks Every Year
The cut off marks for Nigerian universities change yearly because of several factors.
Overall JAMB Performance
If candidates generally perform very well in JAMB, universities usually increase their cut off marks.
Number of Applicants
Courses with very high numbers of applicants become more competitive.
Admission Quota
Universities can only admit students based on available facilities and accreditation limits.
Departmental Competition
Some courses naturally attract more applicants than others.
Important Advice for 2026/2027 Aspirants
Students who score below 160 should consider less competitive universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, private universities. Students aiming for Medicine, Law, Nursing, Pharmac should target very high scores to improve their admission chances.
Candidates should also upload O’Level results properly, prepare seriously for Post-UTME, monitor official admission updates
Conclusion
Understanding the cut off marks for Nigerian universities is essential for every admission seeker. While meeting the minimum score requirement is important, candidates should also understand that departmental competition plays a major role in admission decisions.
Students are advised to aim for high JAMB scores, prepare properly for Post-UTME, understand their university’s admission system, monitor official school announcements regularly.
Admission requirements may change slightly depending on institutional policies, so candidates should always verify information from official university portals before making final decisions.
For more admission updates, educational guides, and university news, continue following Edusphere NG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get admission with 140?
Yes, but likely not in a Federal University. You should consider Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, or specific state universities with lower competition.
Does UNILAG accept 180?
No. For the 2026/2027 session, the UNILAG minimum cut-off remains 200.
What is the difference between JAMB cut-off and Departmental cut-off?
JAMB cut-off is the minimum score to apply for a screening. Departmental cut-off is the final score you need to actually be offered admission into a specific course.
When will 2026/2027 Post-UTME forms be out?
Most schools begin selling forms between July and September, following the JAMB policy meeting in May.