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JAMB 2026 University Cut Off Mark for All Universities in Nigeria (2026/2027 Admission Guide)
Many candidates are eager to know the JAMB 2026 university cut off mark after checking their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results. One of the first questions students ask is, "What is the cut off mark for my university?"
The good news is that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has approved the minimum admission score for Nigerian universities for the 2026/2027 academic session. However, each university also has the right to set a higher cut off mark for its courses.
In this guide, I, Prudent Joshua, will explain everything you need to know about the JAMB 2026 university cut off mark, including the minimum score approved by JAMB, the cut off marks for federal, state and private universities, and what your score means for your admission chances.
If you are planning to gain admission this year, read this guide carefully.
What Is the JAMB 2026 University Cut Off Mark?
For the 2026/2027 admission exercise, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board approved 150 as the minimum cut off mark for admission into Nigerian universities. This means candidates who score 150 or above are eligible to apply for admission into universities that accept the minimum score.
It is important to understand that this is only the minimum national benchmark.
Many universities choose to set higher cut off marks depending on the course and the level of competition.
JAMB 2026 Minimum Cut Off Marks
| Institution | Minimum JAMB Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing Sciences | 150 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Monotechnics | 100 |
These are the minimum scores approved for the 2026 admission exercise. Individual institutions can adopt higher scores but cannot go below the approved minimum for their category.
Federal Universities and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
The table below shows the minimum admission scores adopted by some popular federal universities.
| Federal University | Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| University of Lagos | 200 |
| University of Ibadan | 200 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 200 |
| University of Benin | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University | 200 |
| Ahmadu Bello University | 180 |
| Bayero University | 180 |
| University of Ilorin | 180 |
| University of Port Harcourt | 180 |
| University of Calabar | 180 |
| University of Jos | 180 |
| University of Maiduguri | 150 |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti | 150 |
| Federal University Lokoja | 150 |
| Federal University Dutse | 150 |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi | 150 |
| Federal University Lafia | 150 |
Please note that competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy and Nursing usually require much higher departmental cut off marks.
State Universities and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
State universities also set their own admission scores.
Some examples include:
| State University | Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University | 195 |
| Delta State University | 180 |
| Rivers State University | 190 |
| Ebonyi State University | 170 |
| Ekiti State University | 180 |
| Imo State University | 170 |
| Abia State University | 170 |
| Benue State University | 170 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University | 170 |
| Prince Abubakar Audu University | 170 |
| Kaduna State University | 170 |
| Taraba State University | 150 |
| Gombe State University | 150 |
State universities may review these scores during the admission process depending on the number of qualified applicants.
Private Universities and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
Private universities are another good option for candidates who want to continue their education without waiting for a very high cut off mark.
Most private universities accept the minimum score approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, although candidates must still meet other admission requirements.
The table below shows the minimum cut off marks for some popular private universities.
| Private University | Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Babcock University | 150 |
| Afe Babalola University | 150 |
| Bowen University | 150 |
| Covenant University | 180 |
| Redeemer's University | 150 |
| Lead City University | 150 |
| Gregory University | 150 |
| Novena University | 150 |
| Baze University | 150 |
| Achievers University | 150 |
| Al-Hikmah University | 150 |
| Elizade University | 150 |
| McPherson University | 150 |
| Coal City University | 150 |
| Thomas Adewumi University | 150 |
Although many private universities accept lower scores, courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing and Law may require stronger academic performance.
Can I Gain Admission with 150?
Yes.
A score of 150 qualifies you to apply to many universities that accept the minimum JAMB cut off mark.
However, your chances depend on the university, your chosen course, your Ordinary Level results and the number of candidates applying for the same course.
Can I Gain Admission with 160?
Yes.
Many federal, state and private universities consider candidates who score 160.
Choosing less competitive courses can also improve your admission chances.
Can I Gain Admission with 170?
Yes.
A score of 170 gives you more admission opportunities.
Several state universities and federal universities accept candidates within this score range for many courses.
Can I Gain Admission with 180?
Yes.
A score of 180 is regarded as a good score for many universities in Nigeria.
With this score, you can apply for many science, arts and social science courses, depending on the university's admission policy.
Can I Gain Admission with 200?
Absolutely.
A Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score of 200 makes you more competitive.
Many popular universities use 200 as their general admission cut off mark.
Can I Gain Admission with 250?
Yes.
A score of 250 gives you an excellent chance of gaining admission into many universities.
It also increases your chances of studying competitive courses, although some programmes such as Medicine and Surgery may still require even higher scores.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission
Meeting the cut off mark is only the beginning.
Here are some important tips that can improve your chances.
1. Choose the Right Course
Some courses receive thousands of applications every year.
If your score is not very high, consider courses with lower competition.
2. Select the Right University
Different universities have different admission requirements.
Always choose institutions that match your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score.
3. Make the University Your First Choice
Many universities give priority to candidates who selected them as their first choice.
4. Have Good Ordinary Level Results
Five credit passes in the required subjects are compulsory for admission.
5. Upload Your Results Early
Do not delay uploading your Ordinary Level results to the Central Admissions Processing System portal.
6. Follow Official Admission Updates
Always check your university's admission portal and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB cut off mark for universities in 2026?
The minimum JAMB cut off mark for universities for the 2026/2027 admission exercise is 150.
Can a university accept a lower cut off mark than JAMB?
No.
Universities cannot go below the minimum cut off mark approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for their category.
Does scoring 150 guarantee admission?
No.
Meeting the minimum cut off mark only makes you eligible to apply.
Admission also depends on your course, Ordinary Level results and the university's admission policy.
Which university has the lowest cut off mark?
Several universities accept the minimum score of 150, especially some federal and private universities.
Which university has the highest cut off mark?
Highly competitive universities such as the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka usually have higher admission requirements, especially for competitive courses.
What is the cut off mark for Medicine?
Medicine and Surgery generally requires one of the highest departmental cut off marks in Nigerian universities.
What is the cut off mark for Nursing?
The Nursing cut off mark depends on the university.
Many universities require scores above their general admission cut off mark because Nursing is highly competitive.
Can I change my course if I do not meet the cut off mark?
Yes.
Candidates who do not meet the required score for their preferred course can apply for a change of course through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Conclusion
Knowing the JAMB 2026 university cut off mark is an important step towards gaining admission into your preferred university.
While the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has approved 150 as the minimum score for universities, every institution still decides the score required for its courses.
Before applying, take time to confirm the admission requirements of your preferred university. If your score is lower than expected, do not lose hope. There are still many universities and courses where you can achieve your dream of earning a university degree.
I always advise candidates to prepare well, choose their institutions wisely and follow every admission update carefully. Doing these simple things can make a big difference during the admission process.
Written by Prudent Joshua
StudentPortals.com.ng
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