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Choosing the right university to study Nursing can be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. One of the first things many students check after seeing their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination result is the cut off mark for their preferred course.
Every year, thousands of candidates ask the same question:
Which university has the lowest cut off mark for Nursing in Nigeria?
The answer is not as simple as mentioning one university. Different universities have different admission requirements. Some federal universities accept lower scores than others, while some state and private universities also offer Nursing with more flexible admission requirements.
As someone who has followed university admission updates for many years, I have noticed that many students lose hope too early because they believe they cannot study Nursing after scoring below 250. The truth is that there are still many universities where you may have a good chance of gaining admission.
In this guide, I, Prudent Joshua, will show you the universities with some of the lowest Nursing cut off marks in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 admission session. I will also explain the admission requirements, subject combination, and how to improve your chances of gaining admission.
If you are planning to study Nursing this year, this guide will help you make a better decision.
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What Is a Nursing Cut Off Mark?
A cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate needs before being considered for admission into a university.
There are usually two types of cut off marks.
General university cut off mark.
Departmental cut off mark.
The general cut off mark allows a candidate to participate in the admission process, while the departmental cut off mark is the score required for a particular course such as Nursing.
Since Nursing is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, its departmental cut off mark is usually much higher than the university's general cut off mark.
Which University Has the Lowest Cut Off Mark for Nursing in Nigeria?
There is no single university officially recognised as having the lowest Nursing cut off mark in Nigeria.
Every university sets its own admission requirements, and these may change from one admission year to another.
However, based on previous admission trends, the universities below have historically admitted Nursing students with lower scores than many of the highly competitive institutions.
Universities with Relatively Low Nursing Cut Off Marks
| University | State | Expected Nursing Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Abubakar Audu University | Kogi | 180 |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi | Kebbi | 180 |
| Federal University Dutse | Jigawa | 180 |
| Federal University Lafia | Nasarawa | 180 |
| Federal University Lokoja | Kogi | 180 |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti | Ekiti | 180 |
| Taraba State University | Taraba | 180 |
| Gombe State University | Gombe | 180 |
| Kaduna State University | Kaduna | 180–200 |
| Kogi State University | Kogi | 180–200 |
| Benue State University | Benue | 180–200 |
| Niger Delta University | Bayelsa | 180–200 |
| Abia State University | Abia | 180–200 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University | Anambra | 180–200 |
| Imo State University | Imo | 180–200 |
If your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score is between 180 and 200, these universities may be worth considering.
Federal Universities Offering Nursing
Federal universities are among the most popular in Nigeria because their school fees are usually lower.
Below are some federal universities that offer Nursing Science.
| Federal University | Typical Nursing Score |
|---|---|
| University of Lagos | 250–280+ |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 260–290+ |
| University of Benin | 240–270+ |
| University of Ilorin | 240–270+ |
| University of Port Harcourt | 250–280+ |
| Ahmadu Bello University | 230–260+ |
| Bayero University | 220–250+ |
| University of Calabar | 220–250+ |
| University of Jos | 220–250+ |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University | 240–280+ |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti | 180–200 |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi | 180 |
| Federal University Dutse | 180 |
| Federal University Lafia | 180 |
| Federal University Lokoja | 180 |
| University of Maiduguri | 200–220 |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University | 200–220 |
State Universities Offering Nursing
Many state universities also have accredited Nursing programmes.
Some of them include:
| State University | Typical Nursing Score |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University | 250–280+ |
| Delta State University | 220–250+ |
| Rivers State University | 240–260+ |
| Ebonyi State University | 230–260+ |
| Benue State University | 180–200 |
| Abia State University | 180–200 |
| Imo State University | 180–200 |
| Niger Delta University | 180–200 |
| Prince Abubakar Audu University | 180 |
| Ekiti State University | 200–220 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University | 180–200 |
| Osun State University | 220–240 |
| Kaduna State University | 180–200 |
| Taraba State University | 180 |
| Gombe State University | 180 |
| Sokoto State University | 180–200 |
| Plateau State University | 180–200 |
Private Universities Offering Nursing
Private universities are another good option for candidates who can afford the tuition fees.
Many private universities also have modern teaching hospitals and good learning facilities.
| Private University |
|---|
| Babcock University |
| Afe Babalola University |
| Bowen University |
| Baze University |
| Gregory University |
| Novena University |
| Evangel University |
| Lead City University |
| Al-Hikmah University |
| Achievers University |
| Elizade University |
| Redeemer's University |
| Atiba University |
| Skyline University |
| Maryam Abacha American University |
| McPherson University |
| Chrisland University |
| Coal City University |
| Thomas Adewumi University |
| Arthur Jarvis University |
Private universities generally have different admission requirements. Candidates should always check the latest admission guidelines before applying.
Universities That May Accept Around 180 for Nursing
Candidates with scores close to 180 often ask if they still have hope.
The answer is yes, provided they apply to universities with lower admission requirements.
Some universities that have admitted candidates with scores around this range include:
Prince Abubakar Audu University
Federal University Birnin Kebbi
Federal University Dutse
Federal University Lafia
Federal University Lokoja
Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Taraba State University
Gombe State University
Benue State University
Abia State University
However, candidates should remember that admission depends on available spaces and the performance of other applicants.
Universities That Usually Require Higher Scores
Some universities receive a very large number of Nursing applications every year.
Because of this, they usually require much higher scores.
These universities include:
University of Lagos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
University of Benin
University of Port Harcourt
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Lagos State University
University of Ilorin
Candidates interested in these universities should aim for 250 or above to improve their chances.
Admission Requirements for Nursing
Meeting the cut off mark alone is not enough.
Candidates must also satisfy other admission requirements.
O'Level Requirements
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Credit |
| Mathematics | Credit |
| Biology | Credit |
| Chemistry | Credit |
| Physics | Credit |
Most universities accept these results in not more than two sittings.
JAMB Subject Combination
Candidates applying for Nursing should register the following subjects:
| Subject |
|---|
| English Language |
| Biology |
| Chemistry |
| Physics |
Can I Study Nursing with 180?
Yes, you can.
A Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score of 180 may still give you an opportunity to study Nursing in some universities.
However, you should understand that Nursing is a competitive course. Even if a university accepts 180 as its minimum score, many candidates who apply may score far higher. This means candidates with better scores may receive admission first.
If your score is 180, do not give up. Instead, apply to universities that have admitted candidates within this score range in previous admission exercises. Also make sure your Ordinary Level results are complete and meet the required grades.
Can I Study Nursing with 190?
Yes.
A score of 190 gives you more options than 180.
Several federal and state universities may consider candidates within this range, especially if there are enough admission spaces available.
To improve your chances, ensure that:
You choose the university as your first choice.
You have at least five credit passes in the required subjects.
You upload your Ordinary Level results on time.
You follow every admission instruction issued by the university.
Can I Study Nursing with 200?
Yes.
A Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score of 200 is considered a good score for many universities in Nigeria.
With this score, you can apply to several state universities and some federal universities, depending on their admission policy for the year.
Although 200 does not guarantee admission into highly competitive universities like the University of Lagos or the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, it gives you a better chance in many other institutions.
Can I Study Nursing with 220?
Absolutely.
A score of 220 places you in a stronger position.
Many universities consider this a competitive score for Nursing Science.
If your Ordinary Level grades are good and you meet every admission requirement, your chances become even better.
Can I Study Nursing with 250?
Yes.
A score of 250 is an excellent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score.
With this result, you can confidently apply to many of the top universities offering Nursing in Nigeria.
Although admission is never automatic, candidates with 250 or above are usually more competitive during the admission process.
How to Increase Your Chances of Gaining Admission to Study Nursing
Many students believe scoring high in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is all they need.
That is not completely true.
Here are some simple steps that can improve your chances.
1. Aim for a Higher Score
Do not only aim for the minimum cut off mark.
The higher your score, the better your chances.
2. Choose the Right University
Some universities receive far more applications than others.
If your score is not very high, consider universities with lower admission competition.
3. Make the University Your First Choice
Many universities only admit candidates who selected them as their first choice.
Changing your institution early may improve your chances.
4. Have Good Ordinary Level Results
Five credit passes are important.
Excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics can also strengthen your application.
5. Upload Your Results Early
Do not wait until the closing date.
Upload your results as soon as the admission portal opens.
6. Follow Admission Updates
Universities regularly publish important notices.
Visit the official admission portal often so that you do not miss any information.
7. Attend Every Screening Exercise
If your university conducts a screening exercise, make sure you participate.
Failure to attend may affect your admission.
8. Use the Correct Subject Combination
Choosing the wrong subjects in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination can lead to disqualification.
Always confirm the correct subjects before registration.
9. Prepare Your Documents
Keep your birth certificate, local government certificate, Ordinary Level results and other important documents ready.
10. Stay Positive
Many students lose hope after seeing their examination result.
Do not give up.
There are many universities in Nigeria where you can still achieve your dream of becoming a nurse.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Many admission problems can be avoided.
Below are some common mistakes.
Choosing the wrong Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination subject combination.
Selecting a university without checking its Nursing requirements.
Uploading incomplete Ordinary Level results.
Missing the admission screening.
Applying with fake documents.
Waiting until the last day before completing registration.
Ignoring official announcements from the university.
Avoiding these mistakes can save you from disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university has the lowest cut off mark for Nursing in Nigeria?
Several universities have admitted Nursing candidates with lower scores in previous admission years. They include Prince Abubakar Audu University, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Lafia, Federal University Lokoja, Taraba State University and Gombe State University.
What is the lowest cut off mark for Nursing in Nigeria?
Some universities have accepted candidates with scores starting from 180, although admission depends on competition and available spaces.
Can I study Nursing with 180?
Yes.
Some universities may consider candidates with a score of 180 if they meet other admission requirements.
Can I study Nursing with 190?
Yes.
A score of 190 improves your chances and gives you more university options.
Can I study Nursing with 200?
Yes.
Many universities consider candidates with a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score of 200 for Nursing.
Can I study Nursing with 220?
Yes.
A score of 220 is competitive in many universities offering Nursing Science.
Which federal university has the lowest cut off mark for Nursing?
Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Lafia, Federal University Lokoja and Federal University Oye-Ekiti have historically maintained lower admission requirements than many other federal universities.
Which state university has the lowest cut off mark for Nursing?
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Taraba State University, Gombe State University, Benue State University and Abia State University are among the state universities known for relatively lower Nursing admission scores.
What subjects are required for Nursing?
Candidates need English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
What are the Ordinary Level requirements?
Candidates must have credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Does meeting the cut off mark guarantee admission?
No.
Meeting the cut off mark only makes you eligible to compete for admission.
Can I combine two Ordinary Level results?
Yes.
Many universities accept two sittings, provided the required subjects are included.
How many years does it take to study Nursing in Nigeria?
Nursing Science usually takes five years in most Nigerian universities.
Is Nursing a competitive course?
Yes.
Nursing is one of the most sought-after medical courses in Nigeria because of the growing demand for qualified nurses.
Which university is best for Nursing in Nigeria?
Some of the leading universities include the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Port Harcourt.
Conclusion
Studying Nursing in Nigeria is still possible even if your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score is not among the highest.
The most important thing is choosing a university that matches your score and ensuring that you meet every admission requirement.
From my experience covering university admissions, I have learnt that many students focus only on popular universities and ignore other institutions where they have a better chance of gaining admission.
Take your time to compare different universities, confirm their admission requirements and apply early.
If your dream is to become a nurse, stay determined, prepare well and never stop believing in yourself. One examination result should never stop you from pursuing your career.
Written by Prudent Joshua
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