Latest JAMB Cut-Off Marks for All Nigerian Universities: What You Need to Know

Latest JAMB Cut-Off Marks for All Nigerian Universities: What You Need to Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off mark is one of the most important factors for students seeking university admission in Nigeria. While the concept of a single “cut-off mark” is often misunderstood, following the latest developments and official announcements can help you navigate the admission process more effectively. Below is a detailed review of the current JAMB cut-off marks for universities, institutional variations, and key considerations for the 2025/2026 admission cycle.

What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

• The cut-off mark refers to the minimum UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) score that JAMB suggests for admissions into higher institutions.
• However, it’s important to clarify a critical point: JAMB itself has stated that it does not set a uniform cut-off mark for all institutions. According to the 2024 JAMB bulletin, “the concept of ‘cut-off marks’ does not exist in the admission process; individual institutions determine their minimum acceptable scores.” (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)
• Despite this, JAMB and university stakeholders sometimes agree on benchmark ranges that serve as guidelines for admissions.

The Latest (2025) Benchmark for University Admission

• At the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, JAMB and tertiary education stakeholders agreed on a national minimum benchmark of 150 for universities. (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)
• This means that no university should admit students with UTME scores below 150 — though many institutions will still set higher cut-off marks depending on their capacity, demand, and course competitiveness. (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)

What Were the Previous Cut-Off Marks?

• For the 2024/2025 admission cycle, reports stated that there was a benchmark of 140 for universities, and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. (dailyschoolnews.com.ng)
• According to JAMBAdmission.org, that was JAMB’s proposed minimum, but individual universities were expected to set their own higher standards. (jambadmission.org)

Why Do Cut-Off Marks Vary So Much?

1. Institutional Autonomy
   • Universities are free to set their own admission thresholds (often called “institutional cut-off marks”), which can be significantly higher than the JAMB benchmark. (The Telegraph Nigeria)
2. Course Competitiveness
   • Highly competitive courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Law) usually require much higher UTME scores than less competitive programs. (naijaeduhub.com)
3. Admission Capacity
   • The number of available slots in each university and department affects how high the cut-off mark goes.
4. O’Level Results & Post-UTME
   • Admission is not just about JAMB scores: universities also consider O’Level (WAEC, NECO) results, screening exams, and post-UTME scores when finalizing offers.

Examples of University Cut-Off Marks (or Reported Ranges)

While there is no definitive single cut-off for every Nigerian university, some reported figures include:

• Federal Universities: Many sources list 180 for top federal institutions. (How Nigeria News)
• State Universities: Some accept as low as 140–160, especially for less competitive courses. (UnidelTech)
• Private Universities: According to some admission guides, many private universities maintain cut-offs in the 140–200 range depending on demand. (naijaeduhub.com)

What Candidates Should Do

• Aim for a Higher Score: Even though the national benchmark is 150, targeting a higher UTME score (200+) will increase your chances, especially for competitive courses.
• Research Your University: Find out your chosen university’s last year’s cut-off mark for your course. Use that as a realistic target.
• Strong O’Level Results Matter: UTME is just one part of the admission equation. Good WAEC/NECO grades and good subject combinations help your application.
• Prepare for Post-UTME: Many universities run screening tests or post-UTME exams. Your performance here can significantly affect admission.
• Use CAPS: Accept your admission via JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System). Ensure your JAMB and O’Level details are properly uploaded.
• Apply to Backup Schools: Use four institution choices wisely in JAMB; include some universities with lower cut-offs or less competitive courses.

Final Thoughts

• The latest JAMB national benchmark for university admission is 150, agreed upon in 2025. (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)
• However, this is not a universal “cut-off” — schools may (and often do) set higher minimums for their particular programs. (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)
• To maximize your chances of admission, you should aim for a high UTME score, excel in your O’Levels, and be well prepared for any Post-UTME screening.
• Importantly, always verify admission requirements and cut-off information directly from the university you’re applying to; third-party sites may not always be accurate or up to date.