Minimum JAMB scores required for admission at top Nigerian universities. Updated 2026.
⚠️ Important: Cut-off marks change yearly based on the number of applicants and available spaces. The scores shown are from 2026 and are for reference only. Check your target university's official website or JAMB portal for the most current cut-off for 2026. Your state of origin and course also affect your admission chances.
🏆 Top Tier: Most Competitive
These universities have the highest cut-off marks. Most require 250+ and above.
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Federal280–320
One of Nigeria's top universities. Cut-off varies by course. Medicine and Law are most competitive (300+). Engineering and Science programs require 280–300.
Medicine: 300–320
Law: 290–310
Engineering: 280–300
Science: 270–290
University of Ibadan (UI)
Federal280–300
Nigeria's premier university. Consistently high cut-offs across all faculties. Medicine and Law require 300+.
Medicine: 300–320
Law: 290–300
Engineering: 280–295
Science: 270–285
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Federal270–300
Excellent reputation, especially for Science and Medicine. One of the few schools that consistently require Mathematics for Law.
Medicine: 280–300
Law: 270–290
Engineering: 260–280
Science: 260–280
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Federal260–280
Strong in Medicine, Engineering, and Islamic Studies. Largest campus in Nigeria. More accessible than UNILAG/UI.
Medicine: 280–300
Engineering: 270–280
Science: 260–275
Arts: 250–265
🥈 Second Tier: Very Good (220–260)
Still highly competitive but more accessible than top tier.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Federal240–270
Strong in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering. Good reputation for research.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Federal230–260
One of the oldest universities. Strong in Engineering, Science, and Medicine.
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna)
Federal220–240
Top engineering school. Cut-offs vary by course, generally 220–240.
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Federal230–260
Another excellent engineering university. Medicine and Engineering higher than other programs.
Lagos State University (LASU)
State200–220
Located in Lagos. More accessible than UNILAG. Still maintains good academic standards.
✅ Accessible Tier (180–220)
Still respectable schools with lower cut-offs. Great for many courses.
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Federal200–220
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Federal180–210
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Federal190–220
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Federal180–200
Covenant University
Private200–230
Bowen University
Private160–190
Common Questions 🤔
No. The cut-off is the minimum threshold, not a guarantee. If you score above the cut-off, you move to the next stage (Post-UTME/screening). Your final admission depends on your Post-UTME score, O'Level credits, and state of origin (some schools give merit to students from underrepresented states).
Cut-offs depend on: (1) Number of applicants, (2) Available spaces in each course, (3) Performance of that year's cohort. In a year with many high scorers, the cut-off rises. In a year with fewer applicants, it may drop. This is why predicting next year's cut-off is difficult.
No. Medicine, Law, and Engineering typically have higher cut-offs than other programs because they are more competitive. Arts and Social Science usually have lower cut-offs at the same university.
Yes. Most universities reserve a percentage of spaces for students from their own state (usually 5–10% for merit). So a student from Oyo State might need a slightly lower score at OAU (Oyo) than a student from Lagos. Check your target university's admission policy.
Technically, yes — you can apply. But your chances are very low unless JAMB/the university specifically states they are accepting below cut-off. Most universities will not process your application. Focus on universities where your score meets or exceeds the cut-off.
📈
Apply Strategically
Apply to a mix: 2 reach schools (slightly above your score), 2 target schools (matches your score), and 2 safety schools (well above your score). This maximizes your admission chances.