JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing 2026: Admission Guide for Nigerian Students

Nursing is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria today. Thousands of students choose it each year because of its high employability, job security, and opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad. According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), more than 1.9 million candidates registered for UTME in 2024, and a significant portion applied for health-related courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing.

Unlike less competitive courses, Nursing has a much higher JAMB cut off mark, which makes it difficult for students with average scores to secure admission. This guide will walk you through:

• The official JAMB cut off mark for Nursing in 2026

• Why Nursing has one of the highest admission benchmarks

• Universities and their Nursing cut off marks

• Extra requirements beyond JAMB

• Tips to score high in JAMB for Nursing admission

If you are serious about studying Nursing in Nigeria, you’ll find this article a practical roadmap.

What is the JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in 2026?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets a general cut off mark for Nigerian universities, which usually falls between 100 and 150 depending on the institution.

However, Nursing is not an average course. Most universities set their Nursing cut off mark between 150 and 200, depending on the year’s competition and available slots.

• General JAMB cut off mark (all courses): 100–150

• Nursing-specific cut off mark (federal & state universities): 150–200

• Highly competitive universities (e.g., UNILAG, UI, OAU): 180–260

Example: In 2024, the University of Ibadan pegged its departmental cut off for Nursing Science at 260, while Lagos State University (LASU) accepted scores from 230 and above.

Why Nursing requires higher JAMB scores:

• Limited admission spaces

• High demand among science students

• The global need for nurses (WHO estimates that Africa needs 6 million more nurses by 2030).

Why Nursing Has One of the Highest Cut Off Marks in Nigeria

Nursing is both a professional and regulated field, which makes its admission requirements strict. Here are the key reasons behind the high cut off marks:

1. High Demand and Limited Supply

   • Thousands apply yearly, but only a few hundred gain admission per university.

   • Example: In 2023, UNILAG admitted fewer than 200 Nursing students out of over 5,000 applicants.

2. Global Shortage of Nurses

   • Nigeria trains nurses that are recruited abroad, increasing demand locally.

   • WHO data shows a 20% rise in demand for African-trained nurses in Europe between 2020 and 2023.

3. Professional Standards

   • Nursing Council of Nigeria enforces strict guidelines, requiring universities to maintain small class sizes for effective training.

4. Attractive Career Opportunities

   • Nursing graduates earn competitive salaries locally and have high migration chances.

Top Nigerian Universities Offering Nursing and Their Cut Off Marks (2026)

Below is a list of top universities and their official JAMB cut off marks for Nursing in 2026:

Note: Cut off marks differ yearly, based on JAMB performance and the school’s admission quota.

Other Universities With Their Cut-off Marks

• University of Uyo (UNIUYO)———————- 150
• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)——————- 180
• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) ————–150
• University of Benin (UNIBEN) ————————– 200
• University of Calabar (UNICAL) ————————- 150
• University of Jos (UNIJOS) ——————————- 180
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) ——- 150
• Federal University Lokoja ———————————- 160
• Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM) ——————– 160
• Imo State University (IMSU) ———————————- 150
• Ekiti state University (EKSU) ———————————– 160
• Gombe State University (GSU) ——————————— 150
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) —————————- 150
• Lagos State University (LASU) ———————————– 195
• Kwara State University (KWASU) ——————————— 160
• Delta State University (DELSU) ———————————– 180
• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) ——————————- 160
• Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) ——————— 160
• Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) ——————————- 150
• Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) ————- 160
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) ————————————- 180
• Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) ——- 190
• Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) ——————————— 150
• Ambrose Alli University (AAU) ————————————— 140
• Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) ———————- 150

Interestingly, as a prospect candidate looking for an admission into any of the above universities, getting a score higher than the above listed ones is of a great advantage. Yes, a score like the ones listed below, will give you a higher chances of getting admitted into the various universities for nursing programme.

Other Admission Requirements for Nursing (Besides JAMB Cut Off)

Scoring above 250 in JAMB does not guarantee automatic admission into Nursing. Universities also look at:

• WAEC/NECO subject combination:

  • English Language

  • Mathematics

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

• Post-UTME Screening: Your score here is often combined with JAMB to determine your final admission status.

• O’Level Results: At least five credits in one sitting is usually required.

• Direct Entry: Holders of ND, HND, or Nursing diplomas can apply directly into 200 level.

How to Score High in JAMB to Study Nursing in 2026

If you want to secure Nursing admission, you need to aim higher than the official cut off. Scoring 270+ gives you a strong chance. Here’s how:

1. Focus on Core Subjects

   • Biology and Chemistry carry the highest weight for Nursing aspirants.

   • Practice JAMB past questions (2005–2024).

2. Use CBT Practice Apps

   • Tools like JambSmartPrep simulate the real exam.

   • Studies show students who practice CBT regularly perform 20% better on exam day.

3. Time Management

   • 180 questions in 2 hours means less than a minute per question.

4. Attend Tutorials or Online Classes

   • Join WhatsApp/Telegram study groups focused on Nursing aspirants.

5. Consistency

   • Study at least 3–4 hours daily from now until exam day.

Alternative Pathways to Nursing in Nigeria

Not everyone meets the high JAMB cut off. If that happens, here are other options:

• School/College of Nursing Entrance Exams

  • Independent of JAMB.

  • Graduates can later convert to B.Sc. Nursing.

• Polytechnic/ND/HND in Nursing Science

  • Afterwards, apply for Direct Entry to 200 level.

• Study Nursing Abroad

  • Countries like Canada, UK, and Hungary admit Nigerian students with WAEC/NECO + IELTS.

  • Scholarships may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the JAMB cut off mark for Nursing in UNILAG 2025?
The expected cut off is 200.

2. Can I study Nursing with 180 in JAMB?
Yes, Nursing cut off marks are usually above 180.

3. What is the subject combination for Nursing in JAMB?
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

4. Is Nursing better studied in federal or private universities?
Federal universities are cheaper, but private schools admit more easily with lower cut offs.

5. Can I switch to Nursing after 100 level?
Yes, but only if your CGPA is high enough (usually 4.0+ on a 5.0 scale).

6. How many years does it take to study Nursing in Nigeria?
Five years (excluding NYSC).

Conclusion

Studying Nursing in Nigeria is competitive, but not impossible. If you aim for a JAMB score of 250–280, have excellent WAEC grades, and perform well in Post-UTME, your chances of admission will be strong.

Remember, the journey to becoming a nurse requires consistency, discipline, and early preparation. Start today with JAMB past questions and CBT practice apps.

Are you preparing for Nursing admission in 2026? Share your target JAMB score in the comments, and check our full list of WAEC likely questions 2026 and scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students.