Latest JAMB Cut-Off Marks for All Nigerian Universities 2025

JAMB Cut-Off Marks: Every year, more than 1.7 million candidates register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Yet only a fraction eventually secures admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

One of the key filters is the JAMB cut-off mark. It is the minimum score a candidate must obtain to be eligible for admission into a particular institution. While JAMB provides a general benchmark, each university, polytechnic, and college of education can fix its own departmental cut-off marks based on competition and available slots.

For 2025, many students are already searching for “JAMB cut off mark 2025” and updates on “latest JAMB news.” This guide compiles the official cut-off marks for all categories of institutions and explains how they work.

JAMB General Cut-Off Marks for 2025

At the annual JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions, stakeholders (vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and education officials) agree on the minimum cut-off for that year.

For 2025, the approved JAMB cut-off marks are:

• Universities: 150

• college of nursing sciences: 140

• Polytechnics: 100

• Colleges of Education: 100

This means no institution is allowed to admit candidates below these minimum scores. However, most competitive institutions and courses set much higher benchmarks. For example, Medicine at UNILAG or Law at UNN usually requires 250+ in UTME plus strong post-UTME performance. Also read: Top 10 Easiest Courses to Get Admission Into in Nigeria (2025 Update)

Cut-Off Marks for Federal Universities

Federal universities are the most sought-after because of their reputation and relatively low tuition. Below are the common JAMB cut-off marks for some leading federal universities in Nigeria:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200

• University of Ibadan (UI): 200

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): 200

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): 160

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria): 180

• University of Benin (UNIBEN): 200

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): 180

• Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA): 180

• Bayero University Kano (BUK): 160

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT): 150

Note: While the general eligibility mark may be 180 or 200, the departmental cut-off is often higher. For example, Medicine in UNILAG can demand above 270 after combining JAMB and post-UTME scores.

Cut-Off Marks for State Universities

State universities vary widely in competitiveness. Some set their minimum at 160, while others align with the JAMB benchmark of 140.

Examples include:

• Lagos State University (LASU): 195

• Delta State University (DELSU): 150

• Rivers State University (RSU): 190

• Ekiti State University (EKSU): Medicine and Surgery – 260, Law – 250, Doctor of Pharmacy – 240, Nursing Science – 230, Medical Laboratory Science – 220, Mass Communication – 200, Engineering Programmes – 180, Computer Science – 180, Medical Biochemistry – 180

• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU): 160

• Imo State University (IMSU): 150

• Abia State University (ABSU): 150

• Benue State University (BSU): 160

• Kwara State University (KWASU): 160

Because state universities often reserve a portion of admission slots for indigenes, cut-off marks may favor candidates from the host state.

Cut-Off Marks for Polytechnics & Colleges of Education

Polytechnics and colleges of education generally have more flexible entry requirements compared to universities.

• Polytechnics: Minimum cut-off is 100. Some top federal polytechnics like YABATECH and Federal Polytechnic Nekede may set their benchmark at 120 or 150.

• Colleges of Education: Minimum cut-off is also 100, though some competitive programs such as NCE in Sciences may require higher scores.

For instance:

• Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): 150

• Federal Polytechnic Ilaro: 150

• Adeyemi College of Education: 150

These institutions provide opportunities for candidates who scored below the competitive university benchmarks but still wish to further their studies.

How Universities Set Departmental Cut-Off Marks

It is important to distinguish between the JAMB cut-off mark and the departmental cut-off mark.

• The JAMB cut-off is a general minimum.

• The departmental cut-off is set by each faculty or department after considering:

  1. Number of applicants.

  2. Performance of candidates in UTME and post-UTME.

  3. Number of available slots approved by NUC (National Universities Commission).

Example: University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• JAMB cut-off: 200

• Post-UTME + O’Level considered

• Departmental cut-offs (previous sessions):

  • Medicine & Surgery: 77–80% aggregate

  • Law: 70–74%

  • Engineering: 65–70%

  • Education courses: 55–60%

This shows why candidates must aim higher than just the general JAMB benchmark.

Tips for Students Who Didn’t Meet the Cut-Off

Not every candidate will hit the official JAMB cut-off mark for their preferred university. However, this does not mean all hope is lost. Here are practical alternatives:

1. Apply for Change of Institution/Course

   • JAMB allows candidates to change institutions or courses if they fall short. For example, a candidate with 160 can switch from UNILAG to a state university like ABSU.

2. Consider Polytechnics or Colleges

   • With a score of 120–140, you can still apply to polytechnics and colleges of education. From there, you may later apply for Direct Entry into a university.

3. Try Less Competitive Courses

   • Courses like Education, Agriculture, or Pure Sciences often have lower departmental cut-offs compared to Law, Medicine, or Engineering.

4. Prepare for Next Year

   • Many successful candidates today are those who tried more than once. Use the extra time to strengthen weak subjects and practice past JAMB questions.

5. Look Into Scholarship or Foundation Programs

   • Some universities run foundation or pre-degree programs (e.g., UNN, UI, UNIPORT). These can serve as alternative pathways to gaining admission.

Conclusion

The latest JAMB cut-off marks for Nigerian universities in 2025 show that while the general benchmark has been fixed at 140 for universities, each institution retains the power to set higher departmental cut-offs.

For candidates, the key lesson is simple:

• Scoring above the minimum JAMB cut-off mark does not guarantee admission.

• Focus on departmental requirements and prepare thoroughly for post-UTME screenings.

If you did not meet your preferred cut-off, consider alternative institutions, less competitive courses, or pre-degree options. Remember, what matters most is staying persistent and finding the best pathway to your academic goals.

Stay updated by following official JAMB news sources and subscribing to education blogs that publish verified admission updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2025

1. What is the general JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2025?
The JAMB general cut-off mark for universities in 2025 is 150. However, most federal universities set higher benchmarks (180–200 and above).

2. What is the cut-off mark for polytechnics in 2025?
The minimum JAMB cut-off mark for polytechnics is 100. Some polytechnics, like YABATECH, may set 120 or 140 depending on competition.

3. What is the cut-off mark for colleges of education?
The cut-off mark is 100. Candidates with lower JAMB scores can still gain admission through NCE programs.

4. Is 140 enough to get admission into a university?
Yes, but only in universities that accept the minimum JAMB benchmark. Most competitive institutions (UI, UNILAG, UNN, OAU) require 180–200+.

5. Can I gain admission with 150 in JAMB 2025?
Yes. You can apply to less competitive state universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. You may also consider courses like Education or Agriculture.

6. Is 200 a good JAMB score in 2025?
200 is decent, but for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy, you may still need 250+ plus strong post-UTME performance.

7. Does JAMB cut-off mark guarantee admission?
No. Meeting the cut-off only makes you eligible. Admission depends on your aggregate score (JAMB + post-UTME + O’Level) and competition.

8. Can I choose a university with 160 in JAMB?
Yes. Many state universities accept 160 as cut-off (e.g., ABSU, IMSU, BSU). Check departmental requirements.

9. When will JAMB release official cut-off marks for 2025?
JAMB releases official cut-offs during the Policy Meeting on Admissions (usually July/August).

10. Can universities reduce their cut-off marks below JAMB’s benchmark?
No. Institutions cannot admit below the JAMB-approved minimum. They can only set higher standards, not lower.

11. What is UNILAG cut-off mark for 2025?
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) minimum is usually 200, though departmental cut-offs can go as high as 270 for Medicine.

12. What is UI cut-off mark 2025?
The University of Ibadan (UI) requires 200 and above. Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy often need 250–270+ aggregate.

13. What is UNN cut-off mark for 2025?
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) typically sets 160 as minimum. Departmental cut-offs vary by course.

14. What is LASU cut-off mark for 2025?
Lagos State University (LASU) usually sets 180 as its general cut-off. Some faculties may set higher.

15. What is ABU Zaria cut-off mark?
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) accepts 180 and above. Highly competitive courses may require higher aggregates.

16. What is FUTA cut-off mark?
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) accepts 180 as the minimum JAMB score.

17. What is DELSU cut-off mark for 2025?
Delta State University (DELSU) typically sets 150 as the general cut-off. Departmental variations apply.

18. What is UNILORIN cut-off mark?
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) accepts 200 and above.

19. Does UNIBEN accept 180 in JAMB?
Yes, University of Benin (UNIBEN) accepts 200 for most courses. Some less competitive ones may allow 180.

20. What is the cut-off mark for Medicine in Nigerian universities?
Most federal universities require 270+ aggregate (JAMB + post-UTME). JAMB alone is not enough; post-UTME is crucial.

21. What is the cut-off mark for Law in 2025?
Law usually requires 240+ in JAMB plus strong post-UTME performance. In UNILAG or UI, aggregate must be 70–74%.

22. What is the cut-off mark for Pharmacy in 2025?
Pharmacy requires about 230–250 in JAMB, depending on the university.

23. Can I study Nursing with 180 in JAMB?
Unlikely. Most schools require 220+. Candidates with lower scores should consider polytechnics offering Nursing.

24. Can I study Engineering with 180 in JAMB?
Yes, but in less competitive universities. Top schools (UNILAG, FUTA, UNN) often demand 200–220+.

25. Can I study Education with 150 in JAMB?
Yes. Education courses often have lower departmental cut-offs, especially in state universities.

Admission & Alternative Pathways You Need To Know

26. What happens if I don’t meet the cut-off?
You can:

• Apply for change of course/institution.

• Consider polytechnics/colleges.

• Enroll in pre-degree or JUPEB programs.

27. Does JAMB accept two sittings for O’Level?
Yes. Most universities accept two sittings (WAEC/NECO combination), but some courses like Medicine may require one sitting.

28. Can I gain admission with JAMB score of 120?
Yes, but only into polytechnics and colleges of education. No university admits below 140.

29. What is the role of post-UTME in admission?
Post-UTME is a second screening test used to shortlist candidates. It contributes to your aggregate score along with JAMB and O’Level.

30. Can I gain admission without writing JAMB?
Yes. Some private universities offer direct admission. Alternatively, candidates can use JUPEB, IJMB, or direct entry routes.