Let’s be honest here, nursing is one of the courses that is most respected, applied for and difficult-to-enter courses in Nigeria and around the world. If you have ever sat in a room with those that seek admission and heard someone say, “I want to study nursing,” chances are, everyone will turn their heads. Why? Because nursing is not just a course, it’s more like a calling and getting in is not a joke.
So whether you’re a fresh secondary school graduate, a reapplicant who is determined or someone that’s simply trying to understand how this whole “cut-off mark” stuff works, you’re in the right place. You’re not alone in this journey and trust me, you are not the first person to wonder, “How high does my score really need to be?”
Let us break it all down here. Slowly and clearly
What Does “Cut-Off Mark” Really Mean?
First things first, what on earth is a cut-off mark?
In simple terms, the cut-off mark is like a gatekeeper. A cut-off mark serves as the essential minimum requirement for admission into selected courses or academic institutions. When it comes to admission for nursing the admission criteria are exceptionally tough. But here’s the thing: there’s not just one cut-off mark.
There are actually two types:
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: This is the national minimum set by JAMB. You can think of it as the base score that is required before you can even think of gaining admission.
Institutional Cut-Off Mark: This is what each university, polytechnic or school decides for themselves. The institution has its own decision about qualification standards despite JAMB setting the national minimum requirement at 160. They might say, “Yes, JAMB says 160, but for us? You need 230 or more for nursing.”
When someone says that “The cut-off mark for nursing is 200,” they usually imply the cut-off established by the institution or the national minimum set by JAMB.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing
Now let’s talk numbers.
The general cut-off mark for universities is usually around 160 to 180, but for competitive courses like nursing, even 200 can be difficult to secure your admission..
Let’s then break it down by category:
Universities: JAMB minimum is usually 160 or 180, but don’t relax yet.
Polytechnics: Lower JAMB cut-off, around 120 to 150, but nursing is barely offered here.
Colleges of Education: Not typically where you study BSc Nursing.
Schools of Nursing (Separate from JAMB): They conduct their own entrance exams. We will talk more about this later.
Specific Cut-Off Marks for Nursing in Universities (with Examples)
Different universities, different rules. Let’s see what some popular schools in Nigeria require for nursing:
Federal Universities Offering Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 250 |
|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 250 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 250 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 240 |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 230 |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 240 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 250 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 240 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife | 250 |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 230 |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 230 |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 220 |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 220 |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 230 |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 230 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 230 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) | 230 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka | 240 |
| Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 210 |
State Universities Offering Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 230 |
|---|---|
| Delta State University (DELSU) | 220 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 210 |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 200 |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | 200 |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | 200 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | 220 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 200 |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 220 |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 210 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 220 |
| Niger Delta University (NDU) | 200 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | 210 |
| Kogi State University (KSU) | 200 |
| Taraba State University (TASU) | 200 |
| Gombe State University (GSU) | 200 |
| Bauchi State University (BASUG) | 200 |
| Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH) | 190 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 220 |
| Yobe State University (YSU) | 180 |
| Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT) | 180 |
Private Universities Offering Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
| Babcock University | 200 |
|---|---|
| Igbinedion University, Okada | 180 |
| Bowen University | 200 |
| Madonna University | 180 |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) | 220 |
| Bingham University | 200 |
| Oduduwa University | 180 |
| Caleb University | 180 |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 180 |
| Achievers University, Owo | 180 |
| Crescent University, Abeokuta | 180 |
| McPherson University | 180 |
| Rhema University, Aba | 180 |
| Wesley University, Ondo | 180 |
| Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED) | 200 |
| Lead University, Ibadan | 180 |
| PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt | 200 |
| Greenfield University | 180 |
| Edwin Clark University | 180 |
| Arthur Jarvis University, Calabar | 180 |
See the trend? Most of them don’t even take students below 240 seriously for nursing. Some schools, like UI or UNIBEN, even expect above 270 in aggregate scores. This is not to scare you but to prepare you.
These scores are departmental, not just general. So while the university might say “We accept 180,” nursing will quietly say, “Not you.”
Related Articles
OOU Cut Off Mark For All Courses 2025/2026
What Determines the Cut-Off Mark for Nursing?
Have you ever wondered why nursing cut-off marks are so high?
It’s not just about making it hard for students. A lot goes into that scary number:
Number of Applicants: More applicants = higher competition = higher cut-off.
Admission Quota: Most nursing programs have limited space, let’s say 50 to 100 students, so only the best make it in.
Performance of Candidates: If most candidates score high, the school will raise the bar.
School Reputation: Top schools want top students. Prestige plays a role.
Catchment Areas: Some students get a little edge if they’re from the school’s state or region.
Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS): A few slots are reserved for students from underrepresented states.
The main deal with Post-UTME & Aggregate Score
Okay, so you have survived JAMB. But the journey is not yet over. Now comes the Post-UTME and the infamous aggregate score.
Most schools calculate your admission using a combination of your:
- JAMB score
- Post-UTME score
- Sometimes, O’level results (WAEC/NECO)
Each school uses its own formula. For example:
> Aggregate = (JAMB score / 8) + (Post-UTME / 2)
OR
Aggregate = (JAMB / 2) + (O’level / 2)
Let’s say you scored 280 in JAMB and 80 in Post-UTME. Using the first formula:
(280 / 8) + (80 / 2) = 35 + 40 = 75 aggregate
Now that right there is a good score for most schools that offer Nursing.
The trick is that you can’t just do well in one, you need to perform excellently in both.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Cut-Off Mark?
If you don’t meet the cut-off mark for nursing, it doesn’t mean the world has ended. But yeah, it might feel that way for a moment.
Here’s what could happen:
- You might be offered another course, like Biology, Microbiology, or Anatomy.
- Your application could be rejected outright, especially in federal universities.
- You may be placed on a waiting list, in case someone who was admitted doesn’t accept their offer.
- You can try again next year and that is perfectly okay.
How to Beat the Nursing Cut-Off Mark
So, you want to beat the odds? See how to make it happen:
1. Start early: Don’t wait until a month to the exam.
2. Target a JAMB score above 250: Honestly, shoot for 280+ if you’re serious.
3. Study smart, not just hard: Use JAMB past questions, mock tests, online classes and group study.
4. Ace your Post-UTME: Some schools weigh this even more heavily than JAMB.
5. Get your WAEC/NECO right: At least five credits, including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
6. Apply to schools with lower competition: Not everyone has to go to UNILAG.
7. Consider private or state universities: Less competition, sometimes lower cut-offs, but check accreditation.
Remember: your preparation level decides your admission level.
Alternatives: Studying Nursing Without JAMB
Now here’s something interesting, you can study nursing without JAMB.
Yes, but not in the usual B.Sc. Nursing program. Here’s how:
a. School of Nursing (Basic Nursing)
These are run by teaching hospitals or nursing boards.
You apply directly and write their entrance exam.
Program lasts 3 years.
You get a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate.
b. ND/HND in Nursing
Some polytechnics offer it now.
You still need JAMB but the competition is a bit lower.
c. Nursing Abroad
If you’re considering leaving the country, you may not need JAMB.
Countries like the UK, Canada and the US offer direct nursing pathways.
The point is: if B.Sc. Nursing doesn’t work, there is more than one road to becoming a nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I study Nursing with 180 in JAMB?
A: Unlikely, unless you’re applying to a private or state school with low competition. Most top schools want 240+.
Q: Which university has the lowest cut-off mark for nursing?
A: Some state universities and private institutions accept between 200–220, but there’s still competition there.
Q: Can I change my course after not meeting the cut-off?
A: Yes, but it depends on the school’s policy and available spaces.
Q: Do I need to write Post-UTME for every school?
A: Not all schools conduct Post-UTME. Some use screening methods instead. Always check the school’s latest guidelines.
Q: Can I use NABTEB for nursing admission?
A: Most schools prefer WAEC or NECO. Some accept NABTEB, but not all, check with the school.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about the cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria. It’s competitive, yes. It’s tough, absolutely. But it’s also possible, if you’re willing to put in the work and keep your eyes on the goal.
After reading all of this, tell me… do you still believe you have what it takes to beat the nursing cut-off mark?