The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, popularly known as JAMB, has approved the minimum cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 admission exercise into Nigerian tertiary institutions. For candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, the approved national minimum score is 150.
This means that any candidate who scored below 150 in the 2026 UTME may not be considered for university admission through JAMB for the 2026/2027 academic session. However, candidates must understand that 150 is only the national minimum benchmark. It does not mean every university will accept 150 for all courses.
Some universities set their cut-off marks higher than 150. Also, competitive courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Computer Science and Accounting may require much higher scores depending on the school.
If you are searching for JAMB 2026 university cut-off mark for all Nigerian universities, this guide explains the latest approved benchmark, the list of universities and their cut-off marks, and how candidates can use their UTME score wisely during admission.
What Is JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must have before being considered for admission into a tertiary institution.
For example, if a university sets its cut-off mark at 160, it means candidates who scored below 160 may not be allowed to apply for that university’s Post UTME or admission screening.
However, meeting the cut-off mark does not automatically guarantee admission. It only means that a candidate is qualified to apply or be considered. Admission still depends on other factors such as:
- Post UTME or screening score
- O’Level result
- Correct subject combination
- Departmental cut-off mark
- Course competitiveness
- Catchment area, where applicable
- Admission quota
- JAMB CAPS approval
This is why candidates should not stop at meeting the general cut-off mark. A higher JAMB score gives a better chance, especially for competitive courses.
JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark for Universities
The approved JAMB 2026 minimum cut-off mark for universities is 150.
This applies to federal universities, state universities and private universities in Nigeria. But each university can still decide to set a higher score for its admission process.
For example, some universities may accept 150, while others may use 160, 170, 180, 195, 200 or even above 200 depending on their admission policy.
JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark for Other Institutions
Below is the general JAMB 2026 admission benchmark:
| Institution Type | Approved Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 140 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Monotechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 |
| Colleges of Agriculture | 100 |
| Innovation Enterprise Institutions | 100 |
For this article, the main focus is on university admission cut-off marks.
JAMB 2026 University Cut-Off Marks for Nigerian Universities
Below is the available list of Nigerian universities and their approved minimum UTME cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise. Candidates should note that these are general minimum scores and not necessarily departmental cut-off marks.
Universities with 220 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Pan-Atlantic University | 220 |
Universities with 200 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Air Force Institute of Technology | 200 |
| Covenant University | 200 |
| Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University | 200 |
| University of Benin | 200 |
| University of Ibadan | 200 |
| University of Lagos | 200 |
| University of Nigeria | 200 |
Universities with 195 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University of Science and Technology | 195 |
| Lagos State University | 195 |
Universities with 185 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Lagos State University of Education | 185 |
Universities with 180 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Afe Babalola University | 180 |
| Ahmadu Bello University | 180 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences | 180 |
| Nigeria Police Academy | 180 |
| Nigerian University of Technology and Management | 180 |
| Shanahan University | 180 |
| University of Abuja | 180 |
| University of Ilorin | 180 |
Universities with 170 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| University of Jos | 170 |
| Augustine University | 170 |
| Babcock University | 170 |
| Federal University of Applied Sciences | 170 |
| Federal University | 170 |
| Ladoke Akintola University of Technology | 170 |
| Nasarawa State University | 170 |
| BITS University | 170 |
Universities with 160 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University | 160 |
| Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University | 160 |
| Admiralty University of Nigeria | 160 |
| African Aviation and Aerospace University | 160 |
| Ajayi Crowther University | 160 |
| Al-Hikmah University | 160 |
| Bamidele Olumilua University | 160 |
| Bayero University Kano | 160 |
| Bells University of Technology | 160 |
| Caleb University | 160 |
| Chrisland University | 160 |
| Dominion University | 160 |
| Emmanuel Alayande University of Education | 160 |
| Federal University of Agriculture | 160 |
| Federal University of Education | 160 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences | 160 |
| Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences | 160 |
| Federal University of Technology | 160 |
| First Technical University | 160 |
| Imo State University | 160 |
| Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management | 160 |
| Karl Kumm University | 160 |
| Kwara State University | 160 |
| Landmark University | 160 |
| Lead City University | 160 |
| Modibbo Adama University | 160 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University | 160 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University | 160 |
| Osun State University | 160 |
| Plateau State University | 160 |
| Redeemer’s University | 160 |
| Summit University | 160 |
| Tai Solarin University of Education | 160 |
| Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery | 160 |
| University of Ilesa | 160 |
Universities with 150 Cut-Off Mark
| University | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University | 150 |
| Adamawa State University | 150 |
| Adeleke University | 150 |
| African School of Economics | 150 |
For universities not listed above, candidates should use 150 as the national minimum university benchmark and confirm the exact school cut-off mark on the official admission portal of their preferred institution.
Does Scoring 150 Guarantee Admission?
No. Scoring 150 does not guarantee admission into a Nigerian university. It only means that a candidate has met the national minimum score for university admission consideration.
Admission depends on many other things. A candidate with 150 may be eligible for some universities and courses, but may not be competitive for highly demanded courses.
For example, a candidate who scored 150 may have a better chance in less competitive courses or some private universities, but the same score may not be enough for Medicine, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy or Engineering in many federal and state universities.
Difference Between JAMB Cut-Off Mark and Departmental Cut-Off Mark
Many candidates confuse JAMB cut-off mark with departmental cut-off mark. They are not the same.
JAMB cut-off mark is the general minimum score required before a candidate can be considered for admission.
Departmental cut-off mark is the score required by a particular department or course after considering the number of applicants, available spaces and overall performance.
For example, a university may set its general cut-off mark at 180. But the departmental cut-off mark for Medicine may be 280, Law may be 260, Nursing may be 250, and Education may be 180.
This is why candidates should not only check the general cut-off mark. They should also check the departmental cut-off mark for their chosen course.
Can I Gain Admission with 150 in JAMB 2026?
Yes, it is possible to gain admission with 150 in JAMB, but your chances depend on the school and course you choose.
With 150, you may have better chances in:
- Less competitive courses
- Some state universities
- Some private universities
- Education-related courses
- Agriculture-related courses
- Arts and humanities courses
- Some science courses with lower competition
However, 150 may not be enough for competitive courses such as Medicine, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Engineering and Computer Science in many popular universities.
If your JAMB score is 150, you should choose your school and course carefully. Do not apply for a highly competitive course in a highly competitive university unless you are sure the school accepts your score for that course.
Can I Gain Admission with 160 in JAMB?
Yes, candidates who scored 160 and above have more options than those with exactly 150. Many universities accept 160 as their general cut-off mark.
With 160, you may be able to apply to universities such as IMSU, UNIZIK, OOU, KWASU, BUK, Lead City University, Redeemer’s University and others listed under the 160 category.
However, your chances still depend on the course. If your chosen course is competitive, you may need a higher score.
Can I Gain Admission with 180 in JAMB?
A score of 180 gives candidates a better admission chance than 150 or 160. Many universities accept 180 for Post UTME or screening.
With 180, you may apply to schools such as University of Abuja, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University and other institutions that fall within the 180 range.
Still, candidates applying for competitive courses should aim higher because departmental cut-off marks may be above 180.
Can I Gain Admission with 200 and Above?
Yes, scoring 200 and above gives candidates a stronger chance of admission, especially in competitive universities.
A score of 200 may qualify you to apply to top universities such as University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University and Covenant University, depending on their admission requirements.
However, for courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing and Engineering, a score of 200 may still not be enough in some schools. Candidates for these courses should aim for very high Post UTME performance.
What Candidates Should Do After Checking JAMB Cut-Off Mark
After checking your school’s cut-off mark, the next step is to plan wisely. Do not just wait for admission list without taking action.
Here are important things to do:
- Check if your score meets the cut-off mark of your preferred university.
- Confirm whether your chosen course accepts your score.
- Check your O’Level result and make sure you have the correct subjects.
- Upload your O’Level result on JAMB CAPS.
- Watch out for Post UTME or admission screening updates.
- Prepare well for Post UTME if your school conducts an exam.
- Consider change of course if your score is too low for your first-choice course.
- Consider change of institution if your score does not meet your school’s requirement.
- Keep checking your JAMB CAPS for admission updates.
Should You Change Course or Institution?
You may need to change course or institution if your JAMB score is far below the usual requirement for your preferred course.
For example, if you scored 160 and applied for Medicine in a highly competitive federal university, your chances may be very low. In that case, it may be wiser to change to a less competitive course or choose a school where your score is more realistic.
Before changing course or institution, check the following:
- The school’s cut-off mark
- The course requirement
- The number of applicants
- Your O’Level subjects
- Your UTME subject combination
- The school’s Post UTME policy
Do not change course blindly. Make sure the new course matches your subject combination.
Courses That Usually Require High JAMB Scores
Some courses are more competitive because many candidates apply for them every year. These courses usually require higher JAMB scores and strong Post UTME performance.
They include:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Nursing Science
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Economics
- Mass Communication
- Architecture
- Political Science
- International Relations
If you applied for any of these courses, you should not rely only on the general cut-off mark. Check the departmental cut-off mark and prepare seriously for screening.
Courses That May Accept Lower JAMB Scores
Some courses may be less competitive, depending on the school. Candidates with lower scores may have better chances in courses such as:
- Education courses
- Agriculture-related courses
- Religious Studies
- History
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Library and Information Science
- Home Economics
- Fine and Applied Arts
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
This does not mean admission is automatic. It only means the competition may be lower compared to courses like Medicine, Law or Nursing.
Important Admission Tips for JAMB 2026 Candidates
To improve your admission chances in the 2026/2027 academic session, follow these tips:
- Choose a course that matches your JAMB score.
- Do not apply for a highly competitive course with a low score.
- Upload your O’Level result on JAMB CAPS.
- Make sure your subject combination is correct.
- Register for Post UTME before the deadline.
- Use only official school portals for admission updates.
- Avoid fake admission agents.
- Monitor your JAMB CAPS regularly.
- Prepare well for Post UTME or screening.
- Consider change of course or institution early if necessary.
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
Many candidates lose admission because of avoidable mistakes. Avoid the following:
- Choosing a course without checking the required subjects
- Not uploading O’Level result on JAMB CAPS
- Ignoring Post UTME registration deadlines
- Using wrong email or phone number
- Waiting too long before changing course or institution
- Paying money to fake admission agents
- Believing that cut-off mark means automatic admission
- Applying for competitive courses with very low scores
- Not checking the official school admission portal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB 2026 cut-off mark for universities?
The JAMB 2026 cut-off mark for universities is 150. This is the national minimum score approved for university admission consideration.
Can I enter university with 150 in JAMB?
Yes, you may be considered for some universities and courses with 150, but admission is not automatic. Some schools and courses require higher scores.
Which university has the highest cut-off mark in 2026?
Based on the available approved list, Pan-Atlantic University has one of the highest listed cut-off marks for 2026, with 220.
Which universities accept 200 in JAMB?
Some universities listed with 200 include University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University and Covenant University.
Is JAMB cut-off mark the same as departmental cut-off mark?
No. JAMB cut-off mark is the general minimum score, while departmental cut-off mark is the score required for a specific course.
Can I study Medicine with 150 in JAMB?
It is very unlikely in most Nigerian universities. Medicine is highly competitive and usually requires a much higher score.
What should I do if my JAMB score is low?
If your score is low, consider changing to a less competitive course or a school with a lower cut-off mark. Also, make sure your O’Level result and subject combination are correct.
Is 200 a good JAMB score?
Yes, 200 is a fair score and can qualify you for many universities. However, competitive courses may require higher performance.
Conclusion
The JAMB 2026 university cut-off mark is important, but it is only one part of the admission process. A candidate who meets the cut-off mark must still satisfy the school’s screening requirements, departmental requirements and JAMB CAPS admission process.
If your score is high, choose your school and course wisely. If your score is low, do not panic. Look for universities and courses where your score gives you a realistic chance.
Always confirm admission updates from the official website of your chosen university and avoid anyone promising guaranteed admission. The best way to increase your chances is to follow the correct process, prepare for screening and make smart admission decisions early.
