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1. What Is a Cut‑Off Mark?

Before going into the specific Nursing cut‑off, it helps to understand what a cut‑off mark is generally, especially in Nigerian university admissions.

• A cut‑off mark is the minimum score a candidate must reach in the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) to be eligible for Post‑UTME screening or be considered for admission into a particular course.
• There are two main types: general/university minimum cut‑off, and departmental/course cut‑off. The general one applies to all courses, departmental applies to each course (like Nursing).
• After the UTME, many universities require Post‑UTME or a screening test / verification of O’Level results. The final decision often depends on aggregate score (a combination of UTME, Post‑UTME, O’Level, sometimes catchment / state quotas).
• Universities may also have different cut‑off marks depending on how many people apply, how well they did in UTME, how many seats the department has, etc.

2. What Nursing at ABU Means & Why It’s Competitive

Understanding what “Nursing” means at ABU and why many people want to do it helps explain why the cut‑off tends to be high.

• The Nursing programme trains students to become registered nurses. It covers topics such as human anatomy, physiology, patient care, pharmacology, community health, etc. It is often a 5‑year degree for UTME entrants.
• Because health professions are in high demand in Nigeria (for hospitals, clinics, public health), many students apply for Nursing. The demand pushes up competition.
• ABU is one of the top federal universities in Nigeria; its reputation, facilities, and chances of getting good jobs after graduation make its Nursing course sought after.
• Other requirements (good O’Level results, correct subject combination, first choice in JAMB, etc.) make it more difficult for weaker candidates.

3. General UTME Cut‑Off Mark for ABU vs Departmental Cut‑Offs

It is important to know the difference between the baseline ABU requirement and what Nursing specifically requires.

So, meeting the general cut‑off (e.g. 180) is necessary but not always sufficient for Nursing; you usually need a higher score to compete.

4. What Is the Estimated / Reported ABU Cut‑Off Mark for Nursing 2025/2026?

Because official ABU documentation sometimes lags behind or doesn’t publish departmental cut‑offs early, we have estimates and reports from credible sources. Here are what many of them report for Nursing in 2025/2026:

These reports show a range. It seems safe to aim for at least 230‑260 in UTME for a strong chance for Nursing, depending on your state, your catchment, your O’Level results, etc.

5. How ABU Sets the Nursing Cut‑Off Mark: Process & Factors

To understand what exactly influences that Nursing cut‑off mark (why it is, say, 250 instead of 180 in that course), here are the main factors:

5.1 Number of Applicants

• If many students apply to Nursing at ABU, and many score high in UTME, the cut‑off tends to go up because seats are limited.
• Nursing is a popular course; many students want it. That pushes competition strongly.

5.2 Available Seats / Department Capacity

• Nursing department at ABU has a certain number of spaces (quota) for new students. If the number of good candidates exceeds the number of seats, only those with highest scores (aggregate including UTME + screening) are admitted.
• If seats are fewer, cut‑off is higher.

5.3 UTME Performance

• Applicants’ UTME scores are a major factor. If many candidates score above 240, ABU may set cut‑off for Nursing in that region to that level.
• Sometimes geographic / catchment area or “educationally less developed states” get some consideration; but generally UTME is key.

5.4 Post‑UTME / Screening Score & O’Level Results

• ABU often uses aggregate that includes UTME, Post‑UTME or screening result, and O’Level grades. If your O’Level results are excellent (credits, good grades) that boosts your chances.
• If you perform poorly in screening or your past results have weak grades, even high UTME may not guarantee admission.

5.5 Subject Combination & First Choice Institution

• For Nursing, correct subjects are required (English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry often). If you did not take required subject(s), you may be disqualified.
• ABU gives priority to candidates who selected ABU as their first choice in JAMB. Not doing so may reduce your chance or disqualify in screening.

5.6 State / Catchment Quota / Special Categories

• Some seats may go by catchment or quotas for certain states. Sometimes candidates from less represented states may have slightly different thresholds.
• Also for candidates with special status (disabled, etc.), there may be adjustments or considerations.

6. Why the Nursing Cut‑Off Mark Matters: Advantages and Challenges

Knowing this cut‑off is important, but it also has its pros and cons. Here is what to expect.

6.1 Advantages (Why Knowing & Exceeding Cut‑Off Helps)

• Sets a target for preparation: You know what score to aim for in UTME and Post‑UTME.
• Helps you plan early: If you know you need ~ 230‑260, you can work to get better results, fix O’Level subjects, etc.
• Avoid surprises: Rather than assuming low score is fine, knowing cut‑off helps you avoid rejection.
• Motivates high performance: You are more likely to study harder in UTME, score good O’Levels, prepare for screening.

6.2 Challenges (What Makes It Hard)

• High competition: Many candidates will aim for that high mark, so even getting the cut‑off doesn’t always guarantee admission.
• Stress: The need to exceed cut‑off adds pressure.
• Changing cut‑off: It can vary year by year depending on applicant pool, policies, capacity. What was enough one year may not be enough next year.
• Other factors matter: Even with high UTME score, weak Post‑UTME or O’Level, missing subject, not first choice, all can spoil chance.

7. How to Aim for / Exceed the Nursing Cut‑Off Mark

Here are practical steps to give yourself the best chance of reaching or exceeding the Nursing cut‑off mark at ABU.

7.1 Study Hard for UTME

• Use past UTME and mock exam questions. Focus especially on English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics.
• Time yourself in practice so you don’t lose marks from slow speed.
• Review weak areas: if you are weak in some science topics, work extra on them.

7.2 Strengthen Your O’Level Results

• Have at least five credit passes in required subjects: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, (sometimes Physics).
• If you need to improve subjects, retake if possible.
• Make sure your certificates are from recognized exam bodies (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB).

7.3 Choose ABU as First Choice Institution in JAMB

• Do this early. If you didn’t, try to change via JAMB CAPS before the deadline for screening forms.
• Not being first choice can lead to disqualification in some schools or reduced priority.

7.4 Prepare Well for Post‑UTME / Screening

• Many times, ABU will use screening test / Post‑UTME result or verification of documents. Be ready.
• If there is a test, practice how to answer questions quickly & correctly.
• Ensure all your documents are correctly scanned / uploaded; ensure all requirements (birth certificate, subject combinations, O’Level result, etc.) are ready.

7.5 Aim Above Minimum

• Rather than just meeting the estimated cut‑off, aim higher. If reports say 230‑260, try to get 260+ to give you buffer.
• A higher score can compensate for weaker points (if any) in O’Level or subject combination.

8. Comparisons: Nursing vs Other Courses at ABU; Nursing at ABU vs Nursing at Other Universities

It helps to see how Nursing stacks up in ABU compared to other courses or other universities.

8.1 Nursing vs Other Courses at ABU

8.2 Nursing at ABU vs Nursing at Other Universities

• Depending on the university (state, private, federal), the cut‑off for Nursing may be lower or sometimes similar. For example, some state universities may accept lower UTME scores, but private universities often have other fees or stricter aggregate criteria.
• ABU being a federal university with good reputation tends to set higher departmental cut‑offs for Nursing than some lesser known institutions.

9. Example Scenarios: What JAMB / Aggregate Score You Might Need

Here are some hypothetical students and whether they are likely to make it into Nursing at ABU, given reported cut‑offs.

10. Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here’s a summary of the main points about ABU cut‑off for Nursing, what you need, and how to use the info.

 Conclusion

The ABU Zaria cut‑off mark for Nursing admission in 2025/2026 is not yet uniformly fixed publicly by all sources, but many credible reports place it around 230‑260 (UTME / aggregate). The general ABU minimum UTME cut‑off is 180, but to have a competitive chance for Nursing you will likely need significantly more.

To improve your chances:

• Aim high in your UTME (above reported Nursing marks)
• Ensure excellent O’Level results in required subjects
• Choose ABU as first choice in JAMB UTME if possible
• Prepare well for Post‑UTME / screening
• Try to get strong aggregate score