1. What is a Cut‑Off Mark?
- Definition: A cut‑off mark is the minimum score that a student must achieve in the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and/or Post‑UTME (or aggregate with O’Levels etc.) to be considered for admission into a course at a university.
- It is usually set by the university in collaboration with JAMB or by the university alone, depending on policy.
- It can be general (for all courses) or departmental (specific to each course like Computer Science).
- It changes every year, depending on number of applicants, performance of students, how many spaces are available, competition, and sometimes government policy.
2. FUTA General Cut‑Off Mark vs Departmental Cut‑Off Mark
- General (or Minimum) Cut‑Off Mark
This is the lowest UTME score FUTA accepts for all candidates before considering their Post‑UTME status. For FUTA, the general cut‑off mark for 2025/2026 is 180. Meaning, you must score at least 180 in your UTME to apply for FUTA Post‑UTME. (ntma.org.ng) - Departmental or Course‑Specific Cut‑Off Mark
For more competitive courses like Computer Science, FUTA may require a higher score than the general 180 because many people apply and the competition is tight. This departmental cut‑off often is based on aggregate scores (UTME + Post‑UTME + O’Levels etc.). - Why both exist: the general cut‑off ensures minimum standard; departmental cut‑off ensures only the top among those who meet minimum are admitted into high‑demand courses.
3. What is the FUTA Cut‑Off Mark for Computer Science for 2025/2026?
Here are what sources suggest for Computer Science cut‑off at FUTA for the 2025/2026 session:
| Source | Reported Cut‑Off Mark for Computer Science |
|---|---|
| CAMPUS TIMES | 69 (aggregate scale for departmental) (CampusTimesNG) |
| Edusiastic | ~220 (UTME + departmental) (Edusiastic) |
| NaijaUNI.com | 210 (naijauni.com) |
| SABI Abuja (estimated) | 220‑250 range for Computer Science due to high competition (SabiAbuja) |
So overall, the general UTME cut‑off is 180, but for Computer Science, you should aim much higher. Reliable estimates put FUTA‐Computer Science departmental cut‑off somewhere between ≈ 200 to 220+ in many reports.
4. How the Cut‑Off Mark Is Calculated at FUTA
Understanding how they get that number helps you plan better. Here is how FUTA usually calculates the cut‑off for a course like Computer Science:
4.1 Components of the Score
- UTME Score: This is your JAMB exam result.
- Post‑UTME Screening Score: FUTA’s test or screening after UTME. Sometimes set by FUTA.
- O’Level Results: Your WAEC, NECO etc. credit passes in required subjects (Mathematics, English, physics, etc.). These may be converted into points in an aggregate.
- Other factors: Subject combination, number of applicants, capacity (how many students FUTA can admit in Computer Science), competition, university policy.
4.2 Aggregate Score
Universities combine these components to make an aggregate (a total score or weighted score). For example:
- UTME might have weight 50%
- Post‑UTME might have weight 30%
- O’Level might have weight 20%
(These weights are illustrative; exact weighting at FUTA may differ.)
The departmental cut‑off mark is set based on the aggregate threshold that the university feels is fair given competition.
4.3 Why Cut‑Off Rises or Falls
- More candidates scoring high leads to higher cut‑off.
- Fewer spaces in a department, more applicants → competition pushes threshold up.
- Very good O’Level / UTME for many applicants makes them all compete, so cut‑off becomes stricter.
- If many candidates do poorly, cut‑off may stay lower.
5. Why the Cut‑Off Mark Matters: Advantages and Disadvantages
Knowing the cut‑off mark gives you advantages, but also poses challenges. Below is a table of pros and cons.
| Pros (Why It Helps) | Cons (What Can Be Hard or Bad) |
|---|---|
| Helps you set target score to aim for | It can be stressful for students who fall just below the cut‑off |
| Shows competition level in Computer Science | Some students may misunderstand and aim low thinking “just meeting cut‑off” is enough |
| Helps you prepare better (UTME, Post‑UTME, O’Level) | Cut‑off may change, so predictions may mislead if you rely only on past years |
| Helps you plan alternatives if cut‑off is too high | Departments with higher cut‑off means fewer chances for borderline students |
| Encourages good performance in all required subjects | If you don’t do well in Post‑UTME or O’Level, even a high UTME may not guarantee admission |
6. How to Meet or Exceed the FUTA Computer Science Cut‑Off Mark
If your aim is Computer Science at FUTA, here is a roadmap and tips:
6.1 Start Early and Prepare Well
- Study past UTME papers and Post‑UTME questions.
- Strengthen fundamentals in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry since these are usually required.
- Ensure correct subject combination: Computer Science often requires Maths, Physics, and maybe Chemistry or other science subjects.
6.2 Aim Higher than Minimum
- Because departmental cut‑off for Computer Science is usually well above the general 180, aim for 200 or more if possible.
- If you score exactly 180, your chance of getting into Computer Science is low. Use 180 only to qualify, but try to exceed it.
6.3 Strong O’Level Results
- Get credit passes (at least five) including Mathematics and English not necessarily in one sitting but usually within two sittings.
- Aim for good grades in relevant subjects; lower grades drag aggregate.
6.4 Do Well in Post‑UTME
- After UTME, FUTA will likely require Post‑UTME screening. You must perform well there.
- Prepare as you did for UTME; manage time; do mock Post‑UTME tests if you can.
6.5 First Choice Institution & Proper Application
- Select FUTA as first choice in JAMB UTME registration. If not, sometimes you may be disqualified for certain departments.
- Make sure you apply and submit all required documents properly when FUTA opens screening.
- Monitor official announcements from FUTA website so you don’t miss deadlines.
7. Comparisons: Computer Science vs Other Courses, FUTA vs Other Universities
Comparisons help you understand where Computer Science stands, and what you may need elsewhere.
7.1 Computer Science vs Less Competitive Courses at FUTA
| Course | Likely Departmental Cut‑Off | Why It’s Lower/ Higher |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | ~200‑220+ (estimated) | Many applicants want CS because it leads to high job demand; competition is high. |
| Less competitive course (e.g. some Agricultural or Environmental Tech courses) | ~180‑190 | Fewer applicants or lower demand; subject combination less stringent. |
7.2 FUTA vs Other Universities for Computer Science
- In many Nigerian universities, especially technology universities, Computer Science is always competitive. The cut‑off marks are often among the highest in science courses.
- Some universities may have even higher cut‑off if they are more prestigious, or have limited space.
- For example, if you score 190 at FUTA, you may still be competitive; in some universities you may need 200+, but sometimes less depending on location and reputation.
8. Common Mistakes Students Make Regarding Cut‑Off Marks
Avoid these so you don’t miss admission:
- Thinking that scoring exactly the general cut‑off (180) ensures admission into Computer Science. It does not. You need higher.
- Ignoring O’Level grades. Sometimes students have good UTME but weak O’Level, and that reduces their chance.
- Not choosing correct subject combination. If a required subject is missing, you may be disqualified or score reduced.
- Applying too late or missing the Post‑UTME screening. Meeting UTME cut‑off is not enough; screening must be passed.
- Relying on unverified sources or rumors about cut‑off marks. Always confirm with FUTA’s official announcements.
9. Examples of Projected Scores & Chances
Here are some example scenarios so you can see what kind of UTME and aggregate scores might result in admission, and what might not.
| Example | UTME Score | O’Level / Post‑UTME Performance | Likelihood of Admission into Computer Science at FUTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aisha scored 230, has strong O’Level (5 credits including Maths & English), and does well in Post‑UTME | ★★★★☆ (High) | Very likely to get admitted because score well above estimated departmental cut‑off. | |
| Chinedu scored 200, good O’Level, average Post‑UTME | ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) | Possible, but might be border‑line; depends on how others perform. | |
| Bola scored 180, perfect O’Level, excellent Post‑UTME score | ★★★☆☆ | Qualifies, but may still lose out if many others scored higher; may not be admitted to CS, perhaps lower demand courses. | |
| Esther scored 175, good O’Level | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) | Does not meet general UTME cut‑off, so will likely be disqualified or not considered. |
10. Summary Table Before Conclusion
Here is a summary of the most important points:
| Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| General UTME Cut‑Off for FUTA | 180 – you need at least this to apply for FUTA Post‑UTME. |
| Departmental Cut‑Off for Computer Science | Usually much higher; many sources estimate around 200‑220+. |
| Cut‑Off Components | UTME + Post‑UTME + O’Levels + subject combo + capacity + competition. |
| What to Aim For | Aim above 200 in UTME; high O’Level credits; strong Post‑UTME performance. |
| Common Errors | Relying on minimum; ignoring subjects; late application; wrong subjects; trusting rumors. |
| Comparisons | CS is more competitive than many other courses; cut‑off at FUTA is high for CS but sometimes lower than at “top‑ranked” tech schools. |
11. Conclusion
The FUTA cut‑off mark for Computer Science in the 2025/2026 academic session is more than just 180. While 180 is the general requirement, because many students want to study Computer Science, the departmental cut‑off tends to be much higher. To be safe, you should aim for 200 to 220 or higher in UTME, have strong O’Level results, perform well in FUTA’s Post‑UTME screening, and fulfill all subject and first choice requirements. Always check FUTA’s official announcements since cut‑off marks can vary based on how many apply, how well they perform, and how many spaces are available. Plan well, study hard, prepare early.