What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must achieve to qualify for admission consideration into Nigerian universities. JAMB sets a national minimum—currently 140 for universities, 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education—but each school may adopt its own benchmark, often higher, based on popularity and course competitiveness.
. Why Minimum Scores Matter for Federal Universities
Federal universities use cut-off marks to:
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Maintain academic quality and manage admission pools
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Prioritize candidates likely to succeed academically
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Reflect competition for limited spaces, particularly in popular programs like Medicine, Law, or Engineering
These benchmarks give applicants a clear idea of which institutions and programs they realistically qualify for.
. JAMB Minimum Benchmarks vs Federal University Cut-Offs
JAMB’s General Minimum:
All federal universities require at least 140 to consider admission.
Federal University-Specific Figures:
| University Group | Reported Cut-Off Marks Range |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities (broad reporting) | 140–200 |
| Top-tier Institutions (UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN) | 200+ |
| Mid-tier to lower-demand universities | 140–180 |
We’ll break this down further in the next section.
. Federal Universities and Their Specific Cut-Off Marks
A. Detailed Cut-Off List
| Federal University | Reported Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| ATBU, Bauchi | 170 |
| ABU, Zaria | 180 |
| BUK, Kano | 160–180 |
| FUGASHUA, Yobe | 140–150 |
| FUPRE, Effurun | 170 |
| FUTA, Akure | 180 |
| FUTMINNA, Minna | 150–180 |
| FUTO, Owerri | 160–180 |
| FUD, Dutse | 160–180 |
| FUDMA, Dutsin-Ma | 140–180 |
| FUKASHERE, Kashere | 150–180 |
| FULAFIA, Lafia | 170–180 |
| FULOKOJA, Lokoja | 170–180 |
| FUNAI, Ebonyi | 150–180 |
| FUOTUOKE, Bayelsa | 140–180 |
| FUOYE, Ekiti | 160–180 |
| MOUAU, Umudike | 140–150 |
| MAUTECH, Yola | 160 |
| NOUN, National Open University | 180 |
| NDA, Nigerian Defence Academy | 180 |
| NPA, Nigeria Police Academy | 180 |
| UNIZIK, Awka | 160–160 |
| OAU, Ile-Ife | 200 |
| UNIABUJA | 180 |
| FUNAAB, Abeokuta | 140–160 |
| FUAM, Makurdi | 140–150 |
| UNIBEN | 200 |
| UNCAL | 140 |
| UI, Ibadan | 200 |
| UNILORIN | 180 |
| UNIJOS | 180 |
| UNILAG | 200 |
| UNIMAID | 140 |
| UNN | 160 |
| UNIPORT | 150 |
| UNIUYO | 140 |
| UDUSOK | 140 |
| NMU, Maritime University | 160 |
| AFIT, Kaduna | 160–180 |
| NAUB, Biu | 180 |
| FUHSO, Otukpo | 190 |
| FUAZ, Zuru | 140 |
| FUTB, Babura | 140 |
| FUTIA, Ikot Abasi | 140 |
| FUHSA, Azare | 160 |
| FUHSI, Ila Orangun | 180 |
| DNUUMS, Uburu | 160 |
| ADUN, Ibusa | 140 |
| FUTD, Daura | 140 |
| AAAU, Aviation University | 140 |
B. Notable Variations & Higher Benchmarks
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Top-tier schools like UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN require 200+.
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Highly competitive courses (Medicine, Law) at UI, OAU may demand 250+.
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Others like ABU, FUTA, UNILORIN hover around 180, with some variance by faculty.
. How to Use Federal Cut-Off Marks Strategically
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Check your raw UTME score against your target university’s cut-off to determine eligibility.
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Bear in mind course-specific thresholds: some departments may require higher scores than the general cut-off.
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Use cut-off information to prioritize applications to institutions that align with your score.
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Prepare thoroughly for post-UTME screens as performance there can compensate for being just at or below the cut-off.
. Strategies to Better Your Chances
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Aim above cut-off, especially for competitive universities and courses.
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Excel in Post-UTME, since many admit based on combined scores.
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Consider alternative entry routes like JUPEB, IJMB, diploma, or foundation if your UTME score is low.
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Strengthen O’Level grades, which greatly affect final admission decisions.
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Apply to catchment-friendly or low-cut-off universities to secure options.
. Summary Table of Federal University Cut-Off Marks
| University | JAMB Cut-Off Range |
|---|---|
| Top-tier (UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN) | 200+ |
| Tier 2 Institutions (ABU, FUTA, UNILORIN, UNIJOS) | 180–200 |
| Mid-tier (UNN, UNIPORT, UNIZIK) | 160–180 |
| Newer or less competitive (FUGASHUA, FUDMA, FUNAAB, etc.) | 140–170 |
| Specialized (FUHSO, etc.) | Up to 190 |
. Frequently Asked Questions (10+)
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What is the JAMB cut-off for federal universities?
JAMB sets a general minimum of 140. -
Why do some federal universities require 180 or 200?
They raise benchmarks based on course competitiveness and applicant volume. -
Is a 140 score enough?
It qualifies you for screening but may not secure admission into competitive courses or schools. -
Which universities require 200+?
UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN. -
How high should I aim?
At least 180 for good schools—ideally 200+ for top-tier programs. -
Do newer federal universities have lower cut-offs?
Yes—some are as low as 140–150. -
Can excellent post-UTME scores compensate?
Yes—many universities weigh post-UTME heavily alongside JAMB. -
Do cut-offs vary by course? Absolutely—Medicine, Law, Engineering often need higher scores.
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Where do I find my university’s exact cut-off?
Check official university and JAMB publications. -
What if I scored below the cut-off?
Consider alternative routes like JUPEB, diploma, pre-degree, or retaking UTME. -
Are these cut-offs final?
Yes—they set the admission threshold for the 2025/2026 session.
. Conclusion
The JAMB cut-off mark for federal universities in Nigeria is set at a general minimum of 140, but actual admission thresholds vary widely—from 140 up to 200+, depending on prestige and course popularity. Knowing these cut-offs helps you plan better, aim higher, and understand your admission options.
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