What Is a “Cut‑Off Mark” in Nigerian University Admission?
Definition of Cut‑Off Mark
A cut‑off mark is the minimum score the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allows a university to consider a student for admission. Universities may also set departmental or course cut‑offs, which are sometimes higher.
Why Cut‑Off Marks Are Important
- They decide which students get considered for admission.
- They set standards and manage competition.
- They tell you whether your UTME / JAMB score is enough for your chosen course or university.
- They change every year based on demand, number of applicants, performance etc.
What is Considered “Low” Cut‑Off Mark?
- Generally, any cut‑off mark between 140 and 179 is called “low” or “moderate” (for many universities).
- Very competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering often need higher scores. So, a school may accept 140 in less competitive courses but expect 200+ for medicine. (Edufind Nigeria)
How Cut‑Off Marks Vary: What to Expect
Different Types of Universities & Their Cut‑Off Mark Behavior
| University Type | Typical Cut‑Off Range for Many Courses | What Makes Them Lower or Higher |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | Often 160‑200+ depending on course demand. (EducatedUs) | High reputation, many applicants, popular courses raise cut‑offs. |
| State Universities | Often 140‑180 for less competitive courses, sometimes more for high‑demand ones. (CampusCybercafe) | Varies with state government policies, local demand, resources. |
| Private Universities | They may accept lower JAMB scores (≥140) for many courses, especially less competitive ones. But they tend to charge higher fees. (CampusCybercafe) |
Course Competition Influence
- Popular courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering often require much higher cut‑offs. Even at universities with low general cut‑offs, those courses will often be exceptions. (Edufind Nigeria)
- Less competitive courses such as Education, Arts, Social Sciences often have lower cut‑offs. So if your target course is less competitive, your admission chances are better.
Geographical & Institutional Factors
- Northern universities sometimes have lower cut‑offs for certain courses because of lower applicant volume in some areas.
- Newer universities often set lower cut‑offs to attract students.
- Courses where the department has many seats often have lower cut‑offs because demand is not as steep.
Universities in Nigeria with Lowest Cut‑Off Marks for 2025/2026
Here are several universities known to accept relatively low JAMB / UTME cut‑off marks (roughly 140‑180) for various courses. Some courses may still require higher scores.
| University | Type (Federal/State/Private) | Approximate Lowest Cut‑Off Mark Seen / Reported | Key Notes (Courses, Competition, Location) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal University, Dutsin‑Ma (FUDMA) | Federal | ~ 140‑150 (SchoolDoings) | Has low cut‑offs for many non‑competitive courses. Good option if your score is modest. |
| Yobe State University (YSU) | State | ~ 140 (SchoolDoings) | Especially easier for Social Sciences, Arts, Education. |
| Kebbi State University of Science & Technology (KSUSTA) | State | ~ 140 (SchoolDoings) | For many science and tech courses; good for students from northern Nigeria. |
| Taraba State University (TSU) | State | ~ 140 (SchoolDoings) | Less competitive; good for arts, sciences, education. |
| Adamawa State University (ADSU) | State | ~ 140‑150 (SchoolDoings) | Some courses require more, especially competitive ones. |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma | State | ~ 140‑170 depending on course (CampusCybercafe) | Better reputation among state schools; courses differ in competitiveness. |
| Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) | State | ~ 140‑160 (CampusCybercafe) | Many courses accept lower scores; some competitive ones higher. |
| Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu | State | ~ 140‑160 (UnidelTech) | Some courses weaker competition; others more demanding. |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Federal | ~ 150 for non‑competitive courses (Study Made Easy) | Strong university; non‑competitive courses have lower cut‑offs. |
| Niger Delta University (NDU) | State | ~ 150 (Schooly) | Good for students with moderate scores; check departmental cut‑offs. |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) | Federal / State hybrid | ~ 160 for many courses (Schooly) | Some departments more selective; regionally accessible. |
| Kogi State University (KSU) | State | ~ 140‑150 (Study Made Easy) | Many courses open; strong option for students in Kogi or nearby states. |
How to Use This Information to Improve Your Admission Chances
Now that you know some universities with low cut‑off marks, here are steps you can take to turn that into success.
Step 1 – Check Latest Official Cut‑Offs for Your Course
- Visit the official JAMB website when they publish cut‑off marks for each institution.
- Visit the university website or its admission portal for that session. They may publish departmental or course cut‑off marks.
- Don’t rely solely on rumors or hearsay. Many online lists are unofficial or approximate.
Step 2 – Match Your UTME / JAMB Score with Course & University
- See if your score is ≥ the lowest cut‑off for the course you want. If not, pick a course with lower demand.
- Make sure your O’Level / WAEC / NECO grades meet the subject requirements. Cut‑off marks are one thing; passing required subjects is another.
Step 3 – Apply for Universities with Lower Cut‑Offs as Backup Choice
- When registering UTME, you choose your university order. You can set one or two “reach” schools (higher cut‑off) and some “safe” schools (lower cut‑off).
- This gives you options. If you score too low for your first choice, you still have a chance in a lower cut‑off school.
Step 4 – Prepare for Post‑UTME / Screening
- Even if your UTME / JAMB score clears the minimum cut‑off, you may still need to pass Post‑UTME or university screening. Do not ignore this.
- Practice past Post‑UTME tests, brush up English, Maths, comprehension etc.
Step 5 – Upgrade O’Level if Needed
- If your WAEC / NECO results are missing required credits (English, Maths, etc.), consider resiting or using two sittings if allowed.
- Having good O’Level grades can sometimes compensate for a lower JAMB score, especially in less competitive courses.
Step 6 – Monitor Admission Notices and Deadlines
- Universities often change deadlines or requirements.
- Keep checking JAMB, university admission portals, and official social media pages.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Universities with Low Cut‑Off Marks
It is not always perfect to aim for schools with low cut‑off marks. Here are benefits and trade‑offs.
Pros (Advantages)
- Higher chance of admission
If your JAMB score is modest, picking a university with a low cut‑off raises chances you will be offered admission. - Less competition
Many students aim for high‑prestige universities; fewer consider ones with lower cut‑offs, so competition is lighter. - Opportunity to pursue your favorite course sooner
Rather than waiting or repeating exams, you can begin your tertiary education earlier. - Geographical options
Many of these universities are in different states, giving you more choices closer to home.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Lower prestige or recognition in some cases
Some universities with low cut‑offs are newer or less known, which can affect perception in some job markets. - Fewer facilities or resources
A school might have weaker facilities (library, labs, staff ratio). The quality may vary. - Certain courses still very competitive
Even in schools with low general cut‑off, courses like Medicine, Law etc may still require high scores. - Possibility of hidden costs
Private or state schools sometimes have extra fees or charges not obvious at first. - Course limitations
Some might not offer every specialization or extra‑curricular opportunities like moot courts, internships etc.
Comparisons: Low Cut‑Off Schools vs High Cut‑Off Schools
Here is a comparison to help you see what you trade off and gain.
| Feature | University with Low Cut‑Off Mark | University with High/Competitive Cut‑Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Admission ease | Easier if your JAMB score is modest | Harder; you need very high scores |
| Course options | Fewer options for competitive courses, but many basic courses available | Many courses, specialized & competitive options |
| Facilities & reputation | Might be basic; depends on school | Often more developed; stronger brand recognition |
| Competition | Less competition | Extremely high competition |
| Scholarship, exposure | Less likely to get high scholarships or top internships | More likely to get exposure, networking, opportunities |
| Cost | State universities often cheaper; private cheaper entry cut‑off but higher fees | Federal/high prestige often more subsidized, but fees & living cost may be high depending on location |
Real Examples / Case Studies
Here are stories of hypothetical students showing how they use low cut‑off universities to get in.
Example 1 – Chika’s Story
- Chika got JAMB score 145. Her WAEC has 5 credits including English and Maths.
- She wanted to study Economics. She saw that many federal universities needed 180+ for Economics. That was too high for her.
- She looked up state universities: Yobe State University (YSU), Taraba State University, ABSU, NSUK etc. She saw these accept ~140‑150 for Economics.
- She applied to YSU as first choice, ABSU and NSUK as backups.
- She also made sure her O’Level had all needed subjects. She studied sample Post‑UTME questions.
- She got accepted by YSU and started her degree in Economics.
Example 2 – Ibrahim’s Story
- Ibrahim scored 160 in JAMB. He wants Engineering. He knows engineering is competitive.
- He applies also to universities with lower cut‑off for engineering: KSUSTA, FUNAAB etc. Some required 160 for science‑tech courses.
- He also applies to some state universities that offer Engineering and are less known but accept moderate scores.
- He studies very hard for Post‑UTME (past question, focused on maths and physics).
- He gets admission into a state university engineering department.
These stories show you can succeed if you match your score, apply smart, and prepare well.
What to Check Before Choosing a University with Low Cut‑Off
Here are checklists of things to verify, to make sure you end up in a good place, not just “anywhere.”
Accreditation & Recognition
- Confirm the university is recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Check that the department/course you want is accredited.
- Make sure your degree will be accepted by employers or for postgraduate studies.
Course Content & Faculty
- Ask whether the lecturers are experienced.
- Check library, laboratory access.
- Does the school have practicals, workshops, internships?
Location & Living Costs
- Is the university far from home? Consider transport, boarding, feeding.
- Is the environment safe?
- Consider state laws, security, cost of housing, cost of food.
Tuition & Hidden Charges
- Private universities may have “easier” admission but very high fees. Budget well.
- Check acceptance fees, registration, lab fees, exam fees.
- Some schools charge more for non‑indigenes.
Post‑Admission Support
- Student services: career centre, mentoring, counseling.
- Opportunities for scholarship or financial aid.
- Clubs & societies, extracurriculars that build skills beyond academics.
Summary Table Before Conclusion
Here is a summary to help you decide quickly based on your score, preference, and what you want.
| Your JAMB / UTME Score | University Options with Lowest Cut‑Offs | Best Courses to Pick First (Less Competitive) | Things to Prepare / Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140‑150 | Yobe State University; FUDMA; Taraba State University; Adamawa State University; ABSU | Social Sciences, Arts, Education, Business Admin | Ensure O’Level subjects are correct; budget for Post‑UTME; choose backup schools |
| 150‑160 | KSUSTA; NSUK; NDU; UDUSOK; KSU | Science (lower demand), Agriculture, Mass Communication, Basic Sciences | Practice strong Math & English; pick less popular courses too |
| 160‑170 | Some Federal Universities (non‑competitive courses); State Universities with higher reputation | Polytechnic courses; Education; some Engineering or Natural Science in less competitive departments | Strong WAEC/NECO, prepare for screening; check school fees |
| 170‑200+ | Competitive courses & universities; Federal Universities for many courses | Medicine/Law/Engineering (if score is high enough) | Be ready for high competition; many applicants; work extra for Post‑UTME |
Things That Could Change, and Why Cut‑Off Marks Vary
As you plan, you must know cut‑off marks are not fixed. Several things can make them go up or down.
Number of Applicants
- If more students apply to a course or school, cut‑off usually goes up.
- If fewer apply, or if many score low overall, cut‑offs may go down.
JAMB Policy or Government Regulations
- JAMB sometimes changes general cut‑off rules. That shifts the base line. (EducatedUs)
- Government decisions about funding, minimum standards may affect how universities set cut‑offs.
Performance of Students
- If many students perform well, the competition increases, so cut‑offs rise.
- If many do poorly, schools might lower cut‑offs so that seats are filled.
Infrastructure & Capacity of Universities
- If a university increases capacity (more classrooms, more staff), it might accept more students and allow lower cut‑offs in some departments.
- If they have limited space for certain popular courses, cut‑offs might be high even if the general school cut‑off is low.
Conclusion
If your JAMB / UTME score is not very high, don’t lose hope. Nigerian universities with lowest cut‑off marks provide real chances. Schools like Federal University Dutsin‑Ma, Yobe State University, KSUSTA, Taraba State University, Ambrose Alli University, Nasarawa State University, ABSU, etc. are good options.
To succeed:
- Check the latest official cut‑off for your course & university
- Use schools with low cut‑off as backup and sometimes first choice
- Make sure O’Level grades are correct and strong
- Prepare well for Post‑UTME / screening
- Plan your finances and cost of living
With the right school, the right course, and good preparation, you can start your university journey even with a modest score. Good luck!