What Is a Cut‑Off Mark? Easy Explanation
A cut‑off mark is the lowest score you must reach to get into a school or apply. Think of it like a minimum pass level. If your score is equal to or above, you’re good to go. If it’s lower, you might be out.
At UNN, there are two key types:
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General (JAMB) Cut‑Off Mark – The basic score you need in JAMB.
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Departmental Cut‑Off Mark – The specific score you need for your chosen course.
Related terms: UNN minimum score, UNN JAMB requirement, UNN departmental score.
Why the UNN Cut‑Off Mark Matters to You
Knowing the UNN cut‑off mark is essential because:
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It shows if you can apply or not.
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It helps you choose the right course to aim for.
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It drives your study plans (knowing the target helps you focus).
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It sets your expectations and hope—you’ll either be confident or get ready for Plan B.
For Nigerian students preparing for university, understanding UNN’s cut‑off helps you know where you stand and what to do next.
UNN General JAMB Cut‑Off Mark for 2025/2026 (Expected)
UNN usually sets a general JAMB cut‑off mark—that’s the minimum UTME score needed to qualify for Post‑UTME.
For 2025/2026, the expected general cut‑off mark is around 180.
But meeting 180 does not guarantee admission; it only lets you apply and write Post‑UTME.
Some popular courses may need even higher scores depending on demand.
UNN Departmental Cut‑Off Marks by Course (Estimated)
After the general cut‑off, UNN sets departmental cut‑off marks for each course.
Here are estimated cut‑off marks based on recent years:
Course | Estimated Cut‑Off (2025/2026) |
---|---|
Medicine and Surgery | 280 – 300 |
Law | 250 – 270 |
Engineering (Civil, Elec., Mech.) | 240 – 260 |
Computer Science | 240 – 260 |
Pharmacy | 270 – 290 |
Nursing Science | 250 – 270 |
Accounting / Business Admin | 230 – 250 |
Economics | 230 – 250 |
Political Science | 220 – 240 |
Sociology | 210 – 230 |
Education (Sciences / Arts) | 180 – 210 |
Agricultural Sciences | 180 – 210 |
Note: Official scores will come from UNN’s admission portal. These are estimated to guide you.
Difference Between JAMB and Departmental Cut‑Off Marks
Here is how they differ:
Cut‑Off Type | Meaning |
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JAMB Cut‑Off | Minimum UTME score to qualify for UNN Post‑UTME |
Departmental Cut‑Off | Score needed to be admitted into your specific course |
Example:
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You scored 240 in JAMB.
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UNN general cut‑off is 180 — you are eligible.
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Medicine needs 290 — you are not eligible for Medicine.
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Education may need 200 — you could get admitted into Education.
How to Check the UNN Cut‑Off Mark Step‑by‑Step
Step 1: Visit the Official UNN Website
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Go to www.unn.edu.ng
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Look for “Admissions” on the homepage.
Step 2: Find 2025/2026 Admission Information
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Click “Undergraduate Admission”
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Then click “Cut‑Off Marks” or “Admission Guidelines”
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View or download the PDF of cut‑off marks.
Step 3: Check JAMB CAPS Portal
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Log in to your JAMB CAPS account.
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See if UNN is eligible, admission in progress, or not admitted.
How to Score Above UNN Cut‑Off Mark (Study Tips)
Tip 1: Practice JAMB Past Questions
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Use recent past questions to understand style and patterns.
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Practice timed CBT tests to get fast and accurate.
Tip 2: Read Regularly and Consistently
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Make a study schedule.
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Focus on weak subjects and repeat.
Tip 3: Join Study Groups or Tutorials
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Explaining lessons to friends helps remember better.
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Ask questions and revise together.
Tip 4: Do Mock Post‑UTME Tests
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Find UNN-style Post‑UTME questions.
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Time yourself as if in real exam.
Tip 5: Prepare O’Level Results Well
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Aim for at least 5 credits in one sitting.
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Include English Language, Maths, and relevant subjects.
Tip 6: Be Strategic About Course Choice
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If you don’t meet Medicine’s score, pick a related but less competitive course (e.g., Anatomy, Microbiology).
Examples: UNN Cut‑Off Marks for Popular Courses
Below are sample scenarios to help you understand how it works:
Example Table
Course | JAMB Score | Post‑UTME Score | Aggregate/Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Medicine and Surgery | 300 | 80/100 | High aggregate—likely admitted |
Law | 260 | 70/100 | Good score—possible admission |
Engineering | 245 | 65/100 | May be considered depending on cut‑off |
Nursing Science | 255 | 72/100 | Good chances for admission |
Education (Biology) | 200 | 60/100 | Possible if departmental cut‑off is low |
Comparison: UNN vs Other Nigerian Universities’ Cut‑Off Marks
University | Gen. Cut‑Off | Medicine | Law | Engineering |
---|---|---|---|---|
UNN Nsukka | 180 | 280–300 | 250–270 | 240–260 |
UNILAG Lagos | 200 | 290+ | 260+ | 250+ |
UI Ibadan | 200 | 300+ | 270+ | 260+ |
ABU Zaria | 180 | 280–300 | 250–270 | 240–260 |
OAU Ile‑Ife | 200 | 280+ | 260+ | 240–260 |
UNN is among the competitive universities, but not always the highest cut‑off for Medicine or Law. Admission still demands high performance.
Pros and Cons of High Cut‑Off Marks
Pros
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Attracts top-performing students.
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Maintains high academic standard.
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Helps shape UNN’s good academic reputation.
Cons
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High stress and competition for students.
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Talented students may miss out by small margins.
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Choice pressure for students choosing courses.
Courses with the Lowest Cut‑Off Marks at UNN
These courses might have cut‑off marks between 180 and 210:
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Education: Arts/Biology/Mathematics
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Religious Studies
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Agriculture (some options like Agric Extension)
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Library and Information Science
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Fine Arts
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Music & Theatre Arts
If your JAMB score is around 180–200, these courses may still offer a good chance for admission.
Summary Table of UNN Cut‑Off Info (2025/2026)
Admission Factor | Detail |
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General JAMB Cut‑Off | 180 (minimum expected) |
Departmental Cut‑Off | Varies by course (180 – 300) |
Post‑UTME Required? | Yes |
O’Level Requirement | 5 credits including English & Maths |
Highly Competitive Courses | Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering |
Less Competitive Courses | Education, Agriculture, Religious/Fine Arts |
Checking Cut‑Offs | UNN portal and JAMB CAPS |
Change Course Option | Possible via JAMB portal if eligible |
Conclusion
Understanding the UNN cut‑off mark for 2025/2026 admission is key for Nigerian students who hope to study at this respected university. Though the general cut‑off is around 180, competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often require scores above 240–300. Use this guide to plan, prepare, and pick the best course for your JAMB scores. Stay focused, study smart, and aim high—you can reach your goal!
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