JAMB 2025/2026 Cut-Off Marks for Universities in Nigeria; Are you planning to take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam for the 2025/2026 academic session? If yes, one important thing you should be aware of is the JAMB cut-off marks for universities. The cut-off mark is the least score that a student must get to be given for admission into a Nigerian university. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the JAMB 2025/2026 cut-off marks, including how they are set, the ways involved, and how they affect your chances of gaining admission into the university.
What is JAMB?
JAMB is an exam that is taken by students who want to gain admission into Nigerian universities. It is an important part of the university admission process. The exam is usually taken by students after completing their secondary school education. It is organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the results of the exam are used to determine whether a student qualifies for university admission.
What is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the least score that a candidate must get in the JAMB exam to be given admission into a university. Each university in Nigeria sets its own cut-off mark, which can be higher or lower depending on the institution and the course the candidate wants to study.
The JAMB cut-off mark serves as a mark for universities to decide who can take part in their post-UTME exams. If you score below the cut-off mark, your chances of gaining admission into that university will be low.
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JAMB 2025/2026 Cut-Off Marks for Nigerian Universities
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the JAMB cut-off marks are expected to follow the rules set by JAMB. However, the cut-off marks can be different from one university to another. Below are some important things you need to know about the cut-off marks:
JAMB 2025/2026 General Cut-Off Marks for Universities
For many years, JAMB has set a general cut-off mark that serves as a rule for all universities in Nigeria. For the 2025/2026 session, it is expected that the general cut-off mark for universities will be:
- 160-180: This is the usual range for most universities in Nigeria. This means that any student who scores within this range will be able to apply for admission into a university.
It is important to note that this is the general cut-off mark. Some universities may have a higher cut-off mark, mostly for higher courses.
How Do Universities Set Their Own Cut-Off Marks?
Universities in Nigeria set their own cut-off marks based on various reasons, including the number of students that applied, the performance of students in the JAMB exam, and the courses they offer. Highly competitive courses, such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering, usually have higher cut-off marks than to other courses.
Examples of Cut-Off Marks for Popular Universities
Here are some examples of JAMB cut-off marks for popular Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Cut-off mark for general courses: 180-200, and for competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery: 250 and above.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – General cut-off mark: 180, while competitive courses such as Medicine and Law may have a cut-off of 230-250.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Cut-off mark for most courses: 180-200, with courses like Medicine having a higher cut-off.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – General cut-off mark: 180, but courses like Engineering, Law, and Medicine may require higher scores.
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – General cut-off mark: 180-200. More competitive courses may have a cut-off of 220 and above.
Remember, these cut-off marks are just examples and may change depending on the number of students who apply and the difficulty level of the JAMB exam in that year.
READ ALSO: Can I Get Admission with a Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark in 2025/2026?
How the JAMB Cut-Off Mark Affects Your Admission
If you meet the JAMB cut-off mark for your desired university, it does not automatically give admission. Here are some of the things that could affect your chances of being admitted:
1. Post-UTME Screening
Most universities in Nigeria conduct a post-UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) screening. Even if you meet the cut-off mark, you still need to pass this screening to be given for admission. The post-UTME score is usually combined with your JAMB score to determine your final score.
2. Choice of Course
The course you choose to study also affects your admission chances. Some courses are more competitive than others, meaning more students apply for them. For example, Medicine, Law, and Engineering are high courses, and universities set higher cut-off marks for these courses.
3. State of Origin and Quota System
In some cases, universities have a certain number of spaces allocated to students from each state. This is known as the quota system. Candidates from certain states or regions might have an advantage in the admission process.
4. Merit vs. Catchment Areas
Some universities consider applicants from catchment areas (regions close to the university) differently. This means students from these areas may have a lower cut-off mark than those from other regions. However, this can be different depending on the university.
How to Increase Your Chances of Admission
- Aim for a High Score in JAMB – The higher your JAMB score, the better your chances of getting into your preferred university and course.
- Prepare Well for Post-UTME – Universities use both your JAMB score and post-UTME score to determine your chances of admission. Make sure to study hard for the post-UTME.
- Choose a Less Competitive Course – If you have a low JAMB score, consider applying for a less competitive course.
- Check for Admission Updates – Keep an eye on the official university websites for any updates on admission processes and deadlines.
Conclusion
Understanding the JAMB cut-off marks for universities in Nigeria is important if you want to improve your chances of gaining admission. Remember that the cut-off marks are not fixed and can change each year depending on various reasons. For the 2025/2026 academic session, it is expected that the general JAMB cut-off mark for universities will be around 160-180, but competitive courses will require higher scores.
To increase your chances of being admitted, aim for the highest possible JAMB score, perform well in the post-UTME screening, and choose your course wisely. Good luck with your JAMB exam and university admission process!