The JAMB cut-off mark is a decisive aspect of the admission process into Nigerian universities. It determines the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission. While the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets a baseline for cut-off marks annually, universities—both federal and private—have the liberty to establish their own cut-off marks, often higher than JAMB’s minimum. This article provides a detailed comparison of the JAMB cut-off marks between federal and private universities in Nigeria, supported by expert insights and current data from reputable sources.
JAMB’s Role in Cut-Off Marks
JAMB oversees the UTME and sets a general minimum cut-off mark for all tertiary institutions. For the 2024/2025 academic session, JAMB’s approved baseline scores are as follows:
- Universities: 140
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Education: 100
This baseline ensures a standardized entry-level requirement while allowing universities to adjust their thresholds to align with their academic standards and admission quotas.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks For Federal Universities
Federal universities in Nigeria are highly sought after due to their affordability and prestige. As a result, they often set higher cut-off marks to manage the large volume of applications. For competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, federal universities typically require scores between 200 and 250.
Below are some of the popular federal universities in Nigeria and their cut-off marks:
-
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi: 165 and above
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria: 180 and above
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK): 180 and above
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA): 180 and above
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA): 180 and above
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO): 160 and above
- University of Benin (UNIBEN): 200 and above
- University of Calabar (UNICAL): 150 and above
- University of Ibadan (UI): 200 and above
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): 180 and above
- University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200 and above
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): 160 and above
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT): 150 and above
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO): 180 and above
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK): 160 and above
Please note that meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission, as universities may have additional requirements and conduct further screening processes. It’s advisable to check the specific admission guidelines of your chosen university for detailed information.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks For Private Universities
Private universities, though they are quite expensive, are more flexible in their cut-off marks. Many private universities accept the JAMB minimum of 140, especially for non-competitive courses. However, elite private universities often set higher cut-off marks to ensure academic quality.
Here are some private universities and their respective cut-off marks:
-
- Adeleke University, Ede: 120
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD): 180
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin: 160
- American University of Nigeria, Yola: 160
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo: 170
- Baze University: 160
- Bells University of Technology, Otta: 160
- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City: 160
- Bingham University, New Karu: 170
- Bowen University, Iwo: 180
- Caleb University, Lagos: 120
- Caritas University, Enugu: 120
- Chrisland University: 180
- Covenant University, Ota: 180
- Crawford University, Igbesa: 180
- Crescent University: 160
- Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo: 160
- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin: 180
- Evangel University, Akaeze: 120
- Fountain University, Oshogbo: 120
- Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State: 180
- Gregory University, Uturu: 150
- Hallmark University: 160
- Hezekiah University, Umudi: 120
- Igbinedion University, Okada: 180
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji: 180
- Kings University: 120
- Kwararafa University, Wukari: 160
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran: 180
- Lead City University, Ibadan: 150
- Madonna University, Okija: 160
- McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo: 160
- Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University: 150
- Mountain Top University: 170
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja: 160
- Novena University, Ogume: 160
- Obong University, Obong Ntak: 160
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu: 160
- Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos: 210
- Paul University, Awka: 160
- Redeemer’s University, Ede: 180
- Renaissance University, Enugu: 160
- Rhema University, Aba: 160
- Salem University, Lokoja: 160
- Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa: 160
- Southwestern University, Okun-Owa: 160
- Summit University, Offa: 160
- Tansian University, Umunya: 160
- University of Mkar, Mkar: 160
- Veritas University, Abuja: 170
- Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State: 160
- Wesley University, Ondo: 160
- Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State: 160
- Christopher University, Mowe: 160
- Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State: 150
- Anchor University Ayobo, Lagos State: 140
- Dominican University Ibadan, Oyo State: 140
- Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State: 140
- Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State: 140
- Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State: 140
Both federal and private universities set higher cut-off marks for courses in high demand, such as Medicine, Engineering, and Law. Federal universities, due to their popularity and limited spaces, always maintain higher cut-off marks generally. In contrast, private universities are more flexible, offering opportunities to candidates with lower UTME scores, though this varies by institution and courses.
How Students Can Prepare
- Understand the requirements: Find out the cut-off marks for your chosen course and institution.
- Aim Higher: Always aim to exceed the minimum cut-off mark to increase your chances of admission.
- Prepare for Screenings: Some universities, especially federal universities, use Post-UTME to further assess candidates before offering admissions.
- Consider Private Universities: If your UTME score is lower than cut-off marks for federal universities, private universities are options that you should consider.
Conclusion
The JAMB cut-off marks for federal and private universities in Nigeria vary due to differences in their admission processes. Federal universities generally have limited slots and higher cut-off marks due to the rate at which students apply, while private universities offer more flexibility and cater to a wider range of candidates. Understanding these distinctions can help you make better decisions and plans for their university studies.
