List of State Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Marks:– Every year, thousands of students in Nigeria sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exam hoping to secure admission into a university. One of the most important things students look out for after writing JAMB is the cut off mark. Cut off marks help students understand whether their score is high enough to be considered for admission into a school.
This article is written in very simple and clear language, students can easily read and understand without stress. It is also helpful for parents and teachers who want to guide students correctly.
What Is the Official JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027?
The official JAMB cut off mark for all universities in Nigeria usually ranges from 140 and above. Every year, JAMB conducts a meeting with school representatives called the Policy Meeting, and during this meeting, they announce the minimum cut off mark allowed for admission.
For many years now, JAMB has set the minimum cut off mark for universities at either 140, 150, or 160, depending on the decision made that year. Most state universities prefer to keep their cut off marks between 150 and 180, depending on the competitiveness of the course.
What is JAMB Cut-Off Mark
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that candidates must obtain in the UTME to be eligible for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It serves as the general benchmark for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Scoring below this mark usually means a candidate cannot participate in the admission process for that year.
What is School Cut-Off Mark
The school cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score approved by an individual institution for admission consideration. Each school decides its own cut-off mark based on admission capacity and competition level. Candidates who meet or exceed this score can apply for the institution’s post-UTME screening or admission process.
What is Departmental Cut-Off Mark
The departmental cut-off mark is the specific minimum score required for admission into a particular course or department. It is often higher than the general school cut-off mark because some courses attract more applicants. Admission into a program depends on meeting or surpassing this departmental requirement
Why Is JAMB Cut Off Marks Important for Admission
JAMB Cut off marks is important because of the following reasons:
- They determine who qualifies for the next stage
- They help schools reduce the number of applicants
- They help students choose their schools wisely
- They guide students in preparing better
List of State Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Marks 2026/2027
Below is a list of all state universities in Nigeria and their expected cut off marks for the 2026 and 2027 admission session.
These cut off marks are based on past years and the normal pattern used by universities.
| S/N | State University | Cut Off Mark (JAMB 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) | 140 |
| 2 | Adamawa State University, Mubi (ADSU) | 140 |
| 3 | Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) | 140 |
| 4 | Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden (AKSU) | 140 |
| 5 | Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) | 140 |
| 6 | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli (COOU) | 140 |
| 7 | Bauchi State University, Gadau (SAZUG) | 140 |
| 8 | Benue State University, Makurdi (BSU) | 140 |
| 9 | Yobe State University, Damaturu (YSU) | 140 |
| 10 | Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar (UNICROSS) | 140 |
| 11 | Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) | 140 |
| 12 | Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU) | 140 |
| 13 | Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 140 |
| 14 | Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT) | 140 |
| 15 | Gombe State University, Gombe (GSU) | 140 |
| 16 | Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) | 140 |
| 17 | Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni (IAUE) | 140 |
| 18 | Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) | 140 |
| 19 | Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (SLU) | 140 |
| 20 | Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU) | 140 |
| 21 | Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) | 140 |
| 22 | Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA) | 140 |
| 23 | Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (PAAU) | 140 |
| 24 | Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU) | 140 |
| 25 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) | 140 |
| 26 | Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH) | 140 |
| 27 | Rivers State University (RSUST) | 140 |
| 28 | Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye (OOU) | 140 |
| 29 | Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU) | 140 |
| 30 | Niger Delta University, Yenagoa (NDU) | 140 |
| 31 | Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) | 140 |
| 32 | Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU) | 140 |
| 33 | Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode (TASUED) | 140 |
| 34 | Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua University, Katsina (UMYU) | 140 |
| 35 | Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN) | 140 |
| 36 | Taraba State University, Jalingo (TASU) | 140 |
| 37 | Sokoto State University (SSU) | 140 |
| 38 | Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK) | 140 |
| 39 | Oyo State Technical University, Ibadan (TECH-U) | 140 |
| 40 | Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) | 140 |
| 41 | Edo State University, Uzairue (EDSU) | 140 |
| 42 | Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, Imo State (KOMU) | 140 |
| 43 | University of Africa, Toru Orua, Bayelsa State (UAT) | 140 |
| 44 | Borno State University, Maiduguri (BOSU) | 140 |
| 45 | Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) | 140 |
| 46 | Gombe State University of Science and Technology (GSUST) | 140 |
| 47 | Zamfara State University (ZAMSUT) | 140 |
| 48 | Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) | 140 |
| 49 | University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State (UAES) | 140 |
| 50 | Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi (CUSTECH) | 140 |
| 51 | University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL) | 140 |
| 52 | Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro (DSUST) | 140 |
| 53 | Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba (DOU) | 140 |
| 54 | Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti State (BOUESTI) | 140 |
| 55 | King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State (KDUMS) | 140 |
| 56 | Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin (LASUED) | 140 |
| 57 | Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu (LASPOTECH / LASUSTECH) | 140 |
How to Gain Admission With a Low JAMB Score
A low JAMB score does not mean the end of your admission dream. There are simple things you can do to increase your chance.
- Choose schools with lower cut off marks: If you score between 140 and 160, choose schools that accept low scores.
- Apply for less competitive courses: Instead of applying for Medicine, apply for Biology or Microbiology, then consider changing course later.
- Perform very well in post UTME or screening: Many schools use screening to balance low JAMB scores. A very high post UTME score can help secure admission even with a low JAMB score.
- Consider schools in states with fewer applicants: Areas with fewer candidates often have lower cut off marks.
- Always upload your O level results: Many students miss admission because they forgot to upload WAEC or NECO results.
- Consider change of course or change of institution: If your score is too low for your first choice, switching can help you gain admission faster.
With the right steps, students with low JAMB scores can still get admitted.
Important Tips for 2026/2027 Admission Seekers
Here are simple and useful tips to guide you through the next admission season.
- Start preparing early for post UTME or screening.
- Make sure your WAEC or NECO results are complete.
- Choose schools based on your score, not based on popularity.
- Follow school announcements on their websites and social media paes.
- Avoid late registration or late paymnt of fees.
- Do not depend on anyone who claims they can give you admission secretly.
- Always check your email and JAMB CAPS.
Following these tips helps reduce mistakes and increases your chances of admission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the lowest cut-off mark for state universities?
The lowest cut-off mark for many state universities usually falls between 140 and 150, although this may vary depending on the institution and the course offered. Some universities may set higher requirements for competitive programs.
Can I gain admission with 150?
Yes, admission is possible with a 150 JAMB score, especially for less competitive courses. However, admission also depends on factors such as O’Level results, screening performance, and available admission slots.
Does JAMB set cut-off marks for each school?
No. JAMB provides a general minimum benchmark, while individual universities decide their own cut-off marks based on their admission policies.
Can cut-off marks change?
Yes. Universities can increase or reduce their cut-off marks each year depending on candidate performance and the number of applicants.
What score is good for competitive courses?
For highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Law, candidates are generally advised to aim for 200 or above to improve their chances of admission.
Do state universities accept second choice?
Most state universities prefer candidates who select them as first choice. Choosing a school as first choice often improves admission consideration.
Can I gain admission without Post-UTME?
Some universities conduct online screening instead of written Post-UTME exams, but candidates must still complete the school’s official admission screening process.
When will schools release their cut-off marks for 2026/2027?
Most institutions announce their official cut-off marks after the annual JAMB Policy Meeting, which usually takes place before the admission process begins.
Conclusion
The JAMB cut off mark is one of the most important factors students must understand when preparing for university admission. Knowing the cut off marks for state universities helps you make the right decision, choose the right school, and prepare better for admission. The 2026 and 2027 academic session will follow the same pattern as previous years, where schools choose their cut off marks based on JAMB guidelines, competition, and the number of applicants.