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.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, many students are already preparing and want to know the official JAMB cut off mark for state universities in Nigeria. This article will guide you clearly, show you the cut off marks for each state university, help you understand how admission works, and give you simple tips that can increase your chances of getting admitted.
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.
Please note this important point.
JAMB only provides a general cut off mark, but every school has the right to choose a higher cut off mark for competitive courses. This means you should check both the JAMB cut off mark and your school specific cut off mark.
In this article, you will see the cut off marks for all state universities so you can check where you stand.
Why Cut Off Marks Matter for Admission
Cut off marks play a big role in the admission process. Without meeting the required cut off mark, a student may not be considered for screening or post UTME in a university. Here are simple reasons why cut off marks are important.
They determine who qualifies for the next stage
If you do not meet the cut off mark of a school, you cannot apply for the school screening or post UTME. It is the first step in the admission process.
They help schools reduce the number of applicants
Every year, schools get thousands of applicants. Using cut off marks helps them filter candidates and admit the best ones.
They help students choose their schools wisely
Knowing the cut off mark can help you decide the right school for your JAMB score. For example, if you score 150, you know it is better to choose a school with a lower cut off mark instead of wasting your application on a school that requires 180.
They guide students in preparing better
Students who know the cut off marks for different schools can prepare more seriously to meet the requirement. Cut off marks are therefore very important, and knowing them early helps students plan better for the admission year.
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 |
Factors That Influence Cut Off Marks
Many students do not know that cut off marks depend on many things. Below are some factors that can cause a university to increase or reduce its cut off mark.
Number of applicants: If so many students apply for one course, the cut off mark usually goes up. For example, Nursing and Medicine often carry very high cut off marks.
The popularity of the school:- Schools like LASU, UNIOSUN, and LAUTECH receive many applications every year. This makes their cut off marks higher.
The carrying capacity of the school:- This means how many students the school can admit. If a school can only admit few students, the cut off mark becomes high.
Performance of students that year:- If many students score high in JAMB, schools raise the cut off mark.
If students score low nationwide, schools may reduce the cut off mark.
Course competitiveness:-Medicine, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Engineering always have higher cut off marks.
Understanding these factors helps students prepare for admission and choose schools wisely.
JAMB vs School Cut Off Marks: What Is the Difference?
Many students get confused because JAMB gives one cut off mark and the school gives another one. Here is the simple difference.
JAMB Cut Off Mark
This is the general cut off mark set by JAMB.
For example, JAMB may say universities can accept 140 and above.
This does not mean every university will use 140.
School Cut Off Mark
Each school has the right to choose a higher cut off mark.
For example, JAMB may allow 140, but a school may choose 160 or 180.
Departmental Cut Off Mark
This is the cut off mark for each department. Courses like Law, Nursing, Medicine, and Engineering always have higher marks.
Example: JAMB cut off: 140, school cut off: 160, Departmental cut off (Medicine): 220
This is why students must check all three levels before choosing a school.
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 most state universities is 140 to 150, depending on the school.
Can I gain admission with 150?
Yes, many state universities accept 150, especially for less competitive courses.
Does JAMB set cut off marks for each school?
No. JAMB only gives a general cut off mark. Schools choose their own cut off marks.
Can cut off marks change?
Yes. Schools can increase or reduce their cut off marks depending on the number of applicants.
What score is good for competitive courses?
For courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Law, you should aim for 200 and above.
Do state universities accept second choice?
Most state universities do not accept second choice. It is safer to choose them as first choice.
Can I gain admission without post UTME?
Some schools use screening instead, but you must follow their process.
When will schools release their cut off marks for 2026/2027?
Most schools release their official cut off marks after the JAMB Policy Meeting.
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.
Whether you scored high or low in JAMB, there are still opportunities to gain admission if you follow the right steps. Always check your school specific cut off mark, stay updated, prepare well for screening, and make smart choices. If you follow the guidance in this article, you will have a better chance of securing admission into a state university in Nigeria.