Requirements for Gaining Admission into Nigerian Universities:- Getting admission into a Nigerian university is one of the most important steps in the life of any student. Every year, thousands of candidates apply through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), but not all of them get admitted. Why? Because many do not fully understand the requirements for gaining admission.
This guide explains everything you need to know in simple English—general requirements, specific requirements for different programmes, and tips to improve your chances.
Requirements for Gaining Admission into Nigerian Universities 2025/2026
Almost all universities in Nigeria whether federal, state, or private—follow certain rules before admitting students. These include:
Five O’Level Credits
- Candidates must have at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
- The credits must include English Language and Mathematics.
- The other three subjects must be related to your course.
- Example: For Medicine, you need credits in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. For Law, you need credits in Literature in English, Government, or CRS/IRS.
JAMB UTME Score
- You must write the UTME exam conducted by JAMB.
- A minimum score of 140–150 is usually required, but many universities set higher cut-off marks.
- Competitive courses like Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering require higher scores (200–250+).
Post-UTME or Screening
- After JAMB, most universities conduct their own Post-UTME or screening exercise.
- You must apply on the university’s portal, pay a fee, and either:
-
- Sit for a computer-based test (CBT), or
- Submit documents for screening (WAEC, JAMB results).
Age Requirement
- You must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission. Some schools strictly enforce this.
Correct Subject Combination
- During JAMB registration, you must choose the right subject combination for your course.
- Wrong subjects often disqualify candidates even if they scored high.
- Example: Engineering requires Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English.
Specific Requirements by Faculty
Different faculties have special requirements. Below are examples:
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Minimum JAMB score: 220–250
- Five O’Level credits: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Post-UTME performance must be very high
Faculty of Law
- Minimum JAMB score: 200–220
- Five O’Level credits: English, Literature, CRS/IRS, Government, plus one other subject
- Post-UTME often includes questions on current affairs and reading skills
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Minimum JAMB score: 180–200
- Five O’Level credits: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, plus one other subject (e.g., Further Mathematics)
Faculty of Education
- Minimum JAMB score: 150–160
- Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
- Subject credits depending on your chosen teaching subject (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, etc.)
Faculty of Social Sciences
- Minimum JAMB score: 160–180
- Five O’Level credits: English, Mathematics, and three other relevant subjects (e.g., Economics, Government, CRS, Geography)
How the Admission Process Works
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Register for JAMB with the correct subject combination.
- Write the UTME exam and score at least the university’s cut-off mark.
- Wait for the Post-UTME form of your chosen school.
- Apply for Post-UTME/screening and take part in it.
- Meet departmental cut-off marks (varies per course).
- Check admission list on JAMB CAPS and the university website.
- Accept admission on JAMB CAPS and pay acceptance fees.
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Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances
- Start preparing early for JAMB and Post-UTME.
- Score higher than the cut-off mark—don’t just aim for the minimum.
- Choose less competitive courses if your score is low.
- Use the right subject combination to avoid disqualification.
- Apply to state universities or polytechnics if you cannot meet federal university requirements.
- Be smart with second choice institutions (many universities don’t accept second choice applicants).
Common Mistakes That Stop Students from Getting Admission
- Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination.
- Scoring below the university’s departmental cut-off mark.
- Not having at least five O’Level credits in one sitting.
- Applying late for Post-UTME or missing deadlines.
- Ignoring age requirements (below 16 years).
FAQs on Admission Requirements
What is the minimum JAMB score for admission?
Generally, 150 is the minimum, but competitive courses require higher.
Can I gain admission without writing Post-UTME?
No, unless the school uses only screening. Most universities require Post-UTME.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, most universities accept combined results from two sittings.
Is it possible to change my course after JAMB?
Yes, JAMB allows candidates to do a change of course or institution.
How many credits do I need in O’Level?
At least five credits including English and Mathematics.
Do private universities use the same cut-off marks?
They often have more flexible requirements, but five O’Level credits are still compulsory.
Can I get admission with D7 or E8 in Maths or English?
No. English and Mathematics must be at least C6.
What happens if my course is competitive and I don’t meet the cut-off?
You may be offered admission in another related course.
Can I enter university at age 15?
Most schools require candidates to be at least 16 years old.
Is Post-UTME harder than JAMB?
Not always, but it requires serious preparation because it often determines final admission.
Conclusion
To gain admission into a Nigerian university, you must meet the following requirements:
- Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics.
- A good JAMB UTME score (150 and above, depending on course).
- Correct subject combination during JAMB registration.
- Success in Post-UTME or screening.
- Minimum age of 16 years.
Admission is competitive, but with proper planning and preparation, you can succeed. The key is to aim higher than the cut-off, prepare early, and meet all requirements.
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