JAMB Cut-Off Mark for All Universities in Nigeria (2026 Complete Guide)

If you’re preparing for admission in 2026, one of the most important things you must understand is the JAMB cut-off mark for universities in Nigeria. This determines whether you are eligible to apply for admission into your desired school.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover:

• The official JAMB cut-off mark for 2026
• Cut-off marks for federal, state, and private universities
• A full list of universities and their accepted scores
• Tips to secure admission even with a low score

What Is JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score required by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for candidates to qualify for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

There are two types:

• General cut-off mark (set by JAMB)
• Departmental cut-off mark (set by each university)

👉 Even if you meet the general cut-off, you still need to meet your department’s requirement.

Official JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Universities (2026)

For the 2026 admission cycle, the general benchmark approved by JAMB is:

• Universities: 140 – 150

However, most universities set higher internal cut-offs depending on competition.

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Federal Universities (2026)

Federal universities are usually more competitive. Below are their typical cut-off marks:

Federal University Cut-Off Mark

University of Lagos200

University of Ibadan200

Obafemi Awolowo University200

Ahmadu Bello University180

University of Nigeria Nsukka160 – 200

University of Ilorin180

University of Benin200

Federal University of Technology Akure180

University of Abuja180University of Calabar150

👉 Most federal universities fall within 150 – 200+

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for State Universities (2026)

State universities are slightly less competitive but still require good scores:

State University Cut-Off Mark

Lagos State University190

Delta State University170

Ekiti State University160

Benue State University180

Ambrose Alli University180

Adekunle Ajasin University180

👉 Most state universities accept 160 – 190

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Private Universities (2026)

Private universities are generally more flexible:

Private UniversityCut-Off Mark

Covenant University180+

Babcock University160 – 180

Bowen University160

Afe Babalola University180

Nile University of Nigeria140 – 160

Madonna University Nigeria140 – 160

👉 Many private universities accept 140 – 160

Cut-Off Marks for Competitive Courses (2026)

Some courses require much higher scores regardless of school:

Course Expected Score Medicine & Surgery250 – 320

Law240 – 300

Engineering220 – 280

Computer Science200 – 260

Mass Communication220 – 260

Can You Gain Admission with 150 in JAMB?

Yes — but your options are limited.

With 150, you should consider:

• Less competitive federal universities
• Most state universities
• Private universities

👉 You may also need to:

• Change course
• Perform very well in Post-UTME

Tips to Gain Admission in 2026

• Aim for 200+ to stay competitive
• Choose your course wisely
• Apply early for Post-UTME
• Consider less competitive schools
• Have a backup institution

Final Thoughts

The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 is just the minimum requirement, not a guarantee of admission. Universities consider:

• Your UTME score
• Post-UTME performance
• O’Level results

👉 To increase your chances, always aim higher than the minimum cut-off.

About the Author:

Femi Victor(Techland Dynamic) is an experienced EdTech consultant and web developer with over 10 years of experience in creating digital learning tools for Nigerian schools. He is passionate about simplifying complex educational data and helping students navigate the admission process.