Are you preparing for the 2026/2027 university admissions in Nigeria? One of the most critical pieces of information every JAMB candidate needs is the JAMB cut off mark for all federal universities.
This is for those who are interested in applying to a federal university in the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
Whether you are a fresh candidate or a repeat applicant, understanding where each university sets its admission benchmark can make or break your academic future.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the JAMB cut off marks for all federal universities in Nigeria for 2026/2027, explain how the cut off mark system works, and answer the most pressing questions candidates ask every admission season.
What Is a JAMB Cut Off Mark?
A JAMB cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission into a particular institution or course of study. It serves as an initial screening tool used by universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to shortlist qualified candidates for further processing.
There are two types of cut off marks every Nigerian candidate must understand:
- JAMB’s National Minimum Cut Off Mark: This is the general benchmark set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that applies to all institutions across Nigeria.
- Institutional Cut Off Mark: This is the specific score set by each university, which may be higher than JAMB’s national benchmark, depending on the institution’s competitiveness and available slots.
Important Note: Scoring above the cut off mark does not guarantee admission. It only qualifies you to be considered. Final admission depends on your Post-UTME performance, O’Level results, and available spaces in your chosen department.
JAMB National Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 academic session, JAMB maintained its general policy framework.
Based on the guidelines from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the national minimum cut off scores are structured as follows:
| Institution Type | Minimum JAMB Score |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 150 |
| State Universities | 150 |
| Private Universities | 150 |
| Polytechnics (HND/ND) | 100 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 |
While 150 remains the general national cut off for federal universities, individual institutions set their own, often significantly higher, departmental thresholds.
JAMB Cut Off Mark for All Federal Universities 2026/2027
Below is the comprehensive list of JAMB cut off marks for all federal universities in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session.
These figures reflect institutional benchmarks and may vary slightly by department or faculty.
| S/N | Federal University | JAMB Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi | 180 |
| 2 | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | 180 |
| 3 | Bayero University, Kano | 160 |
| 4 | Federal University Gashua, Yobe | 150 |
| 5 | Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun | 160 |
| 6 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | 160 |
| 7 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 170 |
| 8 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri | 180 |
| 9 | Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State | 150 |
| 10 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina | 150 |
| 11 | Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State | 160 |
| 12 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State | 170 |
| 13 | Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State | 160 |
| 14 | Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State | 160 |
| 15 | Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa | 160 |
| 16 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State | 160 |
| 17 | Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State | 150 |
| 18 | Federal University, Birnin Kebbi | 150 |
| 19 | Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara | 150 |
| 20 | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike | 160 |
| 21 | Modibbo Adama University, Yola | 150 |
| 22 | National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja | 180 |
| 23 | Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil | 180 |
| 24 | Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna | 180 |
| 25 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka | 180 |
| 26 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife | 200 |
| 27 | University of Abuja, Gwagwalada | 180 |
| 28 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 150 |
| 29 | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi | 160 |
| 30 | University of Benin | 200 |
| 31 | University of Calabar | 150 |
| 32 | University of Ibadan | 180 |
| 33 | University of Ilorin | 180 |
| 34 | University of Jos | 150 |
| 35 | University of Lagos | 200 |
| 36 | University of Maiduguri | 150 |
| 37 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 180 |
| 38 | University of Port Harcourt | 150 |
| 39 | University of Uyo | 150 |
| 40 | Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto | 150 |
| 41 | Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko | 160 |
| 42 | Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna | 180 |
| 43 | Nigerian Army University, Biu | 150 |
| 44 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo | 180 |
| 45 | Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru | 150 |
| 46 | Federal University of Technology, Babura | 150 |
| 47 | Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi | 150 |
| 48 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare | 150 |
| 49 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun | 180 |
| 50 | David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu | 150 |
| 51 | Admiralty University, Ibusa | 150 |
| 52 | Federal University of Transportation, Daura | 150 |
| 53 | African Aviation and Aerospace University | 150 |
| 54 | National University of Science and Technology, Abuja | 150 |
| 55 | Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri | 150 |
| 56 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale | 150 |
| 57 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Katsina | 150 |
| 58 | Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi | 150 |
| 59 | Federal University of Education, Zaria | 150 |
| 60 | Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri | 150 |
| 61 | Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano | 150 |
| 62 | Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo | 150 |
| 63 | Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu | 150 |
| 64 | Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta | 150 |
| 65 | Federal University of Education, Pankshin | 150 |
| 66 | Federal University of Education, Kontagora | 150 |
| 67 | University of Maritime Studies, Oron | 150 |
| 68 | Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai | 150 |
| 69 | Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia | 150 |
| 70 | Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun | 150 |
| 71 | Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbiji | 150 |
| 72 | Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti | 150 |
| 73 | Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho | 150 |
| 74 | Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe | 150 |
| 75 | Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio-Akpa | 150 |
| 76 | Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe | 150 |
| 77 | Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo | 150 |
| … | More coming soon | … |
Which Courses Have the Highest Cut Off Marks?
Certain high-demand courses across federal universities typically attract much higher departmental cut off marks than the general institutional benchmarks.
If you are applying for any of the courses below, you should aim for a score well above 200.
| Course | Typical Minimum Score (Top Federal Universities) |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 250 – 280 |
| Pharmacy | 230 – 260 |
| Law | 220 – 250 |
| Computer Science (Top Schools) | 220 – 240 |
| Accounting / Economics | 200 – 230 |
| Engineering (Petroleum/Chemical) | 200 – 240 |
| Mass Communication | 190 – 210 |
| Education (Science) | 170 – 190 |
| Agriculture | 160 – 180 |
Pro Tip: Always check the specific departmental cut off mark on your chosen university’s official admissions portal, as these figures are subject to annual revisions.
Factors That Affect JAMB Cut Off Marks for Federal Universities
Understanding why cut off marks differ from one university to another and from one year to the next helps you strategise your application better.
- Number of Available Spaces: Universities with limited faculty capacity set higher cut off marks to narrow down the pool of eligible candidates.
- Course Popularity: High-demand courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering consistently attract the highest scores, driving departmental cut offs upward.
- Catchment Area Policy: Federal universities in Nigeria give preferential consideration to candidates from their host states and educational zones. This means candidates from a university’s catchment area may be considered with slightly lower scores.
- Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS): JAMB and universities apply supplementary schemes for candidates from educationally disadvantaged states, allowing for admission at slightly reduced benchmarks.
- Annual UTME Performance Trends: If the overall performance of candidates in a given year is below average, institutions may review their cut off marks downward to fill available spaces.
How to Check Your Admission Status on JAMB CAPS
Once you have sat for the UTME and your results are released, follow these steps to monitor your admission status on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS):
- Visit the official JAMB portal at www.jamb.gov.ng
- Log in to your candidate profile using your registered email and password
- Navigate to “Check Admission Status”
- Click on “Access My CAPS” to view your admission processing status
- If offered admission, accept or reject through the CAPS portal before the deadline
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission into Any Nigerian Federal University
Scoring above the cut off mark is just the first hurdle. Here is how to maximise your chances of securing admission into your preferred federal university:
- Score as high as possible in UTME: Aim for at least 250 and above for competitive courses and top universities.
- Perform well in Post-UTME / Screening: Many federal universities conduct their own supplementary screenings. Prepare extensively.
- Present strong O’Level results: A minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics (where applicable), is required in your WAEC/NECO results.
- Apply to your institution strategically: Consider your catchment area advantage when making your first and second choice of institution.
- Stay updated: Regularly check your university’s official website and the JAMB portal for updates on admission lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the JAMB cut off mark for federal universities in 2026?
The national minimum JAMB cut off mark for all federal universities in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session is 150. However, individual universities and departments may set significantly higher benchmarks, especially for competitive courses.
Q2: Can I gain admission into a federal university with 150 in JAMB?
Yes. You would be eligible for federal university admission with this score. This is because the minimum is 150.
Q3: Which federal university has the lowest cut off mark?
Several federal universities in educationally less developed states, including Federal University Kashere, Federal University Wukari, Federal University Dutse, and Federal University Birnin Kebbi, operate with a general cut off of 160, which is the national minimum for federal institutions.
Q4: Does JAMB cut off mark guarantee admission?
No. The JAMB cut off mark only makes you eligible for consideration. Admission is determined by your overall performance, including Post-UTME results, O’Level grades, catchment area status, and available departmental spaces.
Q5: How often are JAMB cut off marks updated?
JAMB cut off marks are reviewed annually before each admission cycle. Institutional cut off marks may also be adjusted based on the number of qualified candidates and available spaces each year.
Q6: What is the cut off mark for Medicine in federal universities?
For Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) at Nigeria’s top federal universities such as UNILAG, OAU, UNIBEN, and UNN, the departmental cut off mark typically ranges between 250 and 280. This is one of the most competitive courses in the country.
Q7: Where can I get the official JAMB cut off mark list?
The official JAMB cut off mark list is published on the JAMB website at www.jamb.gov.ng after each policy meeting, usually held before the commencement of admissions processing.
Conclusion
Understanding the JAMB cut off mark for all federal universities is one of the most essential steps in planning a successful university admission journey in Nigeria. While the national minimum for federal universities stands at 150 for the 2026/2027 session, candidates targeting competitive institutions and high-demand courses should aim considerably higher, ideally between 220 and 280 to remain competitive.
Use the tables in this guide as a reference point, but always cross-check with your university’s official admissions portal for the most current and department-specific figures. The path to admission in a Nigerian federal university is multi-layered; your UTME score is the starting point, not the finish line.
Bookmark this page, share it with fellow candidates, and check back regularly as we update our data throughout the 2026/2027 admissions cycle.
For more guides on JAMB, Post-UTME, university admission lists, and scholarship opportunities in Nigeria, always visit myunipress.com — your trusted Nigerian education resource.
