Securing admission into Nigeria’s top universities is highly competitive, especially with the rising number of applicants sitting for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams annually. If you’re an aspirant searching for universities with low cut-off marks or the top federal universities in Nigeria and their JAMB requirements, this comprehensive guide is tailored for you.
This article will highlight the top 20 universities in Nigeria, their JAMB cut-off marks for 2025, and essential admission requirements to boost your chances of gaining admission.
Why Knowing the JAMB Cut-off Marks Matters
Understanding the JAMB cut-off mark for your desired university helps you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. Many candidates fail to meet the required cut-off marks because they aren’t updated with the latest admission policies.
Categories of Universities in Nigeria
Before diving into the cut-off marks, let’s classify the universities in Nigeria:
| University Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | Funded and managed by the federal government | University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) |
| State Universities | Managed by state governments | Lagos State University (LASU), Delta State University (DELSU) |
| Private Universities | Privately owned and operated | Covenant University, Babcock University |
Top 20 Universities in Nigeria & Their JAMB Cut-off Marks for 2025
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 200
- Popular Courses: Law, Medicine, Engineering, Business Administration
- Note: Competitive departments like Medicine and Law may require 250 and above.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 200
- Popular Courses: Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, Engineering
- Tip: Aim for 260+ for competitive courses.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Agriculture, Medicine, Engineering
- Tip: Medicine typically requires 240+.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Law
- Tip: Medicine usually requires 250+.
5. University of Ibadan (UI)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 200
- Popular Courses: Law, Medicine, Public Health, Education
- Tip: UI is highly competitive; aim for 250+.
Top Federal Universities & Their Cut-off Marks for 2025
| University | JAMB Cut-off Mark | Competitive Courses | Suggested Score for Competitive Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 | Law, Medicine, Engineering | 250+ |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 | Pharmacy, Law, Engineering | 260+ |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 180 | Medicine, Law | 240+ |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 180 | Pharmacy, Medicine | 250+ |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 | Medicine, Law | 250+ |
State Universities & Their JAMB Cut-off Marks for 2025
6. Lagos State University (LASU)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 190
- Popular Courses: Law, Mass Communication, Medicine
- Tip: Law and Medicine may need 240+.
7. Delta State University (DELSU)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 150
- Popular Courses: Nursing, Law, Pharmacy
- Tip: Nursing requires higher scores, around 200+.
8. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Law
- Tip: For Medicine, aim for 250+.
9. Rivers State University (RSU)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Engineering, Law, Agriculture
- Tip: Law needs 240+.
Top State Universities & Their Cut-off Marks for 2025
| State University | JAMB Cut-off Mark | Competitive Courses | Suggested Score for Competitive Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASU | 190 | Law, Medicine | 240+ |
| DELSU | 150 | Nursing, Law | 200+ |
| OOU | 180 | Medicine, Engineering | 250+ |
| RSU | 180 | Law, Engineering | 240+ |
Private Universities & Their JAMB Cut-off Marks for 2025
10. Covenant University, Ota
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration
- Tip: Admission is competitive despite lower cut-off.
11. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Medicine, Law, Accounting
- Note: They conduct their own post-UTME.
12. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- JAMB Cut-off Mark: 180
- Popular Courses: Law, Medicine, Engineering
- Tip: Early application is key.
Top Private Universities & Their Cut-off Marks for 2025
| Private University | JAMB Cut-off Mark | Competitive Courses | Suggested Score for Competitive Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | 180 | Engineering, Computer Science | 220+ |
| Babcock University | 180 | Medicine, Law | 220+ |
| ABUAD | 180 | Law, Medicine | 220+ |
Additional Universities & Their 2025 JAMB Cut-off Marks
| University Name | Type | JAMB Cut-off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | Federal | 180 |
| Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | Federal | 160 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) | Federal | 180 |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | State | 150 |
| Bowen University | Private | 180 |
| Nile University of Nigeria | Private | 180 |
Admission Tips for 2025 JAMB Aspirants
Want to stand out and increase your chances of gaining admission? Follow these expert tips:
1. Score Above the Minimum JAMB Cut-off Mark
Always aim for 20-30 marks above the stated cut-off. High-demand courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering require higher scores.
2. Prepare for Post-UTME
Some universities conduct rigorous Post-UTME screenings. Schools like UNILAG, OAU, and UI use it to further reduce the number of qualified candidates.
3. Choose Universities with Lower Cut-off Marks
If your JAMB score is low, target universities with lower cut-off marks such as DELSU, AAU, and FUNAAB.
4. Stay Updated with JAMB & School Portals
Frequent updates on JAMB and your preferred university’s admission portal can prevent you from missing deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Medicine in Nigeria 2025?
- It varies, but most top universities require 250+ for Medicine.
Can I gain admission with 150 JAMB score in 2025?
- Yes, some universities like DELSU and AAU accept 150 for less competitive courses.
Do private universities require JAMB?
- Yes, but they generally have lower cut-off marks. Some may offer direct entry.
Summary
In Conclusion Understanding the JAMB cut-off marks for 2025 is essential for every serious admission seeker in Nigeria. Whether you are targeting top federal universities, state universities, or private universities, ensure you meet or exceed the cut-off marks and prepare diligently for Post-UTME.