The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a vital role in the Nigerian education system. Every year, millions of students take the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. One key aspect of this process is the JAMB cutoff mark.
This blog post provides a guide to the 2025/2026 JAMB cutoff marks. You will learn about what cutoff marks mean, how they are determined, and the expected cutoff marks for various schools and courses in Nigeria. This information is crucial for students preparing for admission and those seeking clarity about the process.
What is Jamb Cut-off mark?
A JAMB cutoff mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the UTME to be considered for admission into a Nigerian higher institution. It serves as the first step in the admission process, helping schools screen and select candidates for their programs.
There are two main types of cutoff marks:
General JAMB Cutoff Mark: This is the baseline score set by JAMB for all institutions. It ensures that candidates meet the basic requirement for admission.
Institution-Specific Cutoff Mark: This is the minimum score set by individual schools based on their standards and the competitiveness of their programs.
Factors That Determine JAMB Cutoff Marks
Several factors influence the cutoff marks set by JAMB and individual schools each year. These include:
Performance of Candidates: If most candidates score high marks, the cutoff marks may be higher. Conversely, poor performance can lead to lower cutoff marks.
Course Popularity: Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering usually have higher cutoff marks due to high demand.
Institution’s Capacity: Schools with limited spaces may set higher cutoff marks to reduce the number of eligible candidates.
Government Policy: Decisions made during the JAMB policy meeting also influence the cutoff marks.
General JAMB Cutoff Marks for 2025/2026
JAMB has a general cutoff mark that applies to all institutions. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the expected general cutoff marks are:
Universities: 140
Polytechnics: 120
Colleges of Education: 100
It is important to note that these are just the minimum scores set by JAMB. Institutions can set higher cutoff marks based on their preferences.
Jamb Cutoff Marks for Universities in Nigeria
Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected JAMB cutoff marks for some popular universities in Nigeria:
University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200 and above for most courses. Competitive courses like Medicine and Law may require 250 or higher.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): 180 and above for most courses. Medicine and Engineering may require scores above 230.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): 200 and above for most courses.
University of Ibadan (UI): 200 and above. Courses like Medicine may require 250 or more.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): 180 and above for most courses.
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA): 180 and above for science and technology-related courses.
Bayero University Kano (BUK): 180 and above for most courses.
Lagos State University (LASU): 180 and above. Some courses may have higher requirements.
Covenant University: 200 and above for all courses.
Cutoff Marks for Polytechnics in Nigeria
For students aiming to study at polytechnics, the following are the expected JAMB cutoff marks for the 2025/2026 session:
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): 150 and above for most courses.
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede: 150 and above.
Auchi Polytechnic: 150 and above for competitive courses.
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro: 140 and above.
Kaduna Polytechnic: 120 and above for most courses.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan: 140 and above.
Jamb Cutoff Marks for Colleges of Education in Nigeria
If you are interested in pursuing a career in education, here are the expected cutoff marks for some colleges of education:
Adeyemi College of Education: 120 and above.
Federal College of Education, Zaria: 120 and above.
Nwafor Orizu College of Education: 120 and above.
Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education: 120 and above.
Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka: 120 and above.
2025/2026 JAMB Cutoff Marks for All Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics
Federal Universities Cutoff Marks 2025/2026
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• General cutoff: 200
• Medicine and Surgery: 250
• Law: 240
• Engineering courses: 220
• Arts and Social Sciences: 200
University of Ibadan (UI)
• General cutoff: 200
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 240
• Sciences: 200
• Arts: 200
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• General cutoff: 180
• Medicine: 250
• Engineering: 220
• Sciences: 180
• Arts: 180
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
• General cutoff: 180
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 240
• Pharmacy: 230
• Other courses: 180
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• General cutoff: 200
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 240
• Pharmacy: 230
• Engineering: 220
Federal University of Technology Minna
• Engineering courses: 200
• Science courses: 180
• Other courses: 170
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 240
• Engineering: 220
• Other courses: 180
Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
• Engineering: 200
• Sciences: 180
• Other courses: 170
State Universities Cutoff Marks 2025/2026
Lagos State University (LASU)
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 230
• Engineering: 200
• Other courses: 180
Kaduna State University
• Medicine: 230
• Sciences: 180
• Arts: 160
• Other courses: 160
Rivers State University
• Medicine: 230
• Engineering: 200
• Other courses: 160
Ebonyi State University
• Medicine: 230
• Law: 220
• Other courses: 160
Delta State University
• Medicine: 230
• Law: 220
• Engineering: 200
• Other courses: 170
Imo State University
• Medicine: 230
• Law: 220
• Other courses: 160
Private Universities Cutoff Marks 2025/2026
Covenant University
• Engineering: 200
• Sciences: 190
• Business courses: 190
• Other courses: 180
Babcock University
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 230
• Nursing: 220
• Other courses: 180
Afe Babalola University
• Medicine: 250
• Law: 230
• Engineering: 200
• Other courses: 180
American University of Nigeria
• All courses: 180
Benson Idahosa University
• All courses: 160
Lead City University
• Law: 200
• Other courses: 160
Polytechnics Cutoff Marks 2025/2026
Yaba College of Technology
• Engineering courses: 150
• Business courses: 140
• Other courses: 120
Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
• Engineering: 150
• Other courses: 120
Lagos State Polytechnic
• Engineering: 150
• Business courses: 130
• Other courses: 120
Federal Polytechnic Nekede
• Engineering: 150
• Other courses: 120
The Polytechnic Ibadan
• Engineering: 150
• Business courses: 130
• Other courses: 120
Important Things to Know About These Cutoff Marks
Meeting the cutoff mark doesn’t guarantee admission. Schools look at other things too:
• Your O’level results
• Post-UTME scores (if the school conducts it)
• Catchment area (for some schools)
• Course requirements
• Available spaces
How to Choose the Right School Based on Cutoff Marks
1. Look at Your JAMB Score
Compare your score with different schools’ cutoff marks.
2. Check Course Requirements
Make sure you meet all course requirements, not just the cutoff mark.
3. Think About Location
Consider if you can cope with the school’s location.
4. Look at School Fees
5. Check if you can afford the school fees, especially for private schools.
Medicine and Law Cut-Off Mark
Medicine:
• Always has the highest cutoff marks
• Usually needs 250 and above
• Very competitive
• Needs excellent O’level results
Law:
• Second highest cutoff marks
• Usually needs 230-240
• Also very competitive
• Needs good English Language score
Engineering Courses
Most engineering courses need:
• At least 200 in federal universities
• Good mathematics score
• Good physics score
• Credit in technical drawing (for some schools)
Arts and Social Sciences
These courses usually have lower cutoff marks:
• Usually 180-200 in federal universities
• Lower in state universities
• Good for students with average scores
Important Dates to Remember
• JAMB registration usually starts in January
• Exam takes place around March-April
• Schools release their cutoff marks after results are out
• Admissions usually start around August
How to Stay Updated
1. Check School Websites
Visit the websites of schools you’re interested in regularly.
2. Follow JAMB News
Keep checking JAMB’s website and social media.
3. Join School Forums
4. Join online forums where admission seekers share information.
What to Do After Meeting the Cutoff Mark
1. Prepare for Post-UTME
Many schools conduct their own entrance exam.
2. Get Your Documents Ready
• Original JAMB result
• O’level results
• Birth certificate
• Local government certificate
3. Check School Requirements
Different schools might need different documents.
Importance of JAMB Cutoff Marks
JAMB cutoff marks are essential for several reasons:
- They determine if a candidate is qualified for admission into their preferred school.
- They guide candidates in choosing courses and institutions that match their scores.
- They create a level playing field for all candidates.
What Happens If You Score Below the Jamb Cutoff Mark?
If your JAMB score is below the cutoff mark, it can be discouraging, but it is not the end of the road. Here are some options to consider:
- Apply for a Less Competitive Course. Some courses have lower cutoff marks. Switching to these courses may increase your chances of admission.
- Choose a Different Institution. Some schools accept lower scores, so you can explore these options.
- Consider Other Admission Programs. Pre-degree programs, JUPEB, IJMB, and part-time courses can also help you gain admission.
Conclusion
The 2025/2026 JAMB cutoff marks are crucial for every student aiming to gain admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Understanding these marks and how they are determined will help you make informed decisions about your education.
While meeting the cutoff mark is important, it is only the first step. You must also prepare for post-UTME screenings and other admission processes required by your chosen school.
For the latest updates on JAMB cutoff marks and admission processes, always check the official websites of JAMB and your preferred schools.