For the 2026 academic session, the “lowest” cutoff marks depend entirely on whether you are applying to a University or a College of Nursing.
While JAMB has set the national minimum at 140, nursing is highly competitive, and most schools set their specific departmental cutoffs much higher to filter the volume of applicants.
1. Colleges of Nursing (Lowest Entry Requirements)
Colleges of Nursing usually have the lowest cutoff marks compared to universities. Many of these institutions allow students to apply with scores between 140 and 170.
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE):170

1. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE): Often sits around 160–170 for initial eligibility.
2. Various State Colleges of Nursing: Many state-owned colleges (like those in Kaduna, Katsina, or Jigawa) accept 140–160, though they rely heavily on their own entrance exams and interviews.
3. Universities with “Moderate” Cutoffs
4. If you are looking for a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, the following schools typically have lower thresholds than top-tier institutions like UNILAG or UI:
5. . Federal  Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK) | 140–160 |
6.  Federal University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)  140–160
7. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)  140–160
8. Private | Maduka University / Baze University | 180 (Eligibility)
9. Important Realities for 2026
10. It is important to distinguish between Eligibility and Admission.

The “Floor” vs. The “Ceiling”: A school might say their cutoff is 160 (eligibility), but because they only have 50 slots for 2,000 applicants, the “real” admission cutoff might end up being 220.
Schools without JAMB: If your JAMB score is very low or you didn’t sit for it, many Schools of Nursing (Hospital-based) allow you to apply using only your O’Level results through their own independent entrance exams.
Competitive Gap: While schools like UNICAL or UNIUYO list 140–160 as their general minimum, for Nursing Science specifically, you should realistically aim for 200+ to remain competitive in the merit list.

Conclusion:
If your score is between 140 and 180, your best bet for securing admission in 2026 is to target State Colleges of Nursing or Private Universities, as federal universities remain extremely oversubscribed regardless of their official “minimum” score.