Federal University Cut-Off Marks 2025/2026
Are you planning to apply to a federal university in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session? Understanding the JAMB cut-off marks for each federal institution is a crucial step in securing admission. Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in collaboration with Nigerian universities set minimum scores for admission into different program. These scores serve as the benchmark for post-UTME screening, merit admission, and catchment considerations. We present you list of Federal University Cut-Off Marks 2025/2026
In this guide, we break down the approved cut-off marks for all federal universities in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic year. Whether you’re targeting UNILAG, ABU, UNN, FUTA, or any other school, this post provides the latest details you need to plan ahead.
What Is a Cut-Off Mark?
A cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible to apply for admission into a university. Each institution is allowed to set its own cut-off mark above the JAMB minimum benchmark, depending on factors like competitiveness and number of applicants.
While JAMB’s general minimum cut-off mark for universities is usually 140, most federal universities adopt higher cut-offs ranging from 160 to 250, depending on the course.
Federal Universities and Their Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026
Below are the expected cut-off marks for major federal universities across Nigeria for the 2025/2026 admission cycle:
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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General Cut-Off: 200
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Competitive Courses (Law, Medicine, Engineering): 240–270
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
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General Cut-Off: 200
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Medicine, Pharmacy, Law: 250+
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Medicine, Law, Engineering: 230–260
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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General Cut-Off: 200
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Highly Competitive Courses: 240–270
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Law, Medicine, Nursing: 220–260
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
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General Cut-Off: 200
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Engineering, Medicine, Law: 230–260
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Medicine, Law, Pharmacy: 220+
8. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Engineering & Technology Courses: 200–240
9. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Health Sciences & Law: 220–260
10. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Competitive Courses: 200–250
11. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Engineering & Sciences: 200+
12. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
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General Cut-Off: 160
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Medicine, Law, Engineering: 200+
13. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
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General Cut-Off: 180
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Medicine, Law, Pharmacy: 200+
14. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
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General Cut-Off: 160
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Medical Courses: 200–240
15. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
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General Cut-Off: 170
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Science & Education Courses: 180–200
Why Do Cut-Off Marks Differ?
Several factors influence cut-off marks for each university, including:
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Number of available slots vs. number of applicants
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Course competitiveness
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Institutional policy on merit and catchment areas
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Past academic performance trends
For instance, Medicine and Surgery often have higher cut-off marks due to intense competition, while courses like Education or Agriculture may have slightly lower thresholds.
JAMB vs. Departmental Cut-Off Marks
It’s important to distinguish between JAMB cut-off marks and departmental cut-off marks.
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JAMB Cut-Off: This is the minimum UTME score required to apply for post-UTME.
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Departmental Cut-Off: This is set by each department and often combines JAMB scores and post-UTME performance.
For example, a university may set a general JAMB cut-off at 180, but the Department of Medicine may only admit candidates who scored 260+.
What If You Score Below the Cut-Off?
If your score is below your chosen university’s cut-off mark, here are your options:
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Apply for a Change of Institution or Course: JAMB allows changes to less competitive courses or schools.
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Consider Federal Polytechnics or Colleges of Education: Their cut-off marks are generally lower (100–140).
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Explore JUPEB or Pre-degree Options: Some universities offer foundation programmes that lead to direct entry.
For example, you can check out our guide on JUPEB programmes in Nigerian universities to explore this route.
What to Do After Meeting the Cut-Off
Once you meet or surpass your desired school’s cut-off mark, the next steps are:
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Wait for the Post-UTME Form to Be Released
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Prepare and Apply for the Screening
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Participate in Post-UTME Exams or Screening
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Await Admission List
Ensure you monitor the school’s official website or reliable education blogs like PolityZen for updates.
Pro Tips for Admission Success
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Aim Higher Than the Cut-Off: Meeting the cut-off doesn’t guarantee admission—higher scores give you an edge.
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Study Past Questions: Practice previous post-UTME questions to understand the pattern.
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Apply Early: Don’t wait until the deadline to apply for post-UTME forms.
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Follow Instructions Carefully: Upload all required documents and avoid errors in your application.
Final Thoughts
Getting into a federal university in Nigeria can be competitive, but understanding the cut-off marks for 2025/2026 gives you a clear advantage. Use this guide to target schools where you meet or exceed the threshold, and stay focused throughout the admission process.
For more education updates, JAMB news, and university admission tips, explore our full Education category on PolityZen.
Stay ahead, plan smart, and secure your spot in the university of your dreams!
