The 2026/2027 admission cycle is in full swing, and for thousands of UTME candidates across Nigeria, one of the most pressing questions is: “Where can I get admission with my score?” The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set a general minimum benchmark for universities at 140, but this is just the starting point. The reality is that each federal university has the liberty to determine its own cut-off mark, provided it is not below the JAMB minimum, and many set their benchmarks significantly higher.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the general cut-off marks for federal universities in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session, based on information available from JAMB and the institutions themselves. We will separate the universities based on their minimum requirements, giving you a clear picture of where you stand.
How the Cut-Off Mark System Works
Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand the two-tier system that governs admission. The first is the general cut-off mark, which is the minimum JAMB score a candidate must have to be eligible to purchase a Post-UTME screening form from a university. Scoring this minimum does not guarantee admission; it simply means you are allowed to compete.
The second, and more critical, is the departmental cut-off mark. This is the final aggregate score a candidate needs for admission into a specific course. It is a combination of your JAMB score, Post-UTME screening result, and O’level grades. These departmental marks are often significantly higher than the general cut-off. For instance, while a university may have a general cut-off of 150, its cut-off for Medicine and Surgery could be as high as 270.
This means a candidate with a score of 180 cannot gain admission to study Medicine at any federal university, as the minimum for that course is rarely below 220. Your admission chances are heavily influenced not just by your overall score, but by how it stacks up against the specific requirements of the course you are applying for.
Federal Universities with a 140-160 General Cut-Off Mark
The most accessible federal universities often have general cut-off marks set as low as 140, which aligns with the JAMB minimum. These institutions are excellent options for candidates with mid-range scores who are aiming for less competitive courses.
Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) is one of the most accessible federal universities, with a general cut-off mark of 140. However, candidates should note that Engineering courses at FUOTUOKE typically require a score of 180, while Nursing requires a much higher 240.
Federal University, Dutse (FUD) accepts candidates with scores from 150 for many of its courses, especially in the sciences and education programmes. Similarly, Federal University, Gashua (FUGASHUA) has its general cut-off mark at 150, though departmental cut-offs for competitive programmes like Microbiology and Biochemistry range from 170-190.
Federal University, Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State also accepts scores from 150 for several programmes, particularly in sciences, agriculture, and education. Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI) maintains relatively accessible cut-offs, with some programmes accepting scores of 160 and above.
Federal Universities with a 170-180 General Cut-Off Mark
Several prominent federal universities have set their general cut-off mark at 180, which is a common threshold for many candidates. However, the competition becomes steeper at this level. A score of 180 makes you eligible to apply, but admission into competitive courses will require a significantly higher score.
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is a prime example. Its general cut-off mark is set at 180 for the 2026 admission exercise. However, UNILORIN is a highly sought-after institution, and its departmental cut-offs, especially for courses like Law and Engineering, will be much higher than 180.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, one of the largest and most respected federal universities in the country, also has a general cut-off of 180. For many courses, especially in the sciences and humanities, a score of 180 may be sufficient to apply. However, for its highly competitive programmes like Medicine and Law, the cut-offs are in the 230-250 range.
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) similarly maintains a general cut-off of 180, but demands 200+ for its more competitive courses. University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) has also set its general cut-off mark at 180. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) requires a minimum score of 180 for admission. This is a key institution for aspiring agricultural scientists and engineers.
Other notable federal universities in this category include Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, which focuses on medical and health-related programmes and has a general cut-off of 180. Both Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) have set their general cut-offs at 180, offering pathways for students in Ogun and Ondo states respectively.
Federal Universities Requiring 200 and Above
The top-tier federal universities in Nigeria are the most sought-after, and they reflect this with their higher general cut-off marks. Gaining admission into these institutions often requires a JAMB score of 200 or above, and even then, admission is not guaranteed.
University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university, requires a minimum JAMB score of 200 for consideration into any of its programmes. The departmental cut-offs at UI are among the highest in the country. Medicine and Surgery demands 260+, Law requires 240+, and Engineering requires 220+.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) maintains a general cut-off of 200+ for most courses, with competitive programmes like Medicine and Law requiring over 250 and 240 respectively. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and University of Benin (UNIBEN) also fall into this category, requiring 200 and above for general eligibility.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, although it has a published general cut-off of 150, its actual admission process is fiercely competitive, and candidates with scores below 200 are rarely considered for merit admission. The unofficial cut-off for OAU is effectively 200 and above.
The Departmental Reality: Where the True Competition Lies
The list of general cut-offs provides only a partial picture. The real barrier to admission is the departmental cut-off, which is the final aggregate score required for a specific course. These scores are significantly higher than the general JAMB benchmarks.
For highly sought-after courses, the target scores are substantial. For Medicine and Surgery, federal universities typically require between 250 and 300. Law demands between 240 and 280, and Pharmacy requires between 230 and 270. Nursing requires between 220 and 270, while Engineering generally requires between 200 and 240. Even Computer Science and Accounting can have cut-offs ranging from 200 to 240.
For example, at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) which has a general cut-off of 160, the departmental cut-off for Medicine and Surgery is a staggering 270, Nursing is 240, and Computer Science is 220. This illustrates the need for candidates to strategically align their course choices with their actual UTME scores. Candidates with a score of 180 have solid opportunities in courses like Arts and Humanities (160-190), Education, and Agriculture (140-180).
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