When applying to any university, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the cut-off mark. This is the minimum score that a prospective student must achieve to be considered for admission into a particular course. For students aiming to gain admission into Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), understanding the cut-off mark is crucial.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ATBU’s cut-off mark, how it impacts your chances of admission, and strategies to improve your score.
ATBU Cut-Off Mark
About the Institution
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), located in Bauchi, Nigeria, was established in 1980 as the Federal University of Technology, Bauchi. The university was named after Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Initially, the institution focused on science and technology education, admitting its first students in October 1981 for pre-degree and remedial programs.
By October 1982, the university had commenced degree courses in the School of Science and Science Education. In 1984, ATBU was temporarily merged with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and renamed Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College. However, it regained its autonomous status in 1988 and reverted to its original name. Today, ATBU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, maintaining its commitment to technological and scientific advancement.
What Cut-Off Mark Means
A cut-off mark is the minimum score set by a university for admission into its various courses. It is a standard used by universities to filter applicants based on their performance in relevant examinations, such as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and post-UTME screening.
For ATBU, the cut-off mark is typically determined by the performance of applicants each year, the number of available spaces, and the level of competition for each course.
ATBU ‘s General Cut-Off Mark 2024/2025
For the 2024/2025 academic session, the general cut-off mark for ATBU is 160. This means that any candidate who scores 160 or above in their UTME is eligible to apply for admission into the university.
However, meeting the general cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. It simply means you are eligible to apply for post-UTME screening. The actual admission will depend on how well you perform in both the UTME and post-UTME, as well as the specific cut-off mark for your chosen course.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks at ATBU
Each department within ATBU sets its own cut-off mark, which can be significantly higher than the general cut-off. These departmental cut-off marks vary depending on the popularity of the course, the number of applicants, and the overall performance of candidates.
For example, competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Law, and Engineering often have higher cut-off marks due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of available spots.
Here’s a detailed list of the full courses offered at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) along with their corresponding cut-off marks for the 2024/2025 academic session:
| Faculty | Department | Agg Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Agriculture | 184 |
| Food Science and Technology | 213.5 | |
| Forestry and Wildlife | 187.5 | |
| Arts | African and Asian Studies | 184 |
| Chinese Studies | 185.5 | |
| English Language and Literature | 245.5 | |
| History | 223.5 | |
| Linguistics | 215.5 | |
| Modern and European Languages | 203 | |
| Music | 188 | |
| Philosophy | 209 | |
| Religious and Human Relations | 184 | |
| Theatre Arts | 225 | |
| Basic Medical Sciences | Anatomy | 202 |
| Physiology | 217.5 | |
| Applied Biochemistry | 217.5 | |
| Applied Microbiology and Brewing | 216.5 | |
| Biological Sciences | Biological Science(s) | 202.5 |
| Botany | 210 | |
| Parasitology and Entomology | 202.5 | |
| Zoology | 204.5 | |
| Education | Adult Education | 192 |
| Business Education | 183.5 | |
| Early Childhood and Primary Education | 201 | |
| Education and Computer Science | 189.5 | |
| Education and Economics | 202 | |
| Education and Mathematics | 194.5 | |
| Education and Religious Studies | 233 | |
| Education and Biology | 215.5 | |
| Education and Chemistry | 203.5 | |
| Education and English Language | 233.5 | |
| Education and French | 229 | |
| Education and Igbo | 209.5 | |
| Education and Integrated Science | 198 | |
| Education and Political Science | 206 | |
| Educational Foundations | 210.5 | |
| Educational Management and Policy | 205.5 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Education | 172.5 | |
| Guidance and Counselling | 209 | |
| Health Education | 183 | |
| Human Kinetics | 186 | |
| Library and Information Management | 199.5 | |
| Physical and Health Education | 182 | |
| Physical Education | 183 | |
| Science Education | 188 | |
| Technical Education | 171.5 | |
| Engineering | Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering | 182 |
| Chemical Engineering | 224 | |
| Civil Engineering | 212.5 | |
| Electrical Engineering | 212.5 | |
| Electronics and Computer Engineering | 237.5 | |
| Industrial Production Engineering | 194 | |
| Mechanical Engineering | 219 | |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 192 | |
| Polymer and Textile Technology | 186 | |
| Environmental Sciences | Architecture | 202 |
| Building | 160.5 | |
| Environmental Management | 160 | |
| Estate Management | 170.5 | |
| Fine/Applied Arts | 175.5 | |
| Geography and Meteorology | 180 | |
| Quantity Surveying | 168.5 | |
| Surveying and Geoinformatics | 178.5 | |
| Health Sciences | Environmental Health Science | 230 |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 261 | |
| Medical Rehabilitation | 250 | |
| Nursing/Nursing Science | 276 | |
| Radiography | 259.5 | |
| Law | Civil Law | 271 |
| Management Sciences | Accountancy/Accounting | 244 |
| Banking and Finance | 211.5 | |
| Business Administration | 219.5 | |
| Cooperative Economics and Management | 206 | |
| Entrepreneurship | 205.5 | |
| Marketing | 208 | |
| Public Administration | 202.5 | |
| Medicine | Medicine and Surgery | 310.5 |
| Pharmacy | Pharmacy | 290 |
| Physical Sciences | Chemistry | 179.5 |
| Computer Science | 227.5 | |
| Geological Sciences | 187.5 | |
| Geophysics | 168 | |
| Mathematics | 203 | |
| Physics / Industrial Physics | 168.5 | |
| Pure and Industrial Chemistry | 169.5 | |
| Statistics | 165 | |
| Social Sciences | Economics | 229.5 |
| Mass Communication | 252.5 | |
| Political Science | 228.5 | |
| Psychology | 203 | |
| Sociology | 216 |
These cut-off marks are subject to change each year based on the factors mentioned earlier. It’s important to note that even if you meet the cut-off mark for a particular course, you may still not be admitted if the competition is too high. In such cases, the university may select only the highest-scoring candidates.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
- Score High in UTME: Since the cut-off mark is influenced by your UTME score, aim to score as high as possible. A score well above the general cut-off mark increases your chances of being selected for your desired course.
- Perform Well in Post-UTME: After the UTME, ATBU conducts a post-UTME screening exercise. This is another opportunity to boost your score. Prepare thoroughly and aim to score high in this screening as it contributes to your aggregate score.
- Choose Your Course Wisely: If your UTME score is not exceptionally high, consider applying for less competitive courses where the cut-off mark may be lower. This could improve your chances of gaining admission.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of announcements from ATBU regarding admission procedures, cut-off marks, and screening dates. Being well-informed ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines or updates.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Use past questions, study materials, and practice tests to prepare for both UTME and post-UTME. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of meeting and exceeding the cut-off mark.
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Get in Touch
Address: Along, Kano Rd, Bauchi.
Phone: 0803 798 8004
Instagram: @abtuofficial
Facebook: ATBU, BauchiÂ
Website: www.atbu.edu.ng
Frequently Asked Questions About ATBU Cut-off Mark
1. What is the cut-off mark for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)?
The general cut-off mark for ATBU is 160. However, specific departments may have higher cut-off marks depending on the course and the number of applicants.
2. How is the ATBU cut-off mark determined?
The cut-off mark is set by the university in alignment with the guidelines provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). It is based on the number of applicants, the performance of candidates in the UTME, and the capacity of each department.
3. Are there any courses with higher cut-off marks at ATBU?
Yes, certain competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, and some Science courses often have higher cut-off marks than the general university cut-off.
4. Does ATBU accept second choice candidates?
ATBU generally prioritizes first-choice candidates in the admission process. However, they may consider second-choice candidates if there are available slots after considering all first-choice applicants.
5. Can I be admitted into ATBU if my score is below the cut-off mark?
Admission into ATBU requires meeting or exceeding the departmental cut-off mark. Candidates who score below the cut-off mark are usually not considered for admission unless they have other qualifications such as outstanding O’Level results that can boost their aggregate score.
6. How do I calculate my aggregate score for ATBU?
To calculate your aggregate score, ATBU typically considers your JAMB score and post-UTME score (if applicable). The formula may vary slightly, but it generally involves taking a percentage of your JAMB score and combining it with a percentage of your post-UTME score.
7. Does ATBU conduct a post-UTME screening?
Yes, ATBU conducts a post-UTME screening for candidates who meet the cut-off mark. The screening may involve an examination or a review of your academic credentials.
8. What happens if I meet the ATBU cut-off mark?
Meeting the cut-off mark qualifies you for the post-UTME screening process. If you perform well in the screening and meet the departmental cut-off, you stand a good chance of being offered admission.
9. When will ATBU release the cut-off marks for the current academic session?
The cut-off marks for the current academic session are usually released shortly after the JAMB results are out and before the post-UTME screening begins. Keep an eye on the ATBU official website and social media channels for updates.
Conclusion
The ATBU cut-off mark is a crucial factor in the university admission process. Understanding it and preparing accordingly can make the difference between gaining admission to your desired course or missing out. Always aim to score well above the general cut-off mark, and remember that high performance in both UTME and post-UTME is key to securing a spot at ATBU.
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