Every year, thousands of students across Nigeria sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), hoping to gain admission into one of the country’s prestigious federal universities. One of the most critical elements of the admission process is the cut-off mark, which determines whether a candidate qualifies to apply for a specific course or institution.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the cut-off marks for Nigerian federal universities for the 2025/2026 academic session, explain what cut-off marks mean, and highlight key things students should keep in mind when applying.

Federal Universities Cut-Off Mark

What Is a Cut-Off Mark?

A cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must attain to be eligible to participate in a university’s Post-UTME screening and possibly gain admission into a specific course. It is determined by several factors, including:

• Number of applicants for a course

• Candidates’ performance in the UTME

• Admission quota

• School and department policies

There are two types of cut-off marks:

• General (institutional) cut-off mark: The minimum score required to apply to the university.

• Departmental cut-off mark: The specific score required for a particular course or faculty.

JAMB Recommended Minimum Cut-Off for 2025/2026

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recommended 140 as the minimum national cut-off mark for admission into federal universities in the 2025/2026 session. However, each university has the right to set a higher cut-off based on internal requirements.

General Cut-Off Marks for Selected Federal Universities (2025/2026)

Here are the general (minimum) cut-off marks for some popular federal universities in Nigeria:

Why Cut-Off Marks Vary Between Courses

Not all courses within a university have the same cut-off mark. Popular or competitive courses often require higher scores. For example:

• Medicine and Surgery: Often above 250

• Law: Typically 240 and above

• Nursing Science: Around 200–280 depending on the university

• Engineering/Pharmacy: Usually 200+

• Education, Agriculture, or Arts courses: Often 160–190

This system ensures that the best-performing candidates are prioritized for limited slots in high-demand programs.

How to Increase Your Chances of Admission

If you’re aiming to gain admission into a federal university, here are key strategies to boost your chances:

1. Aim for a High UTME Score: Try to score above the general cut-off to stay competitive, especially for high-demand courses.

2. Choose a Less Competitive Course: Consider applying for programs with lower demand to improve your admission chances.

3. Prepare Well for Post-UTME: Many universities conduct Post-UTME screenings, and your performance here can make a big difference.

4. Have Strong O’Level Results: At least five credits, including English and Mathematics, are required for all courses.

5. Stay Informed: Monitor your university’s official website for screening dates, admission updates, and cut-off announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Universities Cut-Off Mark

1. What is the general cut-off mark for federal universities in 2025/2026?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) set the minimum general cut-off mark for federal universities at 140. However, each university is allowed to set a higher cut-off based on its admission policy.

2. Do all federal universities have the same cut-off mark?

No. Each federal university determines its own general and departmental cut-off marks, which often vary by course and faculty. Competitive institutions and programs typically have higher cut-off marks.

3. What is the difference between a general cut-off mark and a departmental cut-off mark?

• General cut-off mark: The minimum score needed to apply to the university.

• Departmental cut-off mark: The specific score required to gain admission into a particular course or department (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering).

4. Can I be admitted with a UTME score below the university’s cut-off mark?

No. If your UTME score is below the university’s general cut-off, you will not be eligible to participate in the Post-UTME screening or be considered for admission.

5. Are Post-UTME scores also used in determining admission?

Yes. Most federal universities combine your UTME and Post-UTME scores (sometimes with your O’Level results) to calculate your aggregate score, which is used to determine final admission.

6. Can I gain admission into a federal university with a score of 150?

Yes, but only into institutions and courses that accept 150. Some federal universities set their cut-off at 140–160 for less competitive programs, while others require 180 or above.

Final Thoughts

Cut-off marks are one of the most important admission criteria in Nigerian federal universities. While JAMB’s minimum is 140, most universities, especially the more competitive ones set their own higher benchmarks for general and departmental admissions.