Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is one of Nigeria’s largest and most competitive federal universities. Admission into ABU is guided strictly by approved UTME cut-off marks, which candidates must meet before they can be considered for screening and final admission.
For the 2026/2027 admission session, this guide explains the general and departmental cut-off marks for all courses at ABU, helping candidates plan ahead with accurate expectations.
What Is ABU Cut-Off Mark?
The ABU cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must obtain to be eligible for admission consideration in a given academic session.
If a candidate scores below the approved cut-off mark, such a candidate will not be considered for admission, regardless of O-Level grades.
While meeting the cut-off mark qualifies a candidate for screening, final admission depends on departmental competitiveness, screening performance, and available quota.
ABU General Cut-Off Mark for 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, the approved general UTME cut-off mark for Ahmadu Bello University is 180.
Candidates who score 180 and above and choose ABU as First Choice are eligible to participate in the university’s screening process.
ABU Departmental Cut-Off Marks for All Courses (2026/2027 Guide)
ABU does not use the same cut-off mark for all courses. Professional and science-based programmes usually require higher UTME scores due to competition.
Arts, Languages, and Education Courses
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Arabic Studies | 180 |
Archaeology | 180 |
English Language | 180 |
French | 180 |
Hausa | 180 |
Performing Arts | 180 |
Fine Arts | 180 |
Education and Hausa | 180 |
Education and Geography | 180 |
Education and Chemistry | 180 |
Education and Biology | 180 |
Education and Physics | 180 |
Education and Mathematics | 180 |
Education and Islamic Studies | 180 |
Education and Computer Science | 180 |
Education and Social Studies | 180 |
Education and Integrated Science | 180 |
Education and Christian Religious Studies | 180 |
Business Education | 180 |
Physical and Health Education | 180 |
Home Economics and Education | 180 |
Guidance and Counselling | 180 |
Library and Information Science | 180 |
Science and Computing Courses
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Computer Science | 190 |
Biochemistry | 190 |
Microbiology | 190 |
Geology | 190 |
Anatomy | 200 |
Physiology | 200 |
Engineering and Technology Courses
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering | 190 |
Production Engineering | 190 |
Chemical Engineering | 190 |
Petroleum Engineering | 190 |
Civil Engineering | 190 |
Structural Engineering | 190 |
Electrical Engineering | 190 |
Computer Engineering | 190 |
Building | 180 |
Communication, Law, and Management Courses
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Mass Communication | 200 |
Common Law | 220 |
Business Administration | 180 |
Health and Medical Courses
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Nursing | 250 |
Medicine and Surgery | 260 |
Pharmacy | 230 |
All other less competitive courses at ABU generally adopt the minimum cut-off mark of 180.
For a full breakdown of JAMB cut-off marks for federal, state, and private universities, see the complete guide here.
How ABU Determines Its Screening Scores
ABU determines screening scores using multiple factors:
Number of applicants per course
Departmental admission quota
UTME performance distribution
Post-UTME screening performance
Institutional admission policy
Highly competitive courses automatically attract higher cut-off marks.
ABU Admission Requirements for 2026/2027
To be eligible for admission into ABU, candidates must:
Have at least five O-Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Score 180 or above in UTME
Meet departmental cut-off requirements
Participate in ABU screening
Choose ABU as First Choice
Candidates who fail to meet departmental cut-off marks may only be considered through supplementary admission if slots are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current cut-off mark for ABU?
The general cut-off mark for ABU is 180.
Can I study Medicine with 200 at ABU?
No. Medicine and Surgery requires 260 and above.
What is the cut-off mark for Nursing at ABU?
The cut-off mark for Nursing is 250.
Does ABU accept second-choice candidates?
Yes, but First Choice candidates receive stronger consideration.
Can I gain admission with 180 as an indigene?
Yes. Indigenes and non-indigenes are treated equally once the cut-off mark is met.