Do you want to become a registered nurse in Nigeria? Knowing the JAMB cut off mark for nursing is the first step to gaining entry into the College of Nursing or university that offers BSc nursing. For the 2025 academic session, it is the norm that the JAMB cut off for nursing programs for Colleges of Nursing Sciences is 140. But, this is just the minimum standard as some universities have higher requirements for students.
The article below will take the reader through all you should be aware of: general cut off marks as well as admission requirements, Post-UTME procedures, O’Level expectations and a detailed list of FAQs to help you prepare for your process.
What Is the JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in 2025?
A minimum JAMB UTME score required for nursing Science within Nigeria can be as high as 140 in diploma courses in the Colleges of Nursing Sciences. This score is valid across the federal, state and private nursing schools. However, institutions that offer BSc Nursing typically require a higher cut off that ranges between 180 and 220 based on the level of competition and admission policy.
Institution Type | Minimum JAMB Score |
|---|---|
Colleges of Nursing Sciences | 140 |
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education | 100 |
Universities (BSc Nursing) | 180 – 220+ |
Important institutions can set a higher threshold, but they cannot lower it below the benchmark for national standards.
Why Is the Cut Off Mark Important for Nursing?
Nursing is demanding, sensitive and vital in the delivery of healthcare. That’s why the standard for nursing is usually higher than other programs. Here are reasons why it matters:
- Assessment of academic merit The system ensures only candidates who have been screened.
- Competency for admission Nursing is one of the health programs across Nigeria.
- Capacity of institutions Schools utilize the cut off for managing the high number of applicants.
- Standards for professional use High entry scores demonstrate the analytical thinking and scientific skills required by nurses.
Types of Nursing Programmes and Their Requirements
1. College of Nursing Sciences (RN/RM Diploma)
- JAMB UTME score:Â Minimum of 140
- Results from O’Level:Â At least five credits, including English Maths, Physics, Mathematics Chemistry, Biology and Physics (not greater than two sessions)
- Age minimum:Â 16 years and over
- Program duration: 3 years
2. University (Bachelor of Nursing Science – B.NSc)
- JAMB UTME score:Â Minimum of 180 (some universities require at least 200)
- O’Level Five credits from the core sciences subjects
- Post-UTME screening:Â Compulsory in most universities
- Duration of the program: 5 years + 1 year of internship
How Post-UTME Affects Your Nursing Admission
Post-UTME is an additional crucial process to gain acceptance. Institutions use it to screen applicants who have completed the minimum JAMB requirements.
Typical Post-UTME screening includes:
- computer-based test (CBT)
- Oral interviews
- Document verification
- Physical fitness tests
Some universities offer as high as 50 percent weightage on post-UTME scores in making admission lists.
Nursing Admission: Step-by-Step Process
- Take JAMB the UTME exam and select nursing as the subject you want to study.
- Reach the cut off point established for your chosen school.
- Join the post-UTME screening according to the announcement by the university.
- Submit all required documents, including O’Level results.
- Check admission lists via JAMB CAPS or school portals.
If Your Score Is Below the Cut Off
If your mark is less than 140, you will not be considered for admission to or into any Nursing Science program. But there are alternatives:
- Apply for similar courses (e.g., Biology, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Technology)
- You can enroll in a pre-degree program or JUPEB program
- Keep an eye out until the next cycle of UTME to make sure you are prepared for the next cycle.
- Take into consideration private institutions that might offer Foundation entry.
Top Nigerian Universities Offering Nursing Programmes with cut off Mark
While the cut off mark are uniform, here are a few examples of institutions with historically high requirements for nursing admission:
Federal Universities Offering Nursing (with Cut-Off Marks)
University Name | Cut Off Mark (2025) |
|---|---|
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 250+ |
University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 230–250 |
University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 210–230 |
University of Ibadan (UI) | 260+ |
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 240+ |
University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 220+ |
University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 250+ |
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 210–230 |
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 250+ |
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 230+ |
University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 220–240 |
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife | 250+ |
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka | 240+ |
Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK), Sokoto | 210–230 |
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 220–230 |
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi | 200+ |
Federal University, Lafia | 200+ |
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | 210–230 |
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – Distance Learning | No JAMB Required (for registered nurses) |
State Universities Offering Nursing (with Cut-Off Marks)
University Name | Cut Off Mark (2025) |
|---|---|
Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu | 220–240 |
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma | 210–230 |
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka | 220+ |
Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki | 210–230 |
Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti | 210+ |
Enugu State University of Science & Tech (ESUT) | 200–220 |
Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri | 210–230 |
Ladoke Akintola University of Tech (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso | 220–230 |
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye | 210–230 |
Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo | 220+ |
Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt | 220–240 |
Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo | 200–210 |
Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi | 210–220 |
Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba | 210–220 |
Kwara State University (KWASU) | 210–230 |
Delta State University of Science & Tech, Ozoro | 200–210 |
Borno State University (BOSU) | 200+ |
Private Universities Offering Nursing (with Cut-Off Marks)
University Name | Cut Off Mark (2025) |
|---|---|
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) | 200–220 |
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo | 200+ |
Madonna University, Elele/Ihiala | 200+ |
Bowen University, Iwo | 200+ |
Igbinedion University, Okada | 200+ |
Lead City University, Ibadan | 200+ |
Bingham University, Karu | 200+ |
Benson Idahosa University, Benin | 200+ |
Achievers University, Owo | 200+ |
Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu | 200+ |
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt | 200+ |
Skyline University, Kano | 200+ |
Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan | 200+ |
They typically receive thousands of applications in only a couple hundred slots, and so they establish the cut offs for internal use greater than 140.
FAQs: Nursing Cut-Off Mark and Admission in Nigeria (2025)
1. What is the minimum JAMB score for Nursing in 2025?
The minimum score is 140 for Colleges of Nursing. For university BSc Nursing programmes, it ranges from 180 to 220.
2. Can I get admitted to study Nursing with 150 in JAMB?
Yes, you may be eligible for College of Nursing diploma programmes, but not most universities.
3. What is the cut-off mark for BSc Nursing in federal universities?
Most federal universities require 180 or higher, and some competitive ones go up to 220.
4. Is Post-UTME compulsory for nursing admission?
Yes. Almost all nursing institutions conduct Post-UTME screening or interviews.
5. Can I combine two O’Level results for Nursing?
Yes, but both must include the required five credits and not be more than two sittings.
6. Can I apply for Nursing without JAMB?
Most government-approved colleges now require JAMB. Only a few private institutions accept direct applications.
7. What happens if I score 139 in JAMB?
You won’t be eligible to apply for Nursing; you must wait for the next JAMB cycle or consider a different course.
8. Which university has the lowest cut-off for Nursing?
Generally, state universities in less competitive zones may accept 180, but this changes annually.
9. What are the subject combinations for Nursing in JAMB?
English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
10. Is the 140 cut-off for all levels of Nursing?
No. It’s for diploma programmes. University Nursing courses require higher scores.
11. Can I study Nursing with NABTEB results?
Yes, if the institution accepts NABTEB and your results meet subject and grade requirements.
12. Do private universities offer Nursing with low cut-offs?
Some private schools may accept slightly lower scores but still require minimum academic performance.
13. What is the age requirement for Nursing admission?
You must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.
14. Can I change my course to Nursing after JAMB registration?
Yes, through JAMB change of course/institution portal if you meet the requirements.
15. What is the duration of Nursing programmes in Nigeria?
- Diploma: 3 years
- University degree: 5 years + 1-year internship
Conclusion
In the end, the cut off score in Nursing Science in Nigeria is 140. However, competitive schools require higher scores, particularly for degree programs. If you’re interested in nursing, aim for an average score of 180 or above. Prepare well for your post-UTME test, and ensure you have your O’Level subjects fully completed and legitimate.
Are you interested in the list of nursing schools that match your scores? Or need an individual guide to increase your chances of being accepted? Let’s help you with universities.ng.