If you are looking for the cut off mark for nursing in Nigerian universities, you are in the right place. Nursing is one of the most in-demand healthcare programmes in Nigeria — and understanding the JAMB cut-off marks for university nursing programmes, as well as the requirements for Schools of Nursing (SON), is essential for planning your 2026 admission. This complete guide covers the cut-off marks for nursing in all federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria, plus the requirements for direct entry into Schools of Nursing and practical tips to maximise your chances of admission.
Two Pathways to Nursing in Nigeria: Universities vs Schools of Nursing
Before diving into cut-off marks, it is important to understand the two pathways to becoming a nurse in Nigeria:
- University B.Sc. Nursing Programme: A 5-year degree programme awarded by Nigerian universities. Requires JAMB UTME registration and screening. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) as Registered Nurses (RN).
- School of Nursing (SON) Programme: A 3-year diploma/certificate programme run by hospitals and health institutions. Does NOT require JAMB — candidates apply directly with O’Level results and pass the institution’s entrance examination. Graduates also register with NMCN.
This article focuses primarily on the university nursing pathway and JAMB cut-off marks, with a brief section on Schools of Nursing admission at the end.
JAMB Requirements for Nursing in Nigerian Universities 2026
- JAMB subject combination for Nursing: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or Mathematics)
- Minimum JAMB cut-off: 200 (national minimum; most universities set nursing cut-off at 200)
- O’Level requirements: Five credit passes including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Health Science in not more than two sittings
- Post-UTME: Required by most universities after JAMB results
- Age: Minimum 16 years at point of admission
Cut Off Mark for Nursing in Federal Universities 2026
University | State | JAMB Cut-Off (Nursing) |
|---|---|---|
University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos | 200 |
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Enugu | 200 |
University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo | 200 |
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Kwara | 200 |
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Rivers | 200 |
Bayero University Kano (BUK) | Kano | 200 |
University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Cross River | 200 |
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | Ekiti | 200 |
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Kaduna | 200 |
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Osun | 200 |
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) | Anambra | 200 |
University of Jos (UNIJOS) | Plateau | 200 |
Cut Off Mark for Nursing in State Universities 2026
University | State | JAMB Cut-Off (Nursing) |
|---|---|---|
Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | 200 |
Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | 200 |
Rivers State University (RSU) | Rivers | 200 |
Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | Edo | 200 |
Kogi State University | Kogi | 200 |
Benue State University (BSU) | Benue | 200 |
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | Ebonyi | 200 |
Imo State University (IMSU) | Imo | 200 |
Abia State University (ABSU) | Abia | 200 |
Niger Delta University (NDU) | Bayelsa | 200 |
Cut Off Mark for Nursing in Private Universities 2026
University | State | JAMB Cut-Off (Nursing) |
|---|---|---|
Babcock University | Ogun | 200 |
Baze University | Abuja | 200 |
Bowen University | Osun | 200 |
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | 200 |
Evangel University | Ebonyi | 180 |
Novena University | Delta | 180 |
Gregory University | Ebonyi | 180 |
School of Nursing Admission in Nigeria 2026 (Non-JAMB Route)
Schools of Nursing (SON) in Nigeria do not use JAMB for admission. Instead, candidates apply directly to individual Schools of Nursing (attached to teaching hospitals and specialist hospitals nationwide) and sit their own entrance examination. Here is what you need:
- Minimum O’Level results: Credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (usually 5 credits including Mathematics)
- Age: Must be between 17 and 35 years of age
- Medical fitness: A medical fitness certificate from a government hospital
- Entrance examination: Conducted by each School of Nursing separately — content typically includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and General Knowledge
- Duration: The programme runs for 3 years and leads to a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate from the NMCN
Well-known Schools of Nursing in Nigeria include Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan School of Nursing, Lagos Island General Hospital School of Nursing, and Federal Medical Centre Schools of Nursing across the country.
How to Improve Your Chances of Nursing Admission in 2026
- Score above the cut-off: Although the JAMB cut-off for nursing is 200 in most schools, a higher JAMB score gives you more options and a stronger aggregate. Aim for 220+ to be competitive in Post-UTME.
- Ensure you have all required O’Level subjects: Missing any required subject (especially Biology or Chemistry) will lead to outright disqualification.
- Prepare seriously for Post-UTME: Most university nursing Post-UTME tests include science subjects and English. Past questions from your target school are the best preparation resource.
- Apply to multiple institutions: Apply to both university programmes and Schools of Nursing to maximise your chances.
- Verify NMCN accreditation: Ensure the university or School of Nursing you choose is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria before applying.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Cut Off Mark for Nursing 2026
What is the JAMB cut off mark for Nursing in Nigerian universities?
The JAMB national minimum cut-off mark for Nursing in Nigerian universities is 200. Most universities (federal, state, and private) set their nursing cut-off at 200. However, the final admission depends on your combined JAMB and Post-UTME aggregate score relative to other candidates.
Can I study Nursing without JAMB?
Yes — through Schools of Nursing (SON) attached to teaching and specialist hospitals. These programmes do not require JAMB. You apply directly, write the school’s entrance examination, and complete a 3-year certificate programme to become a Registered Nurse (RN) accredited by the NMCN.
What subjects do I need in O’Level for Nursing?
You need five credit passes in: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or Health Science in some schools). These must be obtained in not more than two sittings at WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB level.
What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing?
The standard JAMB subject combination for Nursing is: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some universities accept Mathematics in place of Physics — always verify with your target school before JAMB registration.
Is the Nursing programme in private universities the same as federal universities?
Both award a B.Sc. in Nursing and lead to NMCN registration as a Registered Nurse, provided the programme is NMCN-accredited. The key difference is fees (private universities charge significantly more) and competitive pressure (federal universities tend to be more competitive due to higher demand and subsidised fees).
Final Thoughts: Nursing Admission in Nigeria 2026
The cut off mark for nursing is 200 in most Nigerian universities — but meeting the cut-off is only your entry point. Use this guide to identify which institutions you qualify for, prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME, and ensure your O’Level documents are complete and verified. Nursing is a rewarding, high-demand profession in Nigeria and globally, and with the right preparation, 2026 can be the year you secure your admission. Bookmark this page for the latest updates and check our other admission guides below.
Career Opportunities for Nurses in Nigeria and Abroad in 2026
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue nursing in Nigeria is the enormous career opportunity both locally and internationally. Nigeria has a severe shortage of healthcare workers, meaning qualified nurses are in high demand across government hospitals, private clinics, community health centres, and NGOs. Internationally, Nigerian nurses with NMCN registration and foreign language proficiency (especially English) are highly sought after in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. The UK in particular has been actively recruiting Nigerian nurses through the National Health Service (NHS), with many nurses earning between £25,000 and £40,000+ per year once established. This global demand makes nursing one of the highest-return healthcare education investments for Nigerian students.
Midwifery vs Nursing: What Is the Difference?
Many candidates confuse nursing and midwifery. While both are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), they are distinct programmes. Nursing is broader and covers general patient care across all clinical settings. Midwifery specialises in maternal health, antenatal care, labour and delivery, and postnatal care. In Nigeria, some universities offer combined programmes (Nursing/Midwifery) while others treat them separately. After completing a B.Sc. Nursing degree, nurses can pursue a separate midwifery certificate from an NMCN-accredited programme. Both require JAMB registration at the university level, with the same cut-off mark of 200 as the national minimum.
Post-UTME Preparation Tips for University Nursing Applicants
With the JAMB cut-off for nursing set at 200 in most schools, the Post-UTME screening becomes the key differentiator. Here is how to prepare effectively for nursing Post-UTME tests in 2026:
- Focus on Biology: Biology is the core science for nursing. Topics like human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, and health science are frequently tested.
- Revise Chemistry: Chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and basic biochemistry questions appear in most health science Post-UTME exams.
- English Language proficiency: Comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary sections are standard across all Post-UTME tests.
- Use your target school’s past Post-UTME questions: Each university has a slightly different Post-UTME format. Source past questions from your specific target school.
- Work on exam speed: Post-UTME exams are typically 30–60 minutes. Timed practice is essential to completing all questions.
What Happens After You Are Admitted for Nursing?
After securing nursing admission in a Nigerian university, here is what to expect:
- Year 1–2: Pre-clinical studies including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and nursing fundamentals.
- Year 3–4: Clinical rotations in medical, surgical, paediatric, and community nursing specialties.
- Year 5: Advanced clinical nursing, research project, and final professional examinations.
- After graduation: Complete one year of supervised clinical practice (internship), then apply for NMCN registration as a Registered Nurse.
Nursing graduates from NMCN-accredited programmes can also pursue postgraduate studies (M.Sc. Nursing, PhD) both in Nigeria and abroad, opening pathways into nursing education, management, and specialised clinical practice. The long-term career outlook for Nigerian nursing graduates — whether they remain in Nigeria or pursue opportunities internationally — is exceptionally strong.
Nursing Scholarships Available to Nigerian Students in 2026
Several scholarship opportunities exist specifically for nursing students in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through various agencies, periodically offers bursaries and scholarships to science and healthcare students. Some state governments (particularly Lagos, Rivers, and Kano) have scholarship programmes for nursing students willing to serve in their home state after graduation. Internationally, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded nursing postgraduate scholarships, and the British Council has grant programmes that nursing educators and advanced students can apply for. Beyond government scholarships, private foundations such as the MTN Foundation, Dangote Foundation, and Zenith Bank Education Trust Fund have awarded scholarships to healthcare students. Candidates who maintain strong academic performance from Year 1 significantly increase their eligibility for these opportunities. Always check your university’s scholarship notice board and the Federal Scholarship Board website (fsb.gov.ng) for available programmes each academic year.
Nursing is not just a degree — it is a calling that offers a lifetime of purpose, career security, and the chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of patients and communities. Whether you pursue your nursing education in a federal university, state university, private university, or School of Nursing, the 2026 academic year offers excellent opportunities to begin that journey. Use this cut-off mark guide to plan your application, prepare thoroughly, and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.
