Knowing the real approved cut-off marks for all Nigerian universities (2025) will help you to know which university to go for based on your score.
Thousands of students in Nigeria are writing UTME every year to get into a university. It’s not just UTME that will get you into a university. The final thing every student should know is the cut-off marks to all Nigerian universities.
The reason is that universities in Nigeria don’t even give you the chance to come to them through their main gate without meeting their minimum score.
So this year, JAMB has collaborated with Nigerian universities to agree on the cut-off marks required by universities to accept different schools.
In this article, we will be looking at the official cut-off marks of 2025 federal, state and even private institutions in Nigeria.
We will also explain the impact of these marks to your admission chances and what to do if you score below the cut-off.
What is a Cut-Off Mark?
A cut-off mark is the lowest score a student must have in UTME before that student can be considered to be in a position to get admission into a university. The cut-off mark in each university is determined by the competitiveness of the course and the number of students to be admitted by that university.
There are three types of universities in Nigeria:
- Federal Universities (owned by Federal Government)
- State Universities (owned by State Governments)
- Private Universities (owned by individuals or organizations)
Each of them may have different cut-off marks depending on their admission policies.
Who Sets the Cut-Off Mark?
JAMB is the body in charge of UTME and admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Each year, JAMB sits with the heads of tertiary institutions (universities and other tertiary institutions) to determine the minimum cut-off mark which institution could accept. But schools are also free to raise the cut-off marks according to their standards.
So in 2025, JAMB provided a general guideline and then universities established their own marks.
General JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025
Below are the minimum cut-off marks approved by JAMB for all categories of universities in Nigeria for 2025:
- Federal Universities: 140
- State Universities: 130
- Private Universities: 120
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Education: 100
Remember: These are just the minimum. Many schools will still use higher scores to screen their applicants.
ALSO READ: JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses in Nigeria
Approved Cut-Off Marks for All Nigerian Universities (2025)
Federal Universities
| University Name | 2025 Cut-Off Mark |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 180 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) | 180 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | 180 |
| Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) | 170 |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 180 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 180 |
State Universities
| University Name | 2025 Cut-Off Mark |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 190 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 180 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 160 |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 160 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | 170 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 160 |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 150 |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 160 |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 160 |
| Taraba State University (TSU) | 140 |
Private Universities
| University Name | 2025 Cut-Off Mark |
| Covenant University | 180 |
| Babcock University | 170 |
| Afe Babalola University | 170 |
| Bowen University | 160 |
| Redeemer’s University | 160 |
| Caleb University | 150 |
| Lead City University | 150 |
| Igbinedion University | 150 |
| Achievers University | 140 |
| Al-Hikmah University | 140 |
What If I Scored Below the Cut-Off Mark?
If your UTME score is below the cut-off for the university you chose, don’t worry. You have options:
- Institution Change: In JAMB you are also free to change of institution. It will be possible to switch to a university that will consider your score.
- Select a Less Competitive Course: There are courses such as Medicine, Law and Engineering that have a high cut off mark. You may apply to other less competitive ones such as Sociology, Education or Agricultural Science.
- Polytechnics or Colleges of Education: They can produce good education too with less cut-off marks (100).
- Wait and Prepare Again: You will wait and prepare again to pass the next UTME to reach your dream university with the necessary cut-off.
Why Do Cut-Off Marks Change Every Year?
Cut-off is not final. They may rise or fall every year depending on:
- The amount of students to apply
- Competitiveness in a course
- Requirements and polices of schools
- The overall performance of candidates that year
As an illustration, once a lot of students get high scores in UTME, cut-off can be increased by schools. However, in case of generally poor results they can reduce it.
How to Stay Updated
To avoid missing out, always:
- Go to the university websites that you have applied to.
- Visit JAMB portal regularly.
- Subscribe to educational blogs and pages in social media.
- Become a member of student forums or WhatsApp groups sharing admission news.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will 140 be enough to get me into a federal university?
Of course, there just a limited number of federal universities which accept 140. The majority of the best need 180 or above.
- Are low scores acceptable in private universities?
Yes. Most of the private universities do undertake a minimum of 120 upwards. Now you should at least be able to pay their school fees.
- After getting my score, is there a way I can change my course?
Yes, you can change course and institution in JAMB, when necessary. What you have to do is just pay a little money.
**4. Will post-utme take place in 2025?**Yes. Post- UTME screening is still carried out by most universities. Cut-off mark just makes you eligible to write it. The admission is not automatic.
- Is 150 a good JAMB score?
150 is okay but may not place you in a good university or course that is competitive. Apply to the schools which admit 150.
- Can I combine WAEC and NECO during admission?
Yes. The combination of WAEC and NECO in Nigeria is acceptable in practically all universities in Nigeria.
Final Tips to Candidates
Your JAMB score is not the only requirement for admission. There are other factors too like your O Level results, POST-UTME and course of choice.
These are easy secrets to success:
- Apply to a school where you scored enough points.
- Study hard and pass Post-UTME or whatever screening test.
- Apply early and follow instructions.
- Avoid fraudsters who promise you admission.
Conclusion
Special attention should be given to 2025 cut off marks in all Nigerian universities as it is for all students planning to get admission this year. There is a way no matter how you scored 120 or 300. Just stay updated and make good choices.
Make sure you stay updated with your school news and don’t give up especially when things don’t go your way. There are students who failed on their first attempt but passed on the second. It can be your next success story.
