The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 cut-off marks have officially been announced, setting the benchmark for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every year, JAMB determines the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) before becoming eligible for post-UTME screenings and eventual admission.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, candidates and parents are eager to know the latest cut-off marks across all institutions, as this is a decisive factor in securing admission.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- The official JAMB 2025 cut-off marks by institution type.
- The cut-off marks for top universities and polytechnics.
- How JAMB determines the cut-off mark.
- Why schools adopt higher cut-off points than JAMB’s minimum.
- Admission tips for students below the required cut-off.
This resource is carefully crafted to help you make informed decisions, increase your chances of admission, and understand the latest JAMB 2025 admission process.
What is the Official JAMB 2025 Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB board has approved the following minimum cut-off marks for 2025 admissions:
- Universities: 160 and above
- Polytechnics: 120 and above
- Colleges of Education: 100 and above
However, it’s important to note that individual institutions are allowed to set their own cut-off marks above JAMB’s benchmark. For example, highly competitive universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ibadan (UI) often set theirs at 200+.
Breakdown of JAMB 2025 Cut-Off Marks by Institution Type
1. Universities (Federal, State, and Private)
- Minimum JAMB cut-off mark: 160
- Highly competitive federal universities: 200 – 250+
- State universities: 160 – 180
- Private universities: 160 and above (some accept 150+)
Examples:
- University of Ibadan (UI): 200
- University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): 200
- Lagos State University (LASU): 180 – 200
How to Prepare for Post-UTME 2025)
2. Polytechnics
- Minimum JAMB cut-off mark: 120
- Competitive courses (Engineering, Science, Tech): 150 – 180
- Less competitive courses: 120 – 140
Examples:
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): 150
- Federal Polytechnic Nekede: 150
- Kaduna Polytechnic: 120
List of Top Polytechnics in Nigeria 2025)
3. Colleges of Education
- Minimum JAMB cut-off mark: 100
- Most colleges accept students starting from 100 – 120.
Examples:
- Adeyemi College of Education: 120
- Federal College of Education, Zaria: 100
Best Colleges of Education in Nigeria 2025)
Why Do Schools Set Higher Cut-Off Marks Than JAMB’s Minimum?
- Competition: Some universities receive over 50,000 applications for just 10,000 spaces.
- Course Demand: Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy require higher benchmarks.
- Institutional Standards: Federal universities usually maintain stricter requirements than state or private institutions.
- Post-UTME Considerations: Schools use cut-off marks to filter candidates for screening exams.
JAMB 2025 Departmental Cut-Off Marks for Popular Courses
- Medicine and Surgery: 250+
- Law: 220 – 250
- Engineering: 200 – 240
- Pharmacy: 230 – 250
- Nursing: 200 – 240
- Mass Communication: 200 – 230
- Computer Science: 190 – 220
Top 10 Most Competitive Courses in Nigeria 2025)
List of Cut-Off Marks for Selected Nigerian Universities (2025)
Federal Universities
- University of Ibadan (UI) – 200
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 200
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) – 180
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 200
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU) – 180
- Delta State University (DELSU) – 170
- Rivers State University – 160
Private Universities
- Covenant University – 160
- Babcock University – 160
- Afe Babalola University – 160
Tips to Gain Admission If Your Score Is Below the Cut-Off
- Consider Less Competitive Schools: Apply to state or private universities.
- Switch Courses: Pick less competitive courses like Education, Agriculture, or Linguistics.
- Leverage Supplementary Lists: Many schools offer second-chance admission through supplementary forms.
- Colleges of Education & Polytechnics: These have lower cut-offs and can be stepping stones.
Alternative Pathways to University Admission in Nigeria)
Jamb official website:
- Official JAMB Website
- National Universities Commission (NUC)
- Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria
- World Education Services
- Study Abroad Scholarships Nigeria
FAQ
Q1: What is the JAMB 2025 cut-off mark for universities?
A: The official JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2025 is 160, but top schools may set theirs higher (200+).
Q2: What is the JAMB cut-off mark for polytechnics 2025?
A: Polytechnics accept candidates with a minimum of 120, though competitive ones may require 150+.
Q3: Can I gain admission with 150 in JAMB 2025?
A: Yes, but mostly into polytechnics, colleges of education, or some state/private universities.
Q4: What is the cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery in 2025?
A: Medicine and Surgery generally requires 250+ in most federal universities.
Q5: Which schools accept 120 in JAMB 2025?
A: Several polytechnics and colleges of education, such as Kaduna Polytechnic, accept 120.
Conclusion
The JAMB 2025 cut-off marks for all Nigerian universities and polytechnics have set the stage for another competitive admission year. While JAMB’s minimum benchmark is 160 for universities, 120 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education, individual institutions maintain the right to adopt higher requirements.
To boost your admission chances, understand your school’s departmental cut-off, prepare well for post-UTME 2025, and consider alternative institutions if necessary.
Latest JAMB News and Admission Updates 2025