
Cut-Off Marks for Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education
Nigeria’s tertiary education system is highly competitive, with millions of students vying for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education each year.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets the minimum cut-off marks for admission into these institutions, but individual schools often establish higher thresholds, especially for competitive courses.
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Based on the most recent data available, this article explores some of the top Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, along with their respective JAMB cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks Overview
For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB has set the following minimum cut-off marks:
- Universities: 140
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Education: 100
However, institutions have the autonomy to set higher cut-off marks based on their admission policies, course competitiveness, and candidate performance. Below is a detailed look at some of the top institutions in each category and their cut-off marks.
Nigerian Universities With Their Cut-Off Marks
Nigerian universities offer diverse academic programs, with federal and state universities being more affordable and private universities providing alternative pathways.
Below are top universities and their cut-off marks for 2025/2026, based on confirmed data or estimates from recent trends:
Federal Universities
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – 180 and above (200+ for engineering)
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) – 180 and above (200+ for engineering)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – 180 and above (200+ for medical sciences)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) – 180 and above (200+ for agriculture)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – 180 and above (200+ for engineering)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – 180 and above (200+ for tech courses)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) – 150 and above (160+ for competitive courses)
- Federal University, Gashua (FUGASHUA) – 150 and above (160+ for medicine)
- Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
- Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) – 150 and above (160+ for engineering)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI) – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru – 150 and above (170+ for agriculture)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Federal University of Technology, Babura – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Federal University of Transportation, Daura – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) – 160 and above (180+ for agriculture)
- Modibbo Adama University, Yola (MAUTECH) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
- Nigerian Army University, Biu – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna – 180 and above (200+ for competitive courses)
- Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil – 180 and above (200+ for law)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 180 and above (200+ for competitive courses)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 200 and above (240+ for engineering)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 200 and above (220+ for medical sciences)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL) – 180 and above (200+ for medicine)
- University of Ibadan (UI) – 200 and above (230+ for medicine)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 180 and above (200+ for nursing)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS) – 180 and above (200+ for law)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 200 and above (250+ for medicine, law)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 200 and above (230+ for pharmacy)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – 180 and above (200+ for medicine)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO) – 180 and above (200+ for pharmacy)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Federal University, Kaduna – 160 and above (180+ for competitive courses)
State Universities
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) – 160 and above (180+ for law)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU) – 160 and above (180+ for competitive courses)
- Anambra State University of Science and Technology – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Bauchi State University (BASUG) – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Benue State University (BSU) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Borno State University (BOSU) – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara – 160 and above (180+ for tech courses)
- Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Delta State University (DELSU) – 170 and above (200+ for medicine)
- Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro – 150 and above (170+ for engineering)
- Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Edo State University, Uzairue – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo – 150 and above (170+ for education)
- Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Gombe State University (GSU) – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) – 150 and above (170+ for education)
- Imo State University (IMSU) – 160 and above (180+ for law)
- Kaduna State University (KASU) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) – 150 and above (170+ for tech courses)
- King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Kogi State University (KSU) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Kwara State University (KWASU) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) – 180 and above (200+ for medicine)
- Lagos State University (LASU) – 190 and above (210+ for medicine)
- Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin – 150 and above (170+ for education)
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Niger Delta University (NDU) – 150 and above (180+ for law)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Ondo State University of Medical Sciences – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) – 160 and above (180+ for engineering)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – 160 and above (180+ for medicine)
- Plateau State University (PLASU) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Rivers State University (RSU) – 160 and above (180+ for law)
- Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto – 150 and above (170+ for education)
- Sokoto State University (SSU) – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) – 160 and above (180+ for education courses)
- Taraba State University (TSUJ) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
- University of Delta, Agbor – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano – 150 and above (170+ for medicine)
- Adamawa State University (ADSU) – 150 and above (170+ for law)
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti – 150 and above (170+ for education)
- Yobe State University (YSU) – 150 and above (170+ for competitive courses)
Private Universities
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) – 180 (private, 200+ for law)
- Achievers University, Owo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Adeleke University, Ede – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Admiralty University, Ibusa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Amaj University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- American University of Nigeria, Yola – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Anan University, Kwall – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Atiba University, Oyo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Augustine University, Ilara – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ave Maria University, Piyanko – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Azman University, Kano – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo – 170 (private, varies by course)
- Baptist University, Iwo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Baze University, Abuja – 160 (private, 180+ for law)
- Bells University of Technology, Ota – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City – 160 (private, 180+ for law)
- Bethel University, Ota – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Bingham University, Karu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Blessed University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Bowen University, Iwo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Canadian University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Capital City University, Kano – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Caritas University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Christland University, Owode – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Chrisland University, Abeokuta – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Christopher University, Mowe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- City University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Claretian University, Nekede – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Clifford University, Owerrinta – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Coal City University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Cosmopolitan University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Covenant Polytechnic University, Aba – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Covenant University, Ota – 200 (private, competitive programs)
- Crawford University, Igbesa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Crescent University, Abeokuta – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Crown Hill University, Eiyenkorin – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Divine University, Mkar – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Dominion University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Eden University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Edusoko University, Bida – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Ijanikin – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- El-Amin University, Minna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Elders University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Elrazi Medical University, Kano – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- European University of Nigeria, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Evangel University, Akaeze – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Faith University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Fortune University, Ikot Ekpene – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Fountain University, Osogbo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- Glorette University, Yenagoa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Glory University, Ankpa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu – 160 (private, 180+ for law)
- Greenfield University, Kaduna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Gregory University, Uturu – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- Hafiz University, Kaduna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Havilla University, Nde-Ikom – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Hensard University, Toru-Orua – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Hezekiah University, Umudi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Hope University, Owerri – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Huda University, Gusau – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Igbinedion University, Okada – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Iconic Open University, Sokoto – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Imam Hamzat University, Ilorin – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Jabam University, Kaduna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Jewel University, Gombe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Katsina University, Katsina – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Khadija University, Majia – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Kingdom University, Ota – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Kings University, Ode-Omu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Kola Daisi University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Kwararafa University, Wukari – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ladipo University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran – 170 (private, varies by course)
- Legacy University, Okija – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Light University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Lux Mundi University, Umuahia – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Madonna University, Okija – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Maduka University, Ekwegbe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Maranatha University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Maryam Abacha American University, Kano – 160 (private, varies by course)
- McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Mercy Medical University, Iwara – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- Mercy University, Osun – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Mewar International University, Masaka – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Micheal and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Miva Open University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Miva University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Mountain Top University, Makogi Oba – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Mudiame University, Irrua – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nakowa University, Minna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nduka University, Awka – 160 (private, varies by course)
- New Horizon University, Ado-Ekiti – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Newgate University, Minna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Noble University, Abeokuta – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nok University, Kachia – 160 (private, varies by course)
- North-West University, Sokoto – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nova University, Asaba – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Novena University, Ogume – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Obong University, Obong Ntak – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ogoja University, Ogoja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Olive University, Jos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Omega University, Ondo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt – 180 (private, 200+ for medicine)
- Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos – 180 (private, competitive programs)
- Paul University, Awka – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Peace University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Pen Resource University, Gombe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Peter University, Achina-Onneh – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Philomath University, Kuje – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Phoenix University, Agwada – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Pioneer University, Port Harcourt – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Prime University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Rayhaan University, Kebbi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Redeemed University, Mowe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Redeemer’s University, Ede – 170 (private, competitive programs)
- Renaissance University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Rhema University, Aba – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Royal University, Kano – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Sacred Heart University, Abeokuta – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Saisa University of Medical Sciences, Sokoto – 160 (private, 180+ for medicine)
- Salem University, Lokoja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Salvation University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Shalom University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Shanahan University, Onitsha – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Sheikh Ahmad University, Katsina – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Skyline University, Kano – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Southwestern University, Okun-Owa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Spiritan University, Nneochi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Sports University, Idumuje – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Star University, Uyo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Summit University, Offa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Sunrise University, Enugu – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Supreme University, Kaduna – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Tansian University, Umunya – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Topfaith University, Mkpatak – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Treasure University, Benin City – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Trinity University, Laloko – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Trinity University, Yaba – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Unity University, Ado-Ekiti – 160 (private, varies by course)
- University of Mkar, Mkar – 160 (private, varies by course)
- University of Offa, Offa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Veritas University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Victory University, Makurdi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Vision University, Gombe – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Vision University, Ikogbo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Wellspring University, Benin City – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Wesley University, Ondo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Westland University, Iwo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Westminster University, Abuja – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Western Delta University, Oghara – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Wigwe University, Isiokpo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Wisdom University, Owerri – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Zion University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Al-Bayan University, Kogi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Ahman Pategi University, Patigi – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Baze University, Abuja – 160 (private, 180+ for law)
- Caleb University, Lagos – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Dominion University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Lead City University, Ibadan – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Muhammad Kamalud University, Kwara – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Nigerian British University, Asa – 160 (private, varies by course)
- Sam Maris University, Ondo – 160 (private, varies by course)
Note: Competitive courses (e.g., medicine, law, engineering) often require scores above 230–280, especially in top federal universities like UNILAG, UI, and OAU.
Nigerian Polytechnics With Their Cut-Off Marks
Polytechnics provide technical and vocational education, producing skilled engineering, technology, and business professionals. The minimum JAMB cut-off is 100, but top polytechnics often set higher thresholds.
Below are the top polytechnics and their cut-off marks, completing the list with 25 additional institutions:
Federal Polytechnics and Cut-Off Marks
- Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna – 120
- Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State – 120
- Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State – 120 and above (varies by course)
- Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State – 120 (specific courses may require higher)
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State – 120 (not yet announced for 2025, based on previous years)
- Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State – 140
- Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State – 150
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State – 150
- Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State – 150
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State – 120
- Federal Polytechnic of Oil & Gas, Bonny, Rivers State – 120
- Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Makurdi – 120
- Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State – 120
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos – 150 for National Diploma (ND), 200 for UNN Degree programs
- Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State – 120
- Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State – 120
State Polytechnics and Cut-Off Marks
- Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State – 120
- Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State – 120
- Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State – 120
- Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Edo State – 120
- Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State – 130
- Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State – 120
- Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Jigawa State – 120
- Kano State Polytechnic, Kano, Kano State – 120
- Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State – 120
- Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State – 150
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State – 120
- Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State – 120
- Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State – 120
- Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State – 120
- Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, Rivers State – 120
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State – 120
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State – 150 (160 for Science Laboratory Technology)
- Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Oyo State – 120
- Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State – 120
- Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State – 120
Private Polytechnics and Cut-Off Marks
- Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja – 110
- Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State – 110
- The Polytechnic, Ile-Ife, Osun State – 110
- Kings Polytechnic, Ubiaja, Edo State – 110
- Lens Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State – 110
- Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State – 180 (specific courses like Nautical Science and Marine Engineering)
- Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu (in affiliation with UNN) – 120 for ND, 180 for UNN Degree programs
Note: Competitive courses (e.g., computer engineering, science laboratory technology) may require higher cut-offs (150–180) at top polytechnics like YABATECH, Ilaro, and Nekede.
Nigerian Colleges of Education With Their Cut-Off Marks
Colleges of education train teachers for Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools, playing a vital role in education. The minimum JAMB cut-off is 100, but institutions affiliated with universities or offering degree programs may set higher thresholds.
Below are the top colleges of education and their cut-off marks:
Federal Colleges of Education
- Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo – 140 and above (degree programs)
- Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Abeokuta – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Gusau – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Kano – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Kontagora – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Obudu – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Okene – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Pankshin – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Yola – 100 and above
- Federal College of Education, Zaria – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
State Colleges of Education
- Adamawa State College of Education, Hong – 100 and above
- Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu – 100 and above
- Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare – 100 and above
- Bauchi State College of Education, Kangere – 100 and above
- Borno State College of Education, Maiduguri – 100 and above
- College of Education, Agbor – 100 and above
- College of Education, Akwanga – 100 and above
- College of Education, Ankpa – 100 and above
- College of Education, Azare – 100 and above
- College of Education, Billiri – 100 and above
- College of Education, Ekiadolor – 100 and above
- College of Education, Gashua – 100 and above
- College of Education, Gindiri – 100 and above
- College of Education, Igueben – 100 and above
- College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- College of Education, Ilesa – 100 and above
- College of Education, Jalingo – 100 and above
- College of Education, Katsina-Ala – 100 and above
- College of Education, Maru – 100 and above
- College of Education, Minna – 100 and above
- College of Education, Mosogar – 100 and above
- College of Education, Oju – 100 and above
- College of Education, Oro – 100 and above
- College of Education, Port Harcourt – 100 and above
- College of Education, Waka-Biu – 100 and above
- College of Education, Warri – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa – 100 and above
- Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo – 100 and above
- Edo State College of Education, Igueben – 100 and above
- Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo – 100 and above
- Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu – 100 and above
- Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma – 100 and above
- Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel – 100 and above
- Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri – 100 and above
- Kogi State College of Education, Kabba – 100 and above
- Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin – 100 and above
- Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun – 100 and above
- Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso – 100 and above
- Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto – 100 and above
- Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijebu-Ode – 100 and above (140+ for degree programs)
- Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua – 100 and above
- Zamfara State College of Education, Maru – 100 and above
Note: Colleges offering degree programs in affiliation with universities (e.g., Adeyemi, Alvan Ikoku) often require higher cut-offs (140–180) for those programs.
Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks
Several factors determine the cut-off marks set by Nigerian tertiary institutions:
- Course Competitiveness: High-demand courses like medicine, law, engineering, and nursing typically have higher cut-offs due to limited slots and large applicant pools. For example, medicine at UNILAG may require 250+, while less competitive courses may align with the institutional minimum.
- Institution Reputation: Prestigious institutions like UNILAG, UI, YABATECH, and Adeyemi College set higher cut-offs to maintain academic standards and manage applicant numbers.
- Candidate Performance: Cut-off marks may be adjusted based on candidates’ overall performance in the UTME. Stronger performance may lead to higher cut-offs, especially at competitive institutions.
- Admission Quota: Limited admission slots, particularly in federal institutions, result in higher cut-offs for oversubscribed programs to filter candidates.
- Regional and Policy Factors: Some institutions, especially in less competitive regions, may set lower cut-offs to attract students, while state policies or affiliations (e.g., colleges of education tied to universities) can influence thresholds.
Tips for Aspiring Students
- Aim for High Scores: Scoring above the minimum cut-off (e.g., 200+ for universities, 150+ for top polytechnics) significantly improves your chances, especially for competitive courses like medicine or engineering.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Many institutions conduct Post-UTME screenings, and performance in these exams is critical for admission. Check specific requirements on institutional portals.
- Verify Cut-Off Marks: Cut-off marks can vary yearly. Always confirm the latest figures on the JAMB website (www.jamb.gov.ng) (www.jamb.gov.ng) or the institution’s official portal.
- Consider Less Competitive Options: If your UTME score is below the threshold for top-tier institutions, consider polytechnics, colleges of education, or private universities with lower cut-offs (e.g., 160 for many private universities).
- Explore Alternative Pathways: Polytechnics and colleges of education offer practical training and pathways to further studies (e.g., HND or degree programs via direct entry).
- Apply Strategically: Choose institutions and courses that align with your UTME score and career goals to maximize admission chances.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s tertiary institutions provide diverse opportunities for academic and professional growth, but admission remains highly competitive, with cut-off marks serving as a critical filter.
Top universities like UNILAG, UI, and Covenant University typically set cut-offs at 200 or higher, particularly for courses like medicine and law. Leading polytechnics such as YABATECH and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro often require 150 or more for competitive programs like computer engineering. Colleges of education, with a minimum cut-off of 100, offer accessible pathways for aspiring teachers, though degree programs may demand higher scores.
Aspiring students should aim to exceed the minimum cut-off marks, prepare for Post-UTME screenings, and verify specific requirements through official channels like JAMB or institutional websites.
By strategically selecting institutions and courses that match their UTME performance, candidates can enhance their chances of securing admission into Nigeria’s top universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2025/2026 academic session.