The JAMB cut off mark for Software Engineering is one of the most searched admission requirements among science students in Nigeria.
As technology continues to shape industries worldwide, Software Engineering has become one of the most competitive engineering courses offered in Nigerian universities.
For the 2026/2027 admission session, the minimum JAMB benchmark for universities is 150. However, scoring 150 does not automatically guarantee admission to study Software Engineering.
Most universities admit candidates with 180, 200, 220, or even higher, depending on the institution and the competitiveness of the programme.
If you intend to study Software Engineering, you should also meet the required O’Level credits, choose the correct UTME subject combination, participate in the institution’s screening or Post UTME exercise (where applicable), and satisfy any departmental admission requirements.
This page provides the latest information on the JAMB cut off mark for Software Engineering, universities offering the course, admission requirements, and practical tips to improve your chances of gaining admission.
What is Software Engineering?
Software Engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of computer software.
It combines principles from computer science, mathematics, and engineering to create reliable, secure, and efficient software systems.
Students studying Software Engineering learn topics such as:
- Computer Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Web Development
- Mobile Application Development
- Software Testing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Software Project Management
Graduates can work in technology companies, financial institutions, government agencies, telecommunications firms, healthcare organizations, and multinational corporations.
What is the JAMB Cut Off Mark for Software Engineering?
The official JAMB minimum benchmark for universities is 150. However, Software Engineering is considered a highly competitive course, and many universities require a much higher UTME score for admission.
| Admission Requirement | Score |
|---|---|
| JAMB Minimum Benchmark | 150 |
| Competitive Universities | 180 to 200+ |
| Highly Competitive Institutions | 220 to 280+ |
Candidates applying to top institutions such as UNILAG, UNIBEN, OAU, or Covenant University should aim well above the minimum benchmark to improve their chances of admission.
Federal Universities Offering Software Engineering and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
The following federal universities offer Software Engineering or closely related programmes leading to a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering.
| S/N | Federal University | State | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Imo | 180 |
| 2 | Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | Ondo | 180 |
| 3 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos | 200 |
| 4 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo | 200 |
| 5 | Bayero University Kano (BUK) | Kano | 180 |
| 6 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Kwara | 180 |
| 7 | Federal University, Dutse (FUD) | Jigawa | 150 |
| 8 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | Ekiti | 160 |
| 9 | Modibbo Adama University (MAU) | Adamawa | 160 |
| 10 | Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | Gombe | 150 |
State Universities Offering Software Engineering and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
Several state-owned universities also offer Software Engineering or related degree programmes.
| S/N | State University | State | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | 195 |
| 2 | Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST) | Delta | 150 |
| 3 | Ondo State University of Science and Technology | Ondo | 150 |
| 4 | Kogi State University, Kabba | Kogi | 150 |
| 5 | Edo State University, Uzairue | Edo | 150 |
Private Universities Offering Software Engineering and Their JAMB Cut Off Marks
Private universities generally offer flexible admission opportunities while maintaining high academic standards.
| S/N | Private University | State | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Ogun | 180 |
| 2 | Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti | 180 |
| 3 | Nile University of Nigeria | FCT | 180 |
| 4 | Baze University | FCT | 180 |
| 5 | Bells University of Technology | Ogun | 150 |
| 6 | Bowen University | Osun | 170 |
| 7 | American University of Nigeria (AUN) | Adamawa | 160 |
| 8 | Pan-Atlantic University* | Lagos | 220* |
JAMB Subject Combination for Software Engineering
To study Software Engineering in any accredited Nigerian university, candidates must register the correct UTME subjects during JAMB registration.
The approved JAMB subject combination is:
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Compulsory |
| Mathematics | Compulsory |
| Physics | Compulsory |
| Chemistry | Compulsory |
Choosing the wrong subject combination may disqualify you from admission, even if you score above the required cut off mark.
O’Level Requirements for Software Engineering
Candidates must obtain at least five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB in not more than two sittings.
The required subjects are:
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Credit |
| Mathematics | Credit |
| Physics | Credit |
| Chemistry | Credit |
| One other Science Subject (Biology, Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Agricultural Science, or Geography) | Credit |
Direct Entry Requirements for Software Engineering
Candidates seeking admission through Direct Entry should possess one of the following qualifications:
- National Diploma (ND) in a relevant discipline with at least Lower Credit
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in relevant science subjects
- IJMB or JUPEB with good grades
- Cambridge A-Level passes in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
Each university determines its Direct Entry admission requirements, so candidates should consult the latest admission brochure before applying.
Career Opportunities for Software Engineering Graduates
Software Engineering graduates are in high demand across many sectors.
Possible career paths include:
| Career | Description |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Develops and maintains software applications. |
| Full-Stack Developer | Builds both front-end and back-end systems. |
| Mobile App Developer | Creates Android and iOS applications. |
| Web Developer | Designs and develops websites and web applications. |
| Data Engineer | Builds systems for collecting and processing data. |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineer | Develops AI-powered software solutions. |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Creates predictive models using data. |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | Protects computer systems from cyber threats. |
| Cloud Engineer | Manages cloud infrastructure and services. |
| DevOps Engineer | Automates software deployment and operations. |
| Systems Analyst | Evaluates and improves IT systems. |
| Database Administrator | Designs and manages databases. |

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