JAMB officially adopted 150 as the national minimum admissible score for universities and Colleges of Nursing Sciences for the 2026 admission cycle, confirmed at the Board’s Policy Meeting on Admissions held on 11 May 2026 in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. This is the absolute floor; individual institutions then set their own, often considerably higher, departmental cut-off marks for Nursing specifically, since it remains one of the most competitive courses in Nigerian higher education.

The same policy meeting also fixed 100 as the minimum admissible score for polytechnics and mono-technics, and set deadlines for institutions to complete their 2026 admission exercises. The meeting brought together the JAMB Registrar, the Minister of Education, Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and heads of tertiary institutions from across the country a genuinely authoritative, formally documented policy decision rather than an informal announcement.

Understanding the Layered System

There is no single “cut-off mark for Nursing” in Nigeria; it works in layers, and understanding each one matters:

• JAMB’s national minimum (150 for 2026) is the lowest score any university or nursing college can legally accept.
• Each institution then sets its own higher departmental cut-off for Nursing specifically, reflecting how competitive that program is at that particular school.
• A Post-UTME or screening stage further filters candidates who meet the institutional cut-off, ranking them by an aggregate score before final admission.

So when someone tells you, “The cut-off for Nursing is 200,” they’re really only describing one specific institution’s departmental threshold, not a universal national figure.

Representative Institutional Cut-off Marks

These are indicative figures compiled from multiple current admission guides and institutional announcements; departmental cut-offs are set by each university, not JAMB, and can shift slightly from one admission cycle to the next. Some of the most competitive institutions, including the University of Ibadan, have historically required scores as high as 260 for Nursing Science specifically. Always confirm the exact current figure directly with your specific institution of choice, since a figure from even the previous admission cycle can no longer be assumed accurate.

Why Nursing’s Cut-Off Runs So High

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria enforces strict guidelines requiring universities to maintain relatively small class sizes for effective clinical training, which limits available slots even at large universities. Combined with strong, sustained demand, nursing graduates have competitive local salaries and significant international migration opportunities; this scarcity of slots relative to applicant volume is what consistently pushes institutional cut-offs well above JAMB’s national floor. This dynamic isn’t unique to any single institution type; it plays out consistently across federal, state, and private universities, as well as standalone Colleges of Nursing Sciences.

What to do based on your score

• 220 and above: You’re competitive for most federal universities’ nursing programs, including some of the more selective options.
• 180 to 219: Focus on state universities and private universities with NMCN-accredited Nursing programs, alongside less oversubscribed federal options.
• 150 to 179: Consider standalone Colleges of Nursing Sciences specifically, rather than competitive university BNSc programs, since several state and specialised nursing colleges accept scores closer to the JAMB national floor.

A nursing qualification from any legitimately NMCN-accredited institution carries the same licensure and practice standing; the specific university’s name matters far less for your eventual nursing career than many candidates initially assume. Focusing your energy on securing admission somewhere genuinely accredited, rather than fixating on a single prestigious institution, is a more productive strategy for most aspiring nurses, given how competitive the top-tier programs have become.

Eligibility Requirements (General Pattern)

• A minimum of five O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, in WAEC, NECO, or an equivalent examination.
• Relevant UTME subject combination, typically including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, or English Language, depending on the specific institution.
• Direct Entry candidates typically require an A-Level, NCE, OND, or HND in a relevant science discipline.
• Institution-specific age and residency requirements may apply, particularly for state-owned colleges of nursing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the JAMB minimum cut-off for Nursing in 2026?

150, confirmed at JAMB’s official Policy Meeting on 11 May 2026. This is the absolute floor; individual institutions set considerably higher departmental cut-offs.

Does meeting 150 guarantee admission into a nursing program?

No. It only means you’re eligible to apply. Actual admission depends on your specific institution’s departmental cut-off and your performance in their screening process.

Which university has the lowest nursing cut-off?

Several newer Federal Universities of Health Sciences and select state institutions are commonly cited as being closer to the JAMB floor; confirm the current figure directly with any specific institution you’re considering.

Is a nursing degree from a less competitive university still valid?

Yes, provided the institution and program are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Licensure and practice standing depend on accreditation, not the university’s overall prestige.

Can I apply to a College of Nursing Sciences instead of a university?

Yes. Standalone Colleges of Nursing Sciences generally accept scores closer to the JAMB national minimum, making them a realistic option for candidates whose scores fall short of competitive university BNSc programs.

Why do some sources quote a different national minimum, like 180?

JAMB’s confirmed 2026 national minimum for universities and colleges of nursing is 150. Any figure above that specifically reflects an individual institution’s own departmental threshold, not the national floor itself, should always be distinguished from the two when comparing sources.