Nursing is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. Many students want to study it because nurses are in high demand both in Nigeria and abroad. However, because of the competition, the cut-off marks for nursing are usually very high in most universities.
But don’t worry — there are some universities that accept lower cut-off marks for nursing, especially compared to the big schools like UNILAG or UNN.
Let’s break it down into Federal Universities, State Universities, and Private Universities.
Federal Universities with Low Cut-Off Marks for Nursing
Federal universities are known to be cheaper and more respected, but they usually have higher cut-off marks. However, a few federal universities accept slightly lower scores for nursing compared to others:
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – Cut-off can be around 200 (sometimes even 180 if competition is low).
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) – Nursing cut-off sometimes falls around 190-200.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) – Around 180-200 for nursing.
Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) – Nursing cut-off can start from 180.
These are much lower than schools like UNILAG, UI, or UNN where you need 250+.
See>>> List Of Universities That Offer Nursing In Nigeria (Federal, State and Private)
State Universities with Low Cut-Off Marks for Nursing
Some state universities have lower competition and therefore lower cut-off marks:
Abia State University (ABSU) – Nursing cut-off can be around 180-200.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) – Around 200, but sometimes lower.
Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – Nursing cut-off is usually around 190-200.
Delta State University (DELSU) – Nursing cut-off can range between 180-200.
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) – Cut-off sometimes around 180-190 for nursing.
Note: Some of these state universities also accept candidates with slightly lower JAMB scores but who perform well in their Post-UTME.
Private Universities with Low Cut-Off Marks for Nursing
Private universities are more flexible. Many of them accept lower scores because they are more focused on making education accessible:
Achievers University, Owo – Accepts around 160-180 for nursing.
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) – Nursing cut-off starts from 180.
Babcock University, Ogun State – Nursing program accepts candidates from 170 and above.
Madonna University, Okija – Accepts around 160-180.
Lead City University, Ibadan – Also around 160-180.
Private universities usually don’t have the same high competition as federal or state universities, but they are more expensive.
Quick Summary
| Type | University | Approximate Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | ABU, UNIMAID, UDUSOK | 180–200 |
| State | ABSU, LAUTECH, UNIOSUN | 180–200 |
| Private | Achievers, Madonna, Babcock | 160–180 |
Important Notes:
Cut-off marks can change every year based on how many students apply.
Schools may consider Post-UTME scores too.
Some schools accept candidates under Special Admission or Catchment Areas, which can lower the cut-off mark needed.
Always check the university’s official admission portal for the current year.
Conclusion
If you want to study nursing but you are worried about high cut-off marks, you still have options! Schools like UNIMAID, UDUSOK, ABSU, Achievers University, and Madonna University accept lower scores compared to bigger schools.
Always aim for a high JAMB score because nursing is very competitive, even in schools with lower cut-offs.
Good luck.