Nursing has become one of the most sought-after courses in Nigerian higher education, driven by strong local demand and growing international job opportunities for trained nurses. With that popularity has come intense competition for admission slots — and a correspondingly high bar for JAMB scores. If you’re an aspiring nurse trying to figure out what score you need, this guide breaks down the numbers for the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
The National Minimum: JAMB’s Official Floor
Every year, JAMB announces a national minimum cut-off mark — the absolute lowest score at which any accredited institution is permitted to offer admission. For the 2026/2027 session, that figure was set at 150 for universities and colleges of nursing, and 100 for polytechnics. This benchmark was confirmed at JAMB’s policy meeting in Abuja in May 2026.
It’s important to understand what this number actually means: 150 is a legal floor, not a realistic target. No university can admit a candidate who scored below it, but that doesn’t mean scoring 150 gets you into a Nursing program. Individual institutions are free to — and routinely do — set their own departmental cut-off marks well above this baseline, especially for competitive courses like Nursing Science.
What You Actually Need for Nursing
Because Nursing Science sits in the medical and health sciences category, it faces some of the stiffest competition of any course in the Nigerian university system, on par with Medicine and other clinical programs. Departmental cut-off marks typically look like this:
- State universities: roughly 180–200
- Federal universities: roughly 200–220, with some top-tier schools (such as the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Obafemi Awolowo University) setting departmental cut-offs as high as 240–270
- Private universities: more flexible, sometimes accepting scores from 160 upward
Put simply: while JAMB’s absolute minimum is 150, most Nursing aspirants should realistically be aiming for 180 and above, with 200+ giving you a much stronger shot at federal universities and the more prestigious programs.
Why Nursing Cut-Off Marks Are So High
A few factors combine to push Nursing cut-offs above the national average:
- Limited admission quotas. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) enforces strict accreditation standards, which caps how many students each institution can admit per session.
- High demand. Rising international demand for Nigerian-trained nurses — particularly in the UK, US, Canada, and the Gulf states — has made the profession more attractive than ever, pulling in a larger pool of applicants each year.
- Institutional prestige. Well-known federal universities receive far more applications than they have space for, so they raise their departmental cut-offs to narrow the field before Post-UTME screening even begins.
Some institutions have reportedly closed their Nursing admission lists around the 250 mark in recent cycles, underlining just how competitive top programs have become.
Beyond the JAMB Score: What Else Matters
A high UTME score alone won’t guarantee admission. Nigerian universities generally weigh a combination of factors:
- Post-UTME performance: Most universities conduct their own screening exercise (written test, CBT, or aptitude test) after JAMB releases results. A weak Post-UTME performance can significantly hurt your chances even with a strong JAMB score.
- O’Level requirements: Candidates typically need a minimum of five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, usually obtainable in no more than two sittings.
- Subject combination at UTME: The standard UTME subject requirement for Nursing Science is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Catchment area and quota systems: Federal universities in Nigeria reserve a portion of slots for candidates from their catchment states or educationally disadvantaged states, which can affect the effective cut-off for candidates outside those categories.
A Note on Direct-Entry Nursing Schools
Separate from university Nursing Science degree programs, a number of standalone Colleges of Nursing Sciences run their own entrance examinations rather than relying solely on JAMB scores. If a university program feels out of reach, these institutions can be a worthwhile alternative path into the profession — though admission requirements and recognition can vary, so it’s worth verifying accreditation status before applying.
Practical Tips for Nursing Aspirants
- Don’t just aim for the minimum. Since departmental cut-offs shift from year to year and vary by institution, treat 150 as a floor to clear, not a target to hit. Scoring 200+ gives you far more flexibility in choosing where to apply.
- Check your target school’s specific cut-off. JAMB only sets the floor — each university publishes its own departmental requirement, and these can differ significantly even among federal universities.
- Prepare seriously for Post-UTME. In many cases, your Post-UTME score carries substantial weight in the final admission decision, sometimes as much as your JAMB score.
- Have a backup plan. Given how competitive Nursing has become, it’s wise to also consider a second-choice institution or a related course (such as Public Health or a College of Nursing Sciences direct-entry path) in case your first-choice school’s cut-off is out of reach.
Bottom Line
For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, JAMB’s official national minimum for Nursing and other university courses stands at 150. But the real number that matters is your target institution’s departmental cut-off, which for Nursing Science typically ranges from 180 at less competitive schools up to 240–270 at the most sought-after federal universities. Combine a strong JAMB score with solid O’Level results and thorough Post-UTME preparation, and you’ll be in the best possible position to secure a spot.
Cut-off marks are set annually and can change based on application volume and institutional policy. Always confirm the current figures for your specific university of interest through the official JAMB portal or the university’s admissions office before making final decisions.