Every year, thousands of students across Nigeria dream of becoming nurses; a profession built on care, service, and science. But before you can wear that white uniform, you must first secure admission into a nursing school or a university that offers nursing science.
One of the biggest hurdles in this journey is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by , commonly known as JAMB. And the most common question students ask is:
“What is the cut-off mark for nursing in 2025?”
If you’re planning to study nursing this year or helping someone who is, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what the JAMB cut-off mark means, how schools decide their departmental cut-offs, the minimum score you need, and practical tips to increase your chances of admission.
What Does Cut-Off Mark Mean?
A cut-off mark is the minimum JAMB score you must achieve to be considered for admission into a specific course or institution. It acts like a doorway; if your score is below it, you’re not eligible to enter.
However, there are two important types of cut-off marks you should understand:
- National Minimum Cut-Off Mark: Set by JAMB as a baseline. Schools are not allowed to admit anyone who scores below this mark.
- Departmental Cut-Off Mark: Set by individual universities, colleges, or schools of nursing. These are usually higher than the JAMB minimum, especially for competitive courses like nursing.
JAMB’s Official Minimum Cut-Off Marks for 2025
Every year, JAMB meets with higher education stakeholders to agree on the minimum scores required for different categories of institutions. For the 2025 admission year, the agreed benchmarks are:
- Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140
- Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 100
This means that no nursing school or university can admit you if you score below 140 in the UTME.
But here’s where most students get confused: 140 is just the national minimum. Most universities will require you to score much higher, sometimes 180, 200, or even more, depending on how competitive the course is.
Why Nursing Has a Higher Cut-Off Than Many Courses
Nursing is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. Here’s why:
- High demand: Thousands of candidates apply for nursing every year, but each institution can only admit a limited number.
- Limited capacity: Nursing schools have strict quotas set by to ensure quality training.
- Professional standards: Because nursing deals with human health, institutions want only the best-prepared candidates.
- Job opportunities: Nursing graduates have strong employment prospects, both in Nigeria and abroad, making it even more competitive.
Because of these factors, many schools raise their departmental cut-off marks far above the national minimum.
Typical Departmental Cut-Off Marks for Nursing
Although each institution sets its own cut-off, here’s a general idea of what to expect based on recent trends:
| Type of Institution | Likely Departmental Cut-Off (JAMB Score) |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 190 – 220 |
| State Universities | 170 – 200 |
| Private Universities | 150 – 180 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 150 – 170 |
Remember: These are estimates, not official figures. Each school will release its own departmental cut-off after screening, so always check your chosen school’s website for the latest updates.
Factors That Influence Cut-Off Marks
Wondering why one university requires 200 while another accepts 170? Here’s how schools determine their cut-off marks:
- Number of Applicants: More applicants mean stiffer competition, which raises the cut-off.
- Available Slots: A department with 60 available spaces will naturally be more selective than one with 200.
- Overall Performance: If most candidates score high in a given year, the cut-off goes up.
- School Prestige: Top universities often raise their cut-offs to maintain academic standards.
- State Quota and Catchment Area: Federal schools sometimes lower cut-offs slightly for candidates from their catchment states.
- Post-UTME Performance: Some schools calculate final admission scores using both JAMB and Post-UTME results.
Minimum Requirements for Studying Nursing
Meeting the cut-off is not the only requirement for admission. To be considered for nursing, you must also:
- Have five O’Level credits (in not more than two sittings) in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Choose the correct JAMB subject combination: Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Score at least 140 in JAMB UTME.
- Pass the Post-UTME screening or interview of your chosen institution.
- Meet any special requirements (such as age limits or catchment criteria) set by the institution.
Recommended JAMB Score Range to Aim For
To increase your chances of gaining admission into nursing, don’t aim for the bare minimum. Here’s a safe target guide:
| Type of Institution | Target Score for Strong Admission Chances |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 200+ |
| State Universities | 180 – 200 |
| Private Universities | 160 – 180 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 160+ |
This doesn’t guarantee admission, but it significantly improves your chances; especially if you perform well in the Post-UTME.
Practical Tips to Score High in JAMB
If you’re serious about studying nursing, you need a competitive score. Here are simple but powerful tips to boost your JAMB performance:
1. Start Early
Begin your preparation at least 6–8 months before the exam. Cramming close to exam day rarely works.
2. Use Past Questions
Practicing with past questions helps you understand JAMB’s question patterns and improves your speed and accuracy.
3. Focus on Key Subjects
Your priority should be Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English; the four JAMB subjects for nursing.
4. Take Mock Tests
Simulate real exam conditions by taking mock tests. It reduces anxiety and improves time management.
5. Join Study Groups
Studying with others can help you share resources, ask questions, and learn faster.
6. Improve Your Weak Areas
Identify topics you struggle with and dedicate extra time to mastering them.
How Post-UTME Affects Your Admission
Even if you pass JAMB, your admission isn’t guaranteed until you do well in the Post-UTME or screening exercise. Many schools use a combined score formula, such as UTME Score (50%) + Post-UTME (30%) + O’Level (20%)
This means that even a high JAMB score can be wasted if your Post-UTME score is poor. Take the screening seriously; it’s often the final hurdle.
What If Your Score Is Below the Cut-Off?
Scoring below 140 means you’re not eligible for nursing admission that year. But don’t lose hope; here are some alternatives:
- Change to a less competitive course: You can switch to related programs like Anatomy, Physiology, or Medical Laboratory Science.
- Consider a College of Nursing: Some schools run entrance exams independent of JAMB.
- Rewrite JAMB next year: Use the experience to improve and aim higher.
- Explore private universities: They often have lower cut-off marks and more flexible admission policies.
Step-by-Step Plan to Secure Nursing Admission in 2025
- Research your dream schools early. Check their past cut-offs and admission policies.
- Choose the right JAMB subjects. Don’t make mistakes that disqualify you automatically.
- Aim above the minimum. Target at least 180–200 for strong chances.
- Prepare strategically. Use past questions, mock tests, and focused study sessions.
- Excel in Post-UTME. Treat it as seriously as JAMB.
- Monitor admission updates. Stay informed so you don’t miss important deadlines.
- Have a backup plan. Include at least one less competitive school in your list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum JAMB score for nursing in 2025?
The minimum score set by JAMB is 140, but most universities require 180–220 for nursing.
2. Can I get admission with 150?
Possibly, but mainly in less competitive schools or private institutions. For top federal universities, aim higher.
3. Is Post-UTME mandatory for nursing?
Yes, most universities and colleges require a Post-UTME or screening exam as part of the admission process.
4. Can I study nursing without Physics?
No. Physics is one of the required subjects for both O’Level and JAMB UTME.
5. Are Colleges of Nursing different from university nursing programs?
Yes. Colleges focus more on practical nursing training and award diplomas, while universities award B.Sc. Nursing degrees.
