JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing 2026: List of Nursing Schools in Nigeria

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and heads of tertiary institutions have approved 150 as the national minimum admissible score for Colleges of Nursing Sciences and university admissions for the 2026 academic session. While this benchmark determines the lowest score institutions can accept, many nursing schools and universities set higher admission requirements because nursing remains one of the most competitive healthcare courses in Nigeria.

If you are planning to study nursing in Nigeria, understanding the cut-off marks for your preferred institution can help you make informed admission decisions and improve your chances of securing a place. Whether you are applying to a College of Nursing Sciences or a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc.) programme, knowing the expected score range is essential.

What This Guide Covers

• Complete list of nursing schools and their cut-off marks in Nigeria for 2026
• Federal, state, and private nursing schools
• University BNSc. nursing programmes and admission benchmarks
• General admission requirements for nursing applicants
• Tips to help you meet and exceed nursing admission requirements

Bookmark this page and check back regularly. Nursing schools and universities may update their admission requirements as the 2026 admission process progresses.

 NURSING ADMISSION 2026 AT A GLANCE

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  NURSING ADMISSION 2026                   │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                             │
│  NATIONAL MINIMUM CUT-OFF MARK                            │
│ • Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 150                         │
│ • University Admissions (BNSc.): 150                        │
│                                                             │
│  COMPETITIVE SCORE RANGES                                 │
│ • Federal Nursing Schools: 180 – 250                        │
│ • State Nursing Schools: 150 – 200                          │
│ • Private Nursing Schools: 150 – 180                        │
│ • University BNSc. Programmes: 200 – 280                    │
│                                                             │
│  KEY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS                               │
│ • Five O'Level credits including English, Maths, Biology,   │
│   Chemistry, and Physics                                    │
│ • UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics       │
│ • Minimum Admission Age: 16 Years                           │
│                                                             │
│  POLICY MEETING UPDATE                                    │
│ • JAMB and tertiary institution heads approved 150 as the   │
│   national minimum admissible score for 2026 admissions.    │
│                                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Important: While 150 is the national minimum benchmark, many nursing schools and universities set higher admission requirements due to the competitive nature of nursing programmes. Candidates are advised to target scores well above the minimum to improve their chances of admission.

Official JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing 2026

5.1 2026 Policy Meeting Announcement

At the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions, key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector approved the minimum admissible scores for the 2026 admission cycle. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Education, the JAMB Registrar, Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and heads of tertiary institutions across the country.

Following deliberations, stakeholders unanimously adopted 150 as the national minimum cut-off mark for Colleges of Nursing Sciences and universities. This benchmark serves as the lowest score institutions can consider for admission, although individual schools may establish higher requirements based on their admission policies and programme competitiveness.

5.2 National Minimum Cut-Off Marks for 2026

Institution Type	2026 Minimum Cut-Off Mark	2025 Cut-Off Mark
Colleges of Nursing Sciences	150	140
Universities (BNSc. Nursing)	150	150
Polytechnics	100	100

The increase from 140 to 150 for Colleges of Nursing Sciences reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen admission standards and ensure that candidates admitted into healthcare-related programmes possess the academic foundation required for success.

5.3 Important Note on Individual School Autonomy

Important: The national benchmark of 150 is only the minimum admissible score approved by stakeholders. Individual nursing schools and universities retain the authority to set higher cut-off marks depending on factors such as the number of applicants, available admission slots, accreditation status, and programme competitiveness.

As emphasized by the JAMB Registrar during the policy meeting, the approved benchmark is a collective decision of admission stakeholders, while institutions remain free to determine higher admission thresholds that align with their capacity and academic standards. For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to target scores significantly above the national minimum.

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List of Federal Schools of Nursing and Their Cut-Off Marks 2026

6.1 Overview of Federal Nursing Schools

Federal Schools of Nursing and Colleges of Nursing Sciences are among the most sought-after nursing institutions in Nigeria. They are known for their strong clinical training, experienced faculty, accreditation standards, and affiliations with major teaching hospitals and federal medical centres. As a result, admission into these institutions is often highly competitive, with many applicants competing for limited spaces each year.

Federal nursing schools are distributed across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, providing opportunities for candidates from different parts of the country. While the national minimum admission benchmark for 2026 is 150, most federal institutions typically require significantly higher scores due to demand and programme competitiveness.

6.2 Federal Schools of Nursing and Estimated Competitive Score Ranges

Important: The score ranges below are estimates based on previous admission trends and competitiveness levels. They are not official 2026 cut-off marks. Applicants should always verify admission requirements directly from the institution.

#	School of Nursing	Location	Estimated Competitive Score Range	Competitiveness
1	UCH School of Nursing	Ibadan, Oyo State	200 – 220	High
2	LUTH School of Nursing	Idi-Araba, Lagos State	200 – 220	High
3	OAUTH School of Nursing	Ile-Ife, Osun State	190 – 210	High
4	ABUTH School of Nursing	Zaria, Kaduna State	180 – 200	Medium-High
5	UNTH School of Nursing	Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State	180 – 200	Medium-High
6	UBTH School of Nursing	Benin City, Edo State	180 – 200	Medium-High
7	National Orthopaedic Hospital School of Nursing	Igbobi, Lagos State	170 – 190	Medium
8	FMC Abeokuta School of Nursing	Abeokuta, Ogun State	170 – 190	Medium
9	FMC Asaba School of Nursing	Asaba, Delta State	160 – 180	Medium
10	FMC Katsina School of Nursing	Katsina, Katsina State	160 – 180	Medium
11	FMC Owerri School of Nursing	Owerri, Imo State	160 – 180	Medium
12	FMC Lokoja School of Nursing	Lokoja, Kogi State	160 – 180	Medium
13	FMC Birnin Kudu School of Nursing	Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State	150 – 170	Medium
14	FMC Gusau School of Nursing	Gusau, Zamfara State	150 – 170	Medium
15	FMC Keffi School of Nursing	Keffi, Nasarawa State	150 – 170	Medium

Generally, institutions such as UCH, LUTH, and OAUTH attract the highest number of applicants annually and therefore tend to have more competitive admission requirements. Candidates targeting these schools should aim for scores above 200 to improve their chances of admission.

6.3 Verification Note

Admission requirements, screening procedures, and score benchmarks may vary from year to year. Before submitting an application, candidates should visit the official admission portal of their preferred institution or contact the school directly for the most current information. Relying solely on estimated score ranges may lead to inaccurate expectations, as institutions reserve the right to revise their admission criteria at any time during the admission cycle.

List of State Schools of Nursing and Their Cut-Off Marks 2026

7.1 Overview of State Nursing Schools

State-owned Schools and Colleges of Nursing Sciences provide affordable nursing education opportunities across Nigeria and are often less competitive than federal institutions. While the national minimum benchmark for 2026 admissions is 150, actual admission requirements vary by state depending on factors such as the number of applicants, available training facilities, government investment, accreditation status, and demand for nursing programmes. In most cases, competitive score ranges for state nursing schools fall between 150 and 200.

7.2 State Schools of Nursing and Estimated Competitive Score Ranges

Important: The score ranges below are estimates based on previous admission trends and competitiveness levels. They are not official 2026 cut-off marks and should be used only as a guide.

#	School of Nursing	State	Estimated Competitive Score Range
1	LASUTH School of Nursing	Lagos	180 – 200
2	Oyo State School of Nursing	Oyo	170 – 190
3	Osun State School of Nursing	Osun	160 – 180
4	Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences	Ogun	160 – 180
5	Akwa Ibom State School of Nursing	Akwa Ibom	160 – 180
6	Rivers State School of Nursing	Rivers	160 – 180
7	Delta State School of Nursing	Delta	155 – 170
8	Edo State School of Nursing	Edo	155 – 170
9	Kano State School of Nursing	Kano	150 – 170
10	Kaduna State School of Nursing	Kaduna	150 – 170
11	Plateau State School of Nursing	Plateau	150 – 160
12	Benue State School of Nursing	Benue	150 – 160
13	Enugu State School of Nursing	Enugu	150 – 160
14	Anambra State School of Nursing	Anambra	150 – 160
15	Imo State School of Nursing	Imo	150 – 160
16	Kwara State School of Nursing	Kwara	150 – 160
17	Cross River State School of Nursing	Cross River	150 – 160
18	Bayelsa State School of Nursing	Bayelsa	150 – 160
19	Abia State School of Nursing	Abia	150 – 160
20	Ekiti State School of Nursing	Ekiti	150 – 160
21	Ondo State School of Nursing	Ondo	150 – 160
22	Niger State School of Nursing	Niger	150 – 160
23	Taraba State School of Nursing	Taraba	150 – 155
24	Yobe State School of Nursing	Yobe	150 – 155

Schools in highly populated states such as Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers generally attract more applicants and may therefore have higher admission benchmarks than schools in states with lower application volumes.

7.3 Verification Note

Admission requirements may change without notice. Candidates should always confirm the latest admission guidelines, screening procedures, and score requirements through official school portals or direct communication with their preferred institution before applying.

List of Private Schools of Nursing and Their Cut-Off Marks 2026

8.1 Overview of Private Nursing Schools

Private nursing schools and Colleges of Nursing Sciences have become increasingly popular among nursing aspirants seeking alternative admission pathways. These institutions generally operate with lower admission pressure and often accept candidates within the national minimum benchmark range of 150–180. While tuition fees are usually higher than those of federal and state institutions, private schools often offer faster admission processing, smaller class sizes, and more flexible admission schedules.

8.2 Private Nursing Schools and Estimated Competitive Score Ranges

Important: The score ranges below are estimates based on previous admission trends and should not be considered official 2026 cut-off marks. Candidates should verify current admission requirements directly with their preferred institution.

#	School of Nursing	Location	Estimated Competitive Score Range
1	Babcock University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing	Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State	150 – 160
2	Bingham University School of Nursing	Karu, Nasarawa State	150 – 160
3	Madonna University School of Nursing	Elele, Rivers State	150 – 160
4	College of Nursing Sciences, Babcock University	Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State	150 – 160
5	Pamo University of Medical Sciences School of Nursing	Port Harcourt, Rivers State	150 – 160
6	Seventh-Day Adventist College of Nursing Sciences	Ile-Ife, Osun State	150 – 160
7	ECWA School of Nursing	Egbe, Kogi State	150 – 155
8	Bingham School of Nursing	Jos, Plateau State	150 – 155

Many private institutions prioritize academic qualifications, screening performance, and fulfilment of admission requirements rather than extremely high JAMB scores. This makes them attractive options for candidates who meet the national benchmark but may not qualify for highly competitive federal nursing schools.

8.3 Important Note

Private nursing schools often provide greater admission flexibility, but applicants should carefully evaluate tuition costs, accommodation fees, and other expenses before applying. It is also important to verify the accreditation status of any institution through the appropriate regulatory authorities to ensure that qualifications obtained will be recognized for professional practice and further studies.

List of University Nursing Programmes (BNSc.) and Their Cut-Off Marks 2026

9.1 Overview of BNSc. Nursing Competitiveness

Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc.) programmes offered by Nigerian universities are among the most competitive healthcare courses in the country. Although the national minimum admission benchmark for universities is 150, successful applicants typically score far above this threshold. In many institutions, competitive admission ranges fall between 200 and 280 due to the large number of applicants and limited admission spaces. Admission decisions are often based on a combination of JAMB scores, O’Level performance, and Post-UTME or screening results.

9.2 Federal Universities Offering BNSc. Nursing

Important: The score ranges below are estimated competitive admission ranges based on previous trends and should not be interpreted as official 2026 departmental cut-off marks.

#	University	Location	Estimated Competitive Score Range	Competitiveness
1	University of Ibadan (UI)	Ibadan, Oyo State	250 – 280	Very High
2	University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Akoka, Lagos State	250 – 280	Very High
3	Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)	Ile-Ife, Osun State	240 – 270	Very High
4	University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)	Nsukka, Enugu State	240 – 260	Very High
5	Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)	Zaria, Kaduna State	220 – 250	High
6	University of Benin (UNIBEN)	Benin City, Edo State	220 – 250	High
7	University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	Ilorin, Kwara State	220 – 250	High
8	Bayero University Kano (BUK)	Kano, Kano State	200 – 230	High
9	University of Calabar (UNICAL)	Calabar, Cross River State	200 – 230	High
10	University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)	Port Harcourt, Rivers State	200 – 230	High
11	University of Jos (UNIJOS)	Jos, Plateau State	200 – 220	High
12	University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	Maiduguri, Borno State	190 – 210	Medium-High

Federal universities generally attract the largest number of nursing applicants nationwide. Institutions such as UI, UNILAG, OAU, and UNN consistently rank among the most competitive nursing schools, making scores above 240 highly desirable for prospective candidates.

9.3 State Universities Offering BNSc. Nursing

State universities provide another pathway for candidates seeking university-based nursing education. While competition remains strong, admission requirements are often slightly lower than those of the most competitive federal institutions.

#	University	Location	Estimated Competitive Score Range
1	Lagos State University (LASU)	Ojo, Lagos State	220 – 250
2	Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)	Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State	200 – 230
3	Osun State University (UNIOSUN)	Osogbo, Osun State	190 – 220
4	Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)	Awka, Anambra State	190 – 220
5	Delta State University (DELSU)	Abraka, Delta State	180 – 210
6	Rivers State University (RSU)	Port Harcourt, Rivers State	180 – 210
7	Ekiti State University (EKSU)	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State	170 – 200
8	Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)	Enugu, Enugu State	170 – 200
9	Imo State University (IMSU)	Owerri, Imo State	160 – 190
10	Abia State University (ABSU)	Uturu, Abia State	160 – 190

Candidates applying to state universities should still aim for scores well above the national minimum benchmark, particularly in highly competitive institutions such as LASU and OOU.

9.4 Private Universities Offering BNSc. Nursing

Private universities offering nursing programmes typically provide smaller class sizes, modern learning facilities, and more flexible admission processes. While admission may be less competitive than at some public universities, applicants must consider tuition and other associated costs.

#	University	Location	Estimated Competitive Score Range
1	Covenant University	Ota, Ogun State	200 – 230
2	Babcock University	Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State	180 – 220
3	Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State	180 – 210
4	Bowen University	Iwo, Osun State	170 – 200
5	Madonna University	Okija, Anambra State	160 – 180
6	Pamo University of Medical Sciences	Port Harcourt, Rivers State	160 – 180
7	Bingham University	Karu, Nasarawa State	160 – 180
8	Lead City University	Ibadan, Oyo State	150 – 170

Private universities can be a suitable option for candidates who meet the required academic qualifications but prefer institutions with alternative admission pathways and potentially faster admission processing.

How Nursing School Cut-Off Marks Are Determined

10.1 JAMB Policy Meeting Process

Every year, JAMB organizes a Policy Meeting on Admissions to determine the minimum admissible scores for tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The meeting is usually chaired by the Minister of Education and attended by the JAMB Registrar, Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and other key education stakeholders. During the meeting, participants review admission trends and collectively agree on national admission benchmarks. The JAMB Registrar has repeatedly emphasized that these decisions are not made by JAMB alone but are jointly approved by stakeholders.

10.2 Factors Affecting Individual School Cut-Off Marks

Although JAMB establishes a national minimum benchmark, individual nursing schools and universities are permitted to set higher admission requirements based on their circumstances. Several factors influence these decisions, including:

• Number of Applicants: Schools with thousands of applicants often require higher scores.
• Available Admission Slots: Limited spaces increase competition and raise cut-off marks.
• School Reputation: Well-established institutions attract more candidates and typically set higher standards.
• Accreditation Status: Fully accredited programmes often experience higher demand.
• Facilities and Faculty Strength: Institutions with modern facilities and experienced lecturers tend to be more competitive.
• Previous Admission Trends: Schools may adjust their benchmarks based on prior admission performance.
• Regional Demand: Institutions located in highly populated states often receive more applications.

As a result, two nursing schools operating under the same national benchmark may have significantly different admission requirements.

10.3 Statement from the JAMB Registrar

“The approved minimum score is a collective decision of stakeholders and not solely a JAMB decision. However, institutions retain the authority to determine higher cut-off marks based on their admission capacity and programme competitiveness.”

This explains why candidates should view the national benchmark as a starting point rather than a guaranteed admission score.

General Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Nigeria

Meeting the cut-off mark alone does not guarantee admission into a nursing school or university nursing programme. Candidates must also satisfy specific academic and administrative requirements established by regulatory authorities and individual institutions.

11.1 O’Level Requirements

Applicants seeking admission into Colleges of Nursing Sciences or BNSc. Nursing programmes must possess the required O’Level qualifications.

Requirement	Details
Minimum Credits	5 credits
Compulsory Subjects	English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Number of Sittings	Not more than 2 sittings
Accepted Results	WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or approved equivalents

The five compulsory science subjects form the foundation of nursing education and are required by virtually all nursing institutions in Nigeria.

11.2 UTME Subject Combination

Candidates applying through JAMB must register the correct UTME subject combination for nursing.

Subject	Requirement
English Language	Compulsory
Biology	Compulsory
Chemistry	Compulsory
Physics	Compulsory

Using an incorrect subject combination may lead to disqualification during the admission process, even if the candidate meets the required cut-off mark.

11.3 Age Requirement

The minimum admission age for tertiary institutions and Colleges of Nursing Sciences remains 16 years. Education authorities have reaffirmed that candidates must attain the approved minimum age before they can be considered for admission into nursing programmes and other tertiary education courses.

11.4 Other Admission Requirements

In addition to academic qualifications, most nursing schools require the following documents and screening requirements:

• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• Local Government Area identification certificate
• Recent passport photographs
• JAMB result slip (where applicable)
• O’Level result(s)
• Evidence of payment for application or screening forms
• Post-UTME or institutional screening participation (for most schools)

Candidates are advised to prepare these documents early to avoid delays during registration, screening, and admission processing.

Tips to Score Above Nursing School Cut-Off Marks

Nursing remains one of the most competitive healthcare programmes in Nigeria. Although the national minimum benchmark for 2026 admissions is 150, many federal nursing schools and university nursing programmes require significantly higher scores. The strategies below can help improve your chances of gaining admission.

12.1 Strategies to Improve Your Admission Chances

Strategy	Why It Works
Score at least 200+	While 150 is the national minimum, many competitive nursing schools require scores above 200.
Excel in Biology and Chemistry	These core science subjects are fundamental to nursing and contribute significantly to admission competitiveness.
Take JAMB preparatory classes	Structured coaching helps improve understanding of key topics and examination techniques.
Practice past questions	Familiarity with JAMB question patterns can improve speed, confidence, and accuracy.
Don’t neglect Physics	Physics is a compulsory nursing admission subject and contributes to your overall score.
Prepare for Post-UTME	Many institutions combine JAMB and screening scores when making admission decisions.

Consistent study, proper time management, and early preparation can significantly increase your chances of achieving a competitive score.

12.2 Closing Note

Remember that the national cut-off mark only establishes the minimum score institutions can consider. Individual schools retain the authority to set higher admission requirements based on competitiveness, available spaces, and institutional policies. For this reason, candidates should not aim merely to meet the minimum benchmark.

Instead, target a score that places you above the average applicant pool. A strong JAMB score, excellent O’Level results, and good Post-UTME performance will greatly improve your chances of securing admission into your preferred nursing school or university nursing programme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following answers address some of the most common questions asked by nursing school applicants in Nigeria.

Question	Answer
1. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for nursing in 2026?	The national minimum admissible score for both Colleges of Nursing Sciences and university nursing programmes is 150 for the 2026 admission cycle.
2. Can I gain admission into nursing school with 180?	Yes. A score of 180 may be sufficient for several state and private nursing schools. However, many federal nursing schools and highly competitive universities may require 200 or higher.
3. What is the cut-off mark for UCH School of Nursing?	Based on previous admission trends, UCH School of Nursing typically falls within the 200–220 competitive score range.
4. What is the cut-off mark for LUTH School of Nursing?	LUTH School of Nursing is highly competitive and often attracts candidates with scores in the 200–220 range.
5. Do all nursing schools use the same cut-off mark?	No. While the national minimum benchmark is 150, each institution can establish higher admission requirements depending on competitiveness and available spaces.
6. Can I study nursing without Chemistry?	No. Chemistry is a compulsory subject for nursing admission and is required at both O’Level and UTME levels.
7. What subjects do I need for nursing in JAMB?	The approved UTME subject combination for nursing is English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
8. When is the 2026 admission deadline?	Admission deadlines vary by institution. Candidates should regularly check official school portals for application and screening schedules.
9. Is Post-UTME required for nursing schools?	Most universities and many Colleges of Nursing Sciences conduct screening exercises or Post-UTME assessments as part of their admission process.
10. Does WAEC/NECO combination count for nursing admission?	Yes. Most institutions accept a combination of WAEC and NECO results, provided the required subjects are obtained in not more than two sittings.
11. What is the cut-off mark for UNILAG Nursing?	Nursing at the University of Lagos is highly competitive, with estimated admission ranges typically falling between 250 and 280.
12. What is the cut-off mark for UI Nursing?	The University of Ibadan remains one of Nigeria’s most competitive nursing programmes, often requiring scores within the 250–280 range.
13. Can I gain admission with a JAMB score of 150?	Yes, but opportunities may be limited to institutions that adopt the national minimum benchmark. Admission chances generally improve with higher scores.
14. Do private nursing schools have lower cut-off marks?	In many cases, yes. Private nursing schools and universities often admit candidates within the 150–180 score range, subject to meeting other admission requirements.
15. What is the age limit for nursing school admission?	The approved minimum admission age is 16 years. There is currently no officially announced maximum age limit for most nursing programmes in Nigeria.

Important: Cut-off marks and admission requirements may change from year to year. Applicants should always verify information directly from the official website or admission office of their preferred institution before applying.

Final Tips for Nursing School Applicants

As you prepare for the 2026 admission cycle, keep the following recommendations in mind to improve your chances of securing admission into your preferred nursing school or university nursing programme.

Tip	Why It Matters
Target above the minimum	A score of 150 only guarantees consideration, not admission. Competitive institutions often require much higher scores.
Apply to multiple schools	Having alternative options increases your chances of gaining admission.
Monitor school portals	Post-UTME forms, screening dates, and admission updates can be announced at short notice.
Prepare documents early	Avoid last-minute issues by gathering required documents before applications open.
Verify cut-offs directly	Always confirm admission requirements through official school websites or admission offices.
Don’t pay for cut-off information	Legitimate admission requirements and cut-off marks are publicly available and free to access.

Success in nursing admission requires more than simply meeting the minimum benchmark. Candidates who combine strong JAMB scores with excellent O’Level results, proper documentation, and timely application submissions are often in the best position to secure admission. Most importantly, stay informed through official channels and avoid relying on unverified information from unofficial sources. With adequate preparation and the right strategy, your goal of studying nursing in Nigeria can become a reality.