If you’re planning to study Nursing in Nigeria in 2025, one of the first big questions on your mind is: What’s the cut off mark for Nursing this year? Well, let’s make it simple. The official general cut off mark for admission in 2025 by JAMB is expected to be at the range of 160–200, depending on the institution. However, Nursing is not just any other course, it is one of the courses that has the most competition in Nigeria. So while JAMB may allow schools to admit from 160, most universities offering Nursing usually set their departmental cut off mark between 220 and 270.
Why so high? Because thousands of students apply for limited Nursing slots every year. Universities want the very best candidates, those who can handle the pressure of saving lives in the future.
To put it into perspective, schools like UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, and LASU are known very well that they set their Nursing cut off mark very high (often 250+), while state universities and some federal universities sometimes stay within the range of 220–240. Polytechnics and colleges of health sometimes accept slightly lower, but competition still makes the cut off mark hover high.
So if your JAMB score is around 200, you’re still in the game, but if you want to be confident, you should aim higher and not be willing to settle for less.
Specific Cut-Off Marks for Nursing in Universities (with Examples)
One mistake many people who apply for Nursing make is assuming that the cut off mark for Nursing is the same across all schools. Nope, it is not. Every university in Nigeria sets its own departmental cut off based on the competition, available slots, and internal policies. So in as much as JAMB gives a general cut off mark (say 160–200), universities most times push theirs much higher, especially for Nursing.
Let’s break it down more:
Federal Universities That Offer Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
Federal universities are the most competitive when it comes to Nursing. Why? Because they have the reputation, the facilities, and most importantly, affordable tuition fees that is compared to those of private universities. Everyone wants to get in and that makes their cut off marks naturally very high.
Here are a some examples
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Nursing cut off mark is usually around 250–270. University of Ibadan (UI) – UI is known very well for academic excellence.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – They do set Nursing between 240–250, most times it depends on the year’s performance.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – OAU often places people who aspire for Nursing at 240–250 cut off mark.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU, Zaria) – ABU usually ranges between 220–240 for Nursing, though it is still competitive.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Expect around 240–250 for Nursing.
State Universities That Offer Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
State universities are the next thing that many candidates do make sure to consider. They are not always that competitive like that of federal universities but are still highly respected. Their tuition fees are higher than federal universities, but lower than private.
Examples:
Lagos State University (LASU) – Nursing cut off is usually 230–250.
Delta State University (DELSU) – Nursing sits around 220–240.
Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Typically 220–230.
Abia State University (ABSU) – Around 210–220.
Kaduna State University (KASU) – Usually 200–220.
Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – Around 200–220.
Private Universities That Offer Nursing & Their Cut-Off Marks
Private universities provide an alternative for students who want to study Nursing without battling the extreme competition in federal or state schools. The cut off marks here are often lower, but the tuition fees are much higher.
Examples:
Babcock University (Ogun State) – Nursing cut off mark is usually around 180–200.
Afe Babalola University (Ekiti State) – Nursing aspirants most times need around 200–220.
Bowen University (Osun State) – Nursing cut off mark is around 190–200.
Crescent University (Abeokuta) – Around 180–200.
Madonna University (Okija) – Nursing cut off mark is 180–200.
How to Beat the Cut Off Mark for Nursing in 2025
1. Aim Higher than the Bare Minimum
If the departmental cut off mark is 240, don’t aim for 240. Aim for 260+. Why? Because the higher you score, the less chance you’ll be pushed aside during post-UTME screening. Think of your JAMB score as your ticket, your rank in the competition is determined by how big your number is.
2. Focus on the Core Subjects
In Nursing, your JAMB subjects are usually English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These are where you should shine. Biology and Chemistry often carry the heaviest weight, so prioritize them. Many candidates stumble in Physics, don’t let that be you.
3. Prepare for Post-UTME
Most schools don’t stop at JAMB, they’ll test you again in the post-UTME. And here’s a little secret: some schools use post-UTME to drastically reduce their candidates. So while you’re celebrating your 250 in JAMB, remember that you still need to smash the post-UTME.
4. Choose Your School Wisely
This is where many aspirants miss it. If your score is 210, applying to a school like UNILAG or UI for Nursing might not be the best idea because their competition is intense. Instead, target schools where your score gives you a stronger chance. Don’t just follow the crowd, play smart.
5. Take Your O’Level Results Seriously
Some schools combine JAMB, post-UTME, and O’level result (WAEC/NECO) to give admission. A candidate who got all A’s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English is at an advantage over someone with C’s.
6. Keep an Eye on Supplementary Admissions
If you don’t meet the Nursing cut off mark in your first-choice school, don’t panic. Many schools release supplementary forms that can give you another chance. Some even allow you to switch courses or reapply to Nursing with a slightly lower cut off mark.
7. Build the Right Mindset
This may sound so unusual, but mindset matters. Nursing is more about how resilient, patient, and compassionate you are. Preparing for Nursing admission requires the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I study Nursing with a JAMB score of 180 in 2025?
Yes you can, but the truth is that you have very little chances and it’s unlikely not unless you apply to schools that are not so competitive. And those schools are state universities or private universities. For federal universities, 180 is too low.
2. Do polytechnics offer Nursing in Nigeria?
Not all polytechnics. However, some polytechnics and colleges of health offer Nursing programs, often with lower cut off marks compared to federal universities.
3. Is Nursing harder to get into than Medicine in Nigeria?
Surprisingly, yes in some schools. The number of applicants for Nursing sometimes surpasses Medicine, making the competition just as tough, if not tougher.
4. Do private universities in Nigeria accept lower cut off marks for Nursing?
Yes. Some private universities accept lower JAMB scores, but their tuition fees are usually higher. The benefit is that competition is often lower.
5. Can I switch to Nursing after gaining admission into another course?
Yes, but it’s very difficult. Most universities don’t allow transfers into Nursing because of its competitive nature. If they do, you’ll need an excellent first-year CGPA.
6. Does JAMB give special consideration for Nursing aspirants?
No. JAMB provides the general cut off mark, but schools set their departmental cut off for Nursing. There’s no special advantage from JAMB itself.
7. What happens if I don’t meetup with the cut off mark of Nursing in 2025?
You still have options and they are to apply for supplementary admission, consider related courses like Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, or Midwifery, or try again the following year with a more stronger strategy.
Conclusion
It will not be easy to get into nursing in Nigeria in 2025, but if you play your cards well, you can totally do it. The 2025 nursing cutoff mark in Nigeria is a challenge and not a wall. It’s your responsibility to be well prepared, set more greater goals and maintain consistency until you exceed that your desired threshold. Keep it in mind that every year, a high number of students quit because they didn’t meetup with their goals, instead, the winners are the ones who put in a little more effort, plan a little more effectively, and have a lot more faith.
Are you prepared to pass the 2025 nursing cutoff and be guarantee of your spot in one of the best and most recognized occupations in the world?