JAMB Official Cut-Off Marks for 2025 University Admissions in Nigeria

For students trying to enter Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, understanding JAMB cut-off marks is very important. This guide will explain everything in simple, clear language to help you prepare properly for your admission process.

What is JAMB and Why is the Cut-Off Mark Important?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) organizes exams for students who want to enter higher institutions in Nigeria. Every year, students take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Your score in this exam determines whether you can be admitted into your chosen school.

The cut-off mark is the minimum score JAMB and schools require before they will consider you for admission. If you score below this mark, you will not be eligible for admission, no matter how good your other qualifications are.

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025

For the 2025 admission year, JAMB has set the following minimum cut-off marks:

1. Universities (Federal, State, and Private): 140 and above

2. Polytechnics: 100 and above

3. Colleges of Education: 100 and above

This means:

• If you want to study in a university, you must score at least 140 in your UTME.

• If you apply to a polytechnic or college of education, you need at least 100.

However, this is just the minimum—many schools set their own higher cut-off marks.

Difference Between JAMB Cut-Off and School Cut-Off

Many students get confused between JAMB’s general cut-off and individual school cut-off marks. Here’s the difference:

1. JAMB Cut-Off (Minimum Requirement)

   • This is the lowest score JAMB allows for admission.

   • No school can accept students below this mark.

   • Example: If JAMB says 140 for universities, no university can accept a student with 130.

2. School Cut-Off (Higher Requirements)

   • Most schools increase their cut-off marks above JAMB’s minimum.

   • Competitive schools (like UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN) set much higher cut-offs.

   • Example:

     • JAMB minimum = 140

     • UNILAG’s cut-off = 200 for Medicine, 190 for Law, 180 for Engineering

Why do schools set higher cut-offs?

• Too many applicants for limited spaces.

• They want only the best students.

• Some courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) are very competitive.

Does Meeting the Cut-Off Guarantee Admission?

No! Many students think that once they meet the cut-off, admission is automatic. This is wrong.

Here’s what really matters:

1. Your UTME Score – Must meet or exceed the cut-off.

2. Your O’Level Results (WAEC/NECO) – You must have good grades (usually 5 credits including English & Maths).

3. Post-UTME/Screening – Many schools conduct extra exams or screening.

4. Course Competition – Some courses require much higher scores.

Example:

• If UNILAG’s cut-off for Medicine is 250, and you score 240, you won’t get admitted, even if JAMB’s minimum is 140.

What is Post-UTME? Do All Schools Conduct It?

Many universities conduct Post-UTME exams (another test after JAMB) to further screen students. However, not all schools do this.

Schools That Conduct Post-UTME (Written Exam)

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• University of Nigeria (UNN)

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Schools That Do Screening (No Exam, Just Documents Check)

• Lagos State University (LASU)

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Sometimes

• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

How Screening Works (Example: LASU Calculation)
LASU does not conduct Post-UTME exams. Instead, they calculate your admission chances using:

1. Your JAMB Score ÷ 8

   • If you scored 240 in JAMB, divide by 8 → 30

2. Your O’Level Grades (A1 = 10, B2 = 9, B3 = 8, etc.)

   • Add your best 5 subjects (e.g., Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

   • Example: A1 (10) + B2 (9) + B3 (8) + C4 (7) + C5 (6) = 40

3. Add Both Scores

   • JAMB (30) + O’Level (40) = 70

   • If LASU’s cut-off is 65, you qualify for admission.

List of Schools That Do Not Conduct Post-UTME (2025)

Some schools do not conduct Post-UTME exams. Instead, they only screen your documents. These include:

1. Federal Universities:

   • University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

   • Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

   • University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)

2. State Universities:

   • Lagos State University (LASU)

   • Kwara State University (KWASU)

   • Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

(Full list in the original article)

Common Mistakes Students Make About Cut-Off Marks

1. Thinking 140 Guarantees Admission

   • Truth: 140 is just the minimum. Most good schools require 180-250+.

2. Not Checking Their School’s Specific Cut-Off

   • Example: UNILAG’s cut-off is higher than JAMB’s.

3. Ignoring O’Level Results

   • Even with 300 in JAMB, if your WAEC grades are poor, you won’t be admitted.

4. Not Preparing for Post-UTME

   • Many students focus only on JAMB and fail Post-UTME.

How to Improve Your Admission Chances in 2025

1. Aim Higher Than the Cut-Off

   • If you want Medicine, don’t target 140—aim for 250+.

2. Check Your School’s Past Cut-Off Marks

   • Google: *”UNILAG 2024 Cut-Off Marks”* to see what to expect.

3. Prepare for Post-UTME (If Required)

   • Many schools repeat JAMB topics in Post-UTME.

4. Have a Backup School/Course

   • If Medicine is too competitive, consider Nursing or Biochemistry.

5. Apply Early & Follow Updates

   • Check JAMB and school websites regularly for updates.

Final Advice

• JAMB Cut-Off is Just the First Step – Meeting it doesn’t mean automatic admission.

• Your O’Level Grades Matter – A student with 5 A’s has a better chance than one with 5 C’s, even if JAMB scores are the same.

• Post-UTME/Screening is Important – Prepare well if your school requires it.

• Choose Less Competitive Courses if Necessary – If your score is low, consider related courses with lower cut-offs.

Good luck with your 2025 admission! 🎓