In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) does not set a single national cut-off mark. Instead, universities—and often the departments within them—establish their own thresholds each year. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in 2025, based on recent trends and expert consensus.
Expected Cut-Off Range by University Type
| University Type | Typical JAMB Score Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 180 – 200 |
| State Universities | 160 – 180 |
| Private Universities | 140 – 160 |
These ranges are indicative. For example, a competitive course like Medicine at a federal institution might demand above 200, while arts or social science programs at state or private schools might accept scores starting from the mid- to high-100s.
Departmental & Program Variations
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Vice-chancellors and admissions offices usually announce specific thresholds per faculty later in the admissions cycle.
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High-demand programs—Medicine, Engineering, Law, Computer Science—often require higher JAMB scores (e.g., 200+).
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Less competitive programs—Education, Agricultural Science, Arts—can admit students with scores as low as 160.
Keep an eye on your target university’s official communication for updates tailored to your preferred departments.
What You Can Do Now
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Aim for at least 200 in JAMB to stay competitive across nearly all core university programs.
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Apply to a mix of schools: high-scoring aspirational schools, mid-tier options, and safety schools with lower thresholds.
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Track each university’s official admissions portal and notice board—they usually publish cutoff marks per course before final admission lists come out.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Chances
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Never wait for the final cut-off lists—they can change based on demand and examination performance cycles.
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Score well above the minimum for your dream course to avoid being edged out by a high candidate volume.
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Ensure your O’Level results (e.g., WAEC, NECO) align strongly with your JAMB performance—admissions look at both.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no universal “official” JAMB cut-off for 2025, understanding typical score ranges and planning accordingly can make a big difference in your university application success. Remember that exact cut-offs depend on the institution, the course, and overall competition.
