Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) releases a general guideline for minimum admission scores into Nigerian tertiary institutions. While schools set their own final departmental cut-offs, this official national benchmark helps candidates know the minimum score required to apply for admission.
Here’s the 2025 JAMB cut-off guide for Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education.
JAMB Cut‑Off Marks (2025) by Institution Type
| Institution Type | Official JAMB Minimum Score (2025) |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 160 – 200 |
| State Universities | 140 – 180 |
| Private Universities | 130 – 160 |
| Polytechnics | 100 – 140 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 – 120 |
| Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) | 100 |
Note: Each school is allowed to set higher cut-off marks for specific departments, depending on competitiveness and number of applicants.
Breakdown by Program Type
Universities (Federal, State, Private)
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Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Nursing typically demand 200+.
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Less competitive courses such as Education, Religious Studies, or Agriculture may admit from 140–180.
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Private universities tend to have more flexible entry scores, starting from 130 upward.
Polytechnics
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General national cut-off for polytechnics in 2025 remains around 100–140.
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High-demand departments like Mass Communication, SLT, or Engineering may require 120–150.
Colleges of Education
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Typically accept candidates with JAMB scores from 100 upward.
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Some elite colleges may set their minimum above 120, especially for specialized teaching fields.
What’s New in 2025?
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JAMB has continued the flexible admission policy, allowing institutions to set their cut-offs based on their academic needs and capacity.
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No single national cut-off—each institution announces their specific departmental benchmarks after JAMB policy meetings.
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Candidates with low scores can still gain admission into polytechnics, COEs, or innovative institutes, which are increasingly recognized.
Tips to Maximize Your Admission Chances
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Score above the minimum to increase your chances—aim for at least 20–30 points higher than the baseline for your chosen course.
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Follow your school's updates—universities and polytechnics post their departmental cut-offs after post-UTME or screening results.
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Use JAMB Change of Institution/Program portal if your score fits another institution’s requirement better.
Summary Table
| Program Type | Safe JAMB Score Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Medicine, Law, Engineering | 200 – 270+ |
| General University Courses | 160 – 200 |
| State University Entry | 140 – 180 |
| Private University Entry | 130 – 160 |
| Polytechnics | 100 – 140 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 – 120 |
| IEIs & Specialized Schools | 100+ |
Final Thoughts
JAMB’s 2025 cut-off marks give candidates a general direction—but your admission success depends on your score, your choice of institution, and the competitiveness of your course. Don’t panic if your score is low—many schools and programs are still open to you. Just be smart about where you apply.
