As thousands of Nigerian students prepare for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), one of the most pressing questions is:
“What is the minimum JAMB score required to gain admission into a federal university?”
This question is crucial because knowing the official JAMB cut-off mark helps you set realistic admission goals and make informed decisions about your course and institution choices.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- JAMB’s official minimum score for federal universities in 2025
- How individual universities set higher cut-off marks
- What to do if your score is low
- Other factors that influence admission beyond your UTME score
JAMB’s Official Minimum Score for Federal Universities in 2025
For the 2025 admission cycle, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 140 as the general minimum cut-off mark for federal universities.
What does this mean?
- If you score below 140, you are not eligible for admission into any federal university.
- If you score 140 or above, you meet the basic requirement, but this does not guarantee admission.
Federal Universities Can Set Their Own Higher Cut-Off Marks
While JAMB’s general minimum is 140, most federal universities set higher departmental cut-off marks, especially for competitive courses.
Examples of Higher Cut-Off Marks in Top Federal Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 200+
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 200+
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 180-200
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 180-220 (varies by faculty)
Highly Competitive Courses with Higher Cut-Offs:
- Medicine & Surgery
- Law
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Engineering
- Computer Science
For these courses, scoring 200 or above is safer.
What If You Score Between 140 and 179?
If your UTME score falls between 140 and 179, your chances of securing admission into top federal universities may be slim—but not impossible. Here’s what you can do:
- Apply for less competitive courses in the same university.
- Choose federal universities with lower cut-off marks (e.g., newer federal universities).
- Consider state universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, which may accept lower scores.
- Wait for supplementary admission or apply through alternative programs like JUPEB, Pre-Degree, or Diploma.
Other Factors That Affect Admission Beyond Your JAMB Score
Your UTME score alone does not guarantee admission. Federal universities also consider:
- O’level results (WAEC/NECO grades)
- Post-UTME/screening performance (if conducted)
- Catchment area & state of origin
- Choice of institution (first or second choice priority)
- Departmental cut-off for your selected course
Tip: Even with a high JAMB score, poor O’level grades or a weak Post-UTME performance can disqualify you.
By understanding these requirements and preparing strategically, you can increase your chances of admission into your desired federal university in 2025.
Need more guidance? Drop your questions in the comments below!
