Nursing is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, and candidates preparing for the 2026/2027 admission exercise often ask what score is enough. The JAMB cut off mark for nursing 2026 has two parts: the national minimum approved for the session, and the higher departmental mark that each school sets for itself. This guide explains both, together with the subjects, O’Level results and screening steps that decide who is admitted.
The national figure is the starting point and not the target. A candidate who scores exactly the minimum is allowed to apply, but admission is given on merit, so the score needed in practice depends on the school, the number of applicants and the available quota.
What Is the JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in 2026?
At the 2026 policy meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Education, stakeholders approved 150 as the minimum admission score for universities and for colleges of nursing sciences. Polytechnics and monotechnics remain at 100. The nursing figure is a rise for nursing colleges, which used a lower minimum in the previous cycle, while the university figure of 150 is unchanged.
Institutions are free to adopt a higher mark but cannot admit anyone below the approved minimum. In other words, 150 is the floor. The JAMB cut off mark for nursing 2026 that matters to most candidates is therefore the one published by the specific school they want to attend.
| Type of Institution | National Minimum for 2026 | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Universities (Nursing Science) | 150 | Lowest score allowed; schools may set higher |
| Colleges of nursing sciences | 150 | Lowest score allowed; schools may set higher |
| Polytechnics and monotechnics | 100 | General minimum for the institution type |
| Colleges of education | 100 | General minimum; nursing is not offered here |
National Minimum vs Departmental Cut Off Mark
Many candidates confuse the two figures. The national minimum is set for the whole country and decides who is eligible to be considered at all. The departmental cut off mark is set by the university, faculty or department, and it decides who is invited to the next stage of screening.
Because nursing receives far more applications than it has places, departmental marks are usually well above 150. Federal and well-known state universities often shortlist candidates in the upper range of the UTME scale, while newer private universities and some colleges of nursing may shortlist at lower levels. These marks change every year with the number of applicants, so last year’s figure is only a guide.
Factors That Decide the Nursing Cut Off Mark
Several factors push a school’s cut off mark up or down:
- Number of applicants: a large pool for a small quota raises the mark.
- Admission quota: the number of places approved by the regulators for the department.
- School type: federal universities tend to be more competitive than private ones because of lower fees.
- Catchment and state of origin: merit, catchment area and educationally less developed states are considered in the federal admission quota system.
- Post-UTME performance: where a school runs screening, the post-UTME result is combined with the UTME score.
UTME Subject Combination for Nursing
Nursing Science sits in the science group, so the UTME subjects must match the course. The standard combination is:
- Use of English (compulsory for every candidate)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Choosing the wrong subjects can end an application even with a high score, so confirm the combination on the JAMB brochure before registration or correction of data.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing
The O’Level result is checked as seriously as the UTME score. Candidates are expected to have credit passes in at least five subjects in WAEC, NECO or an equivalent examination, obtained in not more than two sittings. The usual subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Some schools accept Physics or Health Science alternatives, while others strictly require all five. Check the entry requirements of the chosen school, since a missing credit usually leads to rejection at the document stage.
Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing
Candidates who already hold a Registered Nurse (RN) qualification, a relevant diploma or A’Level results in the right science subjects can apply through Direct Entry. Direct Entry candidates do not take the full UTME in the usual way, but they must register with JAMB for Direct Entry and meet the school’s own subject and grade conditions. Cut off marks for Direct Entry follow the school’s published criteria.
JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in Different Types of School
Federal universities
Federal universities with Nursing Science programmes receive the highest number of applications. Their departmental marks are normally the highest, and candidates with scores far above 150 have a better chance of being shortlisted for post-UTME screening or direct admission.
State universities
State universities give preference to indigenes in many cases. A candidate from the state may be admitted at a lower mark than a non-indigene, although both must meet the national minimum.
Private universities
Private universities usually set cut off marks closer to the national minimum, but they charge higher fees. Nursing is one of the more expensive courses at private universities, so check the fee schedule before applying.
Colleges of nursing sciences
Colleges of nursing sciences award a degree or a diploma depending on the programme. They also adopt 150 as the minimum for 2026 and may add their own entrance examination or interview.
Approved Nursing Programmes and Accreditation
Before applying, confirm that the Nursing programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and that the university is approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Graduates of unaccredited programmes cannot sit the licensing examination, which makes the degree of limited use. The councils publish lists of accredited programmes on their official websites.
How to Check Whether You Qualify
- Check your UTME score and subject combination on the JAMB result slip.
- Confirm that your score is at least 150 and above the school’s departmental mark.
- Choose the school as your first choice in the JAMB portal, since only first-choice candidates are usually considered in the first round.
- Upload and keep your O’Level result ready for verification in the CAPS portal.
- Take part in the post-UTME screening if the school holds one.
- Monitor your admission status on JAMB CAPS and accept the offer within the time allowed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission
- Aim for a score well above 150, as competitive schools shortlist from the upper range.
- Select a school whose previous departmental mark matches your score.
- Apply to a second school as a safety option through change of institution if the first choice is out of reach.
- Prepare for post-UTME with past questions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English.
- Keep all original documents ready, including the birth certificate, O’Level results and passport photographs.
- Avoid any person who promises admission for payment. Admission is processed only through JAMB CAPS and the school’s official channels.
What Happens After You Meet the Cut Off Mark
Meeting the cut off mark only places a candidate on the shortlist. The school then checks the O’Level result, the choice of institution and, where applicable, the post-UTME score. Candidates are ranked, and admission is offered to the top performers within the approved quota. Those who are not admitted in the first round may be considered later if places remain, which is why a candidate should keep checking the JAMB CAPS portal until the admission deadline for the session.
A candidate who is offered admission must accept it on CAPS, print the admission letter and complete the school’s registration, including the payment of acceptance and school fees, within the stated period. Missing the acceptance window can cost the place.
Other Costs and Expectations in Nursing Training
Nursing training involves clinical postings and professional examinations. Students are expected to meet the school’s dress code, vaccination requirements and, in some schools, a medical fitness test. Fees differ by school type, so the official schedule of charges from the admissions office is the only dependable source.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum JAMB score for nursing in 2026?
The approved national minimum for universities and colleges of nursing sciences is 150.
2. Can I get nursing admission with 150?
It is possible in some schools, but many set higher departmental marks, so a score above 150 is safer.
3. Which subjects are needed for nursing in UTME?
English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
4. Is the nursing cut off mark the same in every school?
No. The national minimum is the same, but each school sets its own departmental mark above it.
5. Do I still need post-UTME screening?
It depends on the school. Many institutions run screening, and the school’s admission notice states the process.
6. Where can I confirm the latest cut off mark?
On the official website or admission portal of the school, and on the JAMB website.
Final Thoughts
The JAMB cut off mark for nursing 2026 is 150 at national level, but a realistic target is a score well above it, together with the correct UTME subjects and five O’Level credits that include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Mathematics. Candidates who combine a strong UTME result, a properly accredited programme and early preparation for screening give themselves the best chance.
Cut off marks and deadlines can change during the session. Always confirm the current departmental mark, fees and screening dates on the official portal of the school before making payments or final choices.