Are you inquiring for the Nursing School Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027 in Nigeria? If you want to study Nursing Science at a university or gain admission into a College of Nursing Sciences, knowing the required JAMB score is an important part of your admission preparation.
For the 2026 admission exercise, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) approved a national minimum admission benchmark of 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing. However, this does not mean every nursing institution will admit candidates with 150. Individual institutions can establish higher requirements for their programmes, and admission also depends on other eligibility conditions and available places.
Some nursing programmes require 170, 180, 200 or more, depending on the institution. Candidates must therefore check the official admission announcement of their preferred school rather than relying on one cut-off mark for every institution.
In this guide, you will learn the national JAMB benchmark for Nursing, examples of published institutional requirements, the difference between a general cut-off mark and a departmental cut-off mark, the required O’Level subjects, and what to do if your score is below your preferred school’s requirement.
Important: Admission information can change. Some 2026/2027 application deadlines and screening dates have already passed. The scores and examples below should be used as guidance, while the current official notice of each institution should determine whether you are eligible to apply.
What Is the Nursing School Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027?
The national minimum admission benchmark announced by JAMB for the 2026 admission exercise is 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing. This is the general minimum benchmark, not a guaranteed admission score for every Nursing Science programme.
The cut-off mark required by a particular nursing institution may be higher. For example, a college may require 170 or 180, while a university’s Nursing Science programme may set a higher departmental threshold.
Candidates should distinguish between these three terms:
- JAMB national minimum benchmark: The minimum score approved nationally for the relevant category of institution.
- Institutional cut-off mark: The minimum UTME score an institution requires candidates to obtain before they can be considered under its admission rules.
- Departmental cut-off mark: The score or selection threshold applicable to a particular course, such as Nursing Science, where the institution uses departmental requirements.
Meeting the national minimum does not automatically mean that you qualify for your preferred nursing programme.
Nursing School Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027: Quick Summary
| Admission category | 2026 admission benchmark or example | What candidates should know |
|---|---|---|
| Universities generally | 150 | This is JAMB’s national minimum benchmark, not a guarantee of Nursing admission. |
| Colleges of Nursing generally | 150 | Individual colleges may require higher scores. |
| College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia | 170 | Published requirement for its 2026/2027 ND Nursing admission exercise. |
| UNTH College of Nursing Sciences | 180 | Published requirement for its 2026/2027 BNSc admission exercise. |
| Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) | 200 | Published minimum admissible JAMB score for its relevant 2026/2027 nursing admission route. |
| University of Jos Nursing Sciences | 220 | The university’s published 2026/2027 screening notice lists 220 for Nursing Sciences. |
The institutional examples are drawn from published admission notices. They are not proof that the relevant application forms remain available. Always check the latest official notice for your intended programme before applying.
JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing in 2026/2027
JAMB’s national minimum benchmark for universities and Colleges of Nursing for the 2026 admission exercise is 150. The board also states that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 under the 2026 admission policy.
However, candidates should not interpret the national benchmark as a promise of admission.
For instance, a candidate who scores 150 may meet the national minimum but still fail to meet a college’s published requirement of 170 or 180. Similarly, a university may require a substantially higher score for Nursing Science.
Before deciding where to apply, check the following:
- The minimum UTME score for your preferred institution.
- Whether Nursing Science is available for the session.
- The required UTME subject combination.
- The institution’s O’Level requirements.
- Whether the institution requires first-choice status.
- Whether post-UTME screening or another assessment is required.
- The current application deadline.
These checks will help you identify institutions whose published requirements match your qualifications.
College of Nursing Sciences Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027
Colleges of Nursing Sciences provide different nursing-related programmes, and their admission procedures are not necessarily identical.
Some institutions offer ND/HND Nursing, while others offer degree programmes or different approved nursing training routes. Candidates should check the exact programme they intend to study because the cut-off mark for one route may not apply to another.
College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia Cut Off Mark
The College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia, Nasarawa State, announced a minimum UTME score of 170 for its 2026/2027 ND Nursing admission exercise.
Its published notice also required candidates to choose the college as their first-choice institution and possess five O’Level credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics in no more than two sittings. The announced application and screening fees totalled ₦7,000.
Applicants should visit the college’s official website to check for any new admission announcements or subsequent application opportunities.
Official website: College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia
UNTH College of Nursing Sciences Cut Off Mark
The College of Nursing Sciences at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital announced a minimum UTME score of 180 for its 2026/2027 Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) admission exercise.
The announced application period ended in August 2026. Candidates should therefore check the official notice for any subsequent admission round rather than assuming that the original application window remains open.
Official admission information: UNTH College of Nursing Sciences Admission Notice
Other Colleges of Nursing Sciences
If you are considering a college not mentioned in this guide, do not automatically use 150, 170 or 180 as its cut-off mark.
Visit the college’s official website and look for the 2026/2027 admission announcement. Confirm the programme title, minimum UTME score, O’Level subjects, number of sittings allowed, application deadline, and screening procedure.
University Nursing Science Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027
University Nursing Science programmes may have more competitive admission requirements than the national minimum benchmark.
A university may use a departmental score, screening result, O’Level performance, and other approved selection criteria when considering applicants. The exact process varies from one institution to another.
Here is an example of an official university screening notice for the 2026/2027 academic session.
University of Jos Nursing Science Cut Off Mark
The University of Jos published its 2026/2027 post-UTME screening requirements in July 2026. Its notice lists 220 as the cut-off point for Nursing Sciences. The same notice required candidates to have chosen the university as their first choice and meet the general screening conditions.
This example shows why candidates should check the course-specific requirement instead of relying only on JAMB’s national minimum benchmark.
The published University of Jos registration deadline was 12 September 2026, which has passed. Applicants should check the official university website for any new notice or subsequent admission update.
Official source: University of Jos Admission and Screening Notice
What About Other Universities Offering Nursing Science?
Universities may set different requirements according to their admission policies and the competition for available places.
If you want to study Nursing Science at a federal, state, or private university, confirm the following directly from the institution:
- Minimum UTME score for Nursing Science.
- Required UTME subjects.
- O’Level credit requirements.
- Post-UTME or screening requirements.
- First-choice or change-of-institution conditions.
- Application dates and fees.
- Any programme-specific eligibility conditions.
Avoid assuming that a university’s general cut-off mark applies to every department.
Is 150 a Good JAMB Score for Nursing Admission?
A score of 150 meets the national minimum benchmark announced for universities and Colleges of Nursing in the 2026 admission exercise. However, whether it is sufficient for a particular nursing programme depends on that institution’s own requirements.
For example, 150 would not meet the published 170 requirement at the College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia, or the published 180 requirement for the cited UNTH BNSc admission exercise.
Candidates with 150 should therefore concentrate on finding institutions whose current published requirements they meet, while also checking that the programme is approved and the application process is still open.
Do not pay an application fee based only on a general statement that a school accepts 150. Confirm the exact course requirement first.
Can I Gain Nursing Admission with 160 in JAMB?
A score of 160 is above the national minimum benchmark of 150, but it does not guarantee admission into a nursing programme.
A candidate with 160 should look for an institution whose current admission notice permits that score. The candidate must also meet the required O’Level subjects, examination conditions, and screening requirements.
If your preferred school requires 170, 180, 200 or 220, a score of 160 will not satisfy that published score requirement.
Before making a decision, verify the exact programme and current admission notice rather than relying on old cut-off marks circulated online.
Can I Study Nursing with 170 in JAMB?
A score of 170 may satisfy the published UTME score requirement of an institution that sets its minimum at 170, provided the candidate also meets the other conditions.
For example, the College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia, announced a minimum score of 170 for its 2026/2027 ND Nursing admission exercise.
However, a score of 170 would not meet the published 180 requirement for the cited UNTH BNSc programme or the 220 Nursing Sciences cut-off point listed in the University of Jos screening notice.
Always match your score against the current requirements of the exact school and programme.
Can I Study Nursing with 180 in JAMB?
A score of 180 meets the published UTME score requirement of institutions that set their minimum at 180, but other schools may require more.
For example, UNTH announced 180 as the minimum UTME score for its 2026/2027 BNSc admission exercise.
Candidates should remember that meeting a minimum score does not guarantee admission. You must also meet the O’Level, subject-combination, application, and screening requirements.
If you want to apply to a university with a higher Nursing Science cut-off mark, compare your score with the course-specific requirement before paying any fees.
Can I Study Nursing with 200 in JAMB?
A score of 200 meets the national minimum benchmark and may satisfy the published score requirement of some institutions, but it will not meet every university’s Nursing Science cut-off.
For example, LUTH published a minimum admissible JAMB score of 200 for its relevant 2026/2027 nursing admission route, while the University of Jos listed 220 for Nursing Sciences in its screening notice.
A candidate with 200 should therefore verify the exact programme and institution before applying.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing Admission in Nigeria
Apart from the JAMB score, candidates must meet the relevant O’Level requirements.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria states that the approved entry requirement for the basic and post-basic programmes covered by its guidance is five O’Level credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The Council’s published guidance permits these credits in no more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Applicants should still check the specific programme’s admission notice for any additional conditions.
Can I Combine WAEC and NECO?
Some institutions accept a combination of WAEC and NECO, while others impose specific restrictions. Confirm the rule before applying.
Can I Use Awaiting Results?
Whether awaiting results are accepted depends on the institution’s admission policy and the stage at which final results must be available. Check the current admission notice for instructions.
Is Mathematics Compulsory for Nursing?
Mathematics is included in the five relevant O’Level subjects specified in the NMCN’s published entry requirements. Candidates should ensure they meet the required grade and confirm any programme-specific rules.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing Science
Candidates applying through UTME should confirm the subject combination in the current JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System and their chosen institution’s admission notice.
Nursing Science commonly requires:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Do not rely on an unofficial list if it conflicts with the current JAMB brochure or the school’s official requirements.
Official JAMB website: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
How to Check the Cut Off Mark of Your Preferred Nursing School
Follow these steps before applying for admission.
Step 1: Identify Your Preferred Institution
Decide whether you want a university Nursing Science programme, an ND/HND Nursing programme, or another approved nursing training route.
Step 2: Check the Official Website
Open the institution’s official website and navigate to its admissions, news, or post-UTME section.
Step 3: Find the 2026/2027 Admission Notice
Look for an announcement that clearly refers to the academic session and programme you want.
Step 4: Confirm the Required JAMB Score
Check whether the institution publishes a general score or a separate Nursing Science cut-off mark.
Step 5: Check the Other Requirements
Confirm the O’Level subjects, required grades, number of sittings, UTME subject combination, and any screening conditions.
Step 6: Confirm the Application Status
Check whether the form is still available, whether the deadline has passed, or whether a new application round has been announced.
Step 7: Apply Through the Official Channel
Use the portal linked from the institution’s official website. Keep your payment receipt and application confirmation.
How to Confirm Whether a Nursing School Is Approved
Choosing an approved nursing institution is just as important as meeting its cut-off mark.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria publishes a list of approved nursing training institutions, including information about accreditation status and admission quotas. Its published list was updated as of December 2025 and is subject to periodic review.
Before applying:
- Search for the institution on the NMCN list.
- Confirm the exact programme and campus.
- Review the institution’s accreditation status.
- Check for any restrictions or admission embargoes.
- Confirm that the institution has officially announced admission for 2026/2027.
- Verify the application portal and payment instructions.
An institution’s general existence does not automatically establish that every programme or campus it advertises is approved. Check the details carefully.
Official NMCN approved-schools page: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria — Approved Schools
What Should I Do If My JAMB Score Is Below the Cut-Off Mark?
If your UTME score is below your preferred school’s requirement, do not rush to pay an application fee.
Instead:
- Confirm the school’s exact score requirement.
- Check whether another approved institution offers the programme with a requirement that matches your score.
- Review the school’s O’Level and subject-combination requirements.
- Check whether a change of institution or course is permitted under the current admission rules.
- Consider preparing for a future UTME if your current score does not meet the required conditions.
- Avoid anyone who promises to change your score or guarantee admission through unofficial means.
Choose a programme and institution based on the official requirements, not rumours about admission lists or claims from agents.
Does Meeting the Nursing Cut-Off Mark Guarantee Admission?
No. Meeting the minimum UTME score is only one part of the admission process.
A candidate may meet the score requirement but still fail to qualify because of missing O’Level credits, an incorrect UTME subject combination, failure to complete screening, missed deadlines, or other programme-specific conditions.
Some institutions also have limited places and competitive selection processes.
For this reason, candidates should treat the cut-off mark as a minimum eligibility condition rather than a guarantee of admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nursing School Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027 in Nigeria?
JAMB announced a national minimum benchmark of 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing for the 2026 admission exercise. Individual nursing institutions may require higher scores.
Is 150 enough to study Nursing in Nigeria?
It may meet the national minimum benchmark, but it does not guarantee admission. The exact score required depends on the institution and programme.
What is the cut-off mark for College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia?
The college announced a minimum UTME score of 170 for its 2026/2027 ND Nursing admission exercise.
What is the UNTH Nursing cut-off mark for 2026/2027?
UNTH announced a minimum UTME score of 180 for its 2026/2027 BNSc admission exercise. Candidates should check the official website for any new admission announcement.
What is the University of Jos Nursing cut-off mark for 2026/2027?
The University of Jos published 220 as the Nursing Sciences cut-off point in its 2026/2027 screening notice. The published registration deadline has passed, so candidates should check the university’s website for further updates.
Can I gain admission into Nursing with 160?
Possibly, if an institution’s current requirements permit 160 and you satisfy all its other conditions. A score of 160 does not qualify you for programmes that require more.
Can I gain admission into Nursing with 170?
A score of 170 may satisfy the minimum requirement of a programme that sets its cut-off at 170, but it does not guarantee admission or meet the requirements of schools with higher cut-offs.
Can I gain admission into Nursing with 180?
A score of 180 may meet the minimum score requirement of some institutions. However, other schools may require 200, 220, or another score.
What are the five required O’Level subjects for Nursing?
The five relevant subjects specified in the NMCN’s published entry requirements are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Is JAMB compulsory for all nursing programmes?
Admission procedures differ according to the programme and institution. Many university Nursing Science and ND/HND Nursing programmes require UTME, while other approved routes may have different entry procedures. Confirm the requirements of the exact programme.
Are Nursing admission forms for 2026/2027 still on sale?
Availability varies by institution. Some application periods announced earlier in 2026 have ended. Check the current official admission notice to confirm whether a form is still available.
Where can I find a list of approved nursing schools in Nigeria?
You can consult the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s official approved-schools page and confirm the status of the particular programme and campus you intend to attend.
Conclusion
The Nursing School Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027 in Nigeria depends on the institution and the programme you want to study. JAMB’s national minimum benchmark is 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing, but individual institutions may require higher scores.
The published examples in this guide include 170 for the College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia; 180 for the cited UNTH BNSc programme; and 220 for Nursing Sciences at the University of Jos. These figures illustrate the differences between institutions and should not be treated as a complete list of nursing-school cut-off marks.
Before applying, confirm the current admission notice, O’Level requirements, UTME subject combination, screening arrangements, deadline, and approval status of your chosen programme.
The most reliable way to make an informed admission decision is to compare your JAMB score with the official requirements of each institution and apply only through a verified admission channel.
