Pharmacy is one of the most competitive and sought-after courses in Nigerian universities. Every year, thousands of JAMB candidates compete for a limited number of admission slots, making it essential to know which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy. If you score below 250 in JAMB, getting into a federal university for Pharmacy can feel almost impossible. But the good news is that not every university sets the same high bar.
This guide answers the question which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy for the 2026/2027 academic session. We cover federal, state, and private universities that accept Pharmacy candidates at different JAMB score levels, breaking down each institution’s general cut-off mark, departmental cut-off, estimated fees, and admission requirements. Whether you score 160 or 270, there is a pathway to studying Pharmacy in Nigeria, and this article helps you find the right one.
Understanding Pharmacy Cut-Off Marks in Nigeria
Before exploring which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy, it is important to understand how cut-off marks work. There are two types of cut-off marks that affect your Pharmacy admission. The first is the general JAMB cut-off mark, which is the minimum UTME score a university accepts for any course. For the 2026/2027 session, JAMB sets this at 150 for federal and state universities and 150 for private universities. The second is the departmental cut-off mark, which is the minimum score specifically required for Pharmacy at a particular university. This is always higher than the general cut-off because Pharmacy is a professional course with limited seats.
At top federal universities like the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Obafemi Awolowo University, the departmental cut-off for Pharmacy typically ranges from 250 to 270 and above. State universities generally set departmental cut-offs between 200 and 240, while private universities accept candidates with scores as low as 160 to 200. This makes private and certain state universities the best options for students asking which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy.
Universities With the Lowest Cut-Off Marks for Pharmacy (2026/2027)
The table below directly answers the question: which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy? It lists 15 universities across federal, state, and private categories, ranked from the lowest to the highest departmental cut-off for Pharmacy.
| S/N | University | Type | Location | JAMB Cut-Off | Dept. Cut-Off | Est. Fees/Session |
| 1 | Madonna University, Elele | Private | Rivers State | 160 | 180 | ~N700K–N1.2M |
| 2 | Igbinedion University, Okada | Private | Edo State | 160 | 180 | ~N800K–N1.5M |
| 3 | Nile University of Nigeria | Private | Abuja (FCT) | 170 | 180 | ~N900K–N1.8M |
| 4 | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Uni. | State | Anambra State | 180 | 200 | ~N80K–N150K |
| 5 | Niger Delta University (NDU) | State | Bayelsa State | 180 | 200 | ~N60K–N120K |
| 6 | Delta State University (DELSU) | State | Delta State | 180 | 210 | ~N70K–N130K |
| 7 | University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | Federal | Akwa Ibom State | 180 | 240 | ~N80K–N140K |
| 8 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Federal | Edo State | 200 | 250 | ~N50K–N120K |
| 9 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Federal | Lagos State | 200 | 260 | ~N40K–N90K |
| 10 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Federal | Osun State | 200 | 260 | ~N40K–N100K |
| 11 | University of Ibadan (UI) | Federal | Oyo State | 200 | 270 | ~N40K–N90K |
| 12 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | Federal | Enugu State | 200 | 250 | ~N50K–N110K |
| 13 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Federal | Kaduna State | 200 | 260 | ~N40K–N100K |
| 14 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | Federal | Plateau State | 190 | 240 | ~N50K–N100K |
| 15 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Federal | Kwara State | 200 | 250 | ~N40K–N100K |
Note: Cut-off marks are estimates based on recent admission trends and may change each session. Always confirm with the university’s official admission portal before applying.
Private Universities: Your Best Bet for Low Cut-Off Marks
If you are seriously asking which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy, private universities offer the most accessible entry points. Madonna University in Elele, Rivers State, and Igbinedion University in Okada, Edo State, are two of the most popular private institutions offering Pharmacy with departmental cut-offs as low as 180. Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja also accepts Pharmacy candidates at around 180.
The trade-off with private universities is the cost. Tuition fees at private institutions range from approximately N700,000 to N1.8 million per session, significantly higher than federal or state universities. However, private universities offer distinct advantages: stable academic calendars with no strikes, smaller class sizes that allow personalised attention, modern facilities, and faster graduation timelines. For students who can afford the fees and want guaranteed admission with a lower JAMB score, private universities remain the strongest answer to which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy.
State Universities With Affordable Pharmacy Cut-Off Marks
State universities occupy the middle ground between expensive private schools and ultra-competitive federal institutions. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State, Niger Delta University (NDU) in Bayelsa State, and Delta State University (DELSU) all offer Pharmacy with departmental cut-offs ranging from 200 to 210. These are significantly lower than what you need at federal universities.
The school fees at these state universities range from N60,000 to N150,000 per session, making them much more affordable than private alternatives. If you score between 200 and 240 in JAMB and want to study Pharmacy without breaking the bank, state universities are an excellent choice. Combine a solid JAMB score with strong O’Level results and good post-UTME performance, and you stand a realistic chance of gaining admission.
Federal Universities With Lower Pharmacy Cut-Off Marks
Federal universities are the most competitive for Pharmacy admission, but not all of them set equally high departmental cut-offs. The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS) tend to have slightly lower departmental cut-offs for Pharmacy, typically around 240, compared to 260 to 270 at institutions like the University of Ibadan, UNILAG, and OAU. If you are asking which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy specifically among federal institutions, UNIUYO and UNIJOS give you the best chances.
Federal universities charge the lowest fees, typically between N40,000 and N140,000 per session. They also carry strong national and international recognition. The challenge is that competition is fierce, and even with a score of 240, you still need excellent O’Level results and a strong post-UTME performance to secure a spot.
General Admission Requirements for Pharmacy
Regardless of which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy, every Pharmacy candidate must meet certain baseline requirements. For JAMB UTME, you need Use of English, Chemistry, Biology, and either Physics or Mathematics. At O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), you must have at least five credit passes including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings. Most universities conduct post-UTME screening examinations, and your combined JAMB and post-UTME score determines your final admission status.
The Pharmacy programme takes five years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship regulated by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). Only after completing the internship can a graduate register as a licensed pharmacist. Direct Entry candidates with ND, IJMB, or JUPEB qualifications can enter at 200 Level, reducing their academic programme to four years.
Tips for Gaining Pharmacy Admission With a Low JAMB Score
If your JAMB score is between 160 and 220, understanding which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy helps you focus your application on private universities or less competitive state universities where your score meets the departmental cut-off. Make sure your O’Level results are complete and strong, as universities weigh these heavily during screening. Prepare thoroughly for post-UTME examinations using past questions specific to your chosen university. Consider applying through the Direct Entry pathway if you hold an ND or advanced-level qualification. Also, use JAMB’s Change of Institution feature through the CAPS portal if your first-choice university appears too competitive for your score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study Pharmacy with 160 in JAMB?
Yes, but only at private universities. Institutions like Madonna University and Igbinedion University accept Pharmacy candidates with general JAMB cut-offs as low as 160, though departmental screening may require 180. No federal or state university offers Pharmacy at 160. This is the clearest answer to which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy for candidates with lower scores.
What JAMB score do I need for Pharmacy at a federal university?
Most federal universities require a departmental cut-off of 240 to 270 for Pharmacy. Even if the general JAMB cut-off is 150 or 180, the actual competitive threshold for Pharmacy is much higher. Aim for at least 250 to stand a realistic chance at federal institutions.
Is Pharmacy admission easier at state universities?
State universities are generally less competitive than federal ones for Pharmacy. Departmental cut-offs at state universities range from 200 to 240, compared to 240 to 270 at federal universities. If cost is a concern, state universities offer a strong balance of affordability and accessible admission.
What are the O’Level requirements for Pharmacy?
You need at least five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. These credits should be obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Incomplete or weak O’Level results disqualify you regardless of your JAMB score.
How long does it take to complete Pharmacy in Nigeria?
The undergraduate Pharmacy programme takes five years. After graduation, you must complete a one-year mandatory internship under the supervision of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) before you can practise as a licensed pharmacist. The total time from admission to full licensure is six years.
Are private university Pharmacy degrees recognised in Nigeria?
Yes. As long as the university holds NUC accreditation for its Pharmacy programme, the degree is fully recognised. Graduates from accredited private universities can register with the PCN, complete their internship, and practise as pharmacists just like graduates from federal and state institutions. When deciding which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy, always verify that the programme carries full NUC and PCN accreditation.
Conclusion
The answer to which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy depends on the type of institution you are willing to attend. Private universities like Madonna University and Igbinedion University offer the lowest entry points, with departmental cut-offs as low as 180. State universities such as COOU, NDU, and DELSU accept Pharmacy candidates from 200 to 210, while the most accessible federal options include UNIUYO and UNIJOS at around 240.
Knowing which university has the lowest cut-off mark for Pharmacy gives you a strategic advantage in planning your admission. Choose a university that matches your JAMB score, budget, and career goals. Prepare thoroughly for both JAMB and post-UTME, ensure your O’Level results are complete, and apply early. Share this guide with friends who are also searching for affordable and accessible pathways to studying Pharmacy in the 2026/2027 academic session.