Nursing remains one of the most sought-after healthcare courses in Nigeria, with thousands of candidates competing for admission every year. Whether you aim for a Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) at a university or a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate at a college of nursing, knowing the correct entry requirements is critical. This comprehensive list of nursing school and their cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 session covers federal universities, state universities, private universities, and standalone colleges of nursing across every geopolitical zone.

JAMB sets a general minimum of 140 for colleges of nursing and 150 for universities, but individual institutions set much higher departmental cut-offs for nursing due to intense competition and limited slots. This list of nursing school and their cut-off mark gives you the exact scores you need, helping you choose the right institution and prepare strategically for admission.

Federal Universities Offering Nursing Science

Federal universities attract the most applicants and set the highest nursing cut-offs. Below is the list of nursing school and their cut-off mark for major federal institutions offering B.N.Sc. programmes.

S/N	Federal University	Location	Cut-Off	Programme
1	University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Lagos	270–280	B.N.Sc.
2	University of Ibadan (UI)	Oyo	270–280	B.N.Sc.
3	Obafemi Awolowo Univ. (OAU)	Osun	260–270	B.N.Sc.
4	Univ. of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)	Enugu	250–260	B.N.Sc.
5	Ahmadu Bello Univ. (ABU)	Kaduna	240–260	B.N.Sc.
6	Univ. of Benin (UNIBEN)	Edo	240–250	B.N.Sc.
7	Univ. of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	Kwara	230–250	B.N.Sc.
8	Univ. of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)	Rivers	230–250	B.N.Sc.
9	Univ. of Calabar (UNICAL)	C/River	230–240	B.N.Sc.
10	Univ. of Abuja (UNIABUJA)	FCT	230	B.N.Sc.
11	Univ. of Uyo (UNIUYO)	A/Ibom	230–250	B.N.Sc.
12	Bayero Univ. Kano (BUK)	Kano	200–220	B.N.Sc.
13	Univ. of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	Borno	180–200	B.N.Sc.
14	Fed. Univ. Health Sci. Azare	Bauchi	160–180	B.N.Sc.

 

At top-tier institutions like UNILAG and UI, admitted nursing candidates typically score 280 to 310 in JAMB combined with excellent post-UTME results. Less competitive federal universities like UNIMAID and FUHSA Azare offer more accessible entry points for candidates scoring between 160 and 200.

State Universities Offering Nursing Science

State universities provide moderately competitive options on this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark. Many reserve slots for indigenes, giving home-state candidates a significant advantage.

S/N	State University	Location	Cut-Off	Programme
1	Lagos State Univ. (LASU)	Lagos	240–260	B.N.Sc.
2	Ambrose Alli Univ. (AAU)	Edo	200–230	B.N.Sc.
3	Delta State Univ. (DELSU)	Delta	200–220	B.N.Sc.
4	Enugu State Univ. (ESUT)	Enugu	200–220	B.N.Sc.
5	Ekiti State Univ. (EKSU)	Ekiti	200–220	B.N.Sc.
6	Imo State Univ. (IMSU)	Imo	200–220	B.N.Sc.
7	Univ. of Med. Sci. Ondo (UNIMED)	Ondo	200	B.N.Sc.
8	Ebonyi State Univ. (EBSU)	Ebonyi	180–200	B.N.Sc.

 

Private Universities Offering Nursing Science

Private universities offer the most accessible entry on this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark. Most accept JAMB scores of 150 to 200 with significantly less competition.

S/N	Private University	Location	Cut-Off	Fees/Session	Programme
1	Babcock University	Ogun	180–200	₦1.5M–₦2.5M	B.N.Sc.
2	Afe Babalola Univ.	Ekiti	180–200	₦1.2M–₦2M	B.N.Sc.
3	Bowen University	Osun	180–200	₦1M–₦1.8M	B.N.Sc.
4	Madonna University	Anambra	150–180	₦500K–₦1.2M	B.N.Sc.
5	Igbinedion University	Edo	150–180	₦800K–₦1.5M	B.N.Sc.
6	Nile University	FCT	180–200	₦1M–₦2M	B.N.Sc.
7	Covenant University	Ogun	200–220	₦2M–₦3M	B.N.Sc.

 

Colleges of Nursing and Teaching Hospitals

Standalone colleges of nursing award the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after three years. They form a major part of this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark and offer an alternative for candidates who prefer a shorter training pathway.

S/N	College of Nursing	Location	JAMB Required?
1	LUTH College of Nursing, Idi-Araba	Lagos	Yes (140+)
2	UBTH School of Nursing, Benin	Edo	Yes (140+)
3	UCH School of Nursing, Ibadan	Oyo	No
4	UNTH School of Nursing, Enugu	Enugu	Yes (140+)
5	ABUTH School of Nursing, Zaria	Kaduna	Yes (140+)
6	Ogun State College of Nursing	Ogun	Yes (140+)
7	Kano State School of Nursing	Kano	Yes (140+)
8	Sacred Heart Hospital SON, Lantoro	Ogun	No
9	EKSUTH School of Nursing, Ado-Ekiti	Ekiti	Yes (140+)
10	OAUTHC School of Nursing, Ile-Ife	Osun	Yes (140+)

 

Most colleges of nursing set JAMB cut-offs at 140, which is the JAMB minimum for nursing colleges. Some colleges only require that you register for JAMB without specifying a minimum score. Colleges that do not require JAMB conduct their own entrance examinations. Always confirm whether your preferred college requires JAMB before applying.

University Nursing vs. College of Nursing

When reviewing this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark, it is important to understand the difference between the two pathways.

University nursing programmes (B.N.Sc.) take five years and award a Bachelor’s degree. Graduates qualify as Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Midwives (RM), and are eligible for NYSC, postgraduate studies, and international nursing licensure exams like NCLEX (USA) and CBT (UK).

College of nursing programmes take three years and award an RN certificate. Graduates can practise as Registered Nurses but are not eligible for NYSC or direct postgraduate studies. However, RN holders can later pursue a B.N.Sc. through top-up programmes at participating universities.

Admission Requirements for Nursing

Every institution on this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark requires candidates to meet these core admission criteria:

1. JAMB (UTME): Register with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Score at or above your chosen institution’s nursing cut-off.
2. O’Level Credits: Five credits at not more than two sittings in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
3. Post-UTME Screening: Most universities conduct screening exams. Colleges of nursing may use entrance exams or interviews.
4. Direct Entry (Universities Only): Candidates with A’Level passes, IJMB/JUPEB qualifications, RN certificates, or ND/HND in related fields can apply through JAMB Direct Entry.
5. Age Requirement: Most nursing schools require candidates to be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.

How to Secure Nursing Admission

Having this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark is your first advantage. These strategies further boost your chances:

6. Score 20–50 Points Above the Cut-Off: If your institution’s cut-off is 200, aim for 230–250 to rank competitively in the aggregate.
7. Excel in Post-UTME: Practice with past questions from your specific institution. Post-UTME performance often carries 40–50% of the aggregate score.
8. Target Multiple Institutions: Apply to your preferred university and have backup options at state universities or colleges of nursing with lower cut-offs.
9. Leverage Catchment Advantage: Federal universities reserve slots for candidates from their geopolitical zone. Apply to the closest federal university for better chances.
10. Maintain Strong O’Level Grades: Grades of A1 to B3 in the five required subjects boost your aggregate and give you an edge over candidates with lower grades.

Career Opportunities for Nursing Graduates

Every institution on this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark leads to a rewarding healthcare career with diverse opportunities:

11. Hospital and Clinical Nursing: Work in government or private hospitals. Entry salaries range from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 monthly.
12. International Nursing: Nigerian-trained nurses are in high demand in the UK, USA, Canada, and the Middle East, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 annually.
13. Specialized Nursing: Advance into midwifery, paediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, critical care, or nurse anaesthesia.
14. Nursing Education and Research: Teach at nursing schools or universities after obtaining a Master’s or PhD in Nursing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lowest cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria?

The lowest JAMB cut-off for university nursing is 160 at Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare. For colleges of nursing, the minimum is 140. This list of nursing school and their cut-off mark includes institutions across all score ranges to help you find the right fit.

Can I study nursing without JAMB?

Yes. Some colleges of nursing like UCH School of Nursing Ibadan and Sacred Heart Hospital Lantoro do not require JAMB. They conduct their own entrance examinations instead. However, all university nursing programmes require JAMB registration.

How many years does nursing take?

University nursing (B.N.Sc.) takes five years, while college of nursing (RN certificate) takes three years. After graduation, you complete a one-year internship programme. B.N.Sc. graduates also serve one year of NYSC. Use this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark to choose between the two pathways based on your timeline and career goals.

Does meeting the cut-off guarantee admission?

No. The cut-off only qualifies you for post-UTME screening or entrance examination. Admission is determined by your aggregate score combining JAMB, post-UTME, and O’Level results. Many candidates who meet the cut-off do not gain admission due to limited slots.

What JAMB subjects do I need for nursing?

English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This combination is mandatory for nursing at all Nigerian institutions. No substitutions are accepted.

Can Nigerian nurses work abroad?

Yes. B.N.Sc. graduates with RN licensure can write international exams like NCLEX (USA), CBT (UK), HAAD (UAE), or DHA (Dubai) to practise abroad. Reviewing this list of nursing school and their cut-off mark is your first step toward a globally competitive nursing career.

 

Conclusion

Nigeria offers a wide range of nursing education options, from top-tier federal universities requiring 270+ to affordable colleges of nursing accepting 140. This list of nursing school and their cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 session gives you the complete picture across all institution types, helping you make an informed choice based on your JAMB score, budget, and career goals.

Use the tables above to identify where your score is competitive, confirm requirements on each institution’s official website, and begin your application early. Whether you pursue a five-year B.N.Sc. degree or a three-year RN certificate, the nursing profession offers job security, international mobility, and the satisfaction of saving lives every day. Start preparing now — Nigeria’s healthcare system needs you.