Nursing ranks among the most respected and globally mobile health professions today, and every JAMB cycle sees thousands of candidates chase limited slots. If you want a realistic shot at an admission letter this session, an accurate List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria becomes non-negotiable reading before you complete your JAMB form.
This detailed guide walks you through verified admission scores, session tuition ranges, and realistic acceptance-rate estimates for the 2026/2027 intake. You also discover how JAMB, post-UTME screening, and O’level grades work together to decide your fate. The goal is simple — give you direct numbers, remove the guesswork, and help you pick the institution that matches your score, budget, and career vision, whether you dream of working at a teaching hospital, migrating abroad, or specialising in midwifery.
Why Nursing Remains a High-Demand Career Right Now
The global shortage of nurses keeps Nigerian-trained professionals in constant demand at home and abroad. Graduates enjoy clear licensing pathways with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and strong job openings across the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the United States. Entry-level salaries at teaching hospitals begin near ₦180,000 monthly, and specialist nurses earn significantly more. Beyond pay, the profession delivers purpose, stability, and lifelong learning.
These advantages explain why nursing stays fiercely competitive each admission cycle. Candidates who study the admission landscape early tend to outperform those scrambling for information at the last minute. A verified List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria becomes your first weapon in the race.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing Science in 2026/2027
JAMB pegs the general nursing baseline between 180 and 200 for this session. Scoring within that range only qualifies you for post-UTME screening; it never confirms your seat. Each institution fine-tunes its own departmental cut-off based on slots available and candidate demand.
Top federal universities like UNILAG, UI, and ABU typically peg internal benchmarks between 230 and 280, while many state universities settle around 200 to 220. Private universities adopt friendlier baselines, often accepting 140 to 180 alongside their own entrance tests. Aiming 40 to 50 marks above the stated minimum gives you the safest shot. Pair that JAMB score with strong O’level credits, and your chances climb sharply. Studying any trusted List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria before filling your form prevents costly institutional mismatches.
Federal Universities Offering Nursing Science
Federal universities attract the highest demand because of their national prestige and moderate fees. The List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria below highlights top federal institutions running Nursing Science, their 2026/2027 departmental cut-off benchmarks, session tuition ranges, and estimated acceptance rates.
| Federal University | Cut-Off Mark | Annual Fees (₦) | Acceptance Rate |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 260 – 280 | 126,000 – 200,000 | Around 7% |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 260 – 290 | 100,000 – 170,000 | Around 6% |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 250 – 290 | 80,000 – 150,000 | Around 8% |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 240 – 270 | 90,000 – 170,000 | Around 7% |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 230 – 260 | 70,000 – 150,000 | Around 10% |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 230 – 260 | 100,000 – 180,000 | Around 10% |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 220 – 250 | 75,000 – 140,000 | Around 11% |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 220 – 250 | 90,000 – 170,000 | Around 10% |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 210 – 240 | 65,000 – 130,000 | Around 12% |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 210 – 240 | 80,000 – 160,000 | Around 12% |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 200 – 230 | 70,000 – 140,000 | Around 13% |
These institutions consistently top any List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria because of their deep research output, teaching-hospital affiliations, and strong global recognition. Expect aggregate screening (JAMB plus post-UTME) to decide the final list.
State Universities Offering Nursing Science
State universities balance affordability with solid clinical exposure, and indigenous candidates often enjoy reduced fees. The List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria below captures the leading state institutions serving nursing aspirants.
| State University | Cut-Off Mark | Annual Fees (₦) | Acceptance Rate |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 230 – 260 | 130,000 – 250,000 | Around 10% |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 200 – 230 | 150,000 – 220,000 | Around 13% |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | 200 – 230 | 95,000 – 180,000 | Around 12% |
| Rivers State University | 210 – 240 | 120,000 – 200,000 | Around 11% |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | 200 – 230 | 90,000 – 160,000 | Around 14% |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 200 – 220 | 100,000 – 180,000 | Around 13% |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | 200 – 230 | 120,000 – 200,000 | Around 12% |
| Enugu State University (ESUT) | 200 – 220 | 110,000 – 190,000 | Around 13% |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 200 – 220 | 100,000 – 170,000 | Around 14% |
| Nasarawa State University | 200 – 220 | 95,000 – 170,000 | Around 13% |
Private Universities Offering Nursing Science
Private institutions offer faster admission processing and newer facilities, though tuition sits significantly higher. They attract students who miss federal cut-offs or who prefer stable academic calendars free from strike disruptions. The List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria below captures reliable private options for 2026/2027.
| Private University | Cut-Off Mark | Annual Fees (₦) | Acceptance Rate |
| Babcock University, Ilishan | 180 – 200 | 1,500,000 – 2,200,000 | Around 55% |
| Bowen University, Iwo | 170 – 200 | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | Around 60% |
| Madonna University, Okija | 140 – 170 | 900,000 – 1,400,000 | Around 70% |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 180 – 220 | 1,800,000 – 3,000,000 | Around 50% |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | 160 – 180 | 1,400,000 – 2,000,000 | Around 60% |
| Redeemer’s University, Ede | 170 – 200 | 900,000 – 1,400,000 | Around 55% |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 160 – 180 | 800,000 – 1,200,000 | Around 65% |
| Covenant University, Ota | 200 – 230 | 1,100,000 – 1,500,000 | Around 45% |
| Adeleke University, Ede | 170 – 200 | 900,000 – 1,300,000 | Around 60% |
| PAMO University of Medical Sciences | 180 – 200 | 1,400,000 – 1,900,000 | Around 55% |
Candidates who cross-check any List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria usually treat private universities as reliable fallback options when federal and state slots close early. The fees look steep, yet stable academic calendars often justify the investment.
State Schools of Nursing (Diploma and RN Programmes)
Beyond universities, Nigeria operates over 100 state-owned Schools of Nursing that award the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after three years of study and clinical practice. Popular names include School of Nursing Eleta Ibadan, School of Nursing OAUTH Ile-Ife, School of Nursing UCH Ibadan, School of Nursing Anua Uyo, School of Nursing ABSUTH Aba, School of Nursing Abeokuta, and School of Nursing Kaduna. Most require JAMB scores between 140 and 180 along with internal entrance exams, and session tuition usually falls between ₦60,000 and ₦250,000.
Budget-conscious families especially rely on a detailed List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria covering this diploma tier, since the pathway produces fully licensed nurses at a fraction of university fees. After the RN certificate, graduates can later add midwifery, paediatric, or psychiatric specialisation through post-basic programmes.
Acceptance Rates Across Different School Categories
Federal universities admit roughly 5 to 10 percent of nursing applicants due to overwhelming competition. State universities hover around 10 to 15 percent, while private universities range between 45 and 70 percent depending on candidate scores and payment capacity. State Schools of Nursing (diploma track) admit around 15 to 25 percent. These figures shift yearly based on infrastructure expansion, federal character quota adjustments, and accreditation decisions by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Reviewing an honest List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria alongside these acceptance numbers sharpens your strategy dramatically. Always submit first and second choices in different tiers — never place two federal universities together unless your JAMB score sits above 270.
Admission Requirements Every Nursing Candidate Must Meet
Before celebrating any cut-off match, confirm you satisfy these non-negotiable eligibility pillars:
- Five O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in no more than two sittings.
- JAMB UTME subjects: Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- A JAMB score at or above the institution’s departmental benchmark for 2026/2027.
- Post-UTME screening pass for federal and state universities; internal entrance exam pass for Schools of Nursing.
- Age of 16 years and above before admission.
- Medical fitness certificate before clinical rotation starts.
- Valid birth certificate, National Identification Number (NIN), and sworn declaration where needed.
How to Boost Your Admission Chances
Start JAMB preparation at least eight months before the exam and drill past questions from 2015 onwards using the JAMB CBT app. Target a score of 240 or higher if a federal university sits on your priority list — this pushes you safely above most departmental cut-offs. Rewrite WAEC the moment any science grade falls below C6; weak O’level results sink strong JAMB scores fast. Attend post-UTME mock sessions, study each institution’s scoring formula (some weigh O’level heavily, others prioritise JAMB), and submit your application on the very first day the portal opens.
Keep your second choice realistic — pairing UI with a solid state university doubles your chances. Finally, study every credible List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria you can find so you identify less-competitive but quality institutions that match your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the general JAMB cut-off for nursing in 2026/2027?
JAMB pegs the general nursing benchmark between 180 and 200 this session. Universities publish higher departmental cut-offs after post-UTME screening, so always target at least 240 for federal options.
2. Do all nursing schools in Nigeria require JAMB?
No. Most Bachelor-degree programmes demand JAMB, yet many state-owned Schools of Nursing run internal entrance exams without mandatory JAMB scores. Confirm each school’s current admission route before applying.
3. Which university posts the highest nursing cut-off in Nigeria?
University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria regularly post the highest benchmarks, usually 260 to 290. A current List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria reveals these departmental trends instantly.
4. How long does nursing school take in Nigeria?
University BNSc programmes run for five years, while School of Nursing (RN) programmes last three years. Post-basic midwifery adds 18 more months for already-licensed registered nurses.
5. What is the cheapest nursing school in Nigeria?
Several federal Schools of Nursing charge under ₦100,000 per session. Federal universities like ABU, BUK, and UNN also run affordable programmes below ₦150,000 annually, making them strong value picks.
6. Can I study nursing with a JAMB score of 150?
Yes, through some private universities and selected state Schools of Nursing. Federal universities rarely admit nursing candidates below 200, so a careful List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria guides lower-scoring candidates toward realistic admission options.
7. What O’level subjects are needed for nursing admission?
Five credits covering English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, obtained in no more than two sittings across WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Some schools accept Health Science in place of Physics — verify with the institution.
8. Do private nursing schools accept direct entry candidates?
Yes. Most accept IJMB, JUPEB, OND, HND, and A-Level results for entry into 200 level. Always confirm current direct-entry routes with the admissions office before paying the form fee.
9. What is the average acceptance rate for nursing programmes?
Federal universities admit under 10 percent of nursing applicants. Private universities admit up to 70 percent, while Schools of Nursing average 15 to 25 percent. The higher the prestige, the lower the acceptance rate.
10. Is nursing harder to get into than medicine in Nigeria?
Both demand serious dedication, yet nursing typically carries slightly lower cut-offs and shorter course duration. Competition remains stiff because of the global job demand pulling Nigerian-trained nurses abroad every year.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to study nursing begins with reliable information, and the List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria you trust should reflect current realities, not recycled figures copied year after year. Focus first on your JAMB score, then match it with institutions where your number sits comfortably above the departmental benchmark. Factor in tuition, accommodation cost, and distance from home before picking a final school. Rewriting WAEC or JAMB always costs less than losing an entire year to a wrong-fit institution.
Nursing opens doors to local teaching hospitals, international recruitment drives, and specialist fields like critical care, oncology, and paediatrics. The hard work invested this session pays off for decades. Keep the List of Nursing school and their cut off mark in Nigeria close as you complete your JAMB form, sit for post-UTME, and wait for your admission letter. Your future patients are already counting on the standard of care you are preparing to deliver.