Discover the University of Calabar UNICAL cut off mark for Nursing 2025 & 2026. Learn the official JAMB score, departmental requirements, and admission tips.
If you’re passionate about becoming a professional nurse in Nigeria, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) is one of the top destinations to achieve your dream. But before you can be admitted into the Nursing/Nursing Science programme, you must meet the official cut-off marks for the 2025 and 2026 academic sessions.
Because Nursing is one of the most competitive and highly sought-after courses at UNICAL, candidates need to understand not just the general JAMB cut-off, but also the departmental/aggregate cut-off mark that truly determines admission chances.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- The general JAMB cut-off mark for UNICAL 2025/2026
- The specific departmental cut-off for Nursing
- Admission requirements and O’Level subject combinations
- Tips to secure your Nursing admission despite the competition
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UNICAL cut-off marks
UNICAL General JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2025/2026
The University of Calabar officially announced that the minimum JAMB UTME score required for eligibility in the 2025/2026 Post-UTME screening is 150.
This applies to:
- Candidates who selected UNICAL as their first choice during JAMB registration.
- Candidates who scored 150 and above but wish to do a Change of Institution to UNICAL.
In simple terms, 150 is the entry point for all aspirants, regardless of course.
UNICAL Cut off mark for Nursing 2025 & 2026
While 150 is the general cut-off, Nursing Science falls under the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences and has a much higher departmental cut-off mark.
- Estimated Nursing cut-off mark: 220 – 230 and above.
- This score is calculated after combining your JAMB UTME score and Post-UTME performance (aggregate).
- The higher your aggregate, the greater your admission chances.
Why so high?
- Nursing is oversubscribed every year at UNICAL.
- Thousands of candidates apply, but only a limited number of slots are available.
- As a result, the competition pushes the departmental cut-off well above the general 150 mark.
UNICAL Nursing Admission Requirements (2025/2026)
To gain admission into Nursing Science at UNICAL, you must meet all requirements below:
- UTME Score – Minimum 150, but aim for 230+ for Nursing.
- Post-UTME Screening – Perform very well; this balances your UTME score.
- O’Level Results – At least five credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- All in one sitting (two sittings are not accepted for Medicine and related fields like Nursing at many schools).
- Choice of Institution – UNICAL should be your first choice to increase chances.
- Catchment Area Advantage – If you are from states within UNICAL’s catchment zone (Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Anambra), you may have a slight admission advantage.
UNICAL Cut-Off Mark for Nursing: Past Trends
Looking at past years gives a clearer picture:
- 2023/2024 Session: General cut-off was 140; Nursing hovered around 220+.
- 2024/2025 Session: Cut-off rose slightly; Nursing still stayed within 220 – 230.
- 2025/2026 Session: General cut-off is now 150, with Nursing maintaining a competitive cut-off of 230+.
From the past trends, UNICAL Nursing cut-off marks don’t fluctuate much. Every year, it stays in the 220 – 250 zone because of high demand.
Can I Study Nursing at UNICAL With a Low JAMB Score?
This is a common question. Here’s the reality:
- With 150 – 180, you may be eligible to apply, but your chances for Nursing are very slim.
- With 200 – 220, you stand a moderate chance, but you’ll need a strong Post-UTME to push your aggregate up.
- With 230 – 270, you are in a safe zone, provided your O’Level and Post-UTME are solid.
Alternatives if You Don’t Meet Nursing Cut-Off
Don’t give up if you fall short of the Nursing cut-off. UNICAL offers other health-related programmes that can still put you in the medical field:
- Public Health Technology
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Human Nutrition & Dietetics
- Biochemistry
- Medical Laboratory Science
Later, you could switch back to Nursing via transfer or Direct Entry.
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances for Nursing
- Score High in JAMB: Target at least 230 – 250.
- Excel in Post-UTME: This is where many candidates lose ground.
- Prepare O’Level Early: Aim for A’s and B’s in your science subjects.
- Use Past Questions: Familiarize yourself with UNICAL’s Post-UTME pattern.
- Apply as First Choice: UNICAL prioritizes first-choice candidates.
Nursing as a Course
Nursing is one of the most respected and impactful courses in the field of health sciences. It is a discipline that prepares individuals to become professional nurses, responsible for promoting health, preventing illness, and providing care to individuals, families, and communities across all stages of life.
What is Nursing?
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on caring for people, supporting recovery, and maintaining the highest possible quality of life. Unlike medicine, which often centers on diagnosis and treatment, nursing emphasizes holistic care, including physical, emotional, and psychological support.
Objectives of Studying Nursing
The primary goals of a Nursing program include:
Training students to become competent and compassionate registered nurses (RNs).
Equipping graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.
Preparing nurses to work in hospitals, clinics, public health centers, schools, industries, and NGOs.
Promoting research, innovation, and leadership in nursing practice.
Core Subjects in Nursing
Nursing programs combine medical sciences, social sciences, and practical training. Some key subjects include:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Community/Public Health Nursing
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Ethics and Law
Research Methods in Nursing
Skills Nursing Students Develop
Studying Nursing equips students with vital skills such as:
Clinical Skills: Administering injections, wound care, monitoring patients, and assisting in surgeries.
Critical Thinking: Making quick, evidence-based decisions in emergencies.
Communication: Building trust with patients and working with healthcare teams.
Empathy & Compassion: Supporting patients beyond physical treatment.
Leadership: Managing wards, leading care teams, and influencing healthcare policies.
Career Opportunities in Nursing
Nursing graduates have diverse career paths, you can work in:
Hospital Nursing (general wards, ICU, pediatrics, maternity, surgical units)
Community Health Nursing (public health centers, NGOs, rural outreach)
School Health Services
Occupational/Industrial Nursing
Military/Paramilitary Nursing
Nursing Education (lecturers, tutors, researchers)
Specialist Nursing Roles (midwifery, anesthesia, psychiatric nursing, oncology, cardiology, etc.)
With further study, nurses can pursue Master’s and PhD programs and rise to advanced practice or academic leadership positions.
Why Choose Nursing?
1. High Demand Worldwide: Nurses are needed in Nigeria and abroad.
2. Stable and Rewarding Career: Offers job security and diverse opportunities.
3. Personal Fulfillment: Nursing provides a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
4. Global Mobility: Nursing qualifications often allow migration to countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Challenges in Nursing
Like any profession, Nursing also comes with challenges:
High workload and long shifts
Emotional strain from dealing with critically ill patients
Limited facilities in some hospitals
Continuous need for training as healthcare evolves
Nursing is more than just a career — it is a calling. As a course, it equips students with the skills to save lives, provide comfort, and impact society positively. For those with compassion, resilience, and a passion for healthcare, Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions to pursue.
Nursing Science at the University of Calabar (UNICAL): What You Should Know
If you are aspiring to study Nursing at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), it’s important to not only know the cut-off mark but also understand the programme itself — its structure, faculty, facilities, and accreditation. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Overview of Nursing Science at UNICAL
The Nursing Science programme at UNICAL is one of the flagship courses in the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences. It is designed to train highly skilled, professional nurses who can provide holistic healthcare in hospitals, communities, schools, and beyond.
The programme blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical exposure, ensuring students graduate as competent, compassionate, and employable nurses.
Course Duration
5 years (10 semesters) for candidates admitted through JAMB UTME.
4 years for Direct Entry candidates (e.g., those with RN or ND in Nursing).
After graduation, students proceed to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for professional registration and licensing.
Accreditation Status
The Department of Nursing Science at UNICAL is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
In fact, UNICAL recently made history by inducting over 229 Nursing Science graduates into the Council — one of the largest cohorts in Nigeria. This shows the department’s capacity and credibility.
Faculty & Lecturers
UNICAL’s Nursing Science department boasts a team of experienced lecturers, researchers, and clinical instructors, including:
Prof. Idongesit Ibanga Akpabio – Senior academic, researcher, and leader in Nursing education.
Dr. Regina Etita Ella – Associate Professor with expertise in nursing education, midwifery, and research.
Dr. Felicia Lukpata Ekwok – Lecturer I with specialization in Nursing and Medical Sociology.
The faculty combines academic knowledge with clinical practice, providing students with mentorship, research guidance, and practical exposure.
Facilities & Training Environment
Nursing students at UNICAL benefit from both university and hospital facilities, including:
Lecture halls and demonstration rooms for theoretical and practical teaching.
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) – A fully equipped teaching hospital where students carry out clinical postings.
Well-stocked library and computer rooms to support study and research.
Science laboratories with reagents and materials for practical classes.
Hostel accommodation and other support facilities for nursing students.
This combination ensures that students not only learn in classrooms but also gain hands-on experience with patients under supervision.
Career Prospects After UNICAL Nursing
Graduates of Nursing Science from UNICAL can work in:
Hospitals and Clinics (general wards, pediatric units, surgical departments, ICU, maternity units).
Community Health/Public Health Centres.
Military, Paramilitary, and Industrial health services.
Schools and NGOs focusing on healthcare delivery.
Academia and Research, after further postgraduate training.
Additionally, UNICAL-trained nurses are recognized internationally, giving graduates opportunities to work or study abroad (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Why Study Nursing at UNICAL?
Accredited Programme with a strong track record of producing licensed nurses.
Experienced Faculty with national and international recognition.
Teaching Hospital Affiliation for real-life clinical training.
Competitive Training Environment that prepares you for both Nigerian and global opportunities.
Studying Nursing Science at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) is a solid choice for anyone passionate about healthcare. With a 5-year accredited programme, seasoned lecturers, and access to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, you’ll graduate well-prepared for a career in nursing — both in Nigeria and internationally.
If you’re planning to apply for Nursing at UNICAL, remember: while the general JAMB cut-off mark is 150, you’ll need a competitive score of 230+ and strong Post-UTME performance to secure admission.
UCTH Nursing
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has a School of Nursing which has been fully accredited.
The School of Nursing has several key facilities:
Well-equipped classrooms and tutorial rooms.
A demonstration room, which is crucial for practicing procedures and skills under supervision.
Yes, UNICAL is a strong choice for studying Nursing in Nigeria:
It has qualified faculty, many with solid academic and clinical credentials.
It has good infrastructural support (classrooms, labs, hospital affiliation via UCTH).
It is accredited and recognized by relevant regulatory bodies.
If you pick UNICAL, you’ll get a credible Nursing education. But to make the most of it, try to engage actively in clinical practice, seek out mentors, and use all available resources.
FAQs on UNICAL Cut-Off Mark for Nursing 2025 & 2026
What is the minimum JAMB score for Nursing in UNICAL 2025/2026?
- Officially 150, but realistically, aim for 230+.
Does UNICAL accept two sittings for Nursing?
- Generally, Medicine-related programmes including Nursing require one sitting of O’Level results.
Can I gain admission with 200 in JAMB?
- Possible but very slim. You’d need an exceptional Post-UTME score.
What is UNICAL’s aggregate cut-off for Nursing?
- Around 220 – 230 when UTME and Post-UTME scores are combined.
Is Nursing at UNICAL very competitive?
- Yes. Alongside Medicine, Nursing is one of the most competitive courses.
Final Thoughts
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has set 150 as the general JAMB cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session. However, candidates aspiring for Nursing/Nursing Science need much higher scores — 230+ in JAMB UTME and a strong Post-UTME performance to stand a real chance.
Nursing at UNICAL is competitive, but with dedication, early preparation, and strategic planning, your dream of becoming a nurse can become a reality.
Start now: practice past questions, strengthen your O’Level grades, and aim higher than the bare minimum. We wish you all the best!
For more information, visit the school portal.
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