Get the latest information on Federal Universities in Nigeria Cut-Off Marks 2025/2026 for JAMB and Post-UTME admission. This guide lists all federal universities in Nigeria in alphabetical order, with their updated admission cut-off marks for Medicine, Law, Engineering, Nursing, and other courses.
Whether you’re applying to UNILAG, UI, UNN, ABU Zaria, FUTA, or any other federal university, we provide reliable updates on eligibility criteria, departmental cut-off marks, and JAMB minimum scores approved by each institution.
Stay informed with our detailed list of federal universities in Nigeria and their cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session to increase your chances of admission success.
What is a Federal University in Nigeria?
A Federal University in Nigeria is a higher institution of learning that is owned, funded, and managed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
These universities usually receive large numbers of applicants every year because of their reputation, relatively lower tuition fees compared to private universities, and the wide range of courses they offer.
Examples include University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
What Does Federal University Cut-Off Mark Mean?
The Federal University cut-off mark refers to the minimum score required in the JAMB UTME and sometimes Post-UTME for a candidate to qualify for admission into any course in a federal university.
In simpler terms: if you score below the cut-off mark, you may not be considered for admission. But if you meet or exceed it, you have a chance to proceed with the screening and admission process.
For federal universities in Nigeria, cut-off marks vary depending on the course of study, faculty, and yearly admission competition.
Federal universities typically:
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Accept only candidates who meet the national JAMB benchmark.
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Adjust their departmental cut-off marks based on demand for courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Nursing, etc.
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Release official cut-off marks every new academic session.
It’s important to note that cut-off marks are not the same across all universities or courses. Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering usually require higher cut-off marks compared to less competitive courses.
On this page, we provide you with a complete list of all federal universities in Nigeria in alphabetical order. By clicking on each university name, you can access its specific cut-off mark details and admission requirements.
List of Federal Universities in Nigeria
Click on each university to see its specific cut-off marks and admission details.
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Cut-off Mark
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Bayero University Kano (BUK) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Dutse (FUD) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Kashere (FUK) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) Cut-off Mark
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Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Cut-off Mark
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Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Cut-off Mark
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Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Cut-off Mark
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Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Cut-off Mark
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Cut-off Mark
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University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) Cut-off Mark
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University of Benin (UNIBEN) Cut-off Mark
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University of Calabar (UNICAL) Cut-off Mark
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University of Ibadan (UI) Cut-off Mark
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Cut-off Mark
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University of Jos (UNIJOS) Cut-off Mark
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University of Lagos (UNILAG) Cut-off Mark
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University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Cut-off Mark
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Cut-off Mark
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Cut-off Mark
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University of Uyo (UNIUYO) Cut-off Mark
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Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK) Cut-off Mark
How Federal Universities Set Their Cut-Off Marks
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JAMB Benchmark: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) usually provides a general benchmark, but federal universities can choose higher marks.
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Course Popularity: Professional and competitive courses often attract higher cut-off marks.
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Departmental Screening: After UTME, most universities conduct internal screenings and publish departmental cut-off marks.
Federal Universities in Nigeria Compared to State and Private Universities
1. Funding and Ownership
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Federal Universities are owned and fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This means they receive budget allocations for infrastructure, staff salaries, and research.
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State Universities are owned and managed by individual state governments, and their funding depends largely on the state’s financial strength.
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Private Universities are established and run by individuals, organizations, or religious bodies, with no government ownership.
Because of this funding structure, tuition fees in federal universities are usually the lowest, while private universities are the most expensive. State universities sit somewhere in between.
2. Admission and Cut-Off Marks
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Federal Universities are the most competitive because they attract the largest number of applicants. For instance, universities like UNILAG, UNIBEN, UI, and UNN often receive thousands of applications yearly. Their cut-off marks are usually higher to filter candidates.
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State Universities also set their cut-off marks, but since they attract fewer applicants compared to federal schools, their marks are sometimes slightly lower. However, popular state schools (like LASU, ABSU, or ESUT) can still be competitive.
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Private Universities generally have lower cut-off marks because they are more flexible in admission requirements. The focus is on affordability and ability to pay fees, not necessarily JAMB scores.
In short, if you want to study at a federal university, you’ll need a stronger JAMB score and better Post-UTME performance compared to state or private institutions.
3. Reputation and Recognition
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Federal Universities are often ranked higher in Nigeria and Africa because of their long history, larger student population, and established alumni networks. Schools like UI, UNILAG, and ABU are considered “first-generation” and are highly respected.
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State Universities vary in reputation; some are strong academically, while others struggle due to funding limitations.
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Private Universities are known for discipline, quick academic calendars (no ASUU strikes), and smaller class sizes, but they are sometimes seen as less prestigious than federal schools.
4. School Fees
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Federal Universities – Most affordable (government subsidies).
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State Universities – Moderate but depend on the state.
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Private Universities – Most expensive (millions of naira per session in some cases).
5. Academic Calendar
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Federal & State Universities – Sometimes affected by ASUU strikes and funding issues, which can delay graduation.
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Private Universities – Usually run uninterrupted academic sessions, so students graduate faster.
If you want prestige, affordable tuition, and global recognition, federal universities are the top choice—but expect higher cut-off marks and stiff competition.
If you want less competition but moderate fees, state universities might be a good fit.
If you want faster graduation and flexible admission, private universities provide that, but at a higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do all federal universities have the same cut-off mark?
No. Each university sets its own cut-off marks, and within each university, different departments have different requirements.
Q2: Can I gain admission if I meet the JAMB cut-off mark but not the departmental one?
No. You must meet both the general JAMB cut-off and your departmental requirement.
Q3: Where can I find the latest updates on cut-off marks?
Click on your chosen university from the list above. We update each page with the latest 2025/2026 cut-off marks once released officially.
Select your university from the alphabetical list above to view its official cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 admission session.
Stay updated by bookmarking this page for future changes and updates.
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