Cut Off Mark for Nasarawa State University (NSUK) 2025/2026

Discover the official cut off mark for Nasarawa State University, NSUK’s admission into various programs and courses for the 2025/2026 academic session. Get details on JAMB and departmental cut off marks, admission requirements, and tips to secure admission.

Introduction

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students apply to universities with hopes of securing admission into their dream courses. One of the most important requirements they face is the cut off mark. Simply put, a cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for admission screening. For a competitive university like Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), this benchmark plays a vital role in filtering candidates and maintaining academic standards.

The importance of cut off marks cannot be overstated. They serve as a first-level screening tool, separating eligible candidates from those who fall short of the requirements. Meeting the cut off mark does not guarantee admission, but it makes candidates eligible for Post UTME screening, where other factors such as O’Level grades, subject combinations, and performance in screening tests are considered.

Cut off marks also help manage the overwhelming number of applicants. For instance, thousands may apply for competitive courses such as Law, Nursing, and Computer Science, but only a limited number of spaces are available. By setting cut off marks, NSUK ensures that only serious and qualified candidates proceed further.

Therefore, understanding the cut off mark for NSUK is the first step toward successful admission. In this article, we will provide a complete guide on the general cut off mark, departmental cut off marks, admission requirements, and strategies for increasing your chances of admission into Nasarawa State University.

Overview of Nasarawa State University, Keffi NSUK

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) is a reputable higher institution established in 2002 by the Nasarawa State Government to provide accessible quality education to indigenes and Nigerians at large. Since its inception, the university has grown to become one of the most sought-after state universities in the north-central region of Nigeria. It has built a reputation for academic excellence, cultural diversity, and strong community engagement.

The university operates multiple campuses spread across Nasarawa State. The main campus in Keffi houses faculties such as Law, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. The Lafia campus is home to the Faculty of Agriculture, while the Gudi campus accommodates the Faculty of Engineering. Additionally, the Pyanku campus caters to Continuing Education and IJMB programs. This multi-campus structure allows the institution to cater to a large number of students across different academic fields.

Currently, NSUK offers programs across several faculties: Administration, Arts, Education, Environmental Sciences, Law, Natural and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Agriculture. With this wide range of options, applicants can find courses that suit their career goals.

Apart from undergraduate programs, the university also runs postgraduate programs, part-time studies, and distance learning, thereby accommodating students with diverse needs. Over the years, NSUK has maintained credibility by aligning with global educational standards and attracting qualified lecturers and researchers.

Given its large population of applicants, the cut off mark at NSUK is always carefully set to balance opportunities for students while maintaining competitive academic standards. Understanding how these marks are applied helps candidates make informed decisions when selecting courses and preparing for admissions.

General Cut Off Mark for Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK 2025/2026

For the 2025/2026 academic session, the general JAMB cut off mark for Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) has been set at 170. This means that any candidate who scores 170 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is eligible to apply for the Post UTME screening exercise. However, this general cut off does not automatically apply to all courses, as some programs require higher scores due to their competitive nature.

Specifically, courses like Law, Nursing, and Community Health Sciences have a cut off mark of 200. This is because these courses attract thousands of applicants every year, and only a few candidates can be admitted based on the available quota. Similarly, courses in Engineering, Computer Science, Nutrition, and Health Information Management require a minimum of 180.

For less competitive courses such as those in the Faculties of Arts, Education, Social Sciences, and Agriculture, the minimum cut off remains at 170. These thresholds ensure that only serious and qualified applicants make it through to the next stage of the admission process.

It is important to note that scoring the minimum cut off mark only qualifies a candidate to participate in the Post UTME. Admission will still depend on performance in the screening exercise, O’Level results, and sometimes the candidate’s state of origin (for catchment considerations). Therefore, applicants are encouraged to aim well above the cut off mark to increase their chances of securing admission into NSUK.

Departmental Cut Off Marks Breakdown

While the general cut off mark for NSUK is 170, some departments require significantly higher scores due to their popularity and limited admission slots. Below is a breakdown of NSUK departmental cut off marks for the 2025/2026 session:

• Law – 200 (250 for non-indigenes, according to some reports)

• Nursing and Community Health Sciences – 200

• Engineering Programs (Civil, Electrical/Electronics, Chemical, Mechanical, etc.) – 180

• Computer Science – 180

• Health Information Management, Nutrition & Dietetics, Environmental Health – 180

• Other Courses (Education, Arts, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Management Sciences, etc.) – 170

The rationale behind these variations is straightforward: some courses are more competitive and attract higher numbers of applicants than others. For example, Law and Nursing are always in high demand across Nigeria, leading to higher cut off marks. Engineering and Computer Science also attract technically inclined students, thereby increasing competition.

On the other hand, courses in Arts, Social Sciences, and Education may attract fewer applicants compared to their carrying capacity, hence the lower cut off mark of 170.

Candidates should note that meeting the departmental cut off mark does not guarantee automatic admission. Instead, it qualifies you for consideration. Departments may also use additional factors such as merit ranking, catchment area policies, and direct competition among candidates to finalize their admission lists. This is why aiming for scores significantly higher than the departmental cut off can be the difference between being admitted and being left out.

Note: Candidates must have chosen NSUK as their first choice and scored at or above the specified cut-off marks in the UTME to be eligible for admission.

NSUK Cut Off Mark Trends Over the Years

Understanding the trends in NSUK cut off marks helps candidates predict the level of competition and set realistic expectations. Over the past few years, NSUK has maintained relatively stable cut off marks across its faculties.

• 2023/2024 Session: The minimum general cut off was 170, with Law set at 200, Engineering and Health Sciences at 180.

• 2024/2025 Session: The pattern remained the same – Law at 200, Health Sciences and Engineering at 180, and all other programs at 170.

• 2025/2026 Session: Again, the cut off remains unchanged, with Law and Nursing at 200, Engineering/Computer Science/Health Sciences at 180, and others at 170.

This stability shows that NSUK is committed to maintaining fairness and consistency in its admission process. The university aligns with JAMB’s national admission policies while also tailoring cut offs to fit its unique circumstances, such as carrying capacity and departmental demand.

Another factor that influences cut off marks is the performance of candidates in a particular year. For instance, if more candidates score very high in UTME, the departmental competition naturally becomes tougher, leading to stricter screening at the Post UTME stage.

Overall, the consistency in NSUK’s cut off marks provides applicants with a reliable basis for planning their UTME preparation. If you are targeting competitive programs like Law, Nursing, or Engineering, it is wise to aim far above 200 to secure a strong advantage over other candidates.

NSUK Admission Requirements Beyond Cut Off Marks

Meeting the cut off mark at NSUK is only the first step in the admission process. Candidates must also satisfy other important requirements before gaining admission into their chosen programs.

1. O’Level Requirements: Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. For certain professional courses like Nursing, Law, and Engineering, specific subject combinations such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology may also be required.

2. First Choice Requirement: NSUK admits only candidates who choose the institution as their first choice in JAMB. Applicants who selected NSUK as a second choice are not eligible to participate in the Post UTME screening.

3. Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.

4. Post UTME Screening: Only candidates who meet the cut off marks will be invited to register and sit for the Post UTME screening exercise, which is another major determinant of final admission.

These requirements ensure that students admitted into NSUK are academically qualified and capable of coping with the demands of higher education. While cut off marks get you into the door, it is your overall performance—UTME, Post UTME, and O’Level—that ultimately secures your admission slot.

Understanding Your JAMB Score & Eligibility

Knowing how your JAMB score translates into eligibility for NSUK admission is crucial. Different score ranges open different opportunities, and understanding this helps you make realistic course choices.

• Below 170: Unfortunately, any score below 170 automatically disqualifies you from applying to NSUK. You may need to consider other universities with lower thresholds or re-sit JAMB.

• 170–179: With this score, you are only eligible for courses in less competitive faculties such as Education, Arts, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. You cannot apply for Engineering, Computer Science, or Health Sciences.

• 180–199: This range opens the door to moderately competitive courses such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Health-related programs like Nutrition and Environmental Health. However, you are still not eligible for Law or Nursing.

• 200 and above: Scoring 200 or more qualifies you for the most competitive courses at NSUK, including Law and Nursing. If you are a non-indigene applying for Law, you may need to target scores closer to 250 to increase your chances.

This breakdown shows that while the general cut off mark is 170, not all courses are accessible with that score. To stand a realistic chance in highly competitive programs, candidates should always aim for scores above 220–250.

Post UTME and Screening Process at NSUK

After meeting the required JAMB cut off, candidates must participate in the Post UTME screening organized by NSUK. This process is designed to further evaluate applicants and ensure that only the best-qualified candidates are admitted.

The screening exercise usually involves the following steps:

1. Registration: Eligible candidates must register online via the NSUK portal, providing their UTME details, O’Level results, and biodata. A non-refundable fee is usually required.

2. Screening Examination: Some sessions involve a Computer-Based Test (CBT), while others may rely on verification of submitted credentials. The examination typically covers questions from English Language, Mathematics, and relevant subjects to the candidate’s chosen course.

3. Result Computation: NSUK combines JAMB scores, Post UTME scores, and O’Level grades to determine the final aggregate. Candidates with the highest aggregates are given admission first, especially in competitive programs.

4. Merit, Catchment, and Quota Considerations: Beyond scores, NSUK also observes catchment policies and state quotas, especially for indigenes of Nasarawa State.

The Post UTME stage is crucial because it can make or break your admission chances. Even if you score well in JAMB, a poor Post UTME result may reduce your overall aggregate and push you below the departmental requirement. This is why candidates should prepare just as seriously for Post UTME as they do for JAMB.

Direct Entry Admission Requirements

NSUK also accepts applications through Direct Entry (DE), which allows candidates to gain admission into 200-level programs without starting from 100-level. This pathway is designed for those who already hold relevant qualifications beyond secondary school.

To qualify for Direct Entry admission into NSUK, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. ND or HND Certificates: A minimum of Lower Credit in National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized polytechnic or institution.

2. NCE Certificates: A Merit or higher in the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

3. IJMB or A-Level: At least 8 points in the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) program or equivalent A-Level qualifications.

4. O’Level Credits: In addition to the above, candidates must still present five (5) credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, including English and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.

5. First Choice Requirement: Just like UTME applicants, DE candidates must choose NSUK as their first choice during JAMB registration.

Direct Entry offers a faster route for those who already have post-secondary qualifications. It is particularly popular among candidates with ND or IJMB backgrounds. However, DE admission into competitive courses like Law, Nursing, and Engineering still remains tough, so having strong academic records increases the likelihood of success.

How to Improve Your Chances of Gaining Admission

Gaining admission into NSUK is competitive, but there are proven strategies to increase your chances:

1. Score Higher Than the Minimum Cut Off: Meeting the bare minimum is not enough. If the cut off is 180, aim for 220 or higher to stand out.

2. Choose NSUK as First Choice: Only first-choice applicants are considered for admission.

3. Prepare for Post UTME: Many students underestimate the Post UTME. A strong score here can compensate for a moderate JAMB score.

4. Strengthen O’Level Results: Having all required credits in one sitting often gives you an edge. Weak O’Level results can disqualify you even if you pass JAMB and Post UTME.

5. Apply for Less Competitive Courses: If your score is not high enough for Law or Nursing, consider related programs with lower cut offs. You can always switch later through transfers or postgraduate studies.

6. Stay Updated: Follow NSUK’s official website and reliable educational portals for timely updates on admission news.

By combining these strategies, you can maximize your chances of success and avoid common pitfalls that cause many applicants to miss out on admission.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the general cut off mark for NSUK?
The general cut off mark is 170, but some courses require higher scores.

Q2: What is the cut off mark for Law at NSUK?
Law requires a minimum of 200 for indigenes. For non-indigenes, the cut off may be as high as 250 due to competition.

Q3: What courses can I study with 170 at NSUK?
With 170, you can apply for Education, Arts, Agriculture, and most Social Sciences.

Q4: Does NSUK accept second-choice applicants?
No, NSUK only admits candidates who choose the university as their first choice.

Q5: What is the cut off for Nursing at NSUK?
Nursing requires a minimum of 200.

Q6: Can Direct Entry students apply to NSUK?
Yes, Direct Entry applicants with ND, NCE, or IJMB qualifications are eligible, provided they meet all requirements.

Q7: Does meeting the cut off guarantee admission?
No. Meeting the cut off only qualifies you for screening. Final admission depends on aggregate scores, O’Level results, and departmental quotas.

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Conclusion & Final Tips for Aspirants

The cut off mark for Nasarawa State University (NSUK) 2025/2026 is a vital benchmark for all aspiring students. For this session, the general cut off is 170, but competitive courses like Law and Nursing require 200 and above, while Engineering, Computer Science, and some Health Sciences demand 180.

While meeting the cut off is necessary, it does not guarantee admission. Success depends on your performance in JAMB, Post UTME, and O’Level results. Candidates are therefore encouraged to aim higher than the minimum cut off, prepare thoroughly for screening, and ensure all requirements are met.

If you are an aspiring student, make NSUK your first choice, study hard to surpass the departmental cut off for your chosen course, and strengthen your application with excellent O’Level results. Keep an open mind by considering alternative but related courses if your score does not meet your first preference.

In summary, the key to securing admission into NSUK lies in early preparation, aiming above the minimum cut off, excelling in Post UTME, and fulfilling all admission requirements. With determination and the right strategy, your dream of becoming a student at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, can become a reality.