Universities You Can Study Nursing With 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 in JAMB: A Guide for 2027

Nursing is among the most highly sought-after courses in Nigeria. Every JAMB season, thousands of students long to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree. And each year, numerous of them feel panicked when they see their UTME scores.

Here’s the truth: a score of 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 doesn’t shut the door on a nursing career. It simply means you will need to know exactly where to submit your application and how to play the game perfectly.

This guide guides you through every realistic university option accessible to you, categorized by your score range.

Federal, state, and private ones: we’ll cover them all, so you’re not wasting time seeking the wrong school.

Before You Pick a School, Here’s How the Cut-Off System Actually Works

Most students get confused between the overall JAMB cut off mark and the actual mark needed for school of nursing in a particular institution. These are two pretty distinct things, and getting them mixed up can result in wasted applications and genuine heartache.

JAMB sets a national cut off mark for schools in Nigeria. For 2026, that’s set at 150 for universities. But nursing isn’t your typical course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) imposes very tight admission limits, so universities then establish their own, much higher departmental cut-off marks for nursing.

The general cut-off gets you right into the Post-UTME queue. It’s the departmental mark that determines whether you will secure a seat after all.

Here’s what really forms the departmental cut-off mark in any given school.

The number of applicants who selected nursing at that university in that particular year
The number of available spaces (which is usually somewhere in the vicinity of 50 to 150 per academic session)
Your Post-UTME score – which most schools calculate at anywhere from 30 to 50 percent towards the final total aggregate
Your O’level results: five passes including English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

So, your JAMB score serves as the starting point, not the end line. When you have really solid O’level results and perform well in the Post-UTME, that can more than make up for a relatively average JAMB score at most institutions.

Can You Actually Study Nursing With 160 in JAMB? Yes, Here Are the Schools

Indeed, it’s possible, but you have got to act strategically. At 160, federal universities with top-notch nursing programs such as UNILAG, UI, or OAU will be out of your league. Their departmental marks fall within the 220–270 bracket.

Nevertheless, a few newer federal universities, a couple of state schools, and many private establishments do offer nursing courses and welcome students with this score range too.

Universities willing to accept lower JAMB scores for nursing fall into three categories: federal, state, and private. Below is how each one stacks up at 160:

Federal Universities You Can Study Nursing With 160 in JAMB

Federal universities accepting low JAMB scores for nursing students are not numerous compared to state and private options, but they do exist. The newer federal universities have lower cut-off thresholds in their admission requirements since they are less established and thus attract fewer applicants:

Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Kogi State: General cut-off of 160. Their nursing program is accredited and has continually accepted candidates with scores in the 170–190 range overall. With 160 in JAMB, one will need an outstanding Post UTME to compete.
Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE), Gombe State: Also 160 as the general cut-off. Nursing there is somewhat less competitive than it is at the top federal schools, making it a quite realistic alternative for candidates holding lower JAMB scores.
Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI), Taraba State: It’s among the most accessible federal choices available at 160. Nursing candidates with scores within this range have recently secured admission.

State Universities You Can Study Nursing With 160 in JAMB

State universities hold a certain practical advantage: they tend to give priority to individuals from their respective states. Your chances of being admitted to the university with 160 increase quite noticeably if you’re a native of the state. These are some of the most accessible options from state universities.

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State: It’s very widely reported that this is the state university with the lowest cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria. Candidates with 160 have historically obtained admission here, particularly those who are natives of Kogi State.
Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology: Continuous reports indicate that this institution will admit nursing aspirants from 160, especially for individuals hailing from Benue State.
Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Bayelsa State: NDU’s nursing program accepts candidates within the 160–180 JAMB range, although there may be very stiff competition among local candidates.
Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri: Has a general cut-off of 160. Nursing at IMSU is quite competitive amongst state indigenes, but the baseline admission threshold remains rather accessible.
Ekiti State University (EKSU): Has a general cut-off of 160 too. Their nursing program normally admits students who scored between 160–180 in JAMB who also do very well in their Post UTME.

Private Universities You Can Study Nursing With 160 in JAMB

Private universities offer candidates with a JAMB score of 160 the most flexibility. It comes with paying higher tuition fees, but your chances of getting admitted are much better. Here are the main private institutions to look into:

Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State: This is one of the most often quoted private alternatives to those who scored 160. Their nursing program is NMCN-accredited, and their admission procedure is known to be relatively easy to navigate.
Rhema University, Aba, Abia State: Will accept nursing candidates with scores of 160. Because their classes are smaller, your post-UTME result will make a big difference.
Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State: Has a general cut-off of 160. It has been possible for students to get admitted into their nursing program with scores in this range during several sessions.
Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State: Has a general cut-off of 160, although nursing usually demands an aggregate score of about 180. Students with 160 in JAMB who also do very well in their post-UTME have managed to get admitted.

Scored 170 or 180? Here Are the Universities That Open Up for You

At 170 and 180, your options really open up. You start qualifying for a much wider variety of state universities and even some mid-tier federal schools. In fact, a score of 180 is a very significant threshold; it will give you access to several quite respected institutions.

Universities You Can Study Nursing With 170 in JAMB

Getting 170 puts you firmly above the bottom line and into an area where many better-established universities are definitely within your reach. Some key possibilities include.

University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State: UNIJOS has a general cut-off of 170. Their nursing course accepts candidates in the range 170–190, and if you do fairly well in your Post-UTME, then getting in should be perfectly achievable.
Kaduna State University (KASU): 170 is their general cut-off too. Nursing at KASU is very competitive among candidates from the north, but if you achieve 170 in JAMB and back it up with an equally good Post UTME, then you’ve got a really good chance of getting accepted.
Kebbi State College of Nursing and Midwifery: Set their cut-off at 170 for the 2026 intake. This isn’t a university degree, but a college course, although still well worth considering if you’re in this range of scores.

Universities You Can Study Nursing With 180 in JAMB

Some universities that take 180 for nursing are several genuinely impressive federal and state establishments. Getting 180 in JAMB is a very noticeable step up; it will suddenly make you eligible for some of the country’s most established programmes.

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State: UNIPORT’s general cut-off is 180. Nursing there is pretty tough, though, with average departmental marks often being around 200–220. Make sure to perform very well in your Post UTME if you want to get accepted here.
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State: aAlso has an 180 cut-off. UNIMAID tends to rank as one of the more accessible federal universities for nursing, which makes it a really sensible goal if you scored 180 in JAMB.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria: ABU’s general cut-off is 180, but their nursing course is truly extremely demanding, with departmental marks ranging from 220–250. To be realistic about getting accepted here with 180 in JAMB, you will have to do very well indeed in your Post UTME performance.
Ebonyi State University (EBSU): A state university with a 160 general cut-off but takes 180 very comfortably for nursing. Less of a challenge than those federal schools, and therefore a rather sensible choice for candidates from the southeast region.
Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State: A very well-respected private university. Their general cut-off is 160, but their nursing programme typically needs a JAMB score of 180. Definitely one of the best-regarded private nursing schools right here in Nigeria.
Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State: Also accepts 180 for nursing. It’s a PCN and NMCN-accredited establishment with an excellent nursing faculty to boot.
Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State: A private university with a 160 general cut-off. Their nursing course will be accessible if you get 180 in JAMB and back it up with decent enough performance in your Post UTME.

Universities accepting 180 for nursing also include Novena University in Delta State and Nigerian Army College of Nursing and Midwifery in Yaba, Lagos, both setting their 2026 cut-off at 180.

Full List Of Universities to Study Nursing And Their Cut-Off Marks

Use this information to quickly see your alternatives before making that all-important school decision. The general cut-off is the lowest JAMB score required to write the Post-UTME. The nursing departmental cut-off is really what you are vying against.

University	Type	State	General Cut-Off	Nursing Dept. Cut-Off
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Federal	Lagos	200	250 – 270
University of Ibadan (UI)	Federal	Oyo	200	240 – 260
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)	Federal	Osun	200	220 – 250
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)	Federal	Kaduna	180	220 – 250
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)	Federal	Rivers	180	200 – 220
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	Federal	Borno	180	190 – 210
University of Jos (UNIJOS)	Federal	Plateau	170	190 – 210
Federal Univ. Lokoja (FULOKOJA)	Federal	Kogi	160	170 – 190
Federal Univ. Kashere (FUKASHERE)	Federal	Gombe	160	170 – 180
Federal Univ. Wukari (FUWUKARI)	Federal	Taraba	160	160 – 180
Lagos State University (LASU)	State	Lagos	195	200 – 220
Ekiti State University (EKSU)	State	Ekiti	160	180 – 200
Imo State University (IMSU)	State	Imo	160	170 – 190
Ebonyi State University (EBSU)	State	Ebonyi	160	180 – 200
Niger Delta University (NDU)	State	Bayelsa	160	170 – 190
Prince Abubakar Audu Univ. (PAAU)	State	Kogi	160	160 – 180
Benue State Univ. of Agric. & Tech.	State	Benue	160	160 – 180
Madonna University, Okija	Private	Anambra	160	180 – 200
Igbinedion University, Okada	Private	Edo	160	180 – 200
Achievers University, Owo	Private	Ondo	160	160 – 180
Rhema University, Aba	Private	Abia	160	160 – 180
Adeleke University, Ede	Private	Osun	160	160 – 180
Bowen University, Iwo	Private	Osun	160	180 – 200
Bingham University, Karu	Private	Nasarawa	160	180 – 200
Novena University, Ogume	Private	Delta	160	180 – 200

Note: Departmental cut-off marks change annually based on the volume of applicants and the number of admission slots available. Be sure to check the latest numbers yourself on the official sites of your chosen institutions before filling out your JAMB form.

Scored 190 or 200? These Universities Are Where Your Score Actually Carries Weight

When you score 190 or better, you will have significantly stronger choices. A score of 200 will qualify you to apply at some of Nigeria’s largest and best-known nursing schools, although their departmental marks will remain higher than yours. In this case, your strategy will truly make all the difference.

Universities You Can Study Nursing With 190 in JAMB

With 190, you’ll easily exceed the minimum requirements at almost all state and many federal universities. Here are some of the most competitive options in this category.

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT): When you get 190, you will be comfortably over their 180 minimum. Your Post UTME results will give you an indication of how high up the rankings you will be when compared to your peers in the department.
Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt: RSU’s nursing course accepts students in the 190 range. As a state university, candidates from Rivers State will enjoy a further advantage.
Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo: LASU’s overall cut-off is 195, although nursing candidates who have scored 190 have applied under special catchment area arrangements. If you are from Lagos State, especially so, you will have a much better chance of getting in.
Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Ebonyi State University (EBSU): Both accept 190 very readily. At this score, you will be a highly competitive candidate at these state schools.

Universities You Can Study Nursing With 200 in JAMB

Universities taking 200 for Nursing Science are among the best institutions in the country. When you score 200, you will hit the general JAMB cut-off for those elite schools. However, meeting that cut-off and being accepted are never the same thing; you still really need a fantastic Post-UTME result if you want a genuine chance.

University of Lagos (UNILAG): General cut-off of 200. UNILAG’s nursing course sees over 3000 suitably qualified applicants vying for about 120–150 places every academic year. The total aggregate mark in the department sits in the region of 250–270, which means your Post UTME score will be the real deciding factor.
University of Ibadan (UI): Also 200. UI’s nursing programme is amongst the most respected in Nigeria. Departmental cut-offs typically lie somewhere around 240–260. Candidates looking at UI really ought to focus on achieving Post-UTME scores that put them well ahead of that threshold.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife: OAU’s general cut-off is 200. Their nursing course is very competitive, with departmental marks approximately 220–250. If you pair a 200 JAMB score with a truly excellent Post UTME result, then you might find that this combination works out for you here.
University of Benin (UNIBEN): UNIBEN’s general cut-off is 200. Their nursing course has departmental marks roughly 200–230, making it one of the slightly less demanding top-tier schools in this score range.

Universities accepting 200 for Nursing Science also include Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) and University of Uyo (UNIUYO), both running highly regarded nursing programs with 200 being the baseline.

What O’Level Results Do You Need to Apply for Nursing in Nigeria?

Your O’Level results are just as important as your JAMB score. Every university offering nursing in Nigeria requires specific credits, and missing even one of them will eliminate you regardless of your UTME score.

Here’s what you will need across the board.

English Language: a credit pass (C6 or better), compulsory at every school
Biology: a credit pass, compulsory for nursing across all institutions
Chemistry: a credit pass, needed at nearly all universities
Physics: a credit pass, needed at nearly all universities
Mathematics: a credit pass, required by many institutions, particularly federal ones

All five credits have to be obtained in a maximum of two sittings. WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results are accepted. Some schools also take GCE as a third option; please confirm with your specific school.

Register for your JAMB subject combination using English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A few schools change Physics for Mathematics, so make sure to check the exact needs of your target school before registering.

Your Post UTME Score Is the Real Deciding Factor; Don’t Underestimate It

Almost all universities use an aggregate scoring system. One typical split is JAMB accounting for 50%, Post UTME making up 30%, and O’level results contributing 20% to your final aggregate. Some schools weigh Post UTME even more heavily than that.

This means, in actuality, that if you scored 180 on JAMB and 85% in Post UTME, your aggregate might beat out someone who got 220 on JAMB but only 55% in Post UTME. That is how candidates with fairly average JAMB scores do get accepted into nursing; they dominate the Post UTME round.

Those nursing programs really are among the easiest options for candidates with 160–200 on JAMB, such as the ones at PAAU, FUKASHERE, Achievers University, NDU, and UNIPORT. All really rely on Post UTME as a major filter. Not putting effort into Post UTME prep is one of the most common reasons candidates don’t get admitted.

Prepare yourself very well indeed. Practice using old questions from your desired school. Learn about the format, time frame, and typical question patterns. That preparatory period will make or break many candidates’ chances of getting admitted.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Nursing Admission Chances

Now that you know the schools and your scores, here’s how you should really set yourself up for success:

Match your JAMB score with the right school; don’t even think about applying to UNILAG with a 180 and just hoping for the best. Use this guide to find schools where your score will really stack up against the competition.
Target schools back in your home state: indigeneship still offers a genuine advantage in state universities. Make use of that edge if it happens to apply to you.
Prepare very hard for your Post UTME: past questions, mock exams, and timed practice aren’t things you can skip at this stage. Your Post UTME result could be what stands between you and a seat, or another whole year of waiting. Make sure you check your O’level subject requirements before registering for JAMB; the wrong subject combination will waste your whole admission year.
Get your application in early and keep a close eye on the admission portal; nursing admission lists always move fast. Missing a supplementary list simply because you weren’t paying attention is a really frustrating mistake that you should not make.
Consider taking the direct entry route if you hold a certificate in nursing or have achieved two A-Level passes; DE candidates bypass JAMB altogether and go straight for second-year placement.

PS: You might think that scoring 300+ is difficult; here is how to score 300+ in JAMB.

Quick Recap: What You Should Take Away From This Guide

Nursing is among the most challenging health science subjects in Nigeria, but it is far from being out of your reach if you managed a JAMB score of 160–200.

Here is a quick summary of everything covered in this guide so far.

New federal universities such as Federal University Lokoja, Federal University Kashere, Federal University Wukari, and the University of Jos are willing to accept relatively low JAMB scores for nursing, all at 160–170.

State universities, including Prince Abubakar Audu University, Benue State University, Niger Delta University, and Ekiti State University, also offer nursing programmes, but with cut-off marks ranging from 160, especially for students who are local indigenes of the state.

Private universities, such as Achievers University, Rhema University, Adeleke University, Bowen University, Madonna University, and lots of others, are your most flexible choice for individuals with lower JAMB results but will cost you a lot more in tuition fees.

All of these universities accepting low JAMB scores for nursing share something very important in common: a very good performance in your Post UTME will be essential to seal your admission place.

When you hit 200 in JAMB, you get access to some of the biggest names: UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN. Although their internal departmental requirements are much higher, making Post-UTME preparation even more vital.

I looked over everything because I really understand how confusing the Nigerian admission system is. Information is all over the place, and poor guidance really costs students a whole year.

This is right where PassJAMB fits in. PassJAMB gives you access to some actual JAMB past questions and answers, study guides covering each UTME subject, post-UTME past questions for specific universities, and a post-UTME mock that will simulate your actual exam experience, so you will go in truly ready, not just hoping. Use PassJAMB to bridge that preparation gap and make your nursing admission the very best it can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which federal university has the lowest cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria?

Among federal schools, Federal University Wukari, Federal University Kashere, and Federal University Lokoja have the lowest cut-off marks for nursing, all at 160. These are relatively new federal universities with less competition compared to established schools such as UNILAG or UI.

Can I study nursing with 160 in JAMB?

Yes. Several private universities, including Achievers University, Rhema University, and Adeleke University, and state schools such as Prince Abubakar Audu University and Niger Delta University admit nursing candidates with 160 in JAMB. Your post-UTME score and O’level results will be the determining factors.

Is Post UTME compulsory for nursing admission in Nigeria?

Yes. At almost every university offering nursing in Nigeria, nursing is really competitive, and universities use post-UTME to rank candidates beyond their JAMB score. Skipping post-UTME preparation is among the most common reasons qualified candidates don’t get admitted.

What subjects do I need for JAMB to study nursing?

Register for JAMB with English language, biology, chemistry, and physics. Some universities accept mathematics instead of physics; always check the specific combination needed by your target school before registration so that you will not get disqualified.

How long does nursing take to complete in Nigerian universities?

The Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree lasts for five years for UTME candidates. Direct entry candidates holding RN or A-level qualifications usually finish the course in four years, entering at the 200 level right away.