JAMB Score For Nursing Science For All Schools In Nigeria 2026

JAMB Score for Nursing Science 2026: Full List of Federal, State, Private Universities and Colleges of Health Sciences

Every year, tens of thousands of Nigerian students write JAMB with one burning goal to wear the white uniform and build a career in Nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected, most globally mobile, and most emotionally rewarding professions you can pursue. But it is also one of the most competitive courses in the Nigerian university system, and that means your JAMB score is not just a number. It is either a key that opens doors or a signal that you need a different strategy.

This guide is your complete 2026 reference. It breaks down the JAMB scores accepted for Nursing Science across federal universities, state universities, private universities, and colleges of health sciences in plain language, with real figures, and without the confusion that comes from checking fifteen different websites that all say something slightly different.

What JAMB Score Do You Actually Need for Nursing in 2026?

Let us start by settling the most common source of confusion. There is no single cut off mark for Nursing Science in Nigeria. What exists is a layered system, and understanding how it works will save you from making application mistakes that cost you an entire admission cycle.

The first layer is the national minimum set by JAMB. For the 2026/2027 academic session, the general JAMB minimum for most Nigerian universities sits at 150, following the policy meeting held in May 2026.

However, for Nursing Science specifically, the realistic baseline is significantly higher. Most universities will not take a second look at a Nursing application below 180.

The second layer is each institution’s own departmental cut off, which can jump well above the national minimum depending on how competitive that particular school’s programme is.

So when someone tells you “the cut off for Nursing is 200,” they are only telling you part of the story. What they mean is that 200 might get you through the door of some schools but it will not get you into the top ones.

For federal universities, you should be targeting 240 and above to be genuinely competitive. For state universities, 200 to 220 puts you in realistic contention. For private universities, many accept from 180, with some going as low as 160.

Colleges of health sciences and nursing schools attached to teaching hospitals typically accept between 140 and 180, though they conduct their own internal entrance examinations on top of JAMB.

Federal Universities and Their Accepted JAMB Scores for Nursing 2026

Federal universities are where competition is most intense. They carry the biggest names, the strongest clinical affiliations, and the most coveted degree certificates. The downside is that admission slots are limted and the candidate pool is stacked. Here is what you need to know school by school:

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG’s Nursing Science programme is consistently among the most sought after in Nigeria. The departmental cut off typically sits around 250 to 270, and anything below 250 puts you in difficult territory. Their Post-UTME is rigorous and carries serious weight.

2. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan is home to one of the oldest and most respected nursing programmes on the continent. Expect a realistic cut off of 240 to 260. UI’s academic standards are high, and competition is stiff from candidates across the country.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)

OAU is another institution where nursing candidates need to walk in with serious scores. The departmental benchmark here generally falls around 240 to 260, and Post-UTME performance is weighed heavily.

4. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)

ABU is historically one of the most competitive institutions for Nursing in Nigeria, with some sessions recording internal cut offs as high as 280 to 290. If ABU’s nursing department is your target, you need a JAMB score firmly in the 250 to 280 range.

5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN runs a rigorous Post-UTME and the Nursing cut off typically hovers around 220 to 240 for competitive consideration. A high JAMB score gives you a crucial buffer heading into screening.

6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

UNN has a very strong nursing programme and a large population of candidates competing for limited spots. The realistic cut off sits around 230 to 250. Below 230 and you are entering Post-UTME on very shaky ground.

7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN accepts candidates from around 200 to 220 for Nursing, though higher scores are always safer. Their admission process is well structured, and candidates from Kwara State and the North-Central zone have some catchment advantages.

8. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

BUK’s cut off for Nursing tends to sit around 180 to 200, slightly more accessible than the southern federal universities due to catchment area policies, though competition remains significant.

9.University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

UNIPORT requires 180 and above for Nursing, though realistically competitive candidates come in with 200 and above given the demand for the programme.

10. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

UNIMAID accepts from 180 for Nursing, and it remains one of the more accessible federal universities for the course in terms of score threshold.

11. Federal University Lokoja

FUL Accepts Nursing candidates from around 160, making it one of the more accessible federal institutions for candidates with moderate scores.

12. Federal University Kashere

Similarly, candidates with scores around 160 and above have a realistic shot at Nursing here, subject to Post-UTME performance.

13. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)

As a specialised health sciences university, FUHSA accepts candidates from around 160 and above, though the institution is newer and still building its reputation.

State Universities and Their Accepted JAMB Scores for Nursing 2026

State universities offer a middle ground and more affordable than private institutions and still operating solid nursing programmes, many with hospital affiliations that provide strong clinical exposure. Candidates with scores in the 180 to 220 range will find the most options here.

1. Lagos State University (LASU)

LASU is competitive given its Lagos base, and the Nursing programme typically requires 200 and above. Their Post-UTME is taken seriously.

2. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU)

AAU accepts Nursing candidates from around 180 to 200, and the programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

3. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)

The Nursing programme at ESUT accepts candidates from around 180, with competitive admission going to those closer to 200 and above.

4. Imo State University (IMSU)

IMSU accepts Nursing candidates from around 180. Candidates from Imo State benefit from indigeneship quotas that can work in their favour.

5. Benue State University (BSU)

BSU accepts Nursing candidates from 160, making it one of the more accessible state universities for the course.

6. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)

DELSU accepts Nursing candidates from around 180 and the programme is well-established in the Niger Delta region.

7. Rivers State University (RSU)

RSU accepts from around 180 for Nursing, with Post-UTME performance playing a significant role in final admission.

8. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

EKSU accepts Nursing candidates from 180, and the university has been expanding its health science offerings steadily.

9. Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba

PAAU is notable for having one of the lowest cut-off marks for Nursing among state universities, accepting candidates from as low as 140 in some sessions. This makes it a practical safety option for candidates with lower scores.

10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)

While technically a federal university, UNIZIK accepts Nursing candidates from around 200, and Anambra State indigenes have additional quota advantages.

Private Universities and Their Accepted JAMB Scores for Nursing 2026

Private universities have become an increasingly attractive option for nursing aspirants who miss federal cut offs, value stable academic calendars free from strike disruptions, or want faster admission processing. The trade-off is significantly higher tuition. However, a nursing degree from an NMCN-accredited private university carries the same professional value as one from a government institution.

1. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo

Babcock is one of Nigeria’s most respected private universities for health sciences. The Nursing programme here accepts candidates from 180 and above, and the university’s clinical training is well-regarded.

2. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)

ABUAD has invested heavily in its health sciences faculty and accepts Nursing candidates from around 180. The facilities are modern and the academic calendar is stable.

3. Covenant University, Ota

Covenant accepts from a general minimum of 150, though Nursing as a course attracts higher internal benchmarks due to demand.

4. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa

Rhema is one of the more accessible private universities for Nursing, accepting candidates from around 160. It is an NMCN-accredited institution and a practical option for candidates with modest JAMB scores.

5. Achievers University, Owo

Achievers University accepts Nursing candidates from 160 and has emerged as one of the go-to options for candidates who need a legitimate, accredited degree without the pressure of extremely high JAMB thresholds.

6. Adeleke University, Ede

Adeleke accepts Nursing candidates from around 160, and the university is gaining recognition for its growing health science programmes.

7. Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu

GO University accepts from 180 for Nursing and has a solid reputation in the Southeast for health sciences education.

8. Madonna University, Okija

Madonna accepts Nursing candidates from around 150 to 160. It is one of the older private universities with an established nursing programme.

9. PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt

As a medical-focused institution, PAMO accepts Nursing candidates from around 160 and is specifically built around health sciences education.

Colleges of Health Sciences and Schools of Nursing Cut Off Mark for Nursing

This category is often overlooked by candidates who only focus on universities, but it represents a genuine and respected pathway into the nursing profession. Colleges of nursing and schools of health sciences attached to teaching hospitals and state health services operate under slightly different structures, they award the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate rather than a BSc degree, but they produce some of the most practically skilled nurses in the country.

Most colleges of nursing and health sciences accept JAMB scores between 140 and 180, and they conduct their own internal entrance examinations that carry significant weight alongside your JAMB score.

1. Lagos State College of Nursing

Requires 200 in JAMB, making it one of the more competitive nursing colleges in the country, reflecting the Lagos environment.

2. LUTH School of Nursing

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing also requires 200. LUTH’s clinical reputation is excellent.

3. Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba

Requires 180 and above. Admission here also involves a physical screening and other military criteria.

4. School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan

Attached to the University College Hospital, one of Nigeria’s premier teaching hospitals. Accepts from around 180, with internal entrance examinations determining final admission.

5. School of Nursing, OAUTH Ile-Ife Attached to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

Accepts from around 180, and competition is significant given the institution’s reputation.

6. School of Nursing Eleta, Ibadan

A well-established nursing school in Ibadan accepting candidates from around 140 to 180 alongside internal examinations.

7. School of Nursing, Kaduna

Accepts from around 150 to 180, making it a viable option for candidates in the North-West who are targeting nursing.

8. School of Nursing, ABSUTH, Aba

Accepts from around 150 to 180. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital affiliation provides strong clinical exposure.

9. School of Nursing, Abeokuta

Accepts from around 140 to 160 alongside internal entrance examinations.

10. Kebbi State College of Nursing

One of the more accessible institutions on this list, accepting candidates from 170.

JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing 2026

Every single institution on this list, across every category, requires the same JAMB subject combination for Nursing Science. Get this wrong and your score becomes irrelevant, no matter how high it is.

Your four JAMB subjects for Nursing must be:

English Language
Biology
Chemistry
Physics.

There is no flexibility here. Using the wrong subjects is one of the most avoidable and heartbreaking mistakes nursing aspirants make, and it results in disqualification during screening regardless of how well you performed. Double-check your subject combination on JAMB CAPS and the specific portal of your target institution before submission.

O’Level Requirements for Nurning 2026

Meeting the JAMB cut off gets you into the screening queue. But you also need your O’Level results to match up, because universities will verify them before completing your admission. The standard requirement across virtually every institution offering Nursing Science in Nigeria is a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or an equivalent examination.

Some universities are strict about Physics being included even if it was not part of your JAMB subject combination crossover, so do not assume a gap in your O’Level science credits will be overlooked.

Practical Advice: How to Use Your JAMB Score Wisely in 2026

If your JAMB score is 240 and above, you have genuine options across all categories. Target top federal universities like UNILAG, UI, OAU, and ABU, but also prepare intensively for the Post-UTME because your JAMB score earns you a seat at the screening, not an admission letter.

If your score falls between 200 and 239, federal universities like UNIPORT, UNIMAID, BUK, and UNILORIN are realistic targets. State universities with strong programmes are also well within reach. Do not walk into your Post-UTME underprepared.

If your score is between 160 and 199, shift your focus to state universities like Benue State University, PAAU, and EKSU, or private universities like Rhema, Achievers, and Adeleke. Your aggregate can still be competitive if you excel in the Post-UTME.

If your score is below 160, consider applying to a College of Nursing or School of Nursing attached to a teaching hospital, where JAMB scores between 140 and 180 are accepted alongside internal entrance examinations. A nursing certificate from an accredited hospital school is a legitimate, respected qualification, and it can serve as a foundation for upgrading to a full degree programme later.

Whatever your score, always apply early, confirm that your target institution is NMCN-accredited, verify the subject combination requirements on the official institution portal, and prepare for the Post-UTME with the same seriousness you brought to JAMB.

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Conclusion

Your Score Is the Starting Point, Not the Destination, Nursing in Nigeria is a competitive space, but there is a school for every serious candidate at every score level. The mistake most people make is targeting only the most prestigious institutions without honestly assessing whether their score puts them in a competitive position there.

Applying to UNILAG Nursing with a 190 JAMB score wastes your time and your application fees. Applying to Rhema University or Benue State University with that same 190 gives you a real shot.

Know your numbers. Match them to the right institution. Prepare for Post-UTME like it is the most important exam of your life right now because in this season, it genuinely is. And always verify the current cut-off marks on the official JAMB portal at jamb.gov.ng and each university’s admissions page, as figures can shift between the time of publication and the start of screening.

The nursing profession needs you. Go secure your spot.