Nigeria has many universities. Some are owned by the federal government, some by state governments, and some by private individuals or organizations. This blog post will focus on state universities in Nigeria and their cut-off marks.
Many students dream of going to the university, but one of the biggest challenges they face is meeting the cut-off mark. Every year, students take the JAMB exam, hoping to score high enough to get into their chosen university. But what exactly is a cut-off mark? How do state universities in Nigeria set their cut-off marks? And what are the cut-off marks for different state universities?
This blog post will answer all these questions so everyone can understand.
What is a Cut-Off Mark?
A cut-off mark is the minimum score a student must get in an exam to be considered for admission into a university. In Nigeria, the most common exam for university admission is JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board). After taking the JAMB exam, a student must score at least the cut-off mark set by the university to have a chance of getting admitted.
The cut-off mark is like a gate. If a student scores high enough, they can pass through the gate and enter the university. But if they score lower than the cut-off mark, they may not be allowed to enter.
Cut-off marks are different for different universities. Some universities set higher cut-off marks, while others set lower ones. Also, different courses have different cut-off marks. Courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering usually have higher cut-off marks, while courses like Education and Agriculture may have lower cut-off marks.
How Do State Universities in Nigeria Set Their Cut-Off Marks?
State universities in Nigeria set their cut-off marks based on different factors. These factors include:
1. JAMB’s General Cut-Off Mark
Every year, JAMB sets a general cut-off mark for all universities. This is the lowest score that any university is allowed to accept. For example, if JAMB sets 140 as the general cut-off mark, no university can accept students who score lower than 140.
2. University’s Admission Policy
Each state university has its own admission policy. Some universities prefer to admit students with very high scores, while others may be more flexible. This is why some universities have higher cut-off marks than others.
3. Course of Study
Some courses are more competitive than others. For example, many students want to study Medicine, Law, and Engineering, so universities set higher cut-off marks for these courses. On the other hand, courses that are not very competitive may have lower cut-off marks.
4. Number of Applicants
If many students apply to a university, the school may raise its cut-off mark to reduce the number of students it will admit. But if fewer students apply, the university may lower the cut-off mark to fill up available spaces.
5. State Government Policy
Since state universities are owned by state governments, sometimes the government decides how admission should be done. Some states may give preference to students from their state, while others may allow students from any state to apply.
Cut-Off Marks for State Universities in Nigeria
Each state university has its own cut-off mark. Below are the cut-off marks for some state universities in Nigeria. These cut-off marks may change from year to year, so students should always check with the university before applying.
Abia State University (ABSU)
The general cut-off mark for ABSU is usually 140. However, some courses have higher cut-off marks. For example, Medicine may have a cut-off mark of 250, while Law may have a cut-off mark of 240.
Adamawa State University (ADSU)
ADSU’s general cut-off mark is usually 140, but competitive courses like Nursing and Engineering may require higher scores.
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
AKSU’s general cut-off mark is around 140. However, courses like Law and Medicine may require higher scores.
Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University – COOU)
COOU’s cut-off mark is usually 140. Some courses, like Pharmacy and Engineering, may have higher cut-off marks.
Benue State University (BSU)
BSU usually sets its general cut-off mark at 150. Competitive courses may require higher scores.
Delta State University (DELSU)
DELSU’s cut-off mark is usually 150, but some courses require higher scores.
Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
EBSU usually accepts students with scores from 140 and above, but Medicine and Law require higher scores.
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
EKSU’s cut-off mark is usually around 140 to 150. Competitive courses require higher scores.
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
ESUT’s general cut-off mark is 140. Some courses require higher scores.
Imo State University (IMSU)
IMSU’s general cut-off mark is 150, but Law and Medicine require higher scores.
Kaduna State University (KASU)
KASU’s cut-off mark is around 150 to 160. Competitive courses require higher scores.
Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST)
KUST’s general cut-off mark is usually 140. Some courses have higher cut-off marks.
Lagos State University (LASU)
LASU usually has a general cut-off mark of 190 or higher. Some competitive courses may have cut-off marks above 200.
Niger Delta University (NDU)
NDU’s cut-off mark is usually 150. Some courses require higher scores.
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
OOU’s general cut-off mark is around 140, but some courses require higher scores.
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
UNIOSUN’s cut-off mark is usually 140 to 160, depending on the course.
Rivers State University (RSU)
RSU usually sets its cut-off mark around 150. Some courses have higher cut-off marks.
What Happens If a Student Does Not Meet the Cut-Off Mark?
If a student does not meet the cut-off mark for their chosen course or university, they have a few options:
1. Apply for a Less Competitive Course
Some universities allow students to change to a course with a lower cut-off mark.
2. Try Another University
If one university’s cut-off mark is too high, the student can apply to another university with a lower cut-off mark.
3. Go for a Pre-Degree or Remedial Program
Some universities offer remedial or pre-degree programs to help students improve their scores. After completing the program, they may be admitted.
4. Retake JAMB Next Year
If none of the options work, the student can study harder and take the JAMB exam again next year.
Final Thoughts
Getting into a state university in Nigeria requires meeting the cut-off mark. While some universities have lower cut-off marks, competitive courses usually require higher scores. Students should always check with their chosen university to know the latest cut-off mark.
Meeting the cut-off mark is just the first step. Students should also prepare for post-UTME exams and meet other admission requirements. By working hard and staying informed, students can increase their chances of getting into the university of their choice.