State Universities in Nigeria & Their Cut-Off Marks for 2025 Admissions

State Universities in Nigeria. Choosing the right university is a critical step for students in Nigeria, especially when it comes to meeting admission requirements like cut-off marks. State universities in Nigeria offer a wide range of courses and are often more accessible than federal institutions, making them a popular choice for many. However, each state university sets its own cut-off mark based on factors like course demand, competition, and institutional policies—all within the framework of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what cut-off marks are, how they’re determined, and provide an updated list of state universities in Nigeria along with their cut-off marks for the 2025 academic session. Whether you’re a student aiming for admission or a parent guiding your child, this guide will help you plan effectively.

What Are Cut-Off Marks?

A cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible for admission into a university. In Nigeria, JAMB sets a baseline cut-off mark—typically 140 for universities in 2025—but individual institutions can raise this threshold depending on their standards and the competitiveness of their programs. For instance, courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often have higher cut-off marks than less competitive fields like Education or Agriculture.

How Are Cut–Off Marks Determined?

State universities in Nigeria consider several factors when setting their cut-off marks:

• JAMB Guidelines: JAMB establishes a minimum score (e.g., 140 for 2025), below which no university can admit students.
• Course Popularity: High-demand courses require higher scores due to limited slots and fierce competition.
• Institutional Policy: Some universities prioritize academic excellence and set higher benchmarks, while others aim for inclusivity with lower cut-offs.
• Candidate Performance: If overall UTME scores are high in a given year, cut-off marks may rise to filter top performers.

After meeting the JAMB cut-off, candidates typically face a post-UTME screening, where their final admission depends on a combination of UTME scores, O’level results, and sometimes catchment area preferences.

List of State Universities in Nigeria & Their Cut-Off Marks for 2025

Below is a comprehensive list of state universities in Nigeria and their general cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session. Note that these are based on trends from previous years (e.g., 2023/2024) since official 2025 cut-offs will be confirmed after JAMB’s Policy Meeting later this year. Always verify with the university’s admission office for the latest updates, as departmental cut-offs for competitive courses may be higher.

1. Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu
   • General Cut-Off: 140
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (250+), Law (240+)
   • Notes: ABSU is known for its strong programs in health sciences and law.
2. Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi
   • General Cut-Off: 140
   • Competitive Courses: Nursing (200+), Engineering (180+)
   • Notes: Offers affordable education with a focus on science and technology.
3. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ikot Akpaden
   • General Cut-Off: 140
   • Competitive Courses: Law (220+), Medicine (240+)
   • Notes: Popular among students in the South-South region.
4. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli
   • General Cut-Off: 140
   • Competitive Courses: Pharmacy (220+), Engineering (200+)
   • Notes: Formerly Anambra State University, known for diverse programs.
5. Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
   • General Cut-Off: 150
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (250+), Law (230+)
   • Notes: Slightly higher baseline reflects its competitive admission process.
6. Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
   • General Cut-Off: 150
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (260+), Nursing (220+)
   • Notes: One of the most sought-after state universities in the South.
7. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki
   • General Cut-Off: 140
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (240+), Law (220+)
   • Notes: Strong in medical and legal education.
8. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
   • General Cut-Off: 160
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (250+), Engineering (200+)
   • Notes: Known for academic rigor and higher baseline cut-off.
9. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu
   • General Cut-Off: 150
   • Competitive Courses: Medicine (250+), Architecture (200+)
   • Notes: Focuses on science, technology, and professional courses.
10. Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo
    • General Cut-Off: 180
    • Competitive Courses: Law (250+), Medicine (260+)
    • Notes: One of the highest cut-offs due to its urban location and prestige.

This list is not exhaustive. Other notable state universities like Gombe State University (GSU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Nasarawa State University (NSUK) typically set cut-offs between 140 and 160, with variations for specific courses.

Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances

Meeting the cut-off mark is just the beginning. Here’s how to improve your odds of securing a spot:

• Ace the Post-UTME: Many state universities weigh post-UTME scores heavily. Prepare thoroughly!
• Choose a Less Competitive Course: If your JAMB score is on the lower side, opt for programs with fewer applicants.
• Leverage Catchment Areas: State universities often prioritize indigenes or students from nearby states.
• Explore Alternatives: If cut-offs are too high, consider remedial programs or re-taking JAMB next year.

Conclusion

State universities in Nigeria provide excellent opportunities for students seeking quality education at a relatively affordable cost. However, understanding their cut-off marks is crucial for making informed choices. For 2025, expect general cut-offs to range from 140 to 180, with top courses demanding scores as high as 260. Stay proactive—check with your preferred university for the latest admission details and start preparing early.

Which state university are you aiming for? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss your admission journey!