If you are hunting for the list of private universities in Kogi State, you are looking at a state that quietly hosts two solid, NUC-accredited private options in the north-central region. Kogi State, known as the “Confluence State” because it sits where the Niger and Benue rivers meet, has built a small but reliable private university scene that many students overlook in favor of bigger names elsewhere.
This guide breaks down every private university currently operating in Kogi State, their cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission cycle, and what you need to gain admission. Whether you are comparing your JAMB score against real requirements or just exploring your options, this article gives you straight, verified answers.
Why Kogi State Deserves a Closer Look
Kogi State sits at a strategic crossroads in Nigeria, and its location has shaped a diverse higher education scene that includes Federal University Lokoja, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Confluence University of Science and Technology, and two established private institutions. The private universities in Kogi State give students in the north-central zone a genuine alternative to constantly overcrowded public campuses.
Students who choose private education here often value dependable academic calendars, since both institutions in this category have built reputations for running strike-free sessions. This single benefit is often enough to draw students who have watched friends lose entire semesters to public university disruptions elsewhere.
List of Private Universities in Kogi State
Kogi State currently hosts two NUC-accredited private universities in Kogi State, both open for admission into the 2026/2027 academic session. Here is a detailed look at each one.
1. Salem University, Lokoja
Salem University sits in the old city of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, and was founded by Archbishop Sam Amaga of Salem International Christian Center. The university runs several colleges, including Law, Management and Social Sciences, and Natural and Applied Sciences, and has built a strong reputation for a dependable academic calendar with no history of strikes.
Admission requirements:
- Minimum of five O’Level credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics
- A valid JAMB UTME result, National Identification Number (NIN), and birth certificate
- A sponsorship letter and an attestation or reference letter, in addition to standard WAEC or NECO results
- Participation in Salem University’s Post-UTME screening exercise
Cut-off mark overview (2026/2027 session):
- Salem University’s general cut-off mark sits at around 160, slightly above the national JAMB baseline of 150 for universities
- Programmes such as Information Technology maintain a cut-off mark of 160, making Salem an accessible option for students with moderate JAMB scores
- Competitive programmes like Law typically require higher departmental scores, so candidates should confirm exact figures per course
- Direct Entry candidates are evaluated separately, based on Upper Credit or equivalent qualifications
Salem University stands out among private universities in Kogi State for its faith-based values and its emphasis on producing what it calls “Global Leaders” with clear minds and strong moral grounding.
2. Al-Bayan University, Ankpa
Al-Bayan University is the second entry in the private universities in Kogi State category, located in Ankpa. It offers a range of undergraduate programmes and has steadily grown its academic offerings since receiving NUC accreditation.
Admission requirements:
- Five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics, from not more than two sittings
- A JAMB UTME score meeting the university’s minimum cut-off benchmark
- Successful completion of Al-Bayan University’s Post-UTME or Direct Entry screening process
Cut-off mark overview (2026/2027 session):
- Al-Bayan University’s general cut-off mark is set at 160, consistent with several other private universities in the north-central region
- Departmental cut-off marks vary by course, with more technical or competitive programmes requiring scores above the general baseline
- As with most private universities, meeting the cut-off mark only qualifies a candidate for screening; final admission still depends on available slots per department
Al-Bayan University rounds out the private universities in Kogi State list with a steadily growing academic community and increasing visibility among prospective students in the region.
Quick Overview of Cut-Off Marks
| University | Location | JAMB Cut-Off Mark | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem University, Lokoja | Lokoja, Kogi State | Around 160 | Strong reputation for strike-free sessions |
| Al-Bayan University, Ankpa | Ankpa, Kogi State | Around 160 | Growing academic programme offerings |
This table gives a quick snapshot of the private universities in Kogi State cut-off mark landscape, though departmental figures can vary by course, so always confirm directly with each institution.
What Determines Cut-Off Marks at Private Universities
Cut-off marks are not random figures; several factors shape how Salem University and Al-Bayan University set their thresholds each session:
- National JAMB baseline: Every Nigerian university must respect the minimum cut-off mark JAMB sets each admission cycle, currently 150 for universities
- Course competitiveness: Law, Nursing, and other high-demand programmes typically carry higher departmental cut-off marks than general Arts or Social Science courses
- Available admission slots: Even candidates who meet the general cut-off mark still compete for limited departmental quotas
- Post-UTME screening results: Both universities combine UTME scores with their own screening performance before finalizing admission
Understanding these factors helps you plan realistically when targeting either of the private universities in Kogi State.
Tips for Kogi State Students Planning for 2026/2027
- Aim for a JAMB score comfortably above 160 to strengthen your chances at either university
- Confirm the specific departmental cut-off mark for your chosen course directly from the university’s official admissions portal
- Prepare all required documents early, including your NIN, birth certificate, and sponsorship or reference letters where required
- Take the Post-UTME screening seriously, since it plays a direct role in the final admission decision at both institutions
- Reach out to the admissions office directly rather than relying solely on third-party blogs for the latest cut-off updates
Conclusion
The list of private universities in Kogi State with their cut-off mark currently includes two solid, NUC-accredited options: Salem University, Lokoja, and Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, both requiring a general cut-off mark of around 160 for the 2026/2027 session. Both institutions offer dependable academic calendars and steadily growing programme options for students across the north-central region. Always confirm the latest departmental cut-off marks directly from each university before the admission cycle closes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many private universities are in Kogi State? There are currently two private universities in Kogi State: Salem University, Lokoja, and Al-Bayan University, Ankpa.
2. What is the cut-off mark for Salem University? Salem University’s general cut-off mark is around 160, though specific departments like Law may require a higher score.
3. What is the cut-off mark for Al-Bayan University? Al-Bayan University also maintains a general cut-off mark of around 160, with departmental variations depending on course competitiveness.
4. Is Salem University known for academic stability? Yes. Salem University has built a strong reputation for running a dependable academic calendar with no history of strikes.
5. Do these universities accept Direct Entry candidates? Yes. Both Salem University and Al-Bayan University accept Direct Entry applicants who meet the required Upper Credit or equivalent qualifications.
6. Are these cut-off marks fixed every academic session? No. Cut-off marks are reviewed periodically by both JAMB and individual universities, so always confirm the latest figures before the 2026/2027 admission cycle closes.