Getting into a nursing program in Nigeria takes more than passion for healthcare — it takes strategy. Thousands of candidates apply every session, yet only a fraction secure a seat because they don’t know exactly what each school demands. This list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027 breaks everything down clearly, so you can plan your JAMB choices with confidence instead of guesswork.
If you’re a student chasing a nursing career, this guide walks you through every detail: the JAMB scores you need, what each school charges per session, and realistic chances of getting admitted. By the end, this list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027 will help you build a smarter application strategy.
Understanding the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing
JAMB sets a general benchmark for nursing admissions, and for the 2026/2027 session, that baseline sits between 180 and 200. However, individual universities set their own internal, often higher, cut-off marks based on competition and available slots. Top federal universities frequently demand scores above 240, while some state and private institutions accept candidates from as low as 160 to 180.
Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark only qualifies you for the next stage — Post-UTME screening. Your final admission depends on a combination of your JAMB score, Post-UTME performance, and O’ Level results, so no single number guarantees a spot.
Federal Universities: Cut-Off Mark, Fees, and Acceptance Rate
Federal universities remain the most competitive and most sought-after category in any list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027, thanks to strong national recognition and lower tuition compared to private schools.
| University | JAMB Cut-Off Mark | Estimated Fees (Per Session) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 240 – 270 | ₦75,000 – ₦150,000 | Low (highly competitive) |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 240 – 260 | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 | Low |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 230 – 260 | ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 | Low |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 180 – 210 | ₦60,000 – ₦120,000 | Moderate |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 – 230 | ₦70,000 – ₦140,000 | Moderate |
Federal universities weigh JAMB scores heavily, often around 60% of your overall screening score, with Post-UTME and O’ Level results filling the remaining percentage. Candidates from catchment areas or educationally less developed states sometimes enjoy slightly reduced cut-off marks.
State Universities: Cut-Off Mark, Fees, and Acceptance Rate
State-owned universities offer a middle ground for students seeking a reasonable balance between fees and admission chances. Any thorough list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027 must include these institutions, since they absorb a large share of nursing applicants nationwide.
| University | JAMB Cut-Off Mark | Estimated Fees (Per Session) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 200 – 220 | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 | Moderate |
| Niger Delta University (NDU) | 180 – 210 | ₦120,000 – ₦200,000 | Moderate to High |
| Enugu State University (ESUT) | 180 – 200 | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 | Moderate |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 180 – 200 | ₦100,000 – ₦170,000 | Moderate |
State universities often give indigenes of the state an advantage during screening, either through lower cut-off marks or reduced fees. Non-indigenes should expect slightly stricter requirements and higher tuition.
Private Universities: Cut-Off Mark, Fees, and Acceptance Rate
Private universities offer more flexible entry requirements, making them attractive to candidates who fall just short of federal or state cut-off marks. Fees run considerably higher, but acceptance rates tend to be friendlier.
| University | JAMB Cut-Off Mark | Estimated Fees (Per Session) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | 160 – 200 | ₦700,000 – ₦1,200,000 | High |
| Madonna University | 160 – 190 | ₦500,000 – ₦900,000 | High |
| Caleb University | 160 – 180 | ₦450,000 – ₦800,000 | High |
| Lead City University | 160 – 180 | ₦400,000 – ₦750,000 | High |
Private universities often admit candidates faster since they don’t rely solely on JAMB’s centralized admission process. This flexibility makes them a strong backup option once you’ve reviewed the full list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027 for federal and state schools.
Schools of Nursing (Diploma/RN Route): Cut-Off Mark, Fees, and Acceptance Rate
Beyond universities, Nigeria operates well over one hundred standalone Schools of Nursing attached to teaching hospitals and state health ministries. These award the Registered Nurse (RN) certificate after three years of study.
| School Type | JAMB Cut-Off Mark | Estimated Fees (Per Session) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Schools of Nursing | 140 – 180 | ₦50,000 – ₦250,000 | Moderate to High |
| State Schools of Nursing | 140 – 180 | ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 | High |
| Mission-Owned Schools of Nursing | 140 – 180 | ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 | High |
Popular examples include the School of Nursing Eleta Ibadan, School of Nursing UCH Ibadan, School of Nursing OAUTH Ile-Ife, School of Nursing Anua Uyo, and School of Nursing ABSUTH Aba. These schools generally accept lower JAMB scores than universities, making them ideal for candidates who want a faster, more affordable entry into the profession.
What Determines Your Acceptance Rate
Your personal acceptance rate depends on more than the published cut-off mark. Consider these factors:
- Number of available slots — highly ranked schools admit fewer students relative to applicants.
- State of origin — catchment area and indigene status can influence your chances.
- Post-UTME performance — a strong screening score often outweighs a modest JAMB score.
- O’ Level grades — distinctions in core science subjects strengthen your overall profile.
- Subject combination accuracy — incorrect JAMB subject combinations lead to automatic disqualification, regardless of score.
How to Use This List to Plan Your Application
- Shortlist three to five schools spanning federal, state, and private categories.
- Compare their cut-off marks against your expected JAMB score.
- Factor in total fees, including hidden charges like NMCN registration.
- Register early for Post-UTME screening once JAMB results release.
- Keep a backup school with a lower cut-off mark and higher acceptance rate.
Required JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing
Every Nigerian university and school of nursing requires the same core subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or a closely related science subject where permitted). Applying with the wrong combination disqualifies you before scores even get reviewed, so confirm your subjects carefully during JAMB registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the general cut-off mark for nursing in Nigeria for 2026/2027? JAMB sets a general baseline between 180 and 200, though individual schools set their own, often higher, departmental cut-off marks.
2. Which schools have the highest acceptance rate for nursing? Federal, state, and mission-owned Schools of Nursing generally show higher acceptance rates than university-based B.NSc programs, since they accept lower JAMB scores.
3. Do private universities really accept lower JAMB scores? Yes, many private universities accept scores from 160 upward, though they charge significantly higher tuition than public institutions.
4. Can O’ Level results affect my admission even after meeting the cut-off mark? Yes. Weak O’ Level grades in core subjects can reduce your overall screening score and affect your final admission outcome.
5. Is Post-UTME compulsory for nursing admission? Most universities require it, and it often carries significant weight in the final admission decision alongside your JAMB score.
6. How reliable are the fee estimates in this list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027? These figures serve as planning estimates gathered from current trends. Always confirm exact amounts through each school’s official admission portal before applying.
Final Thoughts
This detailed list of nursing school and their cut off mark, fees and acceptance rate in Nigeria 2026/2027 gives you a realistic starting point for planning your nursing career. Federal universities offer prestige and lower fees but demand higher scores; state universities strike a balance; private universities and Schools of Nursing offer flexibility and higher acceptance rates. Match your JAMB score, budget, and academic strengths against this guide, apply early, and keep a solid backup plan. Nursing remains one of Nigeria’s most rewarding professions, and with the right strategy, admission stays well within your reach.