If you are searching for the list of private universities in Kebbi State, here is the direct answer before anything else: Kebbi State currently has one private university, and this guide gives you everything you need to know about its cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 admission cycle. Rather than padding this article with unrelated schools, this guide goes deep on the one institution that actually matters for your search.
Whether you are a JAMB candidate trying to figure out if your score qualifies you, or a parent researching options in the north-west, this article breaks down admission requirements, departmental cut-off marks, and what makes this university worth considering.
Kebbi State’s Growing Higher Education Scene
Kebbi State, located in Nigeria’s north-west, has traditionally relied on public institutions like Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA), and the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru. For years, the state had no privately owned university at all, which made it an outlier compared to neighboring states like Kano and Kaduna.
That changed in 2023, when the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted approval to Kebbi’s first-ever privately owned institution. Understanding the private universities in Kebbi State landscape today essentially means understanding this one pioneering school, since it remains the sole entry in the category as of the 2026/2027 session.
List of Private Universities in Kebbi State
Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi
Rayhaan University holds the distinction of being the first and, so far, only private university in Kebbi State. It received its NUC operational licence in 2023 and commenced academic activities at its site in Gesse, along the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The university describes itself as an ICT-driven institution, positioning its teaching and research environment around technology, entrepreneurship, and sound moral development.
Rayhaan University took off with 15 approved undergraduate programmes, spanning Sciences, Social Sciences, Management Studies, and other core disciplines typical of a young, growing private institution in northern Nigeria.
Admission requirements:
- Minimum of five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, from not more than two sittings of WAEC, NECO, or GCE
- A valid JAMB UTME score meeting the university’s minimum cut-off benchmark
- Successful completion of Rayhaan University’s Post-UTME screening exercise
- Direct Entry candidates need at least an Upper Credit or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution
Cut-off mark overview (2026/2027 session):
- The national JAMB minimum cut-off mark for universities in the 2026/2027 admission cycle is 150, and this applies as the baseline entry point for Rayhaan University
- Departmental cut-off marks at Rayhaan University commonly range between 180 and 200, depending on the competitiveness of the course
- Health-related and other high-demand programmes typically sit closer to the 200 mark, while general Arts and Social Science courses often align closer to the JAMB baseline
- Candidates should always confirm their specific departmental cut-off mark directly through Rayhaan University’s admissions portal, since figures can shift slightly each session
Rayhaan University represents an important milestone for the private universities in Kebbi State category, giving indigenes and students across the north-west a locally accessible private option for the first time.
Why Rayhaan University Matters for Kebbi State Students
Before 2023, students who wanted a private university education had to travel to Kano, Sokoto, or further south. Now, the private universities in Kebbi State conversation starts and ends with an institution built specifically for the region’s students, with the added benefit of understanding local context, culture, and language.
Rayhaan University’s focus on ICT-driven learning also positions it well for students interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and research-based careers. Its leadership has publicly emphasized a commitment to nurturing graduates with sound academic, practical, and moral qualities, a value proposition that resonates strongly with families in the region.
Quick Overview of Cut-Off Marks
| University | Location | Year Established | JAMB Cut-Off Mark Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi | Gesse, Birnin Kebbi | 2023 | 150 (baseline) – 200 (competitive courses) |
Since Rayhaan University is currently the only entry, this table fully represents the private universities in Kebbi State cut-off mark landscape for the 2026/2027 session.
What Determines Cut-Off Marks at Private Universities
Cut-off marks are not arbitrary numbers; several factors shape how each university, including Rayhaan, sets its departmental thresholds:
- Course competitiveness: Health sciences and other high-demand programmes typically require higher scores due to limited admission slots
- National JAMB baseline: Every Nigerian university, private or public, must respect the minimum cut-off mark JAMB sets each admission cycle, currently 150 for universities
- Post-UTME performance: Many private universities, Rayhaan included, combine JAMB scores with their own screening results to determine final admission
- Available capacity: As a young institution, Rayhaan University’s departmental cut-off marks may adjust as it expands its intake capacity over time
Understanding these factors helps you set realistic expectations when applying to any of the private universities in Kebbi State.
What If You Want More Private University Options?
Since Kebbi State currently has only one private university, students who want a wider spread of private institutions can look toward nearby Sokoto State or further into Kano State, both of which host multiple NUC-accredited options. Kebbi indigenes remain fully eligible to apply to these neighboring institutions through the same UTME and Post-UTME processes used for any other Nigerian university.
Tips for Kebbi State Students Planning for 2026/2027
- Confirm Rayhaan University’s current departmental cut-off marks directly from its official portal before purchasing a Post-UTME form
- Aim for a score comfortably above the 150 national baseline, especially if targeting a competitive department
- Prepare thoroughly for the Post-UTME screening exercise, since it plays a direct role in final admission decisions
- Gather all O’Level documentation early, ensuring credits meet the two-sitting maximum rule
- Reach out to the university’s admissions office directly rather than relying solely on third-party blogs for updates
Conclusion
The complete, honest list of private universities in Kebbi State with their cut-off mark currently consists of one institution: Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi. Far from being a limitation, this reflects how new and significant this development is for the state’s education landscape. With a national JAMB baseline of 150 and departmental cut-off marks reaching up to 200 for competitive courses, prospective students have a clear target to aim for. Always verify the latest cut-off marks directly from Rayhaan University’s admissions office before the 2026/2027 session closes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many private universities are in Kebbi State? There is currently one private university in Kebbi State: Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi, established in 2023.
2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Rayhaan University? The national baseline is 150, but departmental cut-off marks at Rayhaan University commonly range between 180 and 200 depending on the course.
3. Is Rayhaan University fully accredited? Yes. Rayhaan University received its operational licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2023 and offers NUC-approved undergraduate programmes.
4. Does Rayhaan University accept Direct Entry candidates? Yes. Direct Entry applicants need at least an Upper Credit or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.
5. Which courses have the highest cut-off marks at Rayhaan University? Health-related and other high-demand programmes generally require scores closer to 200, while general Arts and Social Science courses align closer to the national baseline.
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.