The 2026 JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination cut-off marks are 150 for federal and state universities, 100 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). However, some universities set higher thresholds for competitive courses and use stricter admission benchmarks.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos
The University of Lagos is one of the most competitive federal universities in Nigeria. Located in Akoka, Lagos, UNILAG is renowned for excellence in mass communication, engineering, accounting, law, and medicine. Competitive courses often require high aggregate scores and strong post-UTME performance, according to recent admission guides, and UNILAG consistently records extremely high demand during admissions. At UNILAG, the general cut-off mark is 200 or higher, while medical courses require 280 or above.
2. University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest university. It is renowned for academic excellence and strong research output, especially in medicine, the arts, sciences, and social sciences. It has consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top universities. The general cut-off mark is 200 or higher, while medical courses require 280. 
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun
Located in Osun State, OAU is well known for its beautiful campus architecture and strong academic reputation. The university is especially strong in law, medicine, engineering, and the arts. It also maintains high academic standards and a vibrant student culture. The cut-off mark for general courses is 200 and above, while medical courses require 270.
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4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Kaduna
ABU is one of the largest universities in sub-Saharan Africa. It offers programmes across numerous faculties, including agriculture, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. The general cut-off mark ranges from 160 to 180, while medical courses require 250 or higher. The university serves students from northern Nigeria and beyond and is known for its size and diversity.
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu
UNN remains one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities, offering programmes in medicine, law, pharmacy, engineering, and education. It is well known for academic discipline and a strong alumni network. The general cut-off mark is 180, while medical courses require 260 or higher.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo
UNIBEN is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after universities. It is well known for medicine, law, engineering, and the arts. The school is highly competitive and has a large student population. The general cut-off mark is 180 or higher, while medical courses require 260 or above.
7. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers
Established in 1975, UNIPORT is well known for engineering, petroleum studies, medicine, and management programmes. The general cut-off mark is 180, while medical courses require 250 or higher.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara
UNILORIN is well known for academic stability and is one of the least strike-prone universities in Nigeria. It has strong programmes in medicine, law, engineering, and science. Its high standards and stability make it one of the country’s most competitive universities. The average cut-off mark is 180, while the highest cut-off mark reaches 260.
9. University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau
Founded in 1975, UNIJOS is known for veterinary medicine, arts, social sciences, and education. It offers a peaceful academic environment and remains popular among students in north-central Nigeria. The general cut-off mark ranges from 160 to 170, while medical courses require 240 or higher.
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra
Founded in 1991 and named after Nigeria’s first President, UNIZIK excels in law, medicine, pharmacy, the arts, and engineering. It remains one of the most popular universities in the Southeast. The general cut-off mark is 170 or higher, while medical courses require 250 and above.
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