What You Must Know Before Choosing Nursing Science
First, understand that Nursing Science is a university degree — not the same as the diploma RN (Registered Nurse) program offered by colleges of nursing. A degree in Nursing Science gives you:
✅ A Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc Nursing)
✅ NYSC qualification
✅ Higher salary prospects
✅ Eligibility for postgraduate studies
✅ Greater job opportunities in and outside Nigeria
This course is competitive, but many Nigerian universities now accept mid‑range JAMB scores if you apply strategically.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Science (JAMB 2026)
To study Nursing Science in Nigerian universities in 2026:
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JAMB UTME score — must meet the cut‑off mark of the school you choose.
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O’Level results — at least 5 credits in WAEC/NECO including:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Post‑UTME / Screening exam — many universities use this for final selection.
Why Cut‑Off Marks Vary Between Universities
Not all universities require the same score. Some are highly competitive, while others accept lower scores due to:
✨ Lower application volume
✨ Newer programs or campuses
✨ State policies encouraging access
✨ Less competitive demand in that region
For this reason, some universities accept scores as low as 150–180+ for Nursing Science, making them excellent options for candidates with moderate scores.
Federal Universities Offering Nursing Science & Their Cut‑Off Marks 2026
The table below lists universities that offer Nursing Science (B.Sc) and are known to set relatively accessible JAMB cut‑off marks, including some of the lowest available in Nigeria.
| Federal University | Estimated Nursing Cut‑Off (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 150 & above | One of the lowest cut‑offs for Nursing Science in Nigeria. |
| Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 150 & above | Another accessible federal option. |
| Federal University, Dutse (FUDUTSE) | 150 & above | Excellent for candidates with mid‑range scores. |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 160 & above | Specifically focused on health sciences. |
| Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA) | 160 & above | Health sciences campus with flexible cut‑off. |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 180 & above | A strong public university with affordable fees. |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 180 & above | A popular choice in the Niger Delta region. |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 220 & above | Competitive but prestigious. |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 240 & above | Known for quality nursing programs. |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 230 & above | One of the top nursing programs. |
💡 Tip: Federal universities like FULOKOJA, FUKASHERE, FUDUTSE or FUHSA are among the best low‑cut‑off options for 2026.
State & Private Universities with Lower Cut‑Off Marks
If your goal is accessible admission with a moderate JAMB score, state and private universities can be extremely strategic. Many accept lower scores than federal ones, albeit with varying fees.
📍 State Universities
| State University | Estimated Nursing Cut‑Off (2026) | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | 170 & above | Lower threshold in southeast. |
| University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) | 200 & above | Focused on health sciences. |
| Enugu State University (ESUT) | 200 & above | Good regional option. |
| Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 200 & above | Accessible in southwest. |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 230 & above | Decent alternative. |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 220 & above | Strong nursing facilities. |
📍 Private Universities
Private schools often have lower cut‑off marks, but higher tuition fees. If affordability is less of a concern, these can be backups.
| Private University | Estimated Cut‑Off (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | 170 & above | More accessible and reputable. |
| Adeleke University | 160 & above | One of the lowest private options. |
| Chrisland University | 160 & above | Flexible entry for moderate scores. |
| Madonna University | 180 & above | Good competitive alternative. |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 200 & above | Strong academic reputation. |
| Igbinedion University | 180 & above | Competitive and established. |
📌 How to Choose Between Federal, State & Private
| Category | Cut‑Off Range | Tuition | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 150 – 240 | Lowest | High |
| State | 170 – 230 | Medium | Good |
| Private | 160 – 200 | Highest | Varies |
💡 Smart strategy: If your JAMB score is 150–180, target federal or state universities listed above. If 180–200+, private universities become excellent alternatives with quicker admission.
📊 Cut‑Off Marks Breakdown (Summary Table)
Here’s a consolidated table of universities accepting lower JAMB scores for Nursing Science in 2026:
| University Category | Example Universities | Typical Cut‑Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Federal Options | FULOKOJA, FUKASHERE, FUDUTSE | 150 – 160+ |
| Accessible Federal | UNIMAID, UNIPORT | 180+ |
| Affordable State | EBSU, UNIMED, UNIOSUN | 170 – 200+ |
| Low‑Cut Private | Adeleke, Chrisland | 160 – 180+ |
📌 Why Aim for “Low Cut‑Off” University Options?
1. Increased Chances of Admission
Lower cut‑off universities give you a real shot if your JAMB score isn’t 250+.
2. Less Competitive Screening
With lower cut‑offs, fewer students will be competing for limited slots.
3. Strategic Backup Universities
Even if you apply to top schools as your first choice, your backup choices can still lead to a solid Nursing degree.
Most Common Nursing Science Requirements (General)
Here’s what universities typically look for:
✔ UTME score meeting university cut‑off
✔ Five credits in relevant O’Level subjects
✔ Post‑UTME screening performance
✔ Uploading O’Level to JAMB CAPS on time
Example: Score Scenarios & Where You Can Apply
If You Score 150–170 in JAMB
Best options include:
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Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
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Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE)
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Federal University Dutse (FUDUTSE)
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Adeleke University (private option)
If You Score 180–200
You can add:
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University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
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Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
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Madonna University
If You Score 200+
You can target:
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
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University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Bonus Tips to Improve Admission Chances
📌 Start early — apply as soon as portal opens
📌 Prepare for Post‑UTME — it’s often decisive
📌 Upload O’Level on JAMB CAPS immediately
📌 Write mock tests to improve CBT confidence
Final Advice
Getting into Nursing Science in 2026 is totally possible even with a moderate JAMB score — as long as you apply to the right universities. Focus on options with lower cut‑off marks and make sure your documents are uploaded on time
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