Do you plan on solving crimes and understanding why people break the law? The JAMB cut off mark for Criminology for the 2026/2027 academic session is all you need to know, as it ranges from 150 to 220 depending on the university and the competitiveness of the programme.
Criminology examines crime, criminal behaviour, law enforcement systems, security management, corrections, and the social factors that contribute to violence and unlawful activities in society. Students are trained in criminal justice, forensic investigation, policing, rehabilitation, conflict management, and security studies.
Graduates work in law enforcement agencies, correctional services, private security firms, intelligence units, NGOs, and government institutions as criminologists, security analysts, investigators, correctional officers, and crime prevention specialists.
Below are the universities offering Criminology in Nigeria alongside their expected JAMB cut off marks, admission requirements, subject combinations, and career opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Federal Universities Offering Criminology
Not every federal university offers Criminology as a standalone degree. Some offer it as a specialisation within Sociology or Law. Below are the federal institutions that do, along with their cut off marks for 2026.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 150 to 210 | Yes | Enugu |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 150 to 230 | Yes | Lagos |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 150 to 220 | Yes | Oyo |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 150 to 200 | Yes | Osun |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 150 to 190 | Yes | Kaduna |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 150 to 190 | Yes | Edo |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 150 to 190 | Yes | Kwara |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 150 to 180 | Yes | Cross River |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka | 150 to 180 | Yes | Anambra |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 150 to 170 | Yes | FCT |
| Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 150 to 170 | Yes | Kano |
| Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Ekiti |
| Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Kogi |
| Federal University, Dutsin Ma (FUDMA) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Katsina |
| Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Nasarawa |
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Approved JAMB Cut Off Marks 2026/2027 for All Nigerian Institutions
State Universities Offering Criminology
State universities are generally more accessible for Criminology applicants.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 150 to 190 | Yes | Lagos |
| Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka | 150 to 170 | Yes | Delta |
| Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt | 150 to 160 | Yes | Rivers |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Ekiti |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Imo |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma | 150 to 160 | Yes | Edo |
| Kwara State University (KWASU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Kwara |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Benue |
Private Universities Offering Criminology
Private universities offer Criminology with lower JAMB cut off marks. The trade off is higher tuition fees.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University, Ota | 150 to 180 | Yes | Ogun |
| Babcock University, Ilishan Remo | 150 to 170 | Yes | Ogun |
| Bowen University, Iwo | 150 to 160 | Yes | Osun |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 150 to 160 | Yes | Oyo |
| Madonna University, Okija | 150 to 160 | Yes | Anambra |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | 150 to 160 | Yes | Edo |
| Veritas University, Abuja | 150 to 160 | Yes | FCT |
Requirements That Get Students Rejected
Your JAMB score is important, but it will not save you if you ignore the rules below.
O Level Requirements
You need at least five credits in English Language, Mathematics, and any three other subjects from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences. Most universities prefer subjects like Government, Economics, CRS, IRS, or Literature.
These credits must come from no more than two exam sittings. WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are accepted.
UTME Subject Combination
This is where mistakes happen. You must register for English Language and any three other subjects from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences. Common combinations include English, Government, Economics, and CRS or English, Sociology, Psychology, and Government.
Do not register for Biology, Chemistry, or Physics unless you are also applying for a science course.
Careers in Criminology
Criminology creates career opportunities in law enforcement, criminal justice, intelligence, corrections, security management, social intervention, and public policy. The course equips graduates with knowledge of crime patterns, criminal behaviour, investigation methods, rehabilitation systems, and crime prevention strategies.
1. Police Officer
Criminology graduates can work in law enforcement agencies where they help investigate crimes, maintain public safety, gather evidence, and support community policing operations.
2. Crime Analyst
Crime analysts study criminal patterns, violence trends, and security data to help law enforcement agencies predict criminal activity and improve crime prevention strategies.
3. Correctional Officer
This role involves supervising inmates in correctional facilities while supporting rehabilitation, behavioural reform, and reintegration programmes designed to reduce repeat offences.
4. Probation and Rehabilitation Officer
Probation officers monitor offenders outside prison environments and help them adjust back into society through counselling, supervision, and rehabilitation support.
5. Private Security Consultant
Private organisations, banks, oil companies, and multinational firms employ criminology graduates to assess security risks, design protection systems, and improve safety operations.
6. Cybercrime Investigator
With cybercrime increasing across the world, criminology graduates can specialise in digital investigations involving fraud, identity theft, hacking, and online financial crimes.
7. Victim Support Specialist
Victim support professionals assist individuals affected by crime by helping them access legal aid, counselling services, and rehabilitation programmes.
8. Policy and Intelligence Analyst
Government agencies and research institutions hire criminology graduates to study crime trends, evaluate security policies, and develop strategies for improving public safety.
9. Researcher
Researchers in criminology examine the causes of crime, patterns of violence, juvenile delinquency, and the effectiveness of criminal justice systems and rehabilitation programmes.
10. Academic
Graduates can also build careers in teaching and research within universities, polytechnics, and training institutions focused on criminal justice and security studies.
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