Nursery teachers shape lives before anyone else does. The JAMB cut off mark for Early Childhood Education 2026 falls between 150 and 190. Federal schools want 160 to 190. State schools want 140 to 160. Private schools want 140 to 150. Students are trained in classroom management, child psychology, teaching methods, curriculum planning, and child development practices designed for nursery and primary school education.
Graduates work in nursery schools, daycare centres, educational agencies, NGOs, publishing companies, and child development organisations as teachers, school administrators, curriculum specialists, and child advocates.
Below are the universities offering Early Childhood Education in Nigeria alongside their JAMB cut off marks, admission requirements, subject combinations, and career opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Federal Universities Offering Early Childhood Education
Not every federal university offers Early Childhood Education as a standalone degree. Some offer it as a specialisation within Education. 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 180 | Yes | Enugu |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 150 to 190 | Yes | Oyo |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 150 to 190 | Yes | Lagos |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 150 to 170 | Yes | Osun |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 150 to 170 | Yes | Kaduna |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 150 to 170 | Yes | Edo |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 150 to 170 | Yes | Kwara |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 150 to 170 | Yes | Cross River |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka | 150 to 170 | 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 Early Childhood Education
State universities are generally more accessible for Early Childhood Education applicants.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 150 to 170 | 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 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye | 150 to 160 | Yes | Ogun |
| Kwara State University (KWASU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Kwara |
| Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Nasarawa |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Benue |
| Ebonyi State University (EBSU) | 150 to 160 | Yes | Ebonyi |
Private Universities Offering Early Childhood Education
Private universities offer Early Childhood Education 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 170 | Yes | Ogun |
| Babcock University, Ilishan Remo | 150 to 160 | 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. For Early Childhood Education, most universities prefer subjects like Biology, Economics, Government, CRS, or Literature.
These credits must come from no more than two exam sittings. WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are accepted.
UTME Subject Combination
For JAMB, you must register with English Language and any three other subjects drawn from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences. Common combinations include English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government or English, Biology, Chemistry, and CRS. Check your chosen school's specific requirements before registering.
Careers in Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education opens doors to careers in teaching, administration, curriculum development, and child advocacy.
1. Nursery or Kindergarten Teacher
Works in private or public schools; teaches children aged three to six; plans lessons, manages classrooms, and tracks developmental progress.
2. Childcare Centre Director
Runs a daycare or early learning centre; manages staff, handles budgets, ensures safety standards, and works with parents.
3. Early Intervention Specialist
Works with children who have developmental delays or disabilities; designs programmes to help them catch up with peers.
4. Curriculum Developer
Creates educational materials for young children, including books, games, activity sheets, and digital content; works for publishing companies or educational technology firms.
5. Parent Educator
Teaches parents how to support their children's learning at home; works for non profits, government agencies, or community organisations.
6. Child Advocate
Works for organisations that protect children's rights; helps shape policies on early childhood education, nutrition, and child protection.
7. Educational Consultant
Advises schools and childcare centres on best practices in early childhood education; trains teachers, evaluates programmes, and recommends improvements.
8. Researcher
Studies how young children learn and what helps them thrive; works for universities, research institutes, or government agencies.
9. Academic
Teaches Early Childhood Education at a university or polytechnic; trains the next generation of early years educators.
10. Entrepreneur
Starts a nursery school, daycare centre, or educational toy company; offers independence and the chance to shape a personal vision.
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