Nurses provide patient care, assist doctors, manage treatments, and support public health, and the JAMB cut off mark for Nursing Science for the 2026/2027 academic session ranges from 180 to 320, with federal universities expecting scores near the top of this range while state and private institutions set lower thresholds.
Nursing Science is one of Nigeria's most competitive medical courses due to strong career prospects and rising demand worldwide. The field focuses on patient care, disease prevention, medical support, community health, emergency care, and healthcare management.
Students study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, microbiology, psychology, medical surgical nursing, paediatrics, mental health nursing, and public health. They gain practical clinical experience in hospitals and healthcare centres.
The programme combines scientific knowledge with clinical training to prepare students for professional nursing practice. Graduates pursue careers as registered nurses, public health nurses, clinical specialists, nurse educators, healthcare administrators, and medical consultants.
They find employment in hospitals, clinics, maternity centres, rehabilitation facilities, NGOs, military health services, schools, research institutes, and international healthcare organisations.
Listed below are the cut off marks, admission requirements, subject combinations, and career opportunities for all universities.
Federal Universities Offering Nursing Science
Federal universities offering Nursing Science are among the most competitive institutions in Nigeria because of limited admission slots and high application numbers.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 280 to 320 | Yes | Oyo |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 270 to 310 | Yes | Lagos |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 260 to 300 | Yes | Enugu |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 260 to 290 | Yes | Osun |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 250 to 280 | Yes | Kaduna |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 250 to 280 | Yes | Edo |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 250 to 270 | Yes | Kwara |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 250 to 280 | Yes | Rivers |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka | 240 to 270 | Yes | Anambra |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 240 to 260 | Yes | Cross River |
| Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 230 to 260 | Yes | Kano |
| Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) | 220 to 250 | Yes | Ekiti |
| Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) | 220 to 240 | Yes | Nasarawa |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 230 to 250 | Yes | FCT |
State Universities Offering Nursing Science
Many state universities also offer Nursing Science with competitive admission requirements.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 250 to 280 | Yes | Lagos |
| Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt | 240 to 270 | Yes | Rivers |
| Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka | 230 to 260 | Yes | Delta |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 220 to 250 | Yes | Imo |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 220 to 250 | Yes | Ekiti |
| Benue State University (BSU) | 220 to 240 | Yes | Benue |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 220 to 240 | Yes | Kaduna |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | 220 to 240 | Yes | Abia |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | 230 to 250 | Yes | Enugu |
| Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma | 220 to 240 | Yes | Edo |
Private Universities Offering Nursing Science
Private universities offering Nursing Science generally accept lower JAMB scores, although tuition fees are usually higher than those of public universities.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 230 to 260 | Yes | Ekiti |
| Babcock University, Ilishan Remo | 220 to 250 | Yes | Ogun |
| Covenant University, Ota | 220 to 240 | Yes | Ogun |
| Bowen University, Iwo | 210 to 230 | Yes | Osun |
| Madonna University, Okija | 200 to 220 | Yes | Anambra |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 200 to 220 | Yes | Oyo |
| Igbinedion University, Okada | 200 to 220 | Yes | Edo |
| Benson Idahosa University, Benin City | 200 to 220 | Yes | Edo |
RELATED ARTICLE:
Approved JAMB Cut Off Marks 2026/2027 for All Nigerian Institutions
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing Science
To study Nursing Science, candidates must register for four specific JAMB subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These four are compulsory at virtually every university offering the programme.
O Level Requirements for Nursing Science
Applicants need at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. The required subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Most universities accept combined results from a maximum of two sittings, though some highly competitive institutions may prefer one sitting.
Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing Science
Candidates applying through Direct Entry may qualify for 200 level admission with any of the following qualifications:
- Registered Nursing (RN) Certificate
- ND or HND in related medical sciences
- IJMB or JUPEB results
- A Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Direct Entry requirements vary by university, so candidates should verify specific criteria with their chosen institution.
How to Gain Admission into Nursing Science
Nursing Science is highly competitive, so candidates should follow these important steps:
1. Aim for a High JAMB Score
Most top universities expect scores above 250. Candidates targeting competitive schools should aim for a score of 280 or higher.
2. Prepare Properly for Post UTME
Many universities combine JAMB and Post UTME scores to determine admission merit. Strong performance in both is essential.
3. Have Strong O’Level Results
Good WAEC or NECO grades, especially in science subjects, significantly improve admission chances.
4. Choose Less Competitive Universities if Necessary
Candidates with lower scores may consider state or private universities that maintain more flexible cut off marks.
Careers in Nursing Science
Hospitals, healthcare institutions, public health agencies, and international medical organisations all offer career paths for Nursing Science graduates.
| Career Path | Description |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Provide medical care and patient support in hospitals and clinics. |
| Public Health Nurse | Work in community healthcare and disease prevention programmes. |
| Nurse Educator | Teach nursing students in colleges and universities. |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | Specialise in areas such as paediatrics, surgery, or mental health. |
| Emergency Nurse | Provide urgent care in emergency and trauma units. |
| Midwife | Support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. |
| Occupational Health Nurse | Work in companies and industries to manage employee health. |
| Military Nurse | Provide healthcare services within military institutions. |
| Nurse Administrator | Manage healthcare teams and hospital operations. |
| International Healthcare Worker | Work with global health organisations and foreign healthcare systems. |
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