Nigerian universities set Software Engineering cut off marks between 160 and 260 for the 2026 academic session, and federal institutions such as UNILAG and OAU expect scores at the higher end.
Software Engineering applies engineering principles to design, build, test, and maintain software applications, mobile apps, web platforms, and complex computer systems. Where a candidate falls within the JAMB cut off marks for Software Engineering determines which universities will consider their application.
Coursework includes programming languages, algorithms, data structures, database management, system architecture, and software testing methodologies.
Graduates secure roles as software developers, mobile app developers, web developers, systems architects, quality assurance engineers, and software project managers in banks, tech firms, fintech startups, and multinational corporations.
Listed below are all federal, state, and private universities offering Software Engineering, along with their respective cut off marks.
Federal Universities Offering Software Engineering
Federal universities are the most competitive for Software Engineering. If you are aiming for any of these schools, you need a strong JAMB score. Below are the federal universities that offer Software Engineering and their cut off marks for 2026/2027.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 (250 to 260 recommended) | Yes | Lagos |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 160 (220 to 230 recommended) | Yes | Osun |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 160 (200 to 210 recommended) | Yes | Kwara |
| Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 160 (190 to 200 recommended) | Yes | Ondo |
| Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | 160 (180 to 190 recommended) | Yes | Niger |
| Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 160 (180 to 190 recommended) | Yes | Imo |
| University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 160 (170 to 180 recommended) | Yes | FCT |
| Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) | 140 (160 to 170 recommended) | Yes | Ekiti |
| Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA) | 140 (150 to 160 recommended) | Yes | Kogi |
| Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 140 (140 to 150 recommended) | Yes | Gombe |
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Approved JAMB Cut Off Marks 2026/2027 for All Nigerian Institutions
State Universities Offering Software Engineering
State universities are generally less competitive than federal universities. This makes them a solid option if your JAMB score is decent but not high enough for federal schools. Below are the state universities that offer Software Engineering and their cut off marks for 2026/2027.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 160 (200 to 210 recommended) | Yes | Lagos |
| Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka | 140 (160 to 170 recommended) | Yes | Delta |
| Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt | 140 (150 to 160 recommended) | Yes | Rivers |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 140 (150 to 160 recommended) | Yes | Ekiti |
| Imo State University (IMSU) | 140 (150 to 160 recommended) | Yes | Imo |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | 140 (140 to 150 recommended) | Yes | Kaduna |
Private Universities Offering Software Engineering and Their Cut Off Marks
Private universities operate differently. Fewer students fight for admission there, so their JAMB cut off marks stay lower than federal schools. The catch is simple. You will pay more in tuition.
If your family can afford it and your JAMB score is not breaking records, private universities deserve a serious look. Below are the private universities offering Software Engineering for the 2026/2027 session.
| University | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University, Ota | 180 (180 to 190 recommended) | No | Ogun |
| Babcock University, Ilishan Remo | 160 | No | Ogun |
| Bells University of Technology, Ota | 140 | No | Ogun |
| Caleb University, Lagos | 140 | No | Lagos |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 140 | No | Oyo |
| Redeemer's University (RUN), Ede | 140 | No | Osun |
| Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo | 140 | No | Oyo |
| Madonna University, Okija | 140 | No | Anambra |
Polytechnics Offering Software Engineering
If your JAMB score is below the university requirements, polytechnics offer excellent alternatives. You can earn a National Diploma (ND) in Software Engineering or Computer Science and later move to a university through Direct Entry. Below are the polytechnics that offer related programmes for 2026/2027.
| Institution | Cut Off Mark | Post UTME | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) | 120 (120 to 130 recommended) | No | Lagos |
| Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi | 120 (120 to 130 recommended) | No | Edo |
| Kaduna Polytechnic | 120 | No | Kaduna |
| Federal Polytechnic, Nekede | 120 | No | Imo |
| Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro | 120 | No | Ogun |
Other Admission Requirements for Software Engineering
JAMB score is not the only requirement. You must also meet O Level and UTME subject requirements.
O Level Subjects Needed
You need at least five credits in these subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics (compulsory)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Any other science subject (Biology, Further Mathematics, or Data Processing)
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings. WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are accepted.
UTME Subject Combination
For JAMB, you must register with these four subjects:
- English Language (compulsory for all candidates)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Choosing the wrong subject combination will disqualify you even if you score high.
Career Opportunities After Studying Software Engineering
Software Engineering opens doors to some of the highest paying careers in the world. Graduates find jobs in banks, tech companies, government agencies, fintech startups, and multinational corporations. Here is what you can do after graduation:
1. Software Developer
You write the code that powers applications, websites, and software systems. You collaborate with teams to turn ideas into products people actually use every day.
2. Mobile App Developer
You build apps for Android and iOS devices. Millions of users could download your work from app stores. Every tap and swipe on a phone traces back to someone like you.
3. Web Developer
You create and maintain websites and web applications. You handle how they look on the outside and how they function behind the scenes.
4. Systems Architect
You design the blueprint for complex software systems. You decide how different parts talk to each other. Without you, the system would not hold together.
5. Quality Assurance Engineer
You break things on purpose to make them better. Your job is to find bugs, glitches, and problems before users ever see them. You protect the user experience.
6. DevOps Engineer
You manage the infrastructure that keeps software running. You automate updates and deployments. When systems stay online, that is your work.
7. Software Project Manager
You lead teams of developers. You plan projects, track progress, manage deadlines, and keep everyone moving in the same direction.
8. Data Scientist
You dig through massive amounts of data to find hidden patterns and insights. You write code to process, clean, and visualise data. Your discoveries help companies make smarter decisions.
9. Entrepreneur
You start your own software company. You build products, find customers, hire a team, and grow your business. This path offers unlimited income and the freedom to build what you believe in.
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