Dreaming of wearing the white uniform but worried your JAMB score won’t make it into the big-name universities? You’re not alone. Nursing remains one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, with top schools demanding 240–280 aggregate scores. The encouraging news is that several schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing still exist, and they hold full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). This well-researched guide unpacks those institutions and shows you exactly how to land your admission for the 2026/2027 session.
Understanding “Low” Cut-Off in Nursing
Before diving in, let’s clarify what “low” really means. Nursing is a regulated, life-critical profession, so even the friendliest schools maintain solid standards. In practice, a low cut-off here typically means:
- 160 to 180 JAMB scores at university level
- 150 at most Colleges of Nursing Sciences
- Flexible Post-UTME screening, especially in private universities
- NMCN-accredited programs that meet local and international standards
JAMB officially fixed 150 as the 2026 national minimum for both universities and Colleges of Nursing during its May 2026 Policy Meeting in Abuja. This floor opens the door for several schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing to admit serious candidates scoring between 150 and 200.
JAMB Nursing Subject Combination
Without the right subjects, your application gets rejected before screening. Register these four for UTME:
- English Language (compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Don’t substitute Physics with Mathematics. Don’t replace Biology with Agricultural Science. Universities reject wrong combinations immediately.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing
Five credits in not more than two sittings are non-negotiable:
- English Language (credit)
- Mathematics (credit)
- Biology (credit)
- Chemistry (credit)
- Physics (credit)
WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results all qualify. Most institutions combine WAEC and NECO results when both fall within a two-year window.
Top Schools That Accept Low JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing 2026/2027
Below are the verified institutions for the new academic session. Each holds NMCN accreditation, and graduates can sit the licensing exam to become Registered Nurses.
Federal Universities
1. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) — 180 UNIMAID admits Nursing candidates with 180, provided Post-UTME and O’level results are strong.
2. Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Kogi State — 160–180 A newer federal school with moderate competition for its growing Nursing department.
3. Federal University Kashere, Gombe State — 160 Catchment-area candidates enjoy further advantages here.
4. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) — 180 UNIPORT’s Nursing program stays accessible to Niger Delta catchment candidates.
5. Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Bayelsa State — 160–180 A growing federal institution welcoming Nursing applicants every session.
State Universities
6. Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi — 160 BSU runs a respected College of Health Sciences with friendly admission for Nursing.
7. Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island — 160–180 Local competition is real, but the cut-off remains moderate.
8. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki — 180 EBSU’s Nursing Science combines moderate cut-off with full NMCN accreditation.
9. Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba — 160 PAAU stands among the most accessible state-owned schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing in north-central Nigeria.
10. Bauchi State University, Gadau — 160 Indigene candidates enjoy a slightly smoother screening process.
Private Universities
11. Rhema University, Aba — 160 A faith-based private school with friendly admission and a growing Nursing reputation.
12. Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State — 160 Achievers consistently appears on lists of schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing.
13. PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt — 160–180 A specialized health-focused institution offering Nursing alongside Medicine.
14. Madonna University, Okija — 180 One of Nigeria’s oldest private universities offering NMCN-accredited Nursing.
15. Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State — 180 A respected faith-based institution with strong Health Sciences programs.
16. Novena University, Ogume, Delta State — 180 Novena’s Nursing Science program holds full NMCN accreditation.
17. Adeleke University, Ede — 160 A faith-based school with flexible admission and modern Nursing facilities.
18. Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State — 180 One of the earliest private universities licensed for Nursing in Nigeria.
Colleges of Nursing Sciences (RN and BNSc Routes)
Beyond universities, dedicated Colleges of Nursing Sciences run separate programs, and most accept the 150 JAMB floor.
- Lagos State College of Nursing — 200 (more competitive)
- LUTH School of Nursing, Idi-Araba — 200
- Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba — 180
- Kebbi State College of Nursing, Birnin Kebbi — 170
- School of Nursing, UCH Ibadan — 150–180
- School of Nursing, OAUTHC Ile-Ife — 150–180
- School of Nursing, UNTH Enugu — 150–180
These colleges are among the most realistic schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing for candidates scoring between 150 and 200.
Why These Schools Have Lower Cut-Offs
Several factors explain the friendlier admission benchmarks at these schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing:
- Newer accreditation status — some recently approved Nursing programs are still building enrollment
- Catchment-area preferences — federal universities favor candidates from nearby states
- Lower applicant volume — schools outside Lagos and the South-West receive fewer applications
- Flexible private admission policies — private schools weigh character, interviews, and Post-UTME alongside JAMB
- Faith-based or mission focus — some institutions prioritize service-driven applicants
Lower cut-off doesn’t mean lower quality. Every school listed produces Registered Nurses who can practice locally and internationally after passing NMCN exams.
Tips to Gain Admission With a Modest Score
Even at schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing, smart preparation still matters:
- Aim higher than the minimum — target 200+ in UTME for safety
- Master Post-UTME — it carries 40–50% of your aggregate at most schools
- Lock in strong O’level grades in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Apply through your catchment area when targeting federal universities
- Use Change of Course/Institution on the JAMB portal if your first choice rejects you
- Apply early to private universities before slots fill up
- Consider Direct Entry (JUPEB, IJMB) for 200-level entry without UTME
- Keep a College of Nursing in mind as a strong parallel route
A 160 JAMB score won’t unlock UNILAG Nursing — but it can land you Nursing admission at the institutions above.
Why Trust This Guide
Every figure here reflects JAMB’s 2026 Policy Meeting in Abuja and announcements published by Vanguard, Punch, and Sahara Reporters in May 2026. All listed institutions hold NMCN accreditation, and most carry NUC approval for their degree programs. The schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing mentioned above come from verified institutional submissions — but always confirm departmental cut-offs through each school’s official admission portal before applying.
Reliable verification sources include:
- JAMB portal: jamb.gov.ng and caps.jamb.gov.ng
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN): nmcn.gov.ng
- National Universities Commission (NUC): nuc.edu.ng
- Individual school admission websites for current departmental cut-offs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the lowest JAMB cut-off for Nursing in 2026/2027? JAMB pegged the national minimum at 150 for both universities and Colleges of Nursing. Most universities set departmental Nursing cut-offs between 160 and 200, while many Colleges of Nursing Sciences accept the 150 floor.
Q2: Can I study Nursing with 150 in JAMB? Yes — especially at Colleges of Nursing Sciences and a few newer state universities. Combine the score with strong O’level results and a competitive Post-UTME.
Q3: Which private university accepts the lowest score for Nursing? Rhema University, Achievers University, Adeleke University, and PAMO University of Medical Sciences admit Nursing candidates with around 160–180.
Q4: Is Nursing easier to enter at private universities? Generally yes. Private universities use flexible screening — interviews, essays, and Post-UTME — alongside JAMB. This makes them friendly options among schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing.
Q5: What’s the difference between BNSc and RN programs? BNSc is a five-year university degree. RN is a three-year program at Colleges of Nursing Sciences. Both routes qualify graduates to sit the NMCN licensing exam.
Q6: Can I work abroad after studying Nursing in Nigeria? Yes. NMCN-licensed nurses convert internationally through NMC-UK, NCLEX-USA, or HAAD-UAE pathways after meeting language and verification requirements.
Q7: Should I apply to Colleges of Nursing or universities? Both are valid. Universities offer BNSc and broader academic exposure. Colleges of Nursing deliver faster, hands-on training. Many working nurses started at colleges and later upgraded to degrees.
Final Thoughts
A modest JAMB score doesn’t end your Nursing dream. The schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing listed above provide genuine paths to becoming a Registered Nurse in Nigeria. Federal options like UNIMAID and FULOKOJA, state schools such as BSU and EBSU, private institutions like Rhema and Achievers, plus dedicated Colleges of Nursing all welcome committed candidates.
What truly matters is your full preparation — UTME score, Post-UTME performance, O’level grades, and timely application. The schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing guide above gives you a solid starting point. Apply early, verify each school’s current brochure, and don’t ignore the parallel route of Colleges of Nursing Sciences.
For every aspiring nurse exploring schools that accept low JAMB cut off mark for Nursing for 2026/2027, focus on accreditation, realistic course selection, and disciplined preparation. Your white uniform is closer than you think — start planning today, and let consistent effort carry you into a Nursing classroom this academic session.