What are the JAMB cut-off marks for Science courses, and how do they vary by institution?

 The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria sets minimum cut-off marks for admissions into tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For the 2025/2026 academic session, these general benchmarks are:

• Universities: 160
• Polytechnics: 120
• Colleges of Education: 100

However, individual institutions often establish their own cut-off marks, which can be higher than these minimum standards, especially for competitive science courses. These variations are influenced by factors such as the institution's admission policies, the popularity of the course, and the number of applicants.

Institution-Specific Cut-Off Marks for Science Courses

Here are some examples of how cut-off marks for science courses vary across different Nigerian institutions:

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG):

   • UNILAG has set its general cut-off mark at 200 for all courses, including science disciplines.

2. Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH):

   • For the 2024/2025 academic session, LASUSTECH established a cut-off mark of 180 for admission into its science and technology programs.

3. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH):

   • YABATECH's general cut-off mark for National Diploma (ND) courses is 150, while for degree courses, it's 160. Specific science courses may have higher departmental cut-off marks based on competitiveness.

4. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB):

   • FUNAAB has set its cut-off mark at 160 for all courses, including those in the sciences.

Variations by Course and Competitiveness

It's important to note that within institutions, cut-off marks can vary significantly between different science courses. Highly sought-after programs like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering often have higher cut-off marks due to increased competition. For instance, while the general cut-off might be set at 160 or 180, these competitive courses may require scores of 200 or higher.

Recommendations for Prospective Students

• Research Specific Requirements: Prospective students should consult the official websites of their chosen institutions to determine the exact cut-off marks for their desired science courses.
• Aim Higher: Given the competitive nature of many science programs, it's advisable to aim for scores well above the minimum cut-off to enhance admission prospects.
• Stay Updated: Admission requirements can change annually. Regularly checking for the latest information ensures alignment with current standards.

In summary, while JAMB provides general guidelines for cut-off marks, individual institutions have the autonomy to set higher thresholds for their science courses based on internal criteria and the competitiveness of each program.