As the 2026/2027 admission season transitions into 2026, thousands of UTME candidates across Nigeria are asking a key question: which universities accept 180 and above in JAMB for Nursing?
Nursing remains one of the most competitive courses in the country due to limited admission slots, strict accreditation standards, and high demand from students aiming for local and international healthcare careers.
While some top universities require higher scores, several federal, state, and private institutions still accept candidates with 180 and above in JAMB.
For the 2026 academic session, the official JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing ranges between 180 and 200, depending on the university.
Some institutions accept 180 as the minimum score, while highly competitive universities and teaching hospitals may require 200 and above.
Departments within each university may also set higher cut-off marks based on demand and available slots. Candidates are therefore advised to view 180 as a baseline, not a guaranteed entry.
To study Nursing in any Nigerian university, candidates must have at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
For Direct Entry applicants, JAMB scores do not apply; instead, candidates must have two A-Level passes in science subjects, IJMB or JUPEB with relevant science courses, an RN certificate, or OND/HND/NCE qualifications in Nursing or related fields.
Several universities accept 180 and above in JAMB for Nursing. Federal universities include University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), both requiring 180+.
Some specialized federal health universities like Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) accept slightly lower scores, from 160+.
Other federal universities such as Lafia, Lokoja, and Kashere accept scores between 150 and 170.
Some state universities like Benue state university of Agriculture, Science and Technology accepts as low as 160 in JAMB for nursing.
Ebonyi State University is a state university that accepts 180+, while private institutions such as Madonna University, Redeemer’s University, Lead City University, Igbinedion University, Bowen University, Benson Idahosa University, Clifford University, Novena University, Bingham University, and Pamo University of Medical Sciences also accept 180 and above.
A few private universities have lower thresholds, such as Adeleke, Achievers, Chrisland, Oduduwa, and Rhema University, which accept 160+.
Candidates should note that admission into Nursing does not depend solely on JAMB scores.
Most universities calculate an aggregate score combining JAMB score (50%), Post-UTME result (30%), and O’Level grades (20%).
Strong Post-UTME performance and solid grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics can significantly improve admission chances, even for those with the minimum JAMB score.
For candidates scoring 180 in JAMB, it is advisable to aim higher in Post-UTME, apply early to avoid portal closures, ensure all O’Level requirements are met, and consider less competitive universities as backup options.
Candidates below 180 still have alternatives, such as applying to Colleges of Nursing, participating in IJMB or JUPEB programmes for Direct Entry, or choosing related courses like Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Public Health with the option of a second degree in Nursing later.
Graduates of Nursing in Nigeria have diverse career opportunities, including hospital and clinical nursing, specialist areas such as pediatrics, midwifery, and anesthesia, teaching and research, international healthcare, and health administration.
Scoring 180 in JAMB for Nursing in 2026 still opens doors, but candidates must combine strong academic performance with careful planning, timely applications, and strategic school choices to maximize their chances of admission.
