If you’re aspiring to study Nursing in a Nigerian university, you must be familiar with the concept of JAMB Cut-Off Mark.
It refers to the minimum score you need to obtain in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination to be eligible for the Post-UTME (Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) of your preferred university and pursue a nursing program.
For Nursing, the JAMB Cut-Off Mark is generally set at 200 and above.
However, some universities, like Ambrose Alli University (AAU), may accept a minimum score of 180. Private universities may have different criteria.
It’s important to note that polytechnics do not offer Nursing programs, so their cut-off marks are not applicable in this case.
While it’s possible to be admitted with a JAMB score of 180, the chances are relatively low, around 4 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Remember, the JAMB score is only 50% of the admission requirements. The remaining 50% is determined by your performance in the Post-UTME, O’ level exams, or both, depending on the university’s grading system.
A higher JAMB score can significantly increase your chances of admission. For example, scoring 250 and above would give you a better chance, around 70%, of being admitted to study Nursing.
Calculating Your Aggregate Score for Nursing
Different universities employ different methods to calculate the aggregate score for admission into their Nursing programs.
Some use a combination of JAMB and Post-UTME scores, while others consider JAMB and O’ level results. Universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) may incorporate JAMB, Post-UTME, and O’ level results.
Regardless of the calculation method, your JAMB score will always carry the most weight, constituting 50% of the aggregate score. The general practice is to divide your JAMB score by 8. Here’s an example of how the aggregate for Nursing is calculated using the JAMB score:
- JAMB Score divided by 8, plus Post-UTME divided by 2 (for schools using Post-UTME and JAMB).
- JAMB Score divided by 8, plus Post-UTME 30% and O’ level 20% (for schools using O’ level, Post-UTME, and JAMB).
From this calculation pattern, it becomes evident that a high JAMB score is crucial for competitive courses like Nursing, as it carries the bulk of the mark.
Can You Study Nursing with a JAMB Score of 160?
With the recent reduction of the JAMB cut-off mark for universities to 140 in 2022, it’s possible to find universities that accept a cut-off mark of 140 for Nursing.
However, it’s important to note that gaining admission with such a low score is highly unlikely. Nursing is a highly competitive course with numerous applicants each year. To increase your chances of admission, it’s essential to aim for a high JAMB score.
English Language Requirement for Nursing
To study Nursing in any Nigerian university or school of nursing, it is impossible to gain admission with a D7, E8, or F9 grade in English Language in your WASSCE or NECO results. The minimum acceptable grade in English Language is C6. English Language is a compulsory subject for admission into any course, and its importance surpasses that of Mathematics.
While you may have the option to study some courses without passing Mathematics, English Language is a mandatory requirement for all.
Conclusion
if you aspire to study Nursing in Nigeria, strive for a high JAMB score above the minimum cut-off mark.
Understand that the JAMB score is only a portion of the admission criteria, and your performance in the Post-UTME and O’ level exams also play significant roles. Good luck in your pursuit of a Nursing career!