What is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark For Pharmacy in Nigeria

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy for all Universities. Pharmacy is one of Nigeria’s most competitive and sought-after degree programmes. This professional course prepares students for careers in medication dispensing, pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, clinical pharmacy, and public healthcare. Because of its importance and high demand, gaining admission into Pharmacy requires not just a good UTME score but also meeting specific cut-off marks, subject combinations, and other academic requirements.

In this detailed article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy in Nigeria — including subject combination, variations by institution, screening dates, and strategies to boost your chances of admission for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Understanding the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy

The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score you must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for admission consideration into a course — in this case, Pharmacy. While JAMB sets a national minimum requirement, most universities set higher departmental cut-offs for competitive programmes like Pharmacy.

 The cut-off mark for Pharmacy is an important threshold. While JAMB’s nominal threshold may be a baseline, major institutions often require significantly higher scores to shortlist candidates for interview or Post-UTME screening.

Official JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy (2026/2027)

Although JAMB’s general eligibility score for university programmes is usually around 140–160, Pharmacy is far more competitive due to its popularity and limited faculty spaces. For the 2026/2027 session:

  • JAMB official minimum cut-off mark: around 240 — a baseline eligibility requirement.

  • Competitive cut-off range: usually 250–280+ in many universities.

  • Recommended target score: 280+ to remain highly competitive.

Your JAMB score influences whether you qualify for a Post-UTME screening, and it’s often a weighted component of the aggregate admission score used by universities.

JAMB Subject Requirement for Pharmacy

Why Pharmacy Has a High Cut-Off Mark

There are several reasons why Pharmacy attracts a relatively high cut-off mark across Nigerian tertiary institutions:

1. High Demand and Limited Spaces

Thousands of candidates apply to study Pharmacy every year, but each university admits only a limited number of students based on laboratory capacity and faculty limits.

2. Professional and Scientific Rigor

Pharmacy involves rigorous coursework in chemistry, biology, and health sciences. Universities, therefore, prioritize candidates with strong scientific aptitude and high UTME performance.

3. Competitive Screening Process

After clearing the JAMB cut-off, many institutions require Post-UTME tests, interviews, or aggregate scoring, which further filters candidates.

Collectively, these factors mean the cut-off for Pharmacy isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of academic standards and competition.

Typical JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy by University 

Because each institution manages its own admissions process, cut-off marks can vary significantly.

Federal Universities Offering Pharmacy

Federal institutions usually set the highest cut-off marks due to greater demand and higher academic standards:

Federal University Expected Cut-Off Mark
University of Ibadan (UI) 270 – 280+
University of Lagos (UNILAG) 260 – 280
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) 250 – 270
University of Nigeria (UNN) 260 – 280
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) 250 – 270
University of Benin (UNIBEN) 250 – 270
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) 240 – 270
Bayero University Kano (BUK) 240 – 270

These figures reflect competitive benchmarks driven by applicants’ performances and limited departmental capacity.

State Universities Offering Pharmacy

State universities typically have slightly lower cut-offs compared to federal schools, yet still maintain high academic expectations:

State University Typical Cut-Off Range
Lagos State University (LASU) 230 – 250
Rivers State University (RSU) 220 – 240
Delta State University (DELSU) 230 – 250
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) 220 – 240
Gombe State University (GSU) 210 – 250

These universities often use your JAMB score alongside Post-UTME results to calculate an admission aggregate.

Private Universities Offering Pharmacy

Private institutions may offer more flexible entry points, but still require competitive performance:

Private University Cut-Off Range
Madonna University 200 – 240
Covenant University* 180 – 220 (if Pharmacy offered)
Babcock University 180 – 220
Lead City University 180 – 220

Note: Not all private universities have Pharmacy programmes, and those that do may combine JAMB scores with internal tests or portfolio evaluations.

Post-UTME Screening and Aggregate Scoring For Pharmacy

Clearing the JAMB cut-off mark is only the first step. Many universities use a combined or aggregate scoring system to decide final admissions. A typical breakdown might look like:

  • JAMB Score: 50%

  • Post-UTME Score: 30%

  • O’Level Grades: 20%

Some universities adjust these percentages, and others may conduct additional assessments like interviews or subject tests.

This means a strong JAMB score, excellent O’Level results, and a good Post-UTME performance together increase your odds of securing admission.

Minimum Eligibility vs Competitive Requirements

It’s important to know the difference between national minimum eligibility and institutional/departmental cut-off:

  • Minimum Eligibility: JAMB may consider scores around 140–160 as broadly eligible for university programs, including Pharmacy on paper.

  • Departmental Cut-Off: Competitive programmes like Pharmacy usually raise that threshold significantly, often well above 220 and up to 280+, depending on the school.

Thus, merely meeting the official minimum doesn’t guarantee admission into Pharmacy — it gets you eligible for screening. From there, your score must compete with other applicants.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Admission into Pharmacy

To boost your likelihood of gaining a Pharmacy offer, consider the following:

1. Aim for a High UTME Score

  • Target 280+ if you want the best chance of admission into top federal universities.

2. Excel in Post-UTME

  • Prepare seriously for your school’s screening tests — they heavily influence aggregate scores.

3. Strengthen O-Level Results

  • Most universities require at least five (5) credit passes, including:
    English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Know Your Target Schools

  • Research specific cut-off trends to choose schools where your score is competitive.

5. Consider Strategic Options

  • Some applicants use Direct Entry (e.g., A-Levels, IJMB, diploma) if their UTME score falls short.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum JAMB score for Pharmacy?

Most competitive universities require at least 250+, with top schools demanding 270–280+.

Can I gain admission with 200 in JAMB?

A score of 200 may meet eligibility at some less competitive or private universities, but it’s low for federal Pharmacy programmes.

Does every university conduct Post-UTME?

Yes — most institutions offering Pharmacy conduct Post-UTME or screening exercises.

Is Direct Entry available for Pharmacy?

Yes — candidates with A-Levels or equivalent qualifications can enter at the 200 level.

Conclusion

The JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 session is set with competitiveness in mind. While the official minimum may be around 240, most universities — especially federal ones — expect candidates to score much higher due to limited spaces and high demand.

To enhance your admission prospects:

  • Target high UTME scores (250–280+).

  • Prepare well for Post-UTME or school screenings.

  • Ensure strong O’Level results in core science subjects.

By understanding these benchmarks and applying a strategic approach, you position yourself strongly in the competitive race to become a Pharmacy undergraduate in Nigeria

Feel free to share this post with interested persons who are applying for Pharmacy in this academic session. If you have questions to ask concerning JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy, please drop them in the comment section our team will respond to you immediately.

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