Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), located in Zaria, Kaduna State, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and comprehensiveacademic institutions. Known for its outstanding academic programs, ABU offers undergraduate degrees across various disciplines. As a prospective student, it’s essential to understand the admission requirements, cut-off marks, and the application process for the 2025/2026 academic session.
This guide will walk you through:
- ✔️ JAMB Cut-Off Mark
- ✔️ General Admission Requirements
- ✔️ Direct Entry (DE) Admission
- ✔️ Course-Specific Cut-Off Marks
- ✔️ Application Process for UTME Candidates
- ✔️ Application Process for Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
- ✔️ Alternative Admission Routes
ABU JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027
General JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
📌 Note: ABU reserves the right to set departmental cut-off marks higher than 180 based on competition and available slots.
General Admission Requirements for UTME (100 Level)
To gain admission into ABU through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
JAMB Score:
- The minimum JAMB score for admission into ABU is 180.
- However, highly competitive programs like Medicine, Law, and Engineering typically require higher cut-off marks, ranging from 200 to 250+, depending on competition.
O’Level Requirements:
- Five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE).
UTME Subject Combination:
Ensure your UTME subject combination aligns with your intended course. For example:
- Medicine & Surgery: English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
- Law: English, Government, and one other relevant subject.
Important Note: Always double-check your subject combination to ensure that you are taking the correct
subjects for your intended course of study.
Institution Choice:
- ABU only accepts candidates who select the university as their first choice in the JAMB examination. Ensure that ABU is selected as your first choice.
Direct Entry (DE) Admission Requirements (200 Level Entry)
For candidates with advanced qualifications (such as A’Level, ND, NCE, etc.), ABU offers Direct Entry (DE) admission into 200-level. Below are the key requirements for DE candidates:
A’Level Qualifications:
A minimum of two A’Level passes in relevant subjects. For example:
- Medical courses: Biology, Chemistry.
- Social Sciences: Economics, Government.
- IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent qualifications are also accepted.
Diploma Holders:
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) holders with at least Lower Credit in relevant fields are eligible for DE admission.
O’Level Requirements:
- Candidates must have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
JAMB Direct Entry Form:
- All Direct Entry candidates must register for JAMB Direct Entry and complete the application process for DE admission.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks for Popular Courses
While the general cut-off mark for all candidates is 180, some courses at ABU have higher cut-off marks due to competition. Below are estimated departmental cut-off marks for some popular programs:
| Faculty | Course | Estimated Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering | 220+ |
| Medical Sciences | Medicine & Surgery | 250 |
| Law | Law | 230-250 |
| Social Sciences | Economics, Political Science | 200-220 |
| Humanities | History, English | 180-210 |
Pro Tip: The higher your JAMB score, the better your chances of securing admission, especially for competitive courses. Aim to score above the minimum cut-off for better opportunities. Aim to score above the minimum cut-off for better opportunities.
Application Process for UTME Candidates
To apply for admission through the UTME route, follow these steps:
1. Register for JAMB:
- Achieve a minimum score of 180 and select ABU as your first choice during JAMB registration.
2. Post-UTME Screening Application:
- After the release of JAMB results, visit the official ABU Admission Portal to apply for the Post-UTME screening.
- Complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the screening fee as instructed.
3. Attend the Post-UTME Screening:
- The Post-UTME screening may include a written test, online assessment, or physical screening. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and attend the screening on the scheduled dates.
4. Admission Status:
- After completing the screening, check your admission status on the ABU Admission Portal and JAMB CAPS for updates.
Application Process for Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
Direct Entry candidates must follow these steps to apply:
1. Register for JAMB Direct Entry:
- Obtain and complete the JAMB Direct Entry form online.
2. Submit Application to BUK:
- Visit ABU’s Direct Entry portal to submit your application with all required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, certificates, etc.).
3. Screening & Interview:
- Some candidates may need to attend additional screening or interviews depending on their qualifications and course of study.
4. Final Admission:
- Once your application is reviewed, check your admission status on the ABU portal and JAMB CAPS for final confirmation.
Alternative Admission Pathways
If you don’t meet the minimum cut-off mark or are not admitted via UTME or Direct Entry, consider these alternative
routes:
Pre-degree Programs:
- ABU offers pre-degree programs for candidates who do not meet the required cut-off marks or qualifications. These programs help prepare students for future admission.
Part-Time Programs:
- ABU offers part-time degree programs, which may have more flexible entry requirements.
Change of Institution:
- If your JAMB score is below ABU’s cut-off mark, you can apply for a change of institution via the JAMB portal to transfer to another institution.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Accepting Admission: Upon receiving an admission offer, accept it on JAMB CAPS and complete any required documentation on the ABU portal.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the ABU Admission Portal and official website for screening dates, cut-off marks, and admission list updates.
- Avoid Multiple Applications: Ensure that ABU is selected as your first choice on your JAMB application. ABU does not accept second-choice candidates.
Contact Information for ABU
- ✔️
Official Website: https://www.abu.edu.ng - ✔️
Admission Portal: https://portal.abu.edu.ng - ✔️
Distance Learning Centre: https://abudlc.edu.ng
