Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), located in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is one of the top universities in the country, known for its diverse academic programs across various disciplines. If you’re considering ATBU for your higher education, understanding the admission requirements, cut-off marks, and the application process is essential to ensure your successful admission.
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 2025/2026
General JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 160
📌 Note: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) reserves the right to set departmental cut-off marks higher than 160 based on competition and available slots.
General Admission Requirements for UTME (100 Level)
To gain admission into ATBU through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
JAMB Score:
- The minimum JAMB score for admission into ATBU is 150.
- However, for highly competitive courses such as Engineering, Medicine, and Law, scores typically range from 180 to 200+. It’s advised to aim for a higher score to improve your chances of admission.
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 that your UTME subjects match your intended course of study. For example:
- Architecture: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and any two from Geography, Technical Drawing, Biology, Economics, Chemistry, Fine Arts, and Building Construction.
- 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.
Direct Entry (DE) Admission Requirements (200 Level Entry)
For candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) into 200-level, the following qualifications are required:
A’Level Qualifications:
- Candidates with two A-Level passes in relevant subjects such as GCE A-Level, IJMB, or equivalent are eligible for Direct Entry admission, provided they also meet the O’Level requirements.
Diploma Holders:
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) holders with at least Upper 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 the JAMB Direct Entry examination to complete the application process.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks for Popular Courses
While the general cut-off mark for all candidates is 150, certain courses require higher scores due to competition. Below are the estimated departmental cut-off marks for some of the most competitive programs:
| Faculty | Course | Estimated Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering | 200+ |
| Medical Sciences | Medicine & Surgery | 220 – 250+ |
| Law | Law | 230 – 250+ |
| Social Sciences | Economics, Political Science | 180 – 220 |
Note: Always verify the cut-off mark for your specific department, as it may vary based on competition in that course.
Application Process for UTME Candidates
Follow these steps to apply for admission through the UTME route:
1. Register for JAMB:
- Achieve a minimum JAMB score of 150 or higher, and ensure that ATBU is selected as your first choice during the JAMB registration process.
2. Post-UTME Screening Application:
- After receiving your JAMB results, visit the official ATBU Admission Portal to apply for the Post-UTME screening.
- Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the screening fee as per the instructions.
3. Attend the Post-UTME Screening:
- The screening may include a written test, online assessment, or physical screening. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure successful completion.
4. Admission Status:
- After the Post-UTME screening, keep checking your admission status on the JAMB CAPS portal and the ATBU Admission Portal for updates on your admission.
Application Process for Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
Direct Entry candidates must follow these steps:
1. Obtain JAMB Direct Entry Form:
- Complete the JAMB Direct Entry examination registration online.
2. Apply through ATBU’s DE Portal:
- Visit the ATBU Direct Entry Portal and submit your application along with the required documents such as academic transcripts and certificates.
3. Screening Process:
- Depending on your qualifications, you may be required to attend additional screening or interviews.
4. Final Admission:
- Once the Direct Entry screening is complete, regularly check your admission status on both the JAMB CAPS portal and ATBU’s admission portal for updates.
Alternative Admission Routes for Candidates Below Cut-Off
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:
- ATBU offers pre-degree programs to help improve candidates’ academic qualifications for future admission cycles.
Remedial Programs:
- Candidates who don’t meet the required scores can apply for ATBU’s remedial programs, which are designed to prepare them for future admissions.
Part-Time Programs:
- ATBU offers part-time degree programs with more flexible admission requirements.
Change of Institution:
- If your JAMB score is below ATBU’s cut-off mark, you can apply for a change of institution via the JAMB portal to transfer to another institution.
Important Notes for Prospective Students
Ensure ATBU is Your First Choice:
- ATBU only accepts candidates who select the university as their first choice in the JAMB examination. Be sure to select ATBU as your first choice during registration.
Monitor Admission Status:
- Keep checking your admission status on both the JAMB CAPS portal and ATBU’s official website for any updates or changes to your admission.
Stay Updated on Screening Dates:
- Regularly visit the ATBU official website and its social media pages for announcements about Post-UTME screening dates, deadlines, and updates to the admission process.
Contact Information for ATBU
- ✔️
Official Website: https://www.atbu.edu.ng - ✔️
Admission Portal: https://portal.atbu.edu.ng - ✔️
Remedial/Pre-degree Program: https://www.atbu.edu.ng/remedial
