Choosing to study Pharmacy in Nigeria means aiming for a rigorous and respected field.
Although there is a national minimum JAMB cut-off mark of 240 for Pharmacy, most federal and state universities set higher scores.Â
However, some universities maintain relatively lower cut-off marks, offering an opportunity for candidates with solid but not top scores.Â
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy in 2025?
For the 2025–2026 admission, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially set the minimum UTME score for Pharmacy at 240.Â
This is the lowest score you can have to be considered for the course. However, most universities expect higher scores due to competition.
Do some schools have even lower Pharmacy cut-off marks?
Once candidates meet the JAMB 240 threshold, universities can set lower post-UTME cut-offs or accept that minimum.Â
One such university is the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo Eno, which officially listed a general cut-off of 160 for Pharmacy (and other programs) for the 2025/2026 session.Â
That makes it among the lowest official cut-off marks for Pharmacy in Nigeria.
Which federal universities have the lowest Pharmacy cut-offs?
Most federal universities require very strong UTME scores for Pharmacy. For example: Bayero University, Kano (BUK) set its Pharmaceutical Sciences cut-off at 230 for 2024/2025.
Though higher than SUMAS, it is still slightly below the general national limit.
Other federal universities like UNILAG, UNIBEN, UI, UNN, and UNIPORT have higher cut-offs or haven’t released official figures yet.
What determines the cut-off mark in each university?
Apart from JAMB’s national 240, each university sets its internal cut-off based on:
- Demand for Pharmacy seats
- Performance of candidates in UTME
- Space available in the Pharmacy faculty
A highly competitive institution might set its own bar much higher (270–280), while newer or state-run universities with fewer applicants can stay close to JAMB’s minimum or even lower (like SUMAS at 160).
Can a lower score still get me into Pharmacy?
Yes, in some cases. For example, if you scored around 200–230, there’s still hope, especially with strong O’Level results and good post-UTME performance.Â
Universities with lower internal cut-offs (SUMAS at 160, BUK at 230) offer a path into Pharmacy. This doesn’t disqualify candidates with lower UTME scores outright.
What are the O’Level and subject requirements for Pharmacy?
To study Pharmacy, all universities ask for at least five credit passes (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB), including English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
UTME subject combination must be:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These subjects must be selected during registration.
Which universities offer Pharmacy with the lowest cut-offs?
Here’s a simple list:
- SUMAS, Igbo Eno – JAMB cut-off 160 for Pharmacy and all programs
- Bayero University, Kano – Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Sciences) cut-off 230
- Federal universities (e.g. UNILAG, UI, UNIPORT) usually admit only candidates scoring 250–280+, making them less accessible with lower scores