List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Private universities in Nigeria have grown rapidly in the past decade, becoming strong alternatives for students who want stable academic calendars, reduced strike disruptions, and modern learning environments. As 2026 approaches, many admission seekers are preparing for university applications and are actively searching for updated cut off marks, programme requirements, school affordability, and the competitiveness level of each institution.
This detailed long-form guide provides a complete list of major private universities in Nigeria, their expected cut off marks for 2026 admissions, and insights to help students, parents, guardians, and working adults make informed choices. The focus is on clarity, transparency, affordability awareness, and practical admission steps suitable for undergraduates, direct entry applicants, part-time students, and transfer students.
This guide is written to help the article rank very highly on search engines by providing deep structure, detailed programme requirements, long-form explanation, Nigerian-focused insights, and comprehensive keyword coverage that is helpful for real readers.
Understanding Cut Off Marks in Nigerian Private Universities
Private universities operate differently from federal and state institutions. They do not use a single universal cut off mark but instead set programme-specific thresholds based on:
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Demand for the course
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Competition level
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JAMB performance trends
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Institutional policies
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Accreditation and quality assurance standards
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Resource capacity and available staff
Most private universities accept a minimum of 140–180 JAMB score for general admissions, while highly competitive courses such as Law, Nursing, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Computer Science, and Engineering programs may require a higher score ranging from 180–220.
The cut off marks listed in this article for 2026 are projections based on patterns established in recent years, demand for courses, and institutional admission behavior.
Why Many Nigerian Students Prefer Private Universities in 2026
Stable academic calendar
One of the strongest advantages is the uninterrupted academic year. Admission seekers who want to graduate on time without strike disruptions often choose private universities.
Modern learning infrastructure
Private universities generally maintain better learning environments, digital resources, accommodation facilities, and student support services.
Close student monitoring
Many private institutions provide personalized guidance, academic monitoring, and stronger security.
Flexible admission opportunities
Students who scored low in JAMB still have a chance to secure quality education through Foundation programmes, JUPEB, direct entry, pre-degree, and school-based assessments.
Values and discipline
Many private universities promote moral discipline, dress codes, mentoring, and lifestyle standards preferred by families.
Factors Affecting Cut Off Marks in 2026
Course competitiveness
Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Engineering consistently attract high cut off marks.
University popularity
Institutions with long reputations or premium branding tend to receive more applications, increasing their yearly cut off marks.
Accreditation compliance
When programmes undergo full accreditation, the institution may raise requirements to improve student output quality.
JAMB performance distribution
If JAMB records a higher number of high scorers in a given year, private universities may adjust their minimum acceptance score to maintain competitiveness.
Institutional expansion
Newer universities or expanding schools may adopt lower cut off marks to attract more students.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Expected Cut Off Marks for 2026
The cut off marks listed below apply to general undergraduate admissions and may differ for direct entry, transfer, or specialised programmes.
Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine and Surgery: 220
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Nursing: 200
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Pharmacy: 200
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Law: 200
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Engineering programmes: 180
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Social sciences: 160
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Management sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
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Sciences: 160
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Agriculture-related programmes: 150
ABUAD is considered one of the top-performing private universities in West Africa, known for its strict academic structure, strong medical programmes, and modern campus.
Covenant University Ota
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Computer Science: 200
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Engineering: 180–200
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Architecture: 180
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Information Technology: 180
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Business and related programmes: 170
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Social sciences: 160
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Arts and humanities: 160
Covenant University remains a highly competitive and internationally ranked institution with excellent graduate employability statistics. It is highly preferred for technology, management, and engineering courses.
Babcock University Ilishan-Remo
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine: 220
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Nursing: 200
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Law: 200
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Public Health: 180
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Accounting: 180
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Computer Science: 170
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Mass Communication: 170
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Sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Babcock maintains a long-standing reputation with strong health sciences, business, and humanities programmes, complemented by structured lifestyle rules.
Bowen University Iwo
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine and Surgery: 220
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Nursing: 190
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Law: 180
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Engineering: 170
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Agriculture: 150
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Arts and humanities: 150
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Management sciences: 160
Bowen is an academically stable institution with strong emphasis on discipline and high achievement.
Madonna University
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Health sciences: 180
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Law: 180
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Engineering: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Madonna University remains one of the older and larger private universities with multiple campuses across Nigeria offering broad programmes.
Igbinedion University Okada
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine: 220
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Law: 200
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Pharmacy: 200
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Engineering: 170
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Business and management: 160
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Social sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Igbinedion University, being the first private university in Nigeria, is well recognized for its law and medical programmes.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Nile University of Nigeria Abuja
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine: 230
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Dentistry: 220
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Law: 200
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Computer Science: 200
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Engineering: 180
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Management sciences: 170
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Social sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Nile University has become one of the most sought-after private institutions in the capital city with strong links to industry and modern learning facilities.
Pan-Atlantic University Lagos
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Mass Communication: 200
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Accounting: 180
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Information Science and Media Studies: 180
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Business Administration: 180
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Economics: 170
This institution is known for its excellence in media, communication, and business studies.
Veritas University Abuja
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 180
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Veritas University is growing steadily, particularly in the humanities and legal studies.
Caleb University Lagos
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Architecture: 170
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Computer Science: 170
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Business Administration: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Known for a strong urban environment, Caleb University continues improving its academic structure and student support services.
Baze University Abuja
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine: 220
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Law: 200
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Computer Science: 200
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Engineering: 180
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Economics: 180
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Social sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Baze University is known for high tuition fees but excellent academic structures and Abuja’s central advantage.
Lead City University Ibadan
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 180
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Law: 180
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
Lead City University is popular among students who want flexible learning pathways and competitive academic programmes.
Redeemer’s University Ede
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 190
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Engineering: 170
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Management sciences: 150
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Sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
This institution is known for its strong emphasis on discipline and high academic expectations.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Mountain Top University
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
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Social sciences: 150
A faith-based institution with strong research interests and value-based training.
Chrisland University Abeokuta
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 180
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Medical laboratory science: 170
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Computer Science: 160
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Management sciences: 150
Chrisland University continues to expand its health sciences and science programmes.
Benson Idahosa University Benin City
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 180
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Medicine (if applicable): 200
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Sciences: 160
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Arts: 150
The university is known for entrepreneurship training and leadership development.
Elizade University Ilara-Mokin
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Engineering: 180
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Computer Science: 170
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Elizade University provides strong engineering programmes supported by modern laboratories.
Adeleke University Ede
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 180
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Public health: 170
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Law: 180
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Sciences: 150–160
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Management and social sciences: 150
A fast-growing institution backed by improved academic structures.
Ajayi Crowther University Oyo
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 180
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Computer Science: 170
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Business Administration: 160
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Arts and humanities: 150
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Social sciences: 150
Ajayi Crowther University is popular for its serene learning environment and faith-based discipline.
American University of Nigeria Yola
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 200
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Business Administration: 180
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Computer Science: 200
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International relations: 170
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Arts and social sciences: 160
A premium private university with American-style curriculum and high employability standards.
Crawford University Igbesa
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Crawford University continues to attract students who prefer smaller class sizes and personal attention.
Fountain University Osogbo
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 170
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Medical laboratory science: 160
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Sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
The university focuses on value-based education and skill-building.
Hallmark University Ijebu-Itele
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Hallmark University is becoming known for its neat campus and practical-oriented teaching.
Admiralty University of Nigeria Delta State
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Cybersecurity: 170
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Forensic Science: 170
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Sciences: 160
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Arts and social sciences: 150
A security-focused institution offering unique fields of study.
Dominican University Ibadan
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Philosophy: 150
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Religious studies: 150
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
A niche private university ideal for humanities students.
Skyline University Kano
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Information technology: 180
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Computer Science: 170
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Engineering: 170
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Management sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
Skyline University is a modern and internationally oriented institution.
Gregory University Uturu
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine: 220
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Law: 200
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Pharmacy: 200
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Sciences: 160
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Engineering: 170
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Social sciences: 150
Gregory University is steadily expanding and improving programme quality.
Rhema University Aba
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 180
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Sciences: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Social sciences: 150
The university is well regarded for its health science programmes.
Tansian University Anambra
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Nursing: 170
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Tansian University attracts students especially from southeastern Nigeria.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Hezekiah University Umudi
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 150–160
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
A developing private university with accessible admission standards.
Paul University Awka
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Arts and humanities: 150
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
Ideal for students needing lower cut off marks and flexible learning.
Caritas University Enugu
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Science programmes: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
A faith-based university with an expanding reputation.
Godfrey Okoye University Enugu
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Law: 180
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Nursing: 180
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Mass communication: 170
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Sciences: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
The university is known for innovation and strong partnerships.
Augustine University Ilara
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
A young institution with modern learning structures.
Salem University Lokoja
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Criminology: 160
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Computer Science: 160
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Management sciences: 150
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
Salem University develops leadership-oriented programmes.
Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences Lagos
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Medicine and Surgery: 220
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Nursing: 200
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Medical laboratory science: 180
A specialised private university focusing entirely on health sciences.
Kings University Ode-Omu
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
Kings University offers structured academic supervision and professional training.
Precious Cornerstone University Ibadan
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Sciences: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
A rapidly growing university with supportive academic leadership.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Kwararafa University Wukari
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
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Sciences: 150–160
A private institution serving north-central Nigeria effectively.
Western Delta University
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Environmental sciences: 160
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Engineering: 170
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
The university is gaining attention for engineering and environmental management programmes.
Wellspring University Benin
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Social sciences: 150
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Management sciences: 150
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Sciences: 160
Students appreciate the school’s flexible admission approach.
HENSARD University Bayelsa
Expected Cut Off Marks
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Science and technology programmes: 160
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Social sciences: 150
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Arts: 150
A newly emerging institution with future development potential.
How to Gain Admission into Private Universities in Nigeria in 2026
Admission into private universities is straightforward compared to federal institutions, but applicants must still follow structured steps.
Step 1: Register for JAMB and select the institution or write without selecting any
Candidates must obtain a JAMB form, meet the UTME requirement, and upload required O-level results.
Step 2: Meet the minimum cut off mark
Although private universities allow flexible entry, competitive courses demand strong JAMB scores.
Step 3: Participate in screening
Most private universities conduct:
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Online screening
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Document verification
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Physical screening (if required)
Step 4: Submit required documents
These usually include:
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WAEC, NECO or NABTEB results
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Birth certificate
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JAMB result
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Reference letters (if applicable)
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Passport photograph
Step 5: Pay acceptance fee and begin registration
Once admitted, students complete course registration and medical screening.
Tips for Higher Admission Chances in 2026
Choose courses that match your strengths
Many students apply for highly competitive fields without considering alternatives.
Target universities that align with your JAMB score
If you scored below 180, choose universities with lower thresholds.
Prepare early for JAMB
Better scores give more programme flexibility.
Consider financial capability
Tuition varies widely across private universities.
Explore scholarships
Some institutions provide merit-based, need-based, or sports scholarships.
How to Select the Best Private University for You
Consider tuition and affordability
Private universities differ significantly in cost. Always compare fees before applying.
Check accreditation
Ensure your course is fully accredited to avoid future complications.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria and Their Cut Off Mark in 2026
Evaluate location
Consider safety, cost of living, and accessibility.
Review facilities and academic quality
Programmes like engineering or medicine require strong laboratory support.
Assess student lifestyle
Private universities have varying rules on dressing, behaviour, and conduct.
Expected Tuition Ranges in Private Universities in 2026
Private university tuition often falls within these ranges:
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Medical programmes: very high
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Law: high
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Engineering: high
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Management and social sciences: medium
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Arts and humanities: affordable
Students should always request updated fee schedules directly from each institution.
Final Summary for Admission Seekers in 2026
Private universities in Nigeria continue to expand, offering diverse programmes, modern facilities, and stable academic calendars. Their 2026 cut off marks vary based on competitiveness, programme quality, and institutional capacity. While some schools maintain higher thresholds such as Covenant University, Nile University, ABUAD, and Baze University, others offer more accessible entry points for students with moderate JAMB scores.
Prospective students should review the list provided across both parts, compare affordability, understand programme competitiveness, and prepare early for JAMB to increase their chances of securing admission into their dream institution.
