The University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Benin City, has released its departmental cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 session, and Nursing Science is among the most competitive programmes on the list. The published figure is an aggregate on a 100-point scale, which differs from the UTME scale that candidates usually have in mind. This article gives the updated Nursing Science cut-off mark, explains how to read it, compares it with other health programmes, and sets out the requirements a candidate needs to meet.
The Updated UNIBEN Nursing Science Cut-Off Mark
The 2026/2027 departmental cut-off mark for Nursing Science at UNIBEN is 70.50 for merit candidates and 68.00 for candidates admitted under the catchment category. The released table shows no figure for the educationally less developed states category for this programme.
| Admission category | Nursing Science cut-off (2026/2027) |
|---|---|
| Merit | 70.50 |
| Catchment | 68.00 |
| Educationally less developed states | Not shown for this programme |
These figures are aggregates out of 100. They are not UTME scores, which are out of 400. A candidate reaches the aggregate through a combination of UTME performance, post-UTME screening performance, and O’Level results, and the cut-off marks the lowest aggregate in the group that the programme admits.
The university’s minimum UTME score for entry into the post-UTME screening is 200, and it applies to every course. That score only qualifies a candidate to sit the screening and does not indicate the competitive level for Nursing Science.
Why Other Figures Appear Online
Candidates searching for the UNIBEN Nursing cut-off find numbers such as 200, 240, 250, 260, 290, and 65 to 73. They describe different things.
| Figure online | What it usually represents |
|---|---|
| 200 | General minimum UTME score for screening |
| 240 to 290 | Estimated or recommended UTME targets from before the departmental release |
| 65 to 73 | Estimated aggregate range from before the departmental release |
| 70.50 (merit) and 68.00 (catchment) | Published departmental cut-off for 2026/2027 |
Estimates published before the release are projections from earlier sessions. After the university released its approved departmental figures, the aggregate numbers above became the reference. Candidates rely on the university’s released list and avoid unofficial claims about cut-offs.
How to Read the Cut-Off Mark
A cut-off mark of 70.50 means that a merit candidate needs an aggregate of at least 70.50 out of 100 to be within the admission range for Nursing Science. A candidate from a catchment state competes against the lower figure of 68.00. The catchment figure is lower because the pool of candidates is narrower and the university sets aside places for them.
The practical meaning for a candidate depends on how the aggregate is built. UTME, screening performance, and O’Level grades all contribute, so a strong result in one component can offset a weaker result in another. Candidates who know their UTME score and screening score estimate their aggregate through the method in the university’s admission notice and compare the result with 70.50 or 68.00.
How Nursing Science Compares With Other Health Programmes
The released list places Nursing Science near the top of the health programmes, behind Medicine and Surgery and close to Pharmacy and Dentistry.
| Programme | 2026/2027 merit cut-off | Catchment cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | About 80 to 81 | About 79.6 |
| Law | 73.88 | Not shown |
| Dentistry | 73.38 | Not shown |
| Pharmacy | 72.63 | Not shown |
| Nursing Science | 70.50 | 68.00 |
| Radiography | 62.25 | 59.50 |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 61.50 | 58.63 |
| Physiotherapy | 60.38 | 57.88 |
Reports of the Medicine and Surgery figure differ slightly between 80.25 and 81.25, and either way the programme has the highest cut-off at the university. Nursing Science sits about ten points above Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science, and Physiotherapy, which shows the extent of the competition for it.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
A candidate for Nursing Science at UNIBEN needs the following.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum UTME score | 200 for post-UTME eligibility |
| UTME subjects | English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| O’Level credits | At least five relevant credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
| Institution choice | UNIBEN selected as first choice in the UTME |
| Post-UTME screening | Online registration with a ₦2,000 fee, excluding portal charges |
| O’Level upload | Required; failure to upload can lead to disqualification |
| Admission processing | Through JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) |
For the 2026/2027 session, the post-UTME form opened in June 2026, with a deadline that the university extended to July 17, 2026. The screening ran from July 27 to August 1, 2026, and the results are now released on the university’s portal. Candidates who took part check their scores and follow the admission lists on the portal and on JAMB CAPS.
How UNIBEN Decides Admission
The university admits candidates on merit within defined categories. The sequence is the following.
- The candidate scores at least 200 in UTME with the correct four subjects and chooses UNIBEN as first choice.
- The candidate registers for the post-UTME screening and uploads the O’Level results.
- The candidate sits the screening on the scheduled date.
- UNIBEN computes the aggregate and ranks candidates within the programme and the admission category.
- The university releases the departmental cut-off marks and the admission lists in batches.
- Admitted candidates accept the offer on JAMB CAPS and complete clearance and registration.
A candidate at or above the cut-off is in the admission range, and the final offer follows rank order within the quota. A candidate who falls just below the cut-off in the first list can still be considered if later lists are released, but the first-list figure is the safer benchmark.
Practical Targets for 2027 Applicants
The 2026/2027 figure is a reference for the next cycle. The 2027 cut-off can rise or fall depending on applicant numbers and the quota, so a margin above 70.50 is a sensible aim. Preparation focuses on four areas.
UTME score. The 200 minimum is a gate. A UTME score in the competitive range, commonly cited in the mid-200s and above, builds a base for a strong aggregate.
Post-UTME performance. The screening counts toward the aggregate. Revision of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English at the level of the UTME syllabus prepares candidates for the test.
O’Level grades. Credits in the five relevant subjects contribute to the aggregate, and a missing upload can disqualify a candidate. Candidates with the option to resit WAEC or NECO consider whether better grades raise the total.
Correct category and first choice. Candidates from catchment states check the lower figure that applies to them, and all candidates select UNIBEN as first choice.
Alternatives if the Score Falls Short
A candidate whose aggregate falls below the Nursing Science cut-off has several options:
- Apply for a related health programme at UNIBEN with a lower cut-off, such as Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, or Physiotherapy, subject to subject requirements.
- Apply for Nursing Science at another federal, state, or private university with a lower threshold.
- Consider a school or college of nursing for a Registered Nurse qualification.
- Use JAMB’s change of institution or course facility within the approved window.
- Retake the UTME and aim for a stronger overall aggregate in the next cycle.
Career Path After Graduation
A graduate of Nursing Science holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree and sits the licensing examination of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to practise as a registered nurse. Career options include clinical nursing in hospitals, community and public health, midwifery after additional training, nursing education, administration, and postgraduate study. Registration with the council is a legal requirement for practice, and candidates confirm the current licensing steps with the council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNIBEN cut-off mark for Nursing Science in 2026/2027?
The published merit cut-off is 70.50 and the catchment cut-off is 68.00, both on a 100-point aggregate scale.
Is 70.50 a UTME score?
No. It is an aggregate out of 100. UNIBEN’s minimum UTME score for screening eligibility is 200.
Which category has the lower cut-off?
The catchment category, at 68.00, is lower than the merit category at 70.50.
Why do some websites show 250 or 290 for UNIBEN Nursing?
Those figures are earlier estimates of competitive UTME scores, not the released departmental cut-off.
Does meeting the cut-off guarantee admission?
No. It is the minimum for consideration, and admission follows rank order within the programme quota.
Where can a candidate confirm the figures?
On the University of Benin’s official admission portal and notices, and on JAMB CAPS for the admission list.
Summary
UNIBEN has released its 2026/2027 departmental cut-off marks, and Nursing Science stands at 70.50 for merit candidates and 68.00 for catchment candidates on a 100-point aggregate scale. The figure sits behind only Medicine and Surgery, Law, Dentistry, and Pharmacy among the health and professional programmes. The university’s minimum UTME score of 200 only qualifies a candidate for the post-UTME screening, and the aggregate of UTME, screening, and O’Level results decides admission. Candidates preparing for the 2027 cycle aim for a strong UTME score, prepare for the screening, secure good O’Level grades, upload their results on time, choose UNIBEN as first choice, and confirm the final figures through the university’s official channels.