The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a crucial role in the Nigerian education system by conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which serves as the primary gateway for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For aspiring law students, understanding the JAMB cut-off mark is essential, as it determines eligibility for the highly competitive Faculty of Law. Law remains one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria due to its prestige, intellectual demands, and promising career prospects in advocacy, judiciary, corporate practice, and public service.
The cut-off mark refers to the minimum score required in the UTME to qualify for post-UTME screening and eventual admission. While JAMB sets a national benchmark, individual institutions often raise it based on applicant volume, available slots, and academic standards. For the 2026/2027 academic session, projections suggest continuity in trends from previous years, with the general UTME cut-off hovering around 140 for universities, but Law demanding significantly higher thresholds, typically 250 or above in competitive federal universities.
What is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the lowest UTME score approved by the board and tertiary institutions for considering candidates for admission. It is announced annually during the policy meeting involving JAMB, vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, usually in July following the UTME. This mark ensures only qualified candidates proceed to the next stage, which includes post-UTME screening, where institutions may further filter based on aggregate scores combining UTME, O’Level results, and sometimes aptitude tests.
For universities, the baseline has stabilized at 140 points since 2021, down from higher figures like 160 in earlier years, to accommodate more students amid growing enrollment pressures. However, this is merely the entry threshold; popular courses like Law see institutions imposing departmental cut-offs that can exceed 280. These higher marks reflect the limited spaces—often fewer than 200 per university—and the high caliber of applicants. Polytechnics and colleges of education have lower baselines at 100 and 100 respectively, but Law is rarely offered there, making universities the primary focus.
Achieving the cut-off is not a guarantee of admission; it triggers eligibility. Factors like catchment areas, educationally less developed states (ELDS) quotas, and merit lists influence final selections. In essence, the cut-off mark acts as a quality control mechanism, balancing access with excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
General Requirements for Studying Law
To pursue Law, candidates must meet multifaceted criteria encompassing UTME performance, O’Level qualifications, and subject-specific choices. These ensure a strong foundation in legal reasoning, language proficiency, and general knowledge.
O’Level Requirements
Candidates need at least five credits in relevant subjects from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in no more than two sittings. For Law, the mandatory subjects are:
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- Mathematics
- One Arts or Social Science subject (e.g., Government, History, or Economics)
- Another Arts or Social Science subject (e.g., Christian Religious Knowledge, Civic Education, or Geography)
A credit in English is non-negotiable, as it underpins legal drafting and argumentation. Institutions like the University of Lagos emphasize at least a B3 in Literature-in-English to gauge literary aptitude.
UTME Subject Combination
The JAMB-prescribed subjects for Law are:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Literature-in-English
- One from Christian Religious Knowledge/Islamic Studies
- One from Government, History, or Economics
Scoring well across these—aiming for 70+ per subject—boosts your total. Use of English often carries the heaviest weight, so prioritize comprehension and essay writing in preparation.
Age and Other Criteria
Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the admission year. Direct Entry candidates (with A’Levels, ND, or HND) require similar O’Level credits plus upper credit passes in relevant programs. Post-UTME performance, calculated as an aggregate (e.g., 50% UTME + 50% Post-UTME), finalizes eligibility.
Meeting these holistically positions you competitively, as Law admissions favor well-rounded profiles.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Law in Universities
While the national UTME cut-off for universities is 140, Law’s competitiveness elevates it substantially. Based on 2025/2026 trends—where federal universities like UNILAG and UI set 280—expect similar or slightly adjusted figures for 2026/2027, pending the July 2026 policy meeting. State universities may dip to 240-260, while private ones like Afe Babalola University offer flexibility around 200-220, often with fee incentives.
The table below summarizes projected departmental cut-off marks for Law in select Nigerian universities, drawn from recent patterns. Note: These are estimates; confirm post-JAMB announcement.
| University | Type | Projected Cut-Off Mark (UTME) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Federal | 280 | Highly competitive; prioritizes merit and catchment. |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Federal | 280 | Strong emphasis on Post-UTME; aggregate often 70+. |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | Federal | 260 | Northern quota influences; ELDS candidates at 240. |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Federal | 270 | Requires excellent Literature scores. |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife | Federal | 270 | Holistic screening; interviews for borderline cases. |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Federal | 250 | South-South focus; lower for indigenes. |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | State | 240 | Affordable fees; state indigenes at 220. |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | State | 230 | Balanced between merit and quota. |
| Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Private | 200 | Entrance exam supplements UTME; scholarships available. |
| Babcock University | Private | 210 | Christian ethics integrated; holistic admission. |
This table highlights variations: Federal institutions dominate the high end due to prestige and funding, while private ones provide alternatives for moderate scorers. Aim 20-30 points above the projected mark for safety, as merit lists fill quickly.
How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score
Admission hinges on your aggregate score, blending UTME and Post-UTME results. The formula varies by institution but commonly is:
Aggregate = (UTME Score / 8) × 60% + (Post-UTME Score / 100) × 40% + O’Level Bonus (if applicable)
For example, a 250 UTME score yields 250/8 = 31.25 (×60% = 18.75). A 70/100 Post-UTME adds 28, totaling 46.75/100. O’Level grades may add points (e.g., A1 = 6 points per subject).
Practice past questions to excel in Post-UTME, which tests similar subjects. Tools like weighted calculators help simulate outcomes.
Tips to Meet or Exceed the Cut-Off
- Early Preparation: Start six months ahead with JAMB syllabi, focusing on Literature and Government. Join study groups or apps for mock exams.
- Targeted Scoring: Allocate time: 40% to Use of English, 30% to Literature, 15% each to others. Practice speed-reading for comprehension.
- Multiple Choices: Apply to 2-3 universities via JAMB portal, mixing federal, state, and private to hedge risks.
- Post-UTME Mastery: Review O’Level texts; simulate oral defenses for confidence.
- Seek Guidance: Consult counselors or alumni; track JAMB updates via official channels.
- Health Balance: Maintain routines—sleep, exercise—to sustain focus during the grueling exam period.
Consistency yields results; many succeed by retaking UTME if needed.
READ ALSO: Updated JAMB Subject Combination for Law in Nigeria
FAQs
Can I study Law with a UTME score below 200?
Unlikely in federal universities, where cut-offs start at 250. Consider state or private options, or change to less competitive courses like Political Science.
What if I miss the cut-off after Post-UTME?
Explore supplementary admissions, JUPEB, or Direct Entry next year. Some institutions offer waitlists.
Does O’Level awaiting results affect eligibility?
No, if provisional; submit originals before matriculation. Two sittings are allowed.
Are there quotas for Law admissions?
Yes—70% merit, 30% catchment/ELDS. Indigenes of host states gain advantages.
How does JAMB announce cut-offs?
Via the annual policy meeting in July; institutions follow with departmental specifics in August.
