If you’re aiming to study Pharmacy in Nigeria, it’s important to understand the JAMB cut-off marks for universities offering this competitive and highly sought-after course. Pharmacy is a demanding field that attracts thousands of applicants every year, making it crucial to score well in your JAMB exam to enhance your chances of admission. In this blog post, we’ll explore the JAMB cut-off marks for Pharmacy in various Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a specialized field of the health sciences that focuses on the preparation, dispensing, and appropriate use of medications. Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals who ensure that patients receive the correct medications and understand how to use them effectively. They play a pivotal role in patient care by advising on drug interactions, side effects, and proper dosages.
To become a pharmacist in Nigeria, you must study Pharmacy at an accredited university. But before that, you need to meet the required JAMB cut-off mark, as it is the first step toward securing admission into a Pharmacy program.
Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks
A JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) exam to be eligible for admission into a specific course at a university. Each university sets its own cut-off mark for each course based on several factors, including the competitiveness of the course and the number of applicants.
For a course as competitive as Pharmacy, universities often set higher cut-off marks to filter the best candidates for admission. This means that scoring the minimum cut-off mark or slightly above it may not guarantee admission, especially if the course is highly sought-after.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Pharmacy 2025/2026 Academic Year
The JAMB cut-off marks for Pharmacy differ across Nigerian universities. In this section, we’ll provide a table detailing the JAMB cut-off marks for various universities that offer Pharmacy in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session.
| University | Course | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Pharmacy | 220 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Pharmacy | 200 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Pharmacy | 220 |
| Igbinedion University | Pharmacy | 180 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Pharmacy | 220 |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | Pharmacy | 200 |
| Kaduna State University (KASU) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Pharmacy | 220 |
| Madonna University | Pharmacy | 180 |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| Niger Delta University (NDU) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Pharmacy | 220 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Pharmacy | 200 |
| Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUS) | Pharmacy | 180 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | Pharmacy | 200 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Pharmacy | 200 |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | Pharmacy | 180 |
These cut-off marks reflect the competitiveness of each university’s Pharmacy program. While some institutions like University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ibadan (UI) set higher cut-off marks (220), others such as Delta State University (DELSU) and Niger Delta University (NDU) have relatively lower cut-off marks (180).
What is Pharmacology?
It’s important to note that some universities also offer Pharmacology, which is a related but distinct course from Pharmacy. Pharmacology is more focused on the science behind how drugs interact with the body, whereas Pharmacy includes both the science and the practical aspects of dispensing medications and advising patients.
Here are some universities offering Pharmacology and their cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session:
| University | Course | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Pharmacology | 200 |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | Pharmacology | 180 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | Pharmacology | 180 |
If you are interested in the science of drugs and how they affect human physiology, Pharmacology might be a good alternative for you, especially if you meet the cut-off mark for this course but fall short for Pharmacy.
Tips to Get Admitted into Pharmacy
- Score Higher Than the Minimum Cut-Off Mark: While meeting the cut-off mark is necessary, it’s advisable to aim for a score higher than the minimum required. Pharmacy is highly competitive, and scoring significantly above the cut-off mark will improve your chances of admission.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Many universities require candidates to take a Post-UTME exam after the JAMB exam. This is an additional screening exercise that tests your knowledge and preparedness for the course. Performing well in the Post-UTME can further strengthen your admission chances.
- Meet O’Level Requirements: Aside from your JAMB score, universities will also review your O’Level (WAEC or NECO) results. Most institutions require at least five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Ensure that you meet these requirements to avoid any admission issues.
- Consider Private Universities: If you’re unable to secure admission into public universities due to high competition, you can explore private institutions like Igbinedion University and Madonna University, which also offer Pharmacy with lower cut-off marks.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with announcements from your preferred universities regarding admission processes, cut-off marks, and Post-UTME exams. Admission guidelines can change from year to year, so staying informed will help you plan better.
Why Study Pharmacy in Nigeria?
- High Demand for Pharmacists: Pharmacists are in high demand across Nigeria and globally. They work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. With the healthcare sector constantly expanding, the demand for well-trained pharmacists continues to grow.
- Lucrative Career Opportunities: Pharmacy graduates often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits. Whether you choose to work in a hospital setting or establish your own pharmacy, the career prospects are rewarding.
- Diverse Career Paths: A Pharmacy degree opens doors to various career options. You could work in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or even specialize in areas like clinical pharmacy or research.
- Contribution to Healthcare: Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring public health by providing access to life-saving medications and helping patients manage their health conditions. The impact of this profession on society is invaluable.
Conclusion
Pharmacy is a competitive and respected course in Nigeria, and gaining admission requires careful preparation. The JAMB cut-off marks for Pharmacy in Nigerian universities vary, with most universities setting their cut-off marks between 180 and 220. To improve your chances of admission, aim for a score higher than the minimum cut-off mark, prepare thoroughly for the Post-UTME, and ensure that your O’Level results meet the required standards.
Remember, getting into a Pharmacy program is just the first step. Dedication and hard work throughout your academic journey will set you on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare. Good luck with your studies, and aim high to secure your spot in one of Nigeria’s top Pharmacy schools!