Are you passionate about music and interested in pursuing a career in the field? Studying Music in Nigeria offers an exciting opportunity to refine your talents in performance, composition, and music theory while gaining a solid academic foundation. Whether you’re inclined towards becoming a professional musician, composer, music educator, or producer, Nigerian universities offer a variety of programs that cater to these aspirations.
In this article, we will explore the JAMB cut-off marks for Music in various Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing detailed insights into the institutions that offer this program and what you need to achieve admission.
What is Music as a Course?
Music, as an academic discipline, goes beyond just performing or listening to songs. It involves the study of sound, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students majoring in Music delve into the technicalities of music theory, composition, and performance while also exploring various music genres such as classical, contemporary, jazz, and traditional music.
Music students typically engage in both theoretical and practical studies. They learn how to compose and arrange music, perform using different musical instruments, and understand the cultural and historical contexts of music. Upon graduation, opportunities abound in areas such as performance, music production, teaching, and more specialized fields like music therapy.
Importance of JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Music Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off mark is a crucial criterion for gaining admission into Nigerian universities. It represents the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission into their preferred course of study.
Different universities have varying cut-off marks for each program, including Music. The cut-off mark typically reflects the level of competition for that course. If you’re serious about studying Music, ensuring that you meet or exceed the cut-off mark for your chosen university is key to increasing your chances of gaining admission.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Music in Nigerian Universities (2025/2026)
The cut-off marks for Music programs differ across Nigerian universities. Below is a table showing the JAMB cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session for some of the leading institutions offering Music as a course:
| University | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Bowen University | 180 |
| Babcock University | 180 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 180 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 180 |
| University of Nigeria (UNN) | 180 |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 180 |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 180 |
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each university offering Music, including their JAMB cut-off marks and what makes their programs unique.
Universities Offering Music in Nigeria
1. Bowen University
- Location: Iwo, Osun State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
Bowen University, a private Christian institution, is renowned for offering quality education in various fields, including Music. With a cut-off mark of 180, prospective students must meet this minimum score in their JAMB exams to be considered for admission. The Music program at Bowen blends both theoretical learning and practical training, helping students to hone their musical abilities.
2. Babcock University
- Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
Babcock University is another private institution with a strong focus on moral and academic excellence. The Music department offers a robust curriculum designed to develop skills in performance, composition, and music production. With a cut-off mark of 180, students have a fair chance of gaining admission if they perform well in their UTME.
3. University of Ibadan (UI)
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200
The University of Ibadan, often regarded as Nigeria’s premier university, offers a highly competitive Music program. With a cut-off mark of 200, applicants need to aim for a high JAMB score to secure a place in this prestigious institution. UI’s Music department is known for producing skilled musicians and researchers, offering a blend of theoretical and practical training in various music genres.
4. Lagos State University (LASU)
- Location: Ojo, Lagos State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
Lagos State University, located in the bustling city of Lagos, offers a dynamic Music program that prepares students for careers in performance, music education, and production. LASU’s cut-off mark for Music is set at 180, making it accessible to students who meet the university’s academic requirements.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200
Obafemi Awolowo University is one of the top-tier public universities in Nigeria. OAU’s Music program is highly respected, and the department boasts a rich history of producing talented musicians and scholars. With a cut-off mark of 200, admission is competitive, so aspiring students need to work hard to meet the entry requirements.
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Location: Awka, Anambra State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers a vibrant Music program, providing students with the opportunity to study various aspects of music, from traditional African music to contemporary global styles. UNIZIK’s cut-off mark for Music is 180, offering a good chance of admission for students who meet this requirement.
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Location: Nsukka, Enugu State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is known for academic excellence, and its Music department is no exception. With a cut-off mark of 180, the university provides a conducive environment for aspiring musicians to learn and grow. The program covers both the academic and practical aspects of music, preparing students for diverse careers in the industry.
8. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
The University of Port Harcourt is another institution where Music is offered as a course, with a cut-off mark of 180. The program at UNIPORT provides students with a broad understanding of music theory, performance, and composition, along with exposure to various musical traditions.
9. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180
The University of Uyo offers a well-rounded Music program, focusing on both academic knowledge and practical skills in music performance and composition. The cut-off mark for Music at UNIUYO is 180, and students are encouraged to aim for scores higher than this to improve their chances of admission.
Why Study Music in Nigeria?
Studying Music in Nigeria offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich musical heritage while gaining a formal education in the field. Nigerian universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of nurturing talent in music, and their programs are designed to produce graduates who are not only skilled musicians but also equipped with the knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive global music industry.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Music programs in Nigeria have a wide array of career options, including:
- Professional Musicians: Whether in classical, contemporary, or traditional music, graduates can pursue careers as performing artists.
- Music Composers and Arrangers: Composers create original music, while arrangers adapt existing works for performances or recordings.
- Music Educators: Teaching music at schools or privately is a common career path for graduates, providing the next generation of musicians with essential skills.
- Music Producers and Sound Engineers: The rise of digital music production has expanded opportunities in recording and producing music for various media.
- Music Therapists: This emerging field uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs, making it an exciting option for graduates.
Conclusion
Studying Music at a Nigerian university is an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about music and eager to develop their skills in performance, composition, or production. With cut-off marks ranging from 180 to 200 for the 2025/2026 academic session, it’s essential to aim for a high score in your JAMB exam to increase your chances of admission.
Whether you’re applying to Bowen University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, or any other institution, preparation is key. Take the time to study effectively, meet the cut-off marks, and pursue your dream of becoming a professional in the dynamic world of music.
Good luck with your JAMB preparation and your journey towards a rewarding career in Music!