Thousands of Nigerian students apply to study public health at universities nationwide every year. Public Health is a vital course that contributes to improving healthcare systems and population well-being. To gain admission, prospective students must meet specific academic requirements, one of the most important being the JAMB cut off mark. Interested applicants for the public health program need to know the JAMB cut off mark for public health in Nigerian universities.
Photo Credit: News Central TV
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed analysis of the JAMB cut off marks for Public Health for the 2025/2026 academic session, including university-specific requirements, subject combinations, admission strategies, and FAQs.
Read Also: UTME Resit Result: Everything You Need to Know
What is Public Health?
Public Health is a multidisciplinary field focused on protecting and improving the health of populations through education, policy-making, and research for disease and injury prevention. Unlike medicine, which focuses on individual patients, Public Health targets community-level health improvements. It involves:
- Epidemiology
- Health promotion
- Environmental health
- Occupational health
- Biostatistics
- Health policy and management
Importance in Nigeria: Public Health professionals in Nigeria play a crucial role in tackling infectious diseases, promoting hygiene, implementing vaccination campaigns, and influencing health policy. These professionals are indispensable in a country where public health infrastructure is still developing.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of Public Health can pursue careers as:
- Epidemiologists
- Public Health Educators
- Health Policy Analysts
- Community Health Workers
- Environmental Health Officers
- NGO and International Health Agency staff
Understanding JAMB Cut Off Marks
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body responsible for conducting entrance examinations into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Definition: The JAMB cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the UTME to be eligible for post-UTME screening or direct admission consideration.
Types of Cut Off Marks:
1. General Cut Off Mark: Set by JAMB for all institutions as a baseline.
2. Institutional Cut Off Mark: Set by each institution based on competitiveness and capacity.
3. Departmental Cut Off Mark: Specific to each course within the institution and often higher than the general institutional mark.
2025 JAMB Minimum Benchmark: For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB has maintained a minimum cut off mark of 140 for universities, though most top universities set their departmental cut off much higher.
JAMB Cut Off Mark for Public Health 2025/2026 (General Overview)
Public Health is considered a moderately to highly competitive course in Nigerian universities, particularly in institutions with strong faculties of health sciences.
General JAMB Cut Off Estimate:
- Federal Universities: 200 – 250+
- State Universities: 180 – 220
- Private Universities: 160 – 200
- Factors affecting the cut off mark:
- Number of applicants for Public Health
- Performance of applicants in UTME and post-UTME
- Institutional capacity (available slots)
University-Specific JAMB Cut Off Marks for Public Health 2025/2026
1. Federal Universities
University of Ibadan (UI)
JAMB Cut Off: 250+
Notes: Highly competitive. Requires excellent post-UTME performance.
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
JAMB Cut Off: 240 – 260
Notes: Offers strong training in public and community health.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
JAMB Cut Off: 240 – 250
Notes: Focuses on community and preventive medicine.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
JAMB Cut Off: 220 – 240
Notes: Popular in Northern Nigeria. Offers robust academic structure.
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
JAMB Cut Off: 220 – 240
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
JAMB Cut Off: 210 – 230
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
JAMB Cut Off: 220 – 250
2. State Universities
Lagos State University (LASU)
JAMB Cut Off: 200 – 220
Delta State University (DELSU)
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Rivers State University (RSU)
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Abia State University (ABSU)
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Benue State University (BSU)
JAMB Cut Off: 170 – 200
Read Also: JAMB Cut Off Mark for Medical Laboratory Sciences: All You Need
3. Private Universities
Babcock University
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Covenant University
JAMB Cut Off: 200 (though not always requiring JAMB)
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Madonna University
JAMB Cut Off: 160 – 180
Bowen University
JAMB Cut Off: 180 – 200
Departmental Cut Off Marks for Public Health
While JAMB cut off scores are the first hurdle, most universities conduct internal screening through post-UTME exams or aggregate score systems.
Examples:
UI may require a departmental aggregate score of 70%+
UNILAG uses a 50:50 weighting between JAMB and post-UTME
UNN may set departmental cut off between 240 and 260, depending on the year
Factors determining departmental scores:
- Number of available slots
- Candidates’ performance
- Institutional admission policy
Public Health Admission Requirements (Beyond JAMB Score)
To be eligible for Public Health, candidates must satisfy the following:
O’Level Requirements:
- At least five credit passes, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics (sometimes accepted, sometimes not compulsory)
JAMB Subject Combination:
- Use of English (Compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics or Mathematics
Post-UTME/Screening:
- Some universities conduct CBT-based post-UTME
- Others use a grading system combining O’level and JAMB scores
Direct Entry Candidates:
- ND/HND in health-related fields
- NCE or A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry
How to Score High in JAMB for Public Health
Preparation Tips:
- Use JAMB-recommended textbooks
- Study JAMB past questions
- Use online learning platforms and mock tests
- Create a personal timetable
Key Subjects to Master:
- Biology: Human systems, ecology, genetics
- Chemistry: Organic and inorganic chemistry
- English: Comprehension, lexis and structure, oral English
- Physics or Mathematics: Varies by institution
Time Management Tips:
- Focus on your weaker subjects early
- Practice under exam conditions
- Use JAMB CBT apps regularly
Alternatives if You Don’t Meet the Cut Off Mark
1. Change of Course/Institution:
Opt for less competitive schools or health-related courses (e.g., Environmental Health, Health Education)
2. Polytechnic and College of Health:
Institutions like the Federal School of Health Technology offer similar Public Health programs
3. Diploma/Foundation Programmes:
Some universities offer 1-year diploma/foundation programs leading to 200-level entry.
4. Rewriting JAMB:
Consider sitting for the next JAMB cycle with better preparation
FAQs about Public Health and JAMB Cut Off Marks
Q1: Is Public Health the same as Nursing or Medicine?
No. Public Health focuses on population-level health management, unlike Nursing and Medicine which deal with individual patient care.
Q2: What is the lowest JAMB score accepted for Public Health?
Some private or state universities accept as low as 160, though competitive federal universities require 220 and above.
Q3: Can I study Public Health without Biology?
No. Biology is compulsory for both JAMB and O’Level requirements.
Q4: Which university offers the best Public Health program?
UI, UNILAG, OAU, and UNN are frequently ranked among the best.
Q5: Do all universities require post-UTME for Public Health?
No. Some schools use screening based on aggregate scores instead.
Conclusion
Gaining admission to study Public Health in Nigeria requires proper planning, excellent academic performance, and knowledge of the specific cut off marks for your chosen institution. While JAMB score is crucial, candidates must also meet O’Level requirements, choose the right subject combination, and excel in post-UTME or screening exercises. Whether you’re targeting UI or considering alternatives like state or private universities, this guide provides all you need to make an informed decision. Keep studying, stay updated with university admission news, and aim high to secure your spot in the 2025/2026 academic session.
