Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is one of the top universities in Nigeria, known for its strong academic programs and variety of courses. For students seeking admission for the 2025/2026 academic session, it is very important for prospective students to understand the JAMB cut-off mark requirements for the course they’re interested in. This guide provides the ABU cut-off mark for various departments under different faculties, so you can see what score you need to be eligible for admission.
READ ALSO: Login to JAMB Portal Using Registration Number
About Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities. Established in 1962, ABU was named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria. Known for its academic excellence, rich history, and large campus, ABU has earned a top spot among Nigerian universities, providing education to thousands of students from across Nigeria and other countries.
Overview of ABU
ABU is located in Zaria, Kaduna State, and it is known for its extensive programs that cover a wide range of disciplines. The university’s core mission is to offer quality education, promote research, and encourage development, especially in Northern Nigeria. With two campuses—the Samaru and Kongo campuses—ABU has one of the largest student bodies in West Africa and offers programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
Faculties and Departments at ABU
ABU is organized into various faculties, each housing multiple departments. This structure allows ABU to offer over 100 programs across different fields, such as science, engineering, law, social sciences, arts, education, and medicine. Some of ABU’s most notable faculties include:
- Faculty of Agriculture – Focuses on agricultural sciences, with courses like Agricultural Economics, Crop Protection, and Soil Science.
- Faculty of Engineering – Known for courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy – Offers competitive courses like Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, and Pharmacy.
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Covers disciplines such as English, Theatre Arts, and History.
- Faculty of Law – One of the oldest law faculties in Nigeria, known for programs in Civil Law, Private Law, and Sharia Law.
- Faculty of Education – Offers various education-focused programs, preparing teachers and education specialists.
Research and Development
Research is a significant part of ABU’s mission. The university has various research centers, such as the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), which focus on advancing knowledge and practices in specific fields. Through research, ABU contributes to finding solutions to local and national issues, particularly in agriculture, technology, and health.
Campus Life at ABU
ABU offers a vibrant campus life, with several clubs, societies, and recreational facilities available to students. There are also halls of residence on campus for students who prefer to live within the university. The campus has a library, ICT centers, sports facilities, and student support services that make university life fulfilling and enjoyable.
Admission Process at ABU
Admission into ABU is competitive, as it attracts a large number of applicants yearly. The school requires candidates to meet specific cut-off marks in JAMB (usually set at 180 for most courses but higher for competitive courses). After JAMB, students must also pass ABU’s Post-UTME screening, which further evaluates candidates’ readiness for the programs they are applying for.
ABU’s Vision and Impact
ABU’s vision is to be an institution of excellence and development in all aspects of education, especially to contribute to the growth of Northern Nigeria. The university’s mission and programs aim to nurture skilled professionals, leaders, and innovators who can help drive Nigeria forward. Many ABU alumnWe hold notable positions in various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and international organizations.
Ahmadu Bello University remains a hub of learning and development, providing quality education that reaches beyond Northern Nigeria and contributes to the development of the country as a whole.
General ABU Cut-Off Mark 2025/2026
ABU’s general JAMB cut-off mark is 180. However, some competitive courses and faculties might have higher cut-off marks based on the number of applicants.
READ ALSO: JAMB Cut-off Mark 2025/2026 for All Schools
Let’s look at the specific cut-off marks for each course under the different faculties.
Faculty of Agriculture
Courses in the Faculty of Agriculture generally require a minimum cut-off mark of 180 for JAMB. The specific courses are:
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | 180 |
| Agric Economics & Rural Sociology | 180 |
| Agronomy | 180 |
| Animal Science | 180 |
| Crop Protection | 180 |
| Plant Science | 180 |
| Soil Science | 180 |
| Agricultural Engineering | 180 |
Faculty of Engineering
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) offers a variety of engineering programs through its renowned Faculty of Engineering. Over the years, this faculty has expanded from just three to ten departments. Each department offers programs leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
The following are the engineering departments at ABU:
- Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering
- Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
- Polymer & Textile Engineering
- Water Resources & Environmental Engineering
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for ABU Engineering Courses 2025/2026
Below is a table with the JAMB cut-off marks required for each engineering department at ABU for the 2025/2026 academic year:
| Engineering Department | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering | 200 |
| Chemical & Petroleum Engineering | 220 |
| Civil Engineering | 220 |
| Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering | 210 |
| Computer Engineering | 220 |
| Electrical Engineering | 220 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 220 |
| Metallurgical & Materials Engineering | 200 |
| Polymer & Textile Engineering | 200 |
| Water Resources & Environmental Engineering | 200 |
Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy
Medicine and Pharmacy courses are very competitive and require higher JAMB scores. Students applying for these programs should aim for a minimum of 220 or above to increase their chances.
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | 220 |
| Nursing Science | 220 |
| Pharmacy | 220 |
Faculty of Arts, Management, & Social Sciences
For courses in Arts, Management, and Social Sciences, a cut-off mark of 180 is generally acceptable. However, some programs, especially Mass Communication and Public Administration, may have higher cut-offs.
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Economics | 180 |
| Mass Communication | 200 |
| Political Science | 180 |
| Sociology | 180 |
| Accounting | 200 |
| Business Administration | 180 |
| Arabic | 180 |
| English Language | 180 |
| French | 180 |
| Hausa | 180 |
| History | 180 |
| Theatre & Performing Arts | 180 |
| Fine Arts | 180 |
| Public Administration | 200 |
Faculty of Science & Technology
Courses under the Faculty of Science and Technology are open for students who score 180 and above in JAMB.
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 180 |
| Building | 180 |
| Geomatics | 180 |
| Industrial Design | 180 |
| Quantity Surveying | 180 |
| Urban & Regional Planning | 180 |
| Library & Information Science | 180 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 180 |
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education at ABU also requires a minimum score of 180 for JAMB. This faculty offers a wide range of courses aimed at preparing students for careers in teaching and educational management.
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Physical & Health Education | 180 |
| Education & Science | 180 |
| Vocational & Technical Education | 180 |
| Education Foundation & Curriculum | 180 |
Faculty of Law
Law is one of the most competitive courses at ABU, and students interested in studying Law should aim for a minimum score of 200 or higher in JAMB.
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Civil Law | 200 |
| Private Law | 200 |
| Public Law | 200 |
| Sharia Law | 200 |
| Commercial Law | 200 |
Summary of Cut-Off Marks by Faculty
Below is a quick summary of the recommended cut-off marks by faculty for ABU Zaria in 2025/2026:
- Agriculture: 180
- Engineering: 200
- Medicine & Pharmacy: 220
- Arts, Management & Social Sciences: 180-200
- Science & Technology: 180
- Education: 180
- Law: 200
How to Prepare for Admission into ABU
To increase your chances of gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University, here are a few tips:
- Score Higher than the Cut-Off: Aim to score at least 10-20 points above the stated cut-off mark for your course, as this will improve your chances of selection.
- Perform Well in Post-UTME: After JAMB, ABU conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise, and a good score here can strengthen your application.
- Meet O’Level Requirements: Ensure you have at least five credits in your O’Level results, including required subjects like Mathematics and English.
- Stay Updated: Keep checking ABU’s official website for the latest updates on admission requirements and screening dates.
Conclusion
Meeting ABU’s cut-off mark is essential for gaining admission to your desired course. The cut-off marks vary across faculties, with more competitive courses requiring higher scores. By aiming for the recommended cut-off and performing well in the Post-UTME, you can improve your chances of securing admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for the 2025/2026 academic year.