Welcome to Studentportals.com.ng! Is obvious that Nursing is an honourable profession and one that gives people the chance to make a real difference in the lives of others expecially here in Nigeria.
But it is a long journey, especially with the expectations of attaining high JAMB scores. If you have scored 160 in your JAMB and still wish to pursue Nursing, well, you may have hope.
In this article, I shall enumerate the lessons that I have learnt and my personal experiences to assist you in making your decision, Do you want to know, Which university can I study nursing with 160? If yes, continue reading to find out!
The minimum cut off Mark for Nursing.
First, let’s analyze the minimum cut off marks for Nursing programs as is typical in the Nigerian setting. It is generally recommended that every student applying for nursing at various universities in Nigeria must have a JAMB score of 200 or more.
Unfortunately, even a 200 score does not guarantee further study – high competition universities set higher cut-off Marks, as high as 290 in some instances.
The cut-off mark you need to meet depends on the university you're applying to. There is a variation between federal universities, state universities and private institutions. And while it is good to aim above a mark of 290, not all applications will be able to deliver on such a high score.
For those who have scored 160, there’s no cause for despair, don't lose hope, some universities and nursing schools will still consider you for admission.
Read: Commonwealth Scholarship 2024/2025: Mission, Eligibility Criteria, How to apply, Application process, Selection criteria, Personal experience, FAQs, and Important information
Which University Can I Study Nursing with 160?
Now let us go to the main point, “Which university can I study Nursing with 160?” It is true that many universities have high cut off marks but there are some institutions that even have low cut off marks of around 160. So here is a list of universities and nursing schools that could still accept your 160 JAMB score.
| S/N | University | Type of University | Cut-off mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma | State University | 160 |
| 2 | University of Calabar | Federal University | 160 |
| 3 | Bayero University, Kano | Federal University | 160 |
| 4 | University of Benin | Federal University | 160 |
| 5 | Prince Abubakar Audu University (Kogi State University) | State University | 140 |
| 6 | Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital School of Nursing | Federal University | 150 |
| 7 | Lagos State Teaching Hospital School of Nursing | State University | 150 |
| 8 | Nigerian Army College of Nursing and Midwifery Yaba | Federal College | 160 |
| 9 | Covenant University | Private University | 190 |
| 10 | Afe Babalola University | Private University | 190 |
| 11 | Fountain University | Private University | 180 |
| 12 | Redeemers University | Private University | 180 |
| 13 | Rhema University | Private University | 190 |
From looking at this list, we can say that Nigerian Army College of Nursing and Midwifery Yaba is likely your best choice since it has a cut-off mark of 160 for applicants.
It is a federal college but the school offers quality Nursing education and perhaps, it’s a good place to begin your healthcare career.
Another alternative is the Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly known as Kogi State University) with the lowest cut-off mark of 140, this is a university of choice for students desiring to pursue a Nursing degree at a state university.
What to Do if You Cannot Meet the Cut-Off Mark for Nursing.
For those who are unable to meet the cut-off marks or spouse cut off need not worry since there are other faculties which can help to pursue Nursing course as listed below:
- Direct Entry Admission: Direct entry is an alternative for students with extra qualifications beyond JAMB, like Cambridge or JUPEB. Many universities accept these for Nursing, so you can avoid the cut-off Mark limitations of JAMB. Practically, Direct entry might be more expensive and time consuming but worth considering if Nursing is what you are really keen on.
- Nursing Schools or Colleges: Some colleges focus only on Nursing and Midwifery, and their entry requirements might be more flexible. Examples include Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital School of Nursing and Lagos State Teaching Hospital. Such institutions concentrate on the area of Nursing and take practical exercises.
- Foreign Universities: Certain countries such as the Philippines have affordable courses for Nursing programs and with easier entry requirements. Studying abroad is a major step and might be more expensive, but it is an avenue if you are focused on being a nurse. Understand the certification process especially when you intend to work in Nigeria after your studies.
- Consider Other Health Programs: If Nursing scores cut-off mark is too high for you, you could look into other health-related courses with lower cut-off marks, such as Public Health, Health Science, and Anatomy. These programs are rewarding and sometimes allow you to switch to Nursing or similar fields later.
- Improve Your Score and Reapply: If you are not in a rush, consider taking an extra year to study hard and retake the JAMB exam. A higher score can give you a better chance of studying Nursing at the school of your choice.
Further Recommendations for Future Nursing Students
Do Lots of Revisions for the Post-UTME:
This examination is conducted after the JAMB qualifying examination offered by universities to carry out further screening of students. However, if your JAMB score is near the cut-off Mark, a good score at the Post-UTME would improve your chances a bit.
Diversifying University Applications:
Do not put all your eggs in one basket as far as the application process is concerned. Apply to many universities to improve chances as some normally admit students with lower cut-off marks.
Monitoring of Admission Requirements Over Time:
Admission requirements vary from year to year. This is the reason why confirmation of the current cut-off marks, as well as the policies governing admissions for each individual school, should be made. Good websites for such information are the JAMB portal and the pages of the universities concerning their admissions.
Why Nursing is so Competitive in Nigeria
In Nigeria, there is always a need for healthcare workers and nursing as a profession is one that is often in shortage because it merges both love for people and science.
A great number of doctors and practitioners, supported by the population growth, consider Nursing to be a highly respected and stable sphere of activity. But this popularity comes with stiff competition, as many students want to fill the few slots available.
Additionally, the number of competing factors regarding Nursing education stems from the self-imposed competition due to Nursing education being so demanding. This is a task to be performed with accuracy, thoroughness and embodies a considerable amount of healthcare skills
Such ambitious motives are not found in every student, and universities look forward to accepting only those who can be resolute in such rigorous ways of training and responsibilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though a score of 160 in JAMB might be discouraging but aspiring holders should not despair. It is possible to apply for universities and other nursing institutions that have lower cut-off mark.
To illustrate, the Nigerian Army College of Nursing and Midwifery Yaba might also be a good option since the school has a cut-off Mark of 160.
Not every question that starts with Which university can I study Nursing with 160 has to be an end of the road. If you can be flexible and think a little strategically, you will be able to accomplish what you wish. One should not forget that there are other alternatives like direct entry and studying outside the country if a regular JAMB route is unsuccessful.
Therefore no one should allow a low JAMB score to discourage them. Instead of that concentration should be directed towards acquiring the appropriate knowledge and skills that will be needed for Nursing.
Whether through local institutions or training abroad, they should remain focused and determined. Nursing is more than an apeticular course; it is a vocation and there is a great need for selfless people in the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
