The cut off mark is basically the minimum score you need in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME or JAMB) and sometimes the Post UTME or screening, if there’s one, to even be considered for admission into a particular school.
If you applied to the National Open University of Nigeria and want to know whether your JAMB score is enough for the 2025/2026 session, keep reading. You’ll find what you need here.
NOUN Cut Off Mark 2025/2026 Session
Right now, the UTME cut off mark for NOUN is 180. If you picked the National Open University of Nigeria as your first choice in the latest UTME, you can go ahead and apply to the department you’re interested in.
Didn’t hit the minimum score for your department? Don’t worry, NOUN offers supplementary forms for situations like that.
To get in, you’ll need at least five credits in your WASSCE or NECO results, plus a UTME score of at least 180. That’s the standard cut off for every department at NOUN.
If you’re thinking about applying, it’s a good idea to check out more details on NOUN’s Post UTME process and visit their portal for updates.
Why You Should Exceed the Cut Off Mark
Sure, hitting the minimum cut off mark is important, but let’s be real, shooting for a higher score gives you a much better shot at getting in. Say the cut off for a course sits at 200. If you aim for 230 or more, you put yourself in a stronger position.
Here’s why that matters. Every department has a quota; there’s only so much room each year. When you’re dealing with popular courses, loads of people apply, but there aren’t enough spots for everyone. So, the higher your score, the better your chances. It’s that simple.
NOUN Departmental Cut Off Marks for All Courses
NOUN hasn’t released the departmental cut off marks for the 2025/2026 session yet. Usually, these marks end up higher than the general cut off, since they depend on how well students do in both the JAMB and post UTME exams.
How NOUN Decides the Cut Off Mark
NOUN doesn’t share an exact, public formula for setting cut off marks, but universities usually look at a few important things.
They check how everyone performs. If lots of applicants have high scores, the cut off can go up.
Each course or department only has so many spots, so limited seats can mean tougher requirements.
Some courses are just more popular, so getting in takes a higher score.
Schools also look at how admissions played out in past years and adjust from there.
With all these moving parts, cut off marks change from year to year, and each department might set its own.
What Aspirants Should Do and Strategies for Admission
Thinking about applying to NOUN? Here’s what you should do. Don’t just settle for the minimum score of 180; it gets your foot in the door, sure, but shooting higher makes a real difference, especially if you’re eyeing popular courses.
Double check your O-Level credits and make sure they match the subject requirements. A lot of students miss out, not because of a low JAMB score, but because their O-Level results aren’t up to par.
If you’re applying through JAMB, pick NOUN as your first choice. People who list it as a second choice usually don’t get the same consideration.
Keep an eye on NOUN’s official website and announcements. Departmental cut off marks can change, and sometimes they’re not even posted online. Following their updates is the best way to stay in the loop.
And don’t forget a backup plan, either a different course or another school. Admission can get competitive and unpredictable, so it’s smart not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements for NOUN entry?
A: To get into NOUN, you need at least five O-level credits, and English and Math have to be two of them. You’ll also need a valid JAMB registration number, plus documents like your birth certificate, certificate of origin, and a passport photo.
Q: Is NOUN admission still on for 2025?
A: Admission at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for the 2025/2026 academic calendar year is still open.
Q: Can I use a NOUN certificate abroad?
A: You can use a NOUN certificate abroad since the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria recognises and accredits it, and it’s gone through international accreditation as well.
Q: Is NOUN university form out for 2025?
A: You can now get the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) admission forms for the 2025/2026 session.
Q: How many times does NOUN give admission in a year?
A: You can apply to the school any semester; admissions stay open year round. No need to wait for a specific time. Just pick the semester that works for you and go for it.
Q: Do I need to write JAMB for NOUN?
A: You don’t need to take the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam to get into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Q: Can you work and study at NOUN?
A: Part time students can work as many hours as they want. Still, they need to spend at least 18.5 hours each week on their studies.
