Studying Law in Nigeria is the dream of thousands of students. But before you can become a lawyer, the first step is meeting the cut-off mark for Law in your chosen university.
Law is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, so universities set very high cut-off marks every year.
In this well-researched and detailed post, you’ll learn the exact cut-off mark for Law in Nigerian universities, why the score is always high, the subject requirements, and tips to increase your chances of admission, even if your JAMB score isn’t top. Everything is explained simply, so you can understand it easily.
What Is the General Cut-off Mark for Law in Nigerian Universities?
The general JAMB cut-off mark for Law in Nigeria ranges from 250 to 280, all depending on the university.
However, this range is not fixed, as each university sets its own cut-off mark every year based on:
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The number of applicants
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The university’s capacity (available spaces)
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The performance of students in JAMB and Post-UTME
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The competitiveness of the faculty
Some of the top rated universities in Nigeria may require 280 and above, while less competitive ones may accept 240 to 250.
But one thing is certain; Law is NOT a course where you can expect admission with a low score.
Why Cut-off Mark for Law always High?
Law is one of the most respected professional courses in Nigeria, just like Medicine and Engineering.
Because of this, universities receive thousands of applications every year for very few slots.
Below are the main reasons the cut-off mark for Law is higher:
1. Very High Number of Applicants
Each year, thousands of students choose Law as their first choice. The number of applicants is far more than the available admission spaces.
2. Limited Admission Quota (Small Department Size)
Most Law faculties do not admit a large number of students. Some universities admit less than 150 students per year.
3. Strict Regulation by the Council of Legal Education
Universities must follow strict quality standards to ensure the Law program is properly managed.
4. High Career Demand
Law offers opportunities such as:
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Legal adviser
- Corporate attorney
- Human rights advocate
- Lecturer
Because of these lucrative paths, the demand is high.
5. High Academic Standards
Law requires students who can read, analyze, and write well. Universities, therefore, favor top scorers.
Cut-off Mark for Law in Nigerian Universities (2025)
Below is a well-detailed list of the cut-off marks for Law in the most popular universities in Nigeria.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Cut-off Mark: 270 to 280
UNILAG is competitive because of its location, reputation, and quality of lecturers.
Many students apply every year, so the cut-off is usually higher than in other courses they offer.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
Cut-off Mark: 280 to 310
UI is the most competitive school for Law in Nigeria.
Their admission process is tough, and only the highest scorers make it in.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Cut-off Mark: 270 to 290
UNN uses an aggregate system combining JAMB, Post-UTME, and your O-level grades.
Their faculty of law is well-respected.
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Cut-off Mark: 260 to 280
OAU is one of the best places to study Law in Nigeria.
Their cut-off is high because there are many applicants, and only the best are selected.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
Cut-off Mark: 250 to 270
ABU is widely known for its affordable fees and quality Law program, which makes it very competitive.
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Cut-off Mark: 260 to 280
UNIBEN’s Law faculty is among the oldest and strongest in Nigeria.
Their admission cut-off reflects the competition of course.
7. Lagos State University (LASU)
Cut-off Mark: 260 to 280
LASU is highly respected for Law and produces some of the brightest lawyers in Nigeria. Students with lower scores rarely get in.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Cut-off Mark: 250 to 270
UNILORIN has a stable academic calendar and strong academic standards. Because many students apply, the cut-off is always high.
9. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Cut-off Mark: 240 to 260
ABUAD has a world-class Law faculty with modern courtrooms and great lecturers.
Their cut-off is lower compared to federal universities but still competitive.
10. Babcock University
Cut-off Mark: 230 to 250
Being a private school, Babcock has low cut-off marks, but their tuition is higher.
Cut-Off Mark for Law Across Federal Universities (Summary)
Federal universities have the highest competition for Law.
Here is a summary:
- UI: 280 – 310
- UNILAG: 270 – 280
- UNN: 270 – 290
- OAU: 260 – 280
- UNILORIN: 250 – 270
- UNIBEN: 260 – 280
- ABU Zaria: 250 – 270
You need a very high score to compete in these universities.
Cut-off Mark for Law in State Universities
State universities have slightly lower cut-off marks because the competition is not as high.
- LASU: 260 – 280
- RSU: 240 – 260
- AAU Ekpoma: 230 – 250
- BSU: 220 – 240
- KSU: 220 – 240
Cut-off Mark for Law in Private Universities
Private universities usually accept lower scores such as:
180 – 240
Examples:
- ABUAD
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
- Madonna University
- Igbinedion University
Private universities focus more on tuition fees than intense competition.
How Universities Calculate Admission for Law
Most universities calculate admission using a combination of:
1. JAMB Score
This carries the most weight. For competitive universities, you need 260+ to stand a chance.
2. Post-UTME Score
Some universities conduct exams, while others do screenings.
A high Post-UTME score can compensate for a slightly low JAMB score.
3. O-level Grades
Some universities add points for A1–B3 in WAEC or NECO.
Students with strong grades always have an advantage.
4. Catchment Area
If you are from the school’s zone or state, you may have a better chance of admission.
JAMB Subject Combination for Law
To study Law in Nigeria, you must choose these subjects:
- Use of English
- Literature in English
- Government
- CRS or Economics
Choosing the wrong subjects will automatically disqualify you.
O-Level Requirements for Law
You must have at least five(5) credits, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Any other subject
All credits must be in not more than two sittings.
How to Increase Your Chances of Gaining Admission to Study Law
Here are practical tips that will help you beat the competition:
1. Score High in JAMB
Aim for 260 to 300+.
The higher your score, the better your chances.
2. Prepare Well for Post-UTME
If the school conducts Post-UTME, study past questions very well.
3. Choose Less Competitive Universities
If your score is not extremely high, consider universities with lower competition.
4. Have Strong WAEC/NECO Grades
A1 and B2 add points in many universities.
5. Make the Right First Choice
Most schools only consider first-choice candidates.
6. Upload Your O’level Result on JAMB Portal
Many students lose admission because they forget this step.
7. Don’t Make Mistakes During Post-UTME Registration
Simple errors like wrong subject combinations can cost you admission.
FAQs on Cut-off Mark for Law in Nigerian Universities
Q1. Can I study Law with 180 in JAMB?
Yes, but only in private universities. No federal or state university accepts 180 for Law.
Q2. Can I study Law with 200 in JAMB?
Some state universities might accept 200 to 220, but the chances are low. For federal universities, 200 is not enough. Get update directly from the Jamb portal
Q3. What is the safest JAMB score for Law in Nigeria?
A score between 270 and 300 gives you a very strong chance at top universities.
Q4. Do polytechnics offer Law?
No. Polytechnics in Nigeria are not allowed to offer Law.
Q5. Is Literature compulsory for Law?
Yes. Literature in English is compulsory for both JAMB and WAEC.
Conclusion
The cut-off mark for Law in Nigerian universities is high because the course is very popular, and universities have limited space. Federal universities usually set their cut-off between 250 and 300, while some state and private universities may accept lower scores.
If you wish to study Law, then focus on scoring high in JAMB, prepare well for Post-UTME, and ensure your O-level results are strong.
With the right preparation and determination, you can secure admission into a good university to study Law in Nigeria.
