So, you’ve decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration? Excellent choice! You’re positioning yourself for a dynamic career in a field that is the engine of the global economy.

Now comes the critical question that keeps every aspiring undergraduate up at night: “What score do I need to get into the program?” This is where understanding the concept of the Cut-Off Mark becomes essential.

The cut-off mark for Business Administration is not a single, fixed number across the country. It is a multi-layered figure that is influenced by both the national regulatory body and the individual institution you choose. If you’re planning your admission strategy, here is your essential guide to navigating the numbers game.

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The Two Tiers of the Cut-Off Mark

To fully grasp what you need to score, you must understand the two main cut-off tiers in the Nigerian university system:

1. The JAMB UTME General Cut-Off Mark (The Minimum Entry Gate)

The first number to know is the minimum score set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for admission into all universities in Nigeria. For a degree program like Business Administration:

• The JAMB Minimum Score: This is usually set at 180 for all universities. This score is the absolute minimum you must achieve in your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to even be considered eligible for a degree program in any university. If you score below this, you cannot be admitted into any university for that year.
• The Implication: Scoring 180 is simply the ticket to the game, not a guarantee of admission. Many competitive courses, including Business Administration, will require you to score significantly higher than this minimum.

2. The Departmental/Institutional Cut-Off Mark (The Real Barrier)

This is the number that truly matters. Every university, and sometimes every department within that university, sets its own Post-UTME or Departmental Cut-Off Mark. This mark is always higher than the JAMB minimum and is determined by a few critical factors:

• Competitiveness of the Course: Business Administration is highly competitive, especially in Federal and popular State universities. Because the number of applicants far exceeds the available slots, institutions can afford to set higher, more exclusive cut-off scores.
• Performance of Applicants: The departmental cut-off mark is often determined after the UTME and Post-UTME screening, based on the performance of that year’s candidates. If many applicants score very high, the cut-off mark will be pushed up.
• Institutional Prestige: Highly sought-after universities (like UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN, UNIBEN, etc.) often set a much higher minimum UTME score, usually 200 and above, just to qualify for their Post-UTME screening.

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What to Really Aim For

For a course as popular as Business Administration, relying on the minimum score of 180 is a risky strategy. To gain admission into a Federal or top State University, your target score should be in the competitive range.

Institution Type	UTME Score Range to Target (The Safe Zone)
Highly Competitive Federal Universities (UI, UNILAG, OAU, UNN, UNIBEN)	240 – 280+
Other Federal and Top State Universities (e.g., UNILORIN, DELSU, LASU)	220 – 250+
New or Less Competitive State Universities	200 – 220+

Crucial Insight: Many universities don’t publish a “Departmental Cut-Off Mark” as a single UTME score. Instead, they use an Aggregate Score.

Understanding the Aggregate Score

The Aggregate Score is the final, composite score used to rank candidates for admission. It is calculated by combining a candidate’s JAMB UTME score and their Post-UTME/Screening score.

A typical formula might look like this (though it varies by university):

Aggregate Score=(8UTME Score​)+(2Post-UTME Score​)

For instance, if a university’s competitive aggregate cut-off mark for Business Administration is 65%:

• A candidate with a UTME score of 250 and a Post-UTME score of 60 would have an aggregate score of: 8250​+260​=31.25+30=61.25%
• This score of 61.25% would be below the required 65% and the candidate might miss admission.

This calculation shows that excelling in both the UTME and the Post-UTME is absolutely necessary. A high JAMB score alone won’t secure your spot if you perform poorly in the Post-UTME, and vice versa.

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Your 3-Point Admission Strategy for Business Administration

1. Aim High on the UTME: Target a score of 240 and above. This will ensure you meet the pre-screening cut-off for virtually every university and give you a strong foundation for your final aggregate score.
2. Excel in the Post-UTME: Treat your university’s Post-UTME screening with the utmost seriousness. The points gained here are often heavily weighted (sometimes as much as 50% of the aggregate) and can make or break your admission.
3. Confirm the Institution’s Standard: Before you register for the UTME, check the official JAMB Brochure and the specific university’s website. Always prioritize the information released by your chosen institution as its requirements supersede the general JAMB minimum.

By setting your sights far above the minimum 180 and preparing to perform brilliantly in both stages of the examination, you will significantly boost your chances of getting into a Business Administration program.