Novena University is a private institution located in Ogume, Delta State, and holds the distinction of being the first private university established in Delta State. It runs undergraduate programmes across three faculties: Natural and Applied Sciences, Social and Management Sciences, and Health Sciences. This article explains the JAMB cut off mark that applies at Novena University for the 2026/2027 academic session, how it applies across the courses offered, and the additional requirements candidates must meet to secure admission.
Novena University JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027
Novena University sets a general minimum UTME score of 160 as its admission benchmark, in line with the national cut off mark JAMB fixes for Nigerian universities each session. This means that any candidate who scores 160 or above in the UTME becomes eligible to apply to Novena University and proceed to the Post-UTME screening stage.
Unlike large federal universities that publish separate, department-specific cut off marks for each course, Novena University applies this 160 benchmark broadly across almost all its programmes. A candidate does not need a significantly higher UTME score simply because they are applying for one course over another; the initial eligibility threshold stays the same across the university’s course offerings. What differs from course to course is the level of competition during the Post-UTME screening exercise, particularly for programmes with limited intake capacity, such as those in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Candidates preparing for the 2026/2027 admission cycle should aim for a UTME score of 160 and above as the safe minimum. As with all Nigerian universities, this figure is subject to confirmation once JAMB releases its official minimum benchmark for the new session, and Novena University typically aligns its own cut off mark with that national figure shortly afterward.
Courses Offered at Novena University and Their Cut Off Mark
Since Novena University operates a uniform 160 cut off mark rather than a tiered, course-by-course system, the table below presents the courses grouped under each of the university’s three faculties, all subject to the same general UTME threshold.
| Faculty | Courses Offered | JAMB Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Natural and Applied Sciences | Computer Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics | 160 |
| Social and Management Sciences | Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Banking and Finance | 160 |
| Health Sciences | Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Environmental Health Science | 160 |
Although all these courses share the same 160 UTME cut off mark, candidates should understand that meeting this figure only opens the door to the Post-UTME screening stage. Courses within the Faculty of Health Sciences, particularly Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science, attract significantly more applications than the university’s intake capacity allows, which means candidates aiming for these programmes typically need a much stronger overall performance in the screening exercise and O’Level results to secure an actual admission offer, even though the UTME cut off mark remains unchanged at 160.
Why the Cut Off Mark Stays Uniform Across Courses
Novena University’s decision to apply one general cut off mark across its programmes, rather than setting individual departmental cut off marks, reflects its status as a private university with a comparatively smaller and more controlled admission process compared to Nigeria’s older federal universities. Where federal universities like FUOYE or UNILAG contend with tens of thousands of applicants competing for limited slots in specific departments, prompting them to set steep, course-specific UTME thresholds, private universities generally admit smaller cohorts and rely more heavily on internal screening, O’Level performance, and departmental capacity to manage competition rather than raising the UTME entry bar itself.
This does not mean all courses at Novena University are equally easy to gain admission into. It means the filtering process happens mainly after the UTME cut off mark has been met, during the Post-UTME screening and aggregate score calculation, rather than at the point of setting the UTME threshold itself.
O’Level Requirements for Admission
Meeting the UTME cut off mark of 160 is only the first step. Every candidate applying to Novena University must also satisfy the O’Level requirement attached to their intended course. In general, this means a minimum of five credit passes, which must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Three other subjects directly relevant to the chosen course of study (for example, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Nursing Science or Medical Laboratory Science; Economics, Government, and Literature-in-English for social science courses)
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings, whether through WAEC, NECO, or a combination of the two examination bodies. A candidate who falls short of five credits, or who lacks a credit pass in a compulsory subject like Mathematics or English Language, does not qualify for admission regardless of how high their UTME score is.
Post-UTME Screening at Novena University
Once a candidate meets the UTME cut off mark and the relevant O’Level requirement, the next stage is the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the university. This screening evaluates candidates using their UTME performance, O’Level grades, and, depending on the course, an aptitude test or interview. For highly sought-after programmes such as Nursing Science, the screening exercise tends to be more rigorous, since the number of applicants regularly exceeds the number of available slots in the department.
Documents candidates typically need to have ready before applying for Post-UTME screening include:
- UTME result slip printed from the JAMB portal
- O’Level result(s), whether awaiting results or already released
- A recent passport photograph in the specified format
- Local Government Identification or birth certificate
- Evidence of payment for the Post-UTME screening form
Scoring above the 160 cut off mark does not guarantee automatic admission. Only candidates who go through and succeed at the internal screening exercise receive confirmation of admission into their chosen course.
Direct Entry Admission at Novena University
Novena University also accepts candidates through the Direct Entry route, allowing successful applicants to begin from 200 level instead of 100 level. Direct Entry admission generally requires one of the following:
- A minimum of two A’ Level passes from JUPEB, IJMB, or an equivalent programme, in subjects relevant to the intended course
- A relevant National Certificate in Education (NCE) with credit passes in required subjects
- An ND or HND from an accredited polytechnic in a field related to the intended course
As with UTME candidates, Direct Entry applicants must also meet the standard O’Level requirement of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, and must go through the university’s internal screening process before an admission offer is confirmed.
Steps to Apply to Novena University After Meeting the Cut Off Mark
- Confirm eligibility. Ensure your UTME score is 160 or above and that Novena University is selected as your institution of choice on JAMB, or process a Change of Institution through the JAMB CAPS portal if it was not your original selection.
- Purchase the Post-UTME screening form. This is available on the university’s official admission portal once the screening exercise opens for the session.
- Complete the application form. Provide accurate personal details, O’Level results, and UTME information as required.
- Attend or complete the screening exercise. This may involve document verification, an aptitude test, or an interview, depending on the course applied for.
- Check your admission status. Candidates confirm their admission outcome through both the JAMB CAPS portal and Novena University’s own admission portal.
- Accept the offer and pay the acceptance fee. Admitted candidates must accept their offer on JAMB CAPS and complete the university’s acceptance fee payment within the given deadline to secure their place.
FAQs
What is the JAMB cut off mark for Novena University for 2026/2027?
The general minimum UTME score is 160, and it applies across virtually all courses offered at the university.
Does Novena University have different cut off marks for different courses?
No. The university applies one general cut off mark of 160 to all its programmes, though competitive courses like Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science require a stronger performance during Post-UTME screening.
Can a candidate with 160 in UTME be sure of admission into Nursing Science?
No. Meeting the 160 cut off mark only qualifies a candidate for Post-UTME screening. Actual admission into Nursing Science depends on the outcome of the screening exercise, O’Level grades, and available departmental slots.
What faculties does Novena University operate?
Three faculties: Natural and Applied Sciences, Social and Management Sciences, and Health Sciences.
Does Novena University accept Direct Entry candidates?
Yes. Candidates with A’ Level passes from JUPEB or IJMB, an NCE, or a relevant ND/HND can apply through Direct Entry into 200 level, subject to the standard O’Level requirement and the university’s internal screening process.