The Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON), Yaba, Lagos, is a specialized institution offering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Registered Community Nursing (RCN) programs, open to military, paramilitary personnel, and civilians. Below is a detailed guide on the cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session, based on reliable web sources, critically evaluated for accuracy, and supplemented with admission requirements.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba has set the JAMB cut-off mark at 160 for its ND/HND Nursing programs, as consistently reported for the 2024/2025 session and expected to remain stable unless officially updated. For the Registered Community Nursing (RCN) program, which is exclusively for military and paramilitary personnel, the cut-off is 130.
Key Points:
- ND/HND Nursing Cut-Off: 160 (candidates scoring 160 or above in the 2025 UTME are eligible for post-UTME screening).
- RCN Cut-Off: 130 (applicable only to military/paramilitary personnel).
- Post-UTME Screening: Candidates meeting the JAMB cut-off must participate in NACON’s post-UTME screening, which includes a computer-based test (CBT) and interview, to determine final admission.
- No Departmental Cut-Offs: NACON does not typically specify departmental cut-offs beyond the general JAMB cut-off, but admission depends on post-UTME performance and aggregate scores.
Note on Consistency: Multiple sources, including My Tertiary News, Scholars Naija, and AllSchool.ng, confirm the 160 cut-off for ND/HND Nursing and 130 for RCN for 2024/2025, with no indication of changes for 2025/2026. Some sources mention higher cut-offs (e.g., 170), but these are less reliable and likely speculative. Always verify on NACON’s official portal (not yet specified for 2025/2026) or JAMB’s portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) once updates are released.
Comparison with Other Nursing Institutions
To address the original query about the university with the lowest cut-off mark for Nursing, NACON’s 160 cut-off is notably lower than many universities offering Nursing Science degrees. For example:
- Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU): 140 (lowest among universities for Nursing).
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO): 150 (general), but Nursing is not offered.
- Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG): 220 for Nursing.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): 290 for Nursing.
NACON’s Advantage: While NACON is a college offering ND/HND programs (not a university degree like B.NSc), its 160 cut-off is among the lowest for nursing-related programs in Nigeria, making it an accessible option for candidates with moderate JAMB scores seeking professional nursing training. Candidates can later pursue a B.NSc via Direct Entry after completing ND/HND.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission into NACON for the 2025/2026 session, candidates must meet the following requirements, based on 2024/2025 guidelines and expected to remain consistent:
- JAMB UTME:
- Score 160 or above for ND/HND Nursing or 130 or above for RCN in the 2025 UTME.
- Select NACON as the first choice institution in JAMB or change to NACON via JAMB’s portal at an accredited CBT center.
- JAMB Subject Combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- O’Level Results:
- Minimum of five credits in WAEC, NECO, or GCE, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, in not more than two sittings.
- Age:
- Candidates must be between 17 and 25 years old by October 2025 (some sources cite 16–27, but 17–25 is more consistent).
- Nationality:
- Candidates must be Nigerian by birth.
- Post-UTME Screening:
- Pay a non-refundable screening fee of ₦7,000 (cash only, based on 2024/2025 data) at the Registrar’s Office.
- Participate in the post-UTME screening, which includes a CBT exam and interview, tentatively scheduled for September 2025 (exact dates to be announced).
- Submit completed application forms with photocopies of credentials (O’Level results, JAMB result, birth certificate) by September 5, 2025 (based on 2024’s deadline).
Additional Notes:
- Program Duration: ND/HND Nursing lasts 4 years, while RCN is 2 years (four semesters).
- Post-Basic Midwifery: Requires an up-to-date practicing license, six months of work experience, and registration as a Registered Nurse (RN). Cut-off is typically 160, aligned with ND/HND.
- Military Training: ND/HND programs include academic and military training, which may be rigorous.
Application Process
- Obtain the Admission Form:
- Forms are available at the Registrar’s Office, Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba, Lagos, from May 20 to August 30, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024’s May 20–August 30 timeline).
- Cost: ₦7,000 (non-refundable, cash only). Some sources mention ₦15,550, but these are outdated or potentially fraudulent.
- Warning: NACON has not authorized online sales or third-party agents. Avoid paying into personal accounts or contacting unofficial numbers (e.g., 07033173228, 07065144439) to prevent scams.
- Complete and Submit the Form:
- Fill out the form and attach photocopies of credentials (O’Level results, JAMB result, three colored passport photographs, UTME result in color).
- Submit to the Registrar’s Office or email to afsbdirectorate@yahoo.com by September 5, 2025 (tentative).
- Submission must be one week before the selection interview.
- Post-UTME Screening:
- Attend the CBT exam at NACON’s CBT Centre in Yaba, Lagos, in September 2025 (likely September 1–5, based on 2024’s September 4–8).
- Bring original credentials for verification.
- Candidates are responsible for accommodation, transport, and feeding during the screening.
- Check Admission Status:
- Monitor updates on NACON’s portal (not yet specified) or contact the admissions office at 07043374034, 09014442003, or 07019940579 (weekdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
- Admission lists will be published on JAMB CAPS (efacility.jamb.gov.ng).
Why Choose NACON, Yaba?
- Low Cut-Off: The 160 cut-off for ND/HND Nursing is lower than most university Nursing programs (e.g., 220 for BASUG, 290 for UNN), making it accessible for moderate JAMB scores.
- Affordable Fees: School fees range from ₦70,000 per session, significantly lower than private universities (₦1,000,000+).
- Accreditation: NACON is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), offering recognized RN credentials and pathways to B.NSc via Direct Entry.
- Military Training: Combines nursing education with discipline and leadership skills, ideal for careers in military or civilian healthcare.
- Open to Civilians: Admission is inclusive of military, paramilitary, and civilian candidates.
Challenges:
- Rigorous training blending academic and military components.
- Strict discipline may be challenging for some students.
Tips to Meet the Cut-Off Mark
- Score Above 160: Aim for 170–200 in JAMB to strengthen your application, as post-UTME performance is competitive.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Study JAMB subjects (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and general knowledge. Use past questions from similar nursing schools.
- Strong O’Level Results: Ensure credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to meet eligibility criteria.
- Avoid Scams: Purchase forms only from the Registrar’s Office and use official contact numbers. Beware of fraudulent numbers like 07033173228 or 07065144439.
- Stay Updated: Monitor www.jamb.gov.ng or contact NACON’s admissions office for 2025/2026 announcements, expected after the JAMB Policy Meeting (June–July 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for NACON, Yaba, for 2025/2026?
160 for ND/HND Nursing and 130 for RCN (military/paramilitary only).
Can I gain admission to NACON with a JAMB score of 160?
Yes, a score of 160 meets the cut-off for ND/HND Nursing, but a strong post-UTME score is crucial for admission.
Does NACON offer a B.NSc degree like universities?
No, NACON offers ND/HND Nursing and RCN programs, leading to RN credentials. Graduates can pursue a B.NSc via Direct Entry at universities.
Is NACON’s cut-off lower than universities for Nursing?
Yes, NACON’s 160 is lower than most universities (e.g., 220 for BASUG, 290 for UNN), but it offers diploma programs, not a B.NSc degree.
How can I contact NACON for updates?
Call 07043374034, 09014442003, or 07019940579 (weekdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM) or check www.jamb.gov.ng until NACON’s portal is updated.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Yaba has a JAMB cut-off mark of 160 for ND/HND Nursing and 130 for RCN for the 2025/2026 academic session, making it one of the most accessible nursing programs in Nigeria, compared to universities like BASUG (220) or UNN (290). While not a university, NACON offers a viable pathway to a nursing career with a lower cut-off than most degree programs, ideal for candidates with JAMB scores of 160–200.
To secure admission, meet the O’Level and age requirements, excel in the post-UTME, and apply through official channels to avoid scams. For candidates seeking the lowest cut-off for Nursing, Prince Abubakar Audu University (140) remains the best university option, but NACON’s 160 is highly competitive for diploma-level nursing training.
For the latest cut-off marks and admission updates, contact NACON at 07043374034 or visit www.jamb.gov.ng. Have questions about NACON’s cut-off or admission process? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll respond promptly!
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Do I need jamb if I want to do direct entry from SLT to nursing HND program?
No, you only need to obtain and fill out the direct entry form.