Targeting Optometry for the 2026/2027 academic session puts you in one of the most competitive medical fields in Nigeria. As a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program, it is a six-year journey that requires a very high UTME score and a strong background in the pure sciences.
Unlike many other courses, Optometry is offered by a limited number of accredited universities, which naturally drives up the departmental cut-off marks due to the high volume of applicants. And in this guide, we will be walking you through its cut-off marks based on all the institutions offering it.
What is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Optometry 2026/2027?
For the 2026/2027 cycle, the cut-off mark for Optometry generally stays between 180 and 250. While the school’s minimum might be lower, the actual merit score needed for a medical course is always significantly higher.
Target 230 – 250+iIn schools like UNIBEN or FUTO, and as well as other federal universities. If you are looking at an opportunity with a state university, then a score of 200 to 220 should get you admitted. Candidates seeking to be admitted into private institutions have a chance of being admitted with a score of 180 to 200.
In top-tier medical hubs like the University of Benin (UNIBEN) or Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), hitting the general 200 mark is rarely enough. To be safe for merit admission, you should aim for a score of 250 and above.
Career Opportunities in the Field
Optometry is a specialized healthcare profession focused on the eyes and related structures. It is a stable and lucrative field with various paths. Upon graduating, you can find opportunities in the following fields:
- Primary Eye Care and Vision Testing
- Ophthalmic Lens Design and Dispensing
- Pediatric Optometry and Binocular Vision
- Contact Lens Practice and Fitting
- Public Health and Community Eye Care
- Vision Rehabilitation and Low Vision Therapy
- Ocular Disease Diagnosis and Management
Because this profession relies on a deep understanding of light and the human body, universities look for exceptional grades in Physics and Biology.
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Universities Offering Optometry in Nigeria
These are all accredited institutions offering the Optometry degree and their estimated 2026/2027 cut-off marks:
| S/N | INSTITUTIONS | CUT-OFF MARK |
| 1 | Abia State University (ABSU) | 240+ |
| 2 | Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 210+ |
| 3 | Arthur Jarvis University (ARTHUR-JARVIS) | 190+ |
| 4 | Bayero University Kano (BAYERO) | 250+ |
| 5 | Bingham University (BINGHAM) | 200+ |
| 6 | David Nweze Umahi Univ. of Medical Sciences (DANUMS/DUFUHS) | 235+ |
| 7 | Dennis Osadebe University (DOU) | 220+ |
| 8 | Fed. Univ. of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 255+ |
| 9 | Fed. Univ. of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 245+ |
| 10 | Gregory University (GREGORY) | 190+ |
| 11 | University of Ilorin (ILORIN) | 265+ |
| 12 | Imo State University (IMSU) | 240+ |
| 13 | Madonna University (MADONNA) | 190+ |
| 14 | Maryam Abacha American Univ. (MLU) | 190+ |
| 15 | Novena University (NOVENA) | 180+ |
| 16 | Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU) | 240+ |
| 17 | University of Ilesa (UNI-ILESA) | 230+ |
Additional Admission Requirements
JAMB Subject Combination
Using the wrong subjects will lead to automatic disqualification. For Optometry, you must take:
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
O’Level Requirements
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your SSCE (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) in not more than two sittings (though some top federal schools prefer one sitting for medical courses):
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Post UTME & Screening
For the 2026/2027 cycle, your Aggregate Score (JAMB + Post UTME) is the final decider. Because there are very few seats available in the Faculty of Optometry, even a 240 in JAMB can be risky if your Post UTME performance is weak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is Mathematics compulsory for Optometry in JAMB?
Ans: No. The required subjects are English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. However, you MUST have a credit in Mathematics at O’Level.
Ques: Can I study Optometry with 200 in JAMB?
Ans: It is possible for private universities or some state universities, but for federal schools, 200 is generally too low for this course.
Ques: What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
Ans: An Optometrist (Doctor of Optometry) focuses on vision care, eye exams, and non-surgical treatments. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MBBS) who specializes in eye surgery and advanced medical eye diseases.
Ques: How many years does it take to study Optometry?
Ans: It is a 6-year professional degree program leading to a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) title.
Ques: Can I gain admission with a D7 in Physics?
Ans: No. A credit (C6) or higher in Physics is mandatory for Optometry.
Ques: Which university is best for Optometry in Nigeria?
Ans: UNIBEN and FUTO are widely considered the pioneers and top-rated schools for Optometry in West Africa.