JAMB cut-off mark for Music – studying Music is a pursuit that demands a blend of academic intelligence and practical artistry. As a specialized field, Music departments often have lower quotas than general social science courses, meaning that while the raw JAMB score is a gatekeeper, your performance in the departmental audition often carries equal weight.
For the 2026/2027 cycle, you must prove that you possess both the academic capability to pass the UTME and the practical potential to handle musical training. This guide provides the full breakdown of the scores and technical requirements you need to secure your admission.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Music 2026/2027
1. Federal Universities: In these institutions, competition is high because of long-standing traditions in classical and contemporary music education. With a score range of 210 to 250 depending on the institution, you can be admitted.
2. State Universities: State universities offer a slightly more flexible entry point, though merit benchmarks still apply to maintain the quality of their creative arts faculties. Admission is typically gotten with a score of around 170 to 210.
3. Private Institutions: Candidates can be admitted if the score is slightly above the JAMB benchmark, usually between 160 and 180. These institutions often place a higher emphasis on the student’s existing musical talent and O’Level science/arts balance than on a very high UTME score.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Professional Instrumentalist
- Music Producer
- Musicologist
- Film Score Composer
- Sound Engineer
- Music Teacher/Lecturer
- Ethnomusicologist
- Choral Director
- Talent Manager
- Broadcaster/Music Journalist
- Arts Administrator
- Acoustic Consultant
Related Posts:
- JAMB Subject Combination for Music 2026/2027
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Mathematics 2026/2027
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Mass Communication 2026/2027
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Marketing 2026/2027
Institutions Offering Music in Nigeria
| S/N | INSTITUTIONS | CUT-OFF MARK |
| 1 | Ajayi Crowther University (AJAYI) | 180+ |
| 2 | Babcock University (BABCOCK) | 190+ |
| 3 | University of Benin (BENIN) | 220+ |
| 4 | Borno State Univ. of Ed. (BOUEDST) | 180+ |
| 5 | Bowen University (BOWEN) | 180+ |
| 6 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 210+ |
| 7 | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Univ. (COOU) | 180+ |
| 8 | Delta State University (DELSU) | 200+ |
| 9 | Alex Ekwueme Fed. Univ. (AEFUNA) | 210+ |
| 10 | Federal University, Lokoja (FED-LOKOJA) | 205+ |
| 11 | Godfrey Okoye University (GOUU) | 175+ |
| 12 | Ignatius Ajuru Univ. of Ed. (IAUED) | 200+ |
| 13 | University of Ibadan (UI) | 230+ |
| 14 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 210+ |
| 15 | KASU-Kabba | 190+ |
| 16 | Lagos State University (LASU) | 235+ |
| 17 | Lagos State Univ. of Ed. (LASUED) | 210+ |
| 18 | Michael & Cecilia Ibru Univ (MC-IBRU) | 175+ |
| 19 | Mountain Top University | 185+ |
| 20 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 235+ |
| 21 | Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | 200+ |
| 22 | University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 220+ |
| 23 | University of Delta, Agbor (UDA) | 190+ |
| 24 | University of Ilesa (UNI-ILESA) | 190+ |
| 25 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 220+ |
| 26 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 225+ |
| 27 | University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 215+ |
Admission Requirements
JAMB Subject Combination
Your choice of subjects must reflect a foundation in the Arts or Social Sciences.
- Use of English
- Music
- One Arts Subject (Literature in English, Government, or History)
- Any other Arts or Social Science subject (Economics, Commerce, or CRS/IRS)
O’Level Requirements
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your SSCE (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) in not more than two sittings:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Music
- Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
Post-UTME
The Music Post-UTME is unique because it includes a Practical Audition. Beyond the standard written test, you will be expected to perform on your primary instrument or voice, demonstrate basic sight-reading skills, and undergo an aural test. Your final admission status is usually determined by an aggregate of your JAMB score, your Post-UTME written score, and your audition grade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Can I study Music if my secondary school didn’t offer it?
Ans: Yes, you can. However, most universities will require you to prove your musical proficiency through a practical audition or by holding a recognized music certificate (like MUSON or ABRSM Grade 5 Theory/Practical).
Ques: Is Mathematics compulsory for Music?
Ans: Yes. While you don’t need to sit for Mathematics in JAMB, a credit pass in Mathematics at O’Level (WAEC/NECO) is a mandatory requirement for admission into any degree program in Nigeria.
Ques: What is a “Safe Score” for Music in Federal Universities?
Ans: To be secure for a merit list spot in a top school like UNN or UI, you should aim for 220 and above, combined with a very strong performance in your practical audition.
Ques: Do I need to bring my own instrument for the audition?
Ans: Generally, yes. Except for large instruments like pianos or drum sets which the department provides, candidates are expected to bring their own instruments (violins, saxophones, guitars, etc.) to the audition venue.
Ques: Can I study Music with 160 in JAMB?
Ans: With a score of 160, your best chances lie with private universities or some state-owned colleges of education. Federal universities rarely consider scores below 200 for Music.
Ques: Is there a difference between Music and Music Education?
Ans: Yes. A Music degree (B.A. or B.Mus) focuses purely on musical mastery and theory, while Music Education (B.A. Ed) focuses on training you to become a certified teacher in secondary schools or colleges.
Ques: How long is the degree program?
Ans: It is a 4-year degree program. However, students entering via Direct Entry (with an NCE or ND) typically start from the 200 Level and spend 3 years.
Ques: Can I work in a bank with a Music degree?
Ans: Yes. Banks and corporate organizations hire Music graduates for roles in branding, corporate communications, and general administration because of their creative and disciplined background.
Ques: Is Voice considered an instrument?
Ans: Absolutely. In a Music department, your “Voice” is treated as your primary instrument, and you will be expected to learn vocal techniques, breathing, and performance styles just like an instrumentalist.
Ques: Does UNILAG accept a second choice for Music?
Ans: No. UNILAG, like most top-tier federal institutions, only considers candidates who chose them as their First Choice during the JAMB registration process.