The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), one of Nigeria’s top federal universities located in Bauchi State, is a renowned institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, science, technology, agriculture, and management sciences. If you plan to apply for the 2025/2026 academic session, understanding the JAMB and departmental cut-off marks is crucial. This guide provides comprehensive details on ATBU’s cut-off marks, how they are determined, and tips to secure admission.
Overview of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
- Full Name: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
- Location: Bauchi, Nigeria
- Established: 1980
- Motto: Doctrina Mater Artium (“Education is the Mother of the Practical Arts”)
- Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Muhammad Abdulazeez
- Faculties: 8
- Programmes Offered: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Remedial, IJMB, LVT
- Admission Methods: UTME or Direct Entry
- Website: atbu.edu.ng
What Are Cut-Off Marks?
Cut-off marks serve as the minimum scores required for admission into Nigerian universities. These scores are divided into JAMB cut-off marks, which apply to all institutions, and departmental cut-off marks, which vary based on the chosen course.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for ATBU 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 session, ATBU has set its JAMB cut-off mark at 180. Candidates scoring 180 or above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) become eligible for the university’s post-UTME screening. However, meeting this score is not enough for guaranteed admission, as candidates must also meet specific departmental requirements.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks for ATBU
Departmental cut-off marks represent the scores required for specific programmes. These vary by course and depend on competitiveness and demand. While the university has not officially released the 2025/2026 departmental cut-off marks, estimated scores based on previous years are provided below:
| Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Education | 180 |
| Civil Engineering | 200 |
| Computer Engineering | 210 |
| Petroleum Engineering | 220 |
| Mechanical & Production Engineering | 220 |
| Accounting | 180 |
| Computer Science | 190 |
| Architecture | 190 |
| Microbiology | 180 |
| Geology | 180 |
For competitive programmes such as engineering and technology-related fields, scores of 200 or above are often necessary.
How to Calculate Your ATBU Aggregate Score
To determine your ATBU aggregate score, combine your UTME score and post-UTME score using the formula below:
ATBU Aggregate Score=(UTME Score8)+(Post-UTME Score2)
For instance, if you score 240 in UTME and 60 in post-UTME:
ATBU Aggregate Score=2408+602=30+30=60
Compare your aggregate score to the departmental cut-off mark to assess your chances of admission.
Factors Determining ATBU Cut-Off Marks
The university considers several factors when deciding on cut-off marks:
- Number of Applicants: More applicants typically lead to higher cut-off marks for competitive courses.
- UTME Performance: The overall performance of candidates in JAMB influences the baseline scores.
- Institutional Capacity: The number of students the university can admit affects the cut-off thresholds.
- National Minimum Cut-Off: For the 2025/2026 session, JAMB’s national minimum cut-off is 160, and ATBU adheres to this guideline.
Steps to Apply for ATBU Post-UTME Screening
To apply for ATBU’s post-UTME, ensure you meet these requirements:
- Choose ATBU as your first choice during UTME registration.
- Score 180 or higher in UTME.
- Have at least five O’level credits, including Mathematics and English.
- Pay a non-refundable screening fee of ₦2,000.
Application Process:
- Visit ATBU’s official website.
- Generate an invoice by entering your JAMB registration number.
- Pay the invoice online or at designated banks.
- Complete the online registration form and print the acknowledgment and screening schedule slips.
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances
- Score High in UTME and Post-UTME: Strive for scores well above the minimum cut-off to stand out. Use study resources like past questions and recommended textbooks.
- Choose ATBU as First Choice: This improves your chances, as preference is often given to first-choice applicants.
- Meet Course Requirements: Ensure your UTME subjects align with your chosen course and that your O’level results meet departmental criteria.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to deadlines for registration, screening, and document submission. Regularly check the ATBU website for updates.
Important Dates for Post-UTME Screening
The 2025/2026 screening exercise is scheduled from 23rd to 28th October 2025 at the ATBU main campus in Bauchi. Candidates should bring their acknowledgment slips, screening schedules, and relevant documents to their designated venues.
Conclusion
ATBU’s cut-off marks are essential for determining your eligibility for admission. While the general JAMB cut-off mark is 180, meeting the departmental requirements for your course significantly increases your chances. Stay updated by regularly checking ATBU’s official website and ensure you prepare thoroughly for both UTME and post-UTME.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the JAMB cut-off mark for ATBU? The minimum JAMB score required is 180.
- How can I calculate my aggregate score? Use the formula: (UTMEÂ Score/8)Â +Â (Post-UTMEÂ Score/2).
- When will ATBU release the 2025/2026 cut-off marks? Official departmental cut-off marks will be announced closer to the screening exercise.
- Does ATBU accept JUPEB? Yes, JUPEB candidates are eligible for admission