Pharmacy is one of the most competitive health science courses in Nigerian universities, ranking just behind Medicine and Surgery. Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare — from dispensing medications to pharmaceutical research and drug manufacturing. With growing demand for pharmaceutical professionals, Pharmacy remains a top choice for science-oriented students.
Last Updated: February 2025 | Author: Dr. Adebayo Okonkwo
What JAMB Score Do I Need for Pharmacy?
Pharmacy cut-offs typically range from 230–260 at federal universities and 200–240 at state universities. Private universities accept from 180–200.
Pharmacy Cut-Off Marks at Federal Universities
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| UNILAG | Lagos | 260 |
| UI | Oyo | 255 |
| OAU | Osun | 250 |
| UNIBEN | Edo | 250 |
| UNN | Enugu | 250 |
| UNIPORT | Rivers | 250 |
| ABU | Kaduna | 245 |
| UNILORIN | Kwara | 245 |
| UNICAL | Cross River | 235 |
| UNIJOS | Plateau | 235 |
Pharmacy Cut-Off Marks at State/Private Universities
| University | Type | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| DELSU | State | 230 |
| ABUAD | Private | 190 |
| Madonna University | Private | 185 |
| Igbinedion University | Private | 180 |
JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy
- UTME Subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
- O’Level: Credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Duration: 5 years (B.Pharm.)
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.)
Career Prospects
- Community Pharmacy: Running or managing a pharmacy (retail)
- Hospital Pharmacy: Working in hospital pharmacy departments
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Drug manufacturing, quality assurance, marketing
- Regulatory Bodies: NAFDAC, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria
- Research: Drug development and pharmaceutical research
- International Opportunities: Pharmacists can work abroad after passing local licensing exams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study Pharmacy with 230 in JAMB?
At some universities, yes. UNICAL (235) and UNIJOS (235) are close to your score range. State universities like DELSU (230) match exactly. Private universities are very accessible at 230.
Is Pharmacy harder to get into than Medicine?
Pharmacy is competitive but generally less so than Medicine. Cut-offs are typically 15–30 points lower than Medicine at the same university.
What is the difference between Pharmacy and Pharmacology?
Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) trains you to be a licensed pharmacist who can dispense drugs. Pharmacology (B.Sc.) is a pure science course studying how drugs affect the body — it does not qualify you to practise as a pharmacist.
Check your Pharmacy admission chances →