The ABSU Urban and Regional Planning cut off mark is 150 in the UTME. That is the minimum Abia State University (ABSU) set for every regular degree course in its 2026/2027 screening notice, for candidates who chose ABSU as first or second choice. ABSU did not publish a separate figure for Urban and Regional Planning, so 150 gets you into screening and your rank among the other applicants decides the offer.
2027/2028 update: ABSU cut-off marks usually stay the same from one year to the next, so the figures on this page are what 2027/2028 candidates should plan with. They come from the latest official notice (2026/2027). If the 2027/2028 notice changes anything, we will update this page.
This course has two ABSU remarks on the JAMB brochure that do not agree on whether you need a Geography credit, and one useful remark on Direct Entry that lists the diplomas ABSU accepts. I explain both below, along with a safe target score, the screening steps and what the degree leads to.
ABSU Urban and Regional Planning cut off mark at a glance
| Item | 2026/2027 position | Source or status |
|---|---|---|
| ABSU minimum UTME score (all courses) | 150, ABSU first or second choice | ABSU notice reprinted by Osilight and Myschool, June 2026 |
| JAMB national minimum for universities | 150 | JAMB 2026 policy meeting, 11 May 2026 |
| Departmental cut-off | Not published | ABSU released no per-course figures |
| My safe target score | 175 or more | My advice, not an ABSU rule |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Mathematics, Geography and one of Economics, Physics and Chemistry | JAMB brochure (Myschool reprint) |
| O’level (ABSU remarks) | Credits in English Language and Mathematics, with Geography and Economics; the two ABSU remarks differ (see below) | JAMB brochure (Myschool reprint) |
| Direct Entry (ABSU remark) | ABSU accepts ND in Town Planning, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Surveying and Estate Management | JAMB brochure (Myschool reprint) |
| NUC accreditation (latest) | Full, maturity 2026 | NUC accreditation results, 1990 to 2025 |
| Screening fee | ₦2,000 | Notice reprint |
ABSU Urban and Regional Planning cut-off mark history
| Session | Figure | What it means | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/2027 | 150 | Lowest UTME score ABSU accepted for online screening in any regular degree course (ABSU as first or second choice) | ABSU notice, reprinted by Osilight and Myschool, 8 to 9 June 2026 |
| 2026 (national) | 150 | JAMB minimum for every Nigerian university | JAMB 2026 policy meeting, 11 May 2026 |
| 2025/2026 | Not confirmed | I could not open an ABSU notice for that session | Unverified |
| Urban and Regional Planning figure | None published | Blog “departmental cut-off” tables cite no ABSU document | Unofficial |
ABSU’s 2026/2027 notice gave one figure for all courses. Any page that prints an official ABSU Urban and Regional Planning cut-off is quoting a figure ABSU never released. The real cut-off each year is the score of the last candidate admitted into the department, and ABSU does not publish it.
Safe target score for Urban and Regional Planning at ABSU (my advice)
Planning is usually less crowded than Architecture or the engineering courses, and the Association of African Planning Schools lists ABSU’s department with about 481 undergraduates on its member page (the page is undated). Department size says nothing about the cut-off, though. This table is my advice, not an ABSU rule.
| Your UTME score | My read for ABSU Urban and Regional Planning |
|---|---|
| Below 150 | Not eligible for screening |
| 150 to 164 | Eligible; your O’level grades will decide it |
| 165 to 179 | A fair chance with clean credits |
| 180 and above | Strong |
I would aim for at least 175, and I would make sure Geography is both in my UTME and among my O’level credits.
JAMB subject combination and O’level for Urban and Regional Planning at ABSU
| Requirement | What the JAMB brochure says |
|---|---|
| UTME | Use of English, Mathematics, Geography and one of Economics, Physics and Chemistry (no ABSU UTME remark) |
| O’level (general line) | Five credits: English Language, Mathematics, Geography and any two of Physics, Chemistry, Economics and other listed subjects |
| O’level (ABSU remark i) | ABSU does not insist on Geography; it requires an O’level credit in Economics plus the UTME requirements |
| O’level (ABSU remark xiv, with FUTMINNA) | Five credits: English Language, Mathematics, Geography and any two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Fine Arts, Technical Drawing, Economics and Government |
| Exams accepted | WAEC, NECO, NABTEB |
For the UTME, write Use of English, Mathematics, Geography and Economics. Physics or Chemistry can replace Economics. The brochure has no ABSU UTME remark, so Geography is part of your UTME even though one O’level remark says ABSU does not insist on it.
The O’level remarks pull in different directions. Remark (i) says ABSU does not insist on Geography but wants an Economics credit. Remark (xiv) lists ABSU with FUTMINNA and names Geography among the five credits, with Economics only as one of several options. I cannot tell from the brochure which one ABSU’s admissions office applies. The safe answer is to have credits in English, Mathematics, Geography and Economics, plus one of the science or technical subjects on remark (xiv). That set satisfies both remarks.
Which JAMB course name to pick
ABSU’s list on Myschool’s reprint of the JAMB brochure shows the course as “Urban and Regional Planning” in the engineering and environmental group. Choose that name under Abia State University. Do not confuse it with “Geography and Planning”, which is a separate entry on ABSU’s list with its own NUC result.
Direct Entry
The general Direct Entry line asks for two A-level passes in Geography and Mathematics, or an ND or HND at upper credit in Town Planning or a related discipline plus the UTME requirements. ABSU has its own remark here: it accepts ND in Town Planning, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Surveying and Estate Management. The 2026/2027 notice adds that Direct Entry candidates need the basic five O’level credits, and the general line ties diploma entry to the UTME subject requirements, so keep your O’level in order too.
How ABSU screens Planning applicants
The 2026/2027 notice was signed by the Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu. I could not open the original on the ABSU website, so the details below come from two reprints that agree: Osilight (posted 9 June 2026) and Myschool (8 June 2026).
| Detail | What the 2026/2027 notice said |
|---|---|
| Who could apply | Candidates who chose ABSU as first or second choice, or who changed to ABSU, and scored 150 or more in the UTME |
| Direct Entry | Basic five O’level credit passes under ABSU’s entry requirements |
| Where to register | Online at www.abiastateuniversity.edu.ng |
| What to upload | UTME result, O’level result and degree certificate where applicable, on the ABSU portal (www.portal.abiastateuniversity.edu.ng) and the JAMB portal |
| Fee | ₦2,000 by e-payment through the banks named in the notice, or by debit card |
| Missing the screening | Candidates who do not register “will not be considered for admission” |
| Written test | Not mentioned; the notice describes online document screening |
| Closing date | Not stated in the reprints |
The bank names came out garbled in the reprint, so follow the payment options shown on the ABSU portal itself rather than a list copied from a blog.
Worked example for Planning candidates
ABSU has not published an aggregate formula, and the 2026/2027 notice describes document screening without a test. To show how your O’level can change your position, I use an illustrative method common at Nigerian universities: UTME score divided by 8 (up to 50 points) plus O’level points for five relevant subjects, where A1 = 10, B2 = 9, B3 = 8, C4 = 7, C5 = 6 and C6 = 5 (up to 50 points). This is my example, not ABSU’s formula.
- Chiamaka scored 171 with B3 in English, C4 in Mathematics, B2 in Geography, B3 in Economics, B3 in Biology from one sitting. UTME points: 171 ÷ 8 = 21.38. O’level points: 8 + 7 + 9 + 8 + 8 = 40. Illustrative total: 61.38.
- Kelechi scored 188 with C6 in English, C6 in Mathematics, C5 in Geography, C6 in Physics, C5 in Chemistry across two sittings. UTME points: 188 ÷ 8 = 23.5. O’level points: 5 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 27. Illustrative total: 50.5.
- The result: Chiamaka leads by 10.88 points even though Kelechi scored 17 marks more in the UTME.
Kelechi also has a second problem: no Economics credit. Under ABSU’s remark (i) that alone could stop him, whatever his total. Chiamaka’s set meets both ABSU remarks.
How to apply for Urban and Regional Planning at ABSU, step by step
- Get a JAMB profile code: text NIN, a space and your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 from the SIM linked to that NIN. The code arrives by SMS.
- Register the UTME with the right subjects: choose Urban and Regional Planning at Abia State University with Use of English, Mathematics, Geography and one of Economics, Physics and Chemistry. ABSU accepted first and second choice candidates in 2026/2027, but first choice is still the cleaner position. To move ABSU up later, use a JAMB change of institution.
- Upload your O’level to CAPS: at an accredited JAMB CBT centre, once your result is out. Make sure the upload shows credits in English, Mathematics, Geography and Economics.
- Register for ABSU screening: when the notice is out, go to www.abiastateuniversity.edu.ng, pay the screening fee (₦2,000 in 2026/2027) and upload your UTME result and O’level on the ABSU portal.
- Keep your receipts: save the payment receipt and the printout of your completed screening form. You may need both at clearance.
- Check your status: watch the ABSU portal and your JAMB CAPS page. ABSU offers show on CAPS before anything else.
- Accept on CAPS: log in at efacility.jamb.gov.ng, choose Check Admission Status, then Access my CAPS, and accept. JAMB gives four weeks. Our JAMB CAPS guide explains each status.
- Pay acceptance and clear: ABSU’s acceptance and school fees were not in any source I reached. Pay only the amount on your ABSU portal invoice.
Warning
Every genuine ABSU offer appears on JAMB CAPS, and JAMB said in May 2026 that admission outside CAPS is illegal. Anyone who asks for money to “process” a Planning place is not acting for ABSU. Pay only through the ABSU portal.
JAMB set 31 October 2026 as the 2026/2027 admission deadline for public universities such as ABSU (private universities have until 30 November and other institutions until 31 December 2026). If you applied this year, check CAPS every few days rather than waiting for a printed list.
Urban and Regional Planning at ABSU: the programme
ABSU’s main campus is at Uturu, in Isuikwuato LGA. The university began in 1981 as Imo State University and took its present name after Abia State was created in 1991. ABSU is a member school of the Association of African Planning Schools. Its member page says the planning department started in 1981 at Imo State University and lists bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, under a Faculty of Environmental Sciences. That page is undated; Wikipedia lists a College of Engineering and Environmental Studies at ABSU, so check the current college name on your admission letter.
What you study
ABSU has not published a course outline that I could reach. The AAPS page notes that the department recently added GIS courses. Planning degrees in Nigeria usually cover:
- Planning theory and history: how cities grow and how planning shapes them.
- Land use and site planning: layouts for housing estates, markets and neighbourhoods.
- Transport and infrastructure planning: roads, traffic and public services.
- Regional and rural planning: development across a state or region, not only towns.
- Tools: surveying, cartography, GIS, statistics and planning studio work.
- Law and practice: planning law, development control, environmental impact, industrial training and a final project.
Studio work takes a lot of time. Candidates who can sketch, read maps and handle basic statistics settle in faster.
Accreditation and professional registration
NUC’s published accreditation results (1990 to 2025) list ABSU Urban and Regional Planning with full accreditation as its latest result, with a maturity date of 2026, so the programme is due for its next NUC visit around now. Earlier results on the same row include interim and denied grades. Town planners in Nigeria register with the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC). I did not find a public TOPREC accreditation record for ABSU, so that status is not confirmed here.
Careers
- Town planning officer with state ministries, urban development boards and local governments.
- Development control and building approval roles.
- Planning consultant for housing, transport and environmental projects, after TOPREC registration.
- GIS and land information analyst.
- Roles with development agencies and NGOs on urban and rural projects.
- Postgraduate study in planning, transport or environmental management.
Urban and Regional Planning or a related ABSU course?
| Course | UTME besides English | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Planning | Mathematics, Geography + Economics, Physics or Chemistry | Candidates interested in towns, land use and policy |
| Estate Management | Mathematics, Economics + Chemistry, Geography, Agric or Biology (ABSU remark) | Candidates drawn to property and valuation |
| Surveying and Geo-Informatics | Physics, Mathematics + Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics | Candidates who like mapping and fieldwork |
| Architecture | Covered in our ABSU Architecture post | Candidates who want to design buildings |
More on each: ABSU Estate Management cut-off mark, ABSU Surveying and Geo-Informatics cut-off mark, ABSU Architecture cut-off mark and ABSU Building Technology cut-off mark.
If you are writing in 2027, read when JAMB 2027 registration starts, and when results are out, see how to check your JAMB result. If your score or subjects do not fit, our JAMB change of course guide shows how to switch before admission closes.
Mistakes that cost Planning applicants an ABSU place
- Leaving Geography out of the UTME: the brochure line fixes Mathematics and Geography.
- No Economics credit: ABSU’s remark (i) names it directly.
- Choosing Geography and Planning by mistake: it is a different entry on ABSU’s JAMB list.
- Not registering for screening: the notice says such candidates will not be considered.
- Missing the CAPS window: JAMB’s 2026 rule gives four weeks to accept.
ABSU Urban and Regional Planning: frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB subject combination for Urban and Regional Planning in ABSU? Use of English, Mathematics, Geography and one of Economics, Physics and Chemistry. There is no ABSU UTME remark that changes it.
Do I need Geography in O’level for URP at ABSU? The two ABSU remarks disagree: one says ABSU does not insist on Geography, the other lists it. Get credits in both Geography and Economics so you meet either reading.
Can I use ND to enter Urban and Regional Planning in ABSU? Yes. ABSU’s Direct Entry remark says it accepts ND in Town Planning, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Surveying and Estate Management. You still need the basic five O’level credits.
Is 160 enough for Urban and Regional Planning in ABSU? 160 clears the 150 minimum, so you will be screened. With strong O’level grades you have a chance, but I would aim for 175 or more.
Sources and updates
The 150 minimum, the first and second choice rule, the Direct Entry line, the ₦2,000 fee, the registration and upload steps and the warning about candidates who fail to register come from ABSU’s 2026/2027 screening notice signed by the Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, as reprinted by Osilight (9 June 2026) and Myschool (8 June 2026); I could not open the original on the ABSU website. The national minimum of 150, the four-week CAPS window and the warning on admissions outside CAPS come from the News Agency of Nigeria (11 May 2026). The 31 October 2026 deadline for public universities comes from Legit (28 September 2026). The UTME, O’level and Direct Entry rules come from Myschool’s reprint of the JAMB brochure entry for Urban and Regional Planning, which ABSU’s JAMB course list links to. The accreditation history comes from NUC’s accreditation results, 1990 to 2025 publication. The department’s history, degrees, GIS courses and student numbers come from ABSU’s undated member page on the Association of African Planning Schools website. Campus and history details come from Wikipedia. The safe target table and the worked example are my own advice and illustration. ABSU’s fees and the programme’s duration were not published in any source I reached. Checked on 29 October 2026; this page will be updated if ABSU publishes a departmental cut-off or new requirements.
I am Jude Chinecherem, a final-year MBBS student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I know what it feels like to want an education your family cannot afford. When my parents could not pay for my schooling, I had to learn how to find scholarships and work the system out on my own, with nobody to guide me. I came out the other side, and now I share everything I learned so the next student does not have to figure it out alone. This is the advice I wish someone had given me back then.
