NSUK catchment area and ELDS

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), like many other Nigerian universities, has a system in place that gives preferential treatment to candidates from specific states during the admission process. This system is known as the catchment area policy. Understanding NSUK catchment area can improve your chances of securing admission, especially if you’re applying to study a competitive course.

In this article, we will discuss what catchment area is, the specific states that fall within NSUK’s catchment area, and how this affects your chances of gaining admission. We will also cover other related factors like ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is a Catchment Area?

A catchment area refers to a group of states or regions that are given preferential treatment in the admission process of certain federal or state universities. This policy is designed to ensure that students from the host and neighbouring states applying to study in the university’s have a higher chance of gaining admission compared to those from outside this region.

The concept of catchment areas is based on the Federal Character Principle, which aims to promote fair representation and equal opportunities across different regions of the country. Basically, universities especially state universities like NSUK are expected to prioritize candidates from their catchment areas.

NSUK Catchment Area

Since NSUK is a state-owned university, its catchment area primarily includes states within its location. The following states are the catchment area for Nasarawa State University:

Nasarawa State (the home state of the university)
Benue State
Kogi State
Plateau State
Kaduna State
Kwara State
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja

If you are from any of these states, you are more likely to be considered for admission into NSUK as part of the university’s mandate to ensure regional representation and fairness.

How Does Being From a Catchment Area Affect Admission?

Being from a catchment area does not automatically guarantee admission, but it does give candidates an advantage, especially when it comes to meeting the university’s cut-off mark. Here’s how it works:

Lower Cut-off Marks: Candidates from NSUK’s catchment area may be admitted with lower JAMB scores compared to those from non-catchment states, particularly for less competitive courses.
Higher Priority in Admission: When multiple candidates have similar scores and qualifications, preference is given to those from the catchment area.
Fair Representation: The policy ensures that students from the catchment area are well-represented in the university’s student population, reflecting the principle of Federal Character.

However, it is important to note that your JAMB score, Post-UTME score, and O’Level results still plays the most important role in the admission process and being from a catchment area does not suffice the need for good academic performance.

NSUK ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States)

In addition to catchment areas, there is another policy aimed at improving access to education for students from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS). ELDS are states that historically have lower educational attainment levels and fewer educational opportunities compared to others.

Candidates from ELDS are also given some level of preferential consideration during the admission process. The following states are classified as ELDS:

Adamawa
Bauchi
Bayelsa
Borno
Cross River
Ebonyi
Gombe
Jigawa
Kaduna
Kano
Katsina
Kebbi
Kogi
Kwara
Nasarawa
Niger
Plateau
Rivers
Sokoto
Taraba
Yobe
Zamfara

Since Nasarawa State itself is part of the ELDS, candidates from the state enjoy a dual advantage — both as part of the NSUK catchment area and as residents of an ELDS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NSUK Catchment Area

1. Does being from a catchment area guarantee admission to NSUK?

No, being from a catchment area does not guarantee admission, but it gives you an edge. Admission is still based on your JAMB score, Post-UTME performance, and O’Level results. However, candidates from the catchment area may have a slightly lower cut-off mark compared to others.

2. Can candidates from outside the catchment area still gain admission?

Yes, candidates from outside NSUK’s catchment area can still gain admission on merit. The university admits students from all over Nigeria, but preference is given to candidates from the catchment area when there is high competition for admission.

3. Is Nasarawa State considered an ELDS?

Yes, Nasarawa State is classified as one of the Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS). Candidates from Nasarawa benefit from both the ELDS policy and the catchment area advantage.

4. How do catchment areas affect NSUK’s cut-off mark?

Candidates from NSUK’s catchment areas may be admitted with lower JAMB and Post-UTME scores compared to candidates from non-catchment states. However, each course has its specific cut-off mark, so the advantage varies depending on the program’s competitiveness.

5. What other factors are considered for admission aside from catchment areas?

Apart from the catchment area, NSUK considers your JAMB score, Post-UTME score, and O’Level results. These factors play a major role in determining your eligibility for admission, regardless of whether you are from the catchment area.

Conclusion

Understanding how NSUK catchment area can affect or enhance your chances of gaining admission, especially if you’re from one of the designated states is important. The catchment area policy is designed to ensure fair representation and inclusivity in the university, giving candidates from Nasarawa and neighboring states a slight advantage. However, it is important to remember that your academic performance, including your JAMB and Post-UTME scores are still critical factors in the admission process.

If you’re from one of the catchment states or an ELDS, you may have an easier path to admission at NSUK but hard work and preparation are key to securing your spot.