Studying Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most prestigious and competitive academic pursuits in Nigeria. With thousands of students vying for limited admission slots each year, understanding the cut-off marks across different universities is crucial for making informed decisions about your medical career.
What Are Medical School Cut-off Marks?
Cut-off marks represent the minimum JAMB scores required for consideration into Medicine and Surgery programmes at Nigerian universities. These marks vary significantly between institutions and are influenced by factors such as:
- University reputation and ranking
- Available admission slots
- Quality of facilities and faculty
- Accreditation status
- Regional considerations
General Cut-off Mark Ranges for Medicine and Surgery (2025/2026)
Premier Federal Universities Cut-off Table
| University | Merit | ELDS | Catchment | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 330-350 | 320-340 | 310-330 | 310-350 |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 320-340 | 310-330 | 300-320 | 300-340 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 310-330 | 300-320 | 290-310 | 290-330 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 300-320 | 290-310 | 280-300 | 280-320 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 310-330 | 300-320 | 290-310 | 290-330 |
Established Federal Universities Cut-off Table
| University | Merit | ELDS | Catchment | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 280-290 | 270-280 | 260-270 | 260-290 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 275-285 | 265-275 | 255-265 | 255-285 |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 270-280 | 260-270 | 250-260 | 250-280 |
| Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 270-280 | 260-270 | 250-260 | 250-280 |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 265-275 | 255-265 | 245-255 | 245-275 |
Newer Federal Universities Cut-off Table
| University | Merit | ELDS | Catchment | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 240 | 230 | 220 | 220-240 |
| Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | 240-250 | 230-240 | 220-230 | 220-250 |
| Federal University, Dutse (FUD) | 235-245 | 225-235 | 215-225 | 215-245 |
| Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE) | 230-240 | 220-230 | 210-220 | 210-240 |
| Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) | 235-245 | 225-235 | 215-225 | 215-245 |
State Universities Cut-off Table
| University | Merit | ELDS | Catchment | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 270-280 | 260-270 | 250-260 | 250-280 |
| Rivers State University | 250-260 | 240-250 | 230-240 | 230-260 |
| Kaduna State University | 240-250 | 230-240 | 220-230 | 220-250 |
| Imo State University | 230-240 | 220-230 | 210-220 | 210-240 |
| Delta State University | 240-250 | 230-240 | 220-230 | 220-250 |
| Ebonyi State University | 220-240 | 210-230 | 200-220 | 200-240 |
Private Universities Cut-off Table
| University | Merit | Special Categories | Annual Fees (₦) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | 210-230 | 200-220 | 1,500,000-2,000,000 | 200-230 |
| Covenant University | 230-250 | 220-240 | 2,000,000-2,500,000 | 220-250 |
| Bowen University | 200-220 | 190-210 | 1,200,000-1,800,000 | 190-220 |
| Madonna University | 190-210 | 180-200 | 1,000,000-1,500,000 | 180-210 |
| Igbinedion University | 180-200 | 170-190 | 1,800,000-2,200,000 | 170-200 |
| Achievers University | 180-200 | 170-190 | 800,000-1,200,000 | 170-200 |
Quick Reference Cut-off Summary
| University Category | Merit Range | ELDS Range | Catchment Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Federal | 300-350 | 290-340 | 280-330 |
| Established Federal | 260-290 | 250-280 | 240-270 |
| Newer Federal | 220-250 | 210-240 | 200-230 |
| State Universities | 200-280 | 190-270 | 180-260 |
| Private Universities | 180-250 | 170-240 | N/A |
Understanding Different Admission Categories
Merit Category
- Open to all qualified Nigerian students
- Highest competition level
- No geographical or special considerations
- Typically represents 45-55% of total admission slots
ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States)
- Reserved for students from educationally disadvantaged states
- Usually 10-20 points lower than merit cut-off
- Promotes educational equity across Nigeria
- Represents about 20-25% of admission slots
Catchment Areas
- For students from states within university’s catchment zone
- Typically 10-30 points lower than merit cut-off
- Encourages local participation in higher education
- Usually accounts for 25-35% of admissions
Factors Influencing Cut-off Marks
University-Specific Factors
- Reputation and Ranking: Higher-ranked universities attract more applicants
- Faculty Quality: Universities with renowned medical faculty have higher demand
- Infrastructure: Modern facilities and teaching hospitals influence desirability
- Graduate Success: Employment rates and residency placements affect reputation
External Factors
- JAMB Performance Trends: Overall candidate performance affects cut-offs
- Economic Conditions: Financial constraints may influence private university preferences
- Government Policies: Changes in admission policies can impact cut-offs
- Accreditation Status: NUC and MDCN accreditation affects program credibility
Strategic University Selection Guide
High Achievers (300+ JAMB Score)
Primary Choices:
- Target premier federal universities
- Consider top private universities as backups
- Apply to 2-3 highly competitive institutions
Strategy:
- Focus on universities with excellent residency training programs
- Consider long-term career prospects and alumni networks
- Don’t overlook newer federal universities with strong programs
Strong Performers (250-299 JAMB Score)
Primary Choices:
- Mid-tier federal universities
- Established state universities
- Top private universities
Strategy:
- Balance ambition with realistic expectations
- Consider catchment area advantages
- Have 3-4 viable options across different categories
Solid Candidates (200-249 JAMB Score)
Primary Choices:
- Newer federal universities
- State universities in your region
- Private universities with good programs
Strategy:
- Maximize catchment area benefits
- Consider ELDS eligibility if applicable
- Focus on universities with growing medical programs
Minimum Qualifiers (180-199 JAMB Score)
Primary Choices:
- Private universities
- Some state universities
- Consider foundation programs
Strategy:
- Research private university scholarship opportunities
- Look into installment payment plans
- Consider medical laboratory science or nursing as alternatives
Beyond Cut-off Marks: Complete Admission Requirements
JAMB Requirements
Subject Combination:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Biology (Compulsory)
- Chemistry (Compulsory)
- Physics (Compulsory)
O’Level Requirements
Minimum Credits (5 subjects):
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Post-UTME Screening
Most universities conduct additional screening tests covering:
- Biology (often weighted heavily)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English Language
- Current affairs and general knowledge
Preparing for Medical School Admission
Academic Preparation
- Master JAMB Subjects: Focus intensively on Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Past Questions Practice: Solve 10+ years of past questions
- Time Management: Develop speed and accuracy
- Mock Examinations: Take regular practice tests
Strategic Preparation
- Research Universities: Understand specific requirements for target institutions
- Backup Planning: Have realistic alternative options
- Financial Planning: Consider tuition and living expenses
- Documentation: Ensure all certificates are authentic and available
Alternative Pathways to Medicine
Direct Entry
- For candidates with relevant diplomas or degrees
- Often requires lower JAMB scores
- Admission into 200 level (5-year program)
- Limited slots available
Foundation Programs
- Available at some universities
- Intensive one-year preparatory program
- Guaranteed progression with satisfactory performance
- Higher overall cost but improved chances
Related Health Sciences
Consider these alternatives while reapplying:
- Nursing/Nursing Science
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Financial Considerations
Federal Universities
- Lower tuition fees (₦50,000 – ₦200,000 annually)
- Additional costs for accommodation, textbooks, clinical postings
- Potential for scholarships and bursaries
State Universities
- Moderate fees (₦100,000 – ₦400,000 annually)
- Often prefer indigenes with reduced fees
- Limited scholarship opportunities
Private Universities
- Higher fees (₦800,000 – ₦3,000,000 annually)
- Modern facilities and smaller class sizes
- Scholarship programs available for exceptional students
- Flexible payment plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I gain admission with scores below the stated cut-offs? A: Cut-offs are minimum requirements. However, catchment area and ELDS considerations may provide opportunities with lower scores.
Q: Which is better: federal or private universities for medicine? A: Both have advantages. Federal universities offer prestige and lower costs, while private universities often provide modern facilities and smaller class sizes.
Q: How important is Post-UTME performance? A: Extremely important. Many universities weight Post-UTME at 40-60% of total admission score.
Q: Can I transfer between medical schools? A: Transfers are possible but extremely competitive and often require exceptional academic performance.
Q: What if I don’t get admission this year? A: Consider retaking JAMB, applying to more universities, or pursuing related health sciences while reapplying.