The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s higher education system by conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and setting guidelines for university admissions. For aspiring medical students, understanding the JAMB cut-off mark is essential, as it determines eligibility for competitive programs like Medicine and Surgery. This guide focuses on the projected cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session, drawing from recent trends and official announcements.
Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most sought-after courses in Nigerian universities due to its prestige, career prospects, and societal impact. However, admission is highly competitive, with limited slots in top institutions. The JAMB cut-off mark serves as the minimum UTME score required for candidates to proceed to the post-UTME screening stage. While JAMB sets a national benchmark, individual universities often raise it for Medicine to select the best candidates.
What is JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the lowest score a candidate must achieve in the UTME to qualify for admission into a chosen course and institution. It is announced annually during JAMB’s policy meeting, attended by vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts. This benchmark ensures standardization while allowing institutions flexibility to set higher thresholds based on capacity and competition.
For the 2025/2026 session, JAMB approved 150 as the minimum for universities, 100 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education. However, professional courses like Medicine demand much higher scores to maintain quality. Cut-off marks are not fixed for courses; they aggregate UTME performance with post-UTME results. Historically, Medicine cut-offs have risen with demand, reflecting the course’s rigor and the need for strong foundational knowledge in sciences.
Projections for 2026/2027 indicate the national university minimum may remain at 150, but Medicine-specific marks could edge up by 5 to 10 points in top universities if applicant volumes increase, as seen in previous years. Candidates scoring below the institutional cut-off are ineligible for consideration, emphasizing the importance of exceeding the baseline.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Medicine 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 session, JAMB has not yet released official cut-off marks, as the UTME will occur in early 2026. Based on the 2025/2026 benchmarks and historical patterns, projections point to continued high standards for Medicine and Surgery. The national minimum remains 150, but competitive universities will likely require 250 or above to filter applicants.
In 2025/2026, Medicine cut-offs averaged 250 across federal universities, with elite institutions like the University of Ibadan demanding 280 or more. Projections for 2026/2027 anticipate similar or slightly elevated figures, potentially 255 to 290, driven by factors such as improved exam security, candidate performance, and enrollment quotas. Private universities may offer lower entry points, around 200 to 220, to attract qualified students.
These projections assume steady policy continuity under JAMB’s current leadership. Any changes, like adjustments for exam glitches or demographic shifts, could influence final announcements expected in mid-2026. Aspiring students should aim for 270 or higher to secure spots in preferred schools, as aggregate scores (UTME plus post-UTME) ultimately decide admission.
Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks
Several elements shape JAMB cut-off marks for Medicine each year. First, applicant volume plays a key role; Medicine attracts over 100,000 candidates annually for fewer than 10,000 slots, intensifying competition. Second, UTME performance metrics, including average scores in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, directly impact benchmarks. In 2025, mass failures in some zones led to rescheduled exams, slightly lowering expectations for that cycle.
Third, institutional capacity and government quotas limit admissions, prompting universities to raise cut-offs. Federal schools like Ahmadu Bello University prioritize merit, often setting 260 as a floor. Fourth, economic and policy factors, such as funding for medical training, influence availability. Recent JAMB policies emphasize Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) compliance, reducing irregular admissions and stabilizing marks.
For 2026/2027, projections factor in potential tech enhancements to reduce malpractices, possibly boosting overall scores and cut-offs. Regional disparities also matter; southern universities tend to have higher bars due to applicant density. Understanding these dynamics helps candidates strategize, focusing on high-yield preparation areas.
Cut-Off Marks Across Universities
Nigerian universities offering Medicine vary their cut-offs based on reputation and resources. Below is a table summarizing projected 2026/2027 cut-off marks for select institutions, based on 2025/2026 data and trends. These are aggregates or UTME minimums; actual admission depends on post-UTME performance.
| University | Type | Projected 2026/2027 Cut-Off for Medicine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ibadan (UI) | Federal | 280+ | Highest competition; requires excellent O’Level results. |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Federal | 270+ | Focuses on urban applicants; strong post-UTME emphasis. |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Federal | 260+ | Balanced science focus; merit-based selection. |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Federal | 250+ | Northern hub; quotas for indigenes may adjust effective marks. |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Federal | 255+ | Emphasizes clinical training; aggregate scoring strict. |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Federal | 250+ | Rising demand; post-UTME often decisive. |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | State | 240+ | Affordable option; state indigenes get priority. |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | State | 245+ | Growing program; competitive for southern candidates. |
| Babcock University | Private | 220+ | Faith-based; lower entry but high tuition. |
| Afe Babalola University | Private | 200+ | Modern facilities; flexible on aggregates. |
Admission Requirements Beyond Cut-Off
Meeting the cut-off is just the start. Candidates need five O’Level credits in one sitting, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, from WAEC, NECO, or equivalent. The UTME subject combination mirrors these: English (compulsory), Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Post-UTME screenings, varying by university, include written tests or interviews assessing aptitude. Some schools compute aggregates (e.g., 50% UTME + 50% post-UTME). Change of course/institution via JAMB portal is advisable if initial choices are unrealistic. For 2026/2027, expect stricter CAPS enforcement, with admissions closing by December 2026.
READ ALSO: Updated JAMB Areas of Concentration for Biology 2026/2027
FAQs
Can I study Medicine with a JAMB score below 250 for 2026/2027?
Unlikely in federal universities, where projections start at 250. Private schools may accept 200+, but competition remains fierce.
How does post-UTME affect the final cut-off?
It contributes 50% to your aggregate in most schools. A strong post-UTME can offset a borderline UTME score.
Are there quotas for Medicine admissions?
Yes, federal universities allocate 70% merit, 30% catchment/ELDS. Indigenes may benefit from lower effective cut-offs.
What if my O’Level is two sittings?
Acceptable in most universities, but one sitting strengthens your application, especially for top schools.
When will 2026/2027 cut-offs be announced?
Post-UTME in July 2026, following the policy meeting.
Can I change to Medicine after UTME?
Yes, via JAMB portal if you meet the cut-off during change of course.
