Are you dreaming of studying at Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious university? Perhaps you’re wondering what scores you need to secure admission into your desired course? Understanding the UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses becomes your first crucial step toward achieving this academic milestone.
The University of Ibadan remains one of Nigeria’s most competitive tertiary institutions, where thousands of brilliant students compete annually for limited admission slots. Therefore, knowing the exact requirements for your preferred program helps you strategise effectively and maximise your admission chances.
What is the UI Cut Off Mark and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into specific course requirements, let’s clarify what cut off marks actually mean. Essentially, the cut-off mark is the minimum score that a candidate must obtain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Post UTME screening exercise to be eligible for admission into a particular course.
However, understanding this definition alone isn’t sufficient. The UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses operates on multiple levels, creating distinct pathways for different categories of candidates. Consequently, your admission prospects depend not just on meeting minimum requirements but understanding which category applies to your specific situation.
Understanding the Three Categories of Cut Off Marks
Remarkably, the University of Ibadan operates a three-tiered admission system designed to balance academic excellence with educational equity. Let’s explore each category thoroughly:
1. Merit Cut Off Marks
Merit represents the general cut-off mark for candidates nationwide with very high scores. This category applies to students competing on pure academic merit regardless of their geographical origin. Typically, merit candidates face the highest competition and consequently need the strongest academic performance.
2. Catchment Area Cut Off Marks
Interestingly, candidates from states in UI’s designated catchment area enjoy lower marks. Specifically, the catchment area comprises the five states of the South West Geopolitical zone namely: Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States, and also includes Edo, Delta and Kwara States. This affirmative action encourages participation from UI’s immediate host communities.
3. ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) Cut Off Marks
Finally, candidates from educationally disadvantaged states in Nigeria get special consideration with lower cut off marks.
According to official information, students from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and Ebonyi States benefit from ELDS consideration. This policy promotes educational inclusivity across Nigeria.
General JAMB Requirement: The Minimum Threshold
First and foremost, the approved JAMB cut off mark for University of Ibadan for the 2024/2025 academic session is 200 and above. This means regardless of your chosen course, scoring below 200 automatically disqualifies you from UI’s admission process.
However, here’s the critical insight: this does not guarantee admission because each course at UI has its own departmental cut-off mark, which is often much higher than the general benchmark—especially for top courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
Detailed Breakdown: UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses 2026/2027
Now, let’s examine the specific departmental requirements across various faculties. Based on the official release from the University of Ibadan, here’s what you need to know:
1. College of Medicine Programs
The College of Medicine consistently maintains the highest admission standards. Medicine and Surgery requires 78.125 for both merit and catchment, with 76.25 for ELDS candidates. Similarly, Dentistry stands at 69.125 for merit and catchment, dropping to 63.625 for ELDS.
Additionally, Nursing Science requires 71.875 for merit and catchment categories, with 63.375 for ELDS students. Other medical programs include Medical Laboratory Science (65), Physiotherapy (64.75), and Physiology (60.375).
2. Faculty of Law
Legal studies remain highly competitive. Law requires 67.25 for both merit and catchment admission, with 66.75 for ELDS candidates. The minimal difference between categories reflects the consistently high demand for legal education at UI.
3. Faculty of Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical sciences maintain elevated standards. Pharmacy requires 68 for merit and catchment, dropping slightly to 65.625 for ELDS candidates.
4. Faculty of Technology (Engineering)
Engineering programs show considerable variation. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering both require 68 and 67, respectively, for merit and catchment. Meanwhile, Civil Engineering stands at 61.625 for merit and catchment, with 53.625 for ELDS.
5. Faculty of Science
Science programs offer more accessible entry points. Computer Science requires 71 for merit and catchment, significantly lower at 60.875 for ELDS. Most other science courses maintain the baseline of 50-52 across all categories.
6. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Arts and social sciences programs present mixed requirements. Political Science requires 55.875 for merit and catchment, with 55.375 for ELDS. Psychology (53.75) and Sociology (50.5) offer relatively lower thresholds.
7. Faculty of Education
Remarkably, most Education programs maintain uniform cut-offs of 50 across all three categories, with Education and English as the notable exceptions at 57.75.
8. Economics and Management Sciences
Business-related programs show moderate competition. Accounting requires 65.25 for merit and catchment, dropping to 59.5 for ELDS. Economics stands at 58.5, while Banking and Finance maintains 52.
How UI Calculates Your Aggregate Score
Understanding score calculation proves essential for realistic admission planning. The UI aggregate score combines the UTME score and the Post-UTME score, with the UTME score representing 50% and the Post-UTME score representing 50%.
Specifically, the formula is: UI Aggregate Score = (UTME Score / 8) + (Post UTME Score / 2). For instance, scoring 240 in JAMB and 70 in the Post-UTME yields an aggregate of 310 points.
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Strategic Tips for Meeting UI Requirements
Successfully navigating the UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses requires strategic preparation. First, aim significantly higher than the minimum cutoff marks. Competition intensifies yearly, making borderline scores increasingly risky.
Secondly, prepare intensively for the Post-UTME screening. Since it constitutes 50% of your aggregate score, poor Post-UTME performance can nullify excellent JAMB results. Thirdly, consider less competitive alternatives if your scores fall short of highly competitive programs.
Furthermore, verify your catchment or ELDS eligibility early. If applicable, these categories substantially improve your admission prospects. Additionally, ensure you meet all O’Level requirements: candidates must have at least five Credit Passes in required O’Level disciplines, including Mathematics and English, in one sitting.
Important Considerations and Common Misconceptions
Several critical points deserve emphasis. Firstly, meeting the cut-off mark doesn’t guarantee admission; it merely makes you eligible for consideration. Secondly, UI only considers first-choice candidates, meaning selecting UI as your second choice proves futile.
Moreover, departmental cut-offs typically emerge after Post-UTME screening, making early preparation essential. Finally, competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering consistently require aggregate scores significantly exceeding published minimums.
When Will 2025/2026 Cut Off Marks Be Released?
Currently, the official UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses for 2025/2026 hasn’t been released. However, historical patterns suggest minimal yearly variations, particularly for highly competitive programs. Therefore, using 2024/2025 figures provides reliable planning guidance.
Typically, UI announces official cut off marks after completing the Post-UTME screening exercises. Consequently, monitoring the official University of Ibadan website (ui.edu.ng) ensures you receive timely updates.
Successfully navigating the UI Cut Off Mark For All Courses requires more than knowing numbers—it demands strategic planning, realistic self-assessment, and excellent academic preparation. Whether targeting Medicine, Engineering, Law, or Education, understanding these requirements positions you advantageously.
Remember, UI represents Nigeria’s premier university precisely because it maintains rigorous standards. Therefore, rather than seeking shortcuts, focus on maximizing your JAMB performance, preparing thoroughly for Post-UTME, and ensuring your O’Level results meet requirements.
Finally, stay informed through official channels, calculate your aggregate score realistically, and consider alternative courses strategically. With proper preparation and determination, achieving your UI admission dream remains entirely possible.
