Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) is the most competitive course in Nigerian universities. With limited spaces and overwhelming demand, the cut-off marks for Medicine are the highest of any course across the board. If you dream of becoming a medical doctor, you need to know exactly what score is required at each university.
This guide provides the definitive list of Medicine and Surgery cut-off marks at every Nigerian university that offers the programme.
Last Updated: January 2025 | Author: Dr. Adebayo Okonkwo
What JAMB Score Do I Need for Medicine?
The short answer: at least 250 at most federal universities, and 200+ at some private universities.
Medicine is unique in Nigerian admissions because:
- It attracts the highest number of applicants relative to available spaces
- Universities impose strict requirements beyond JAMB scores (O’Level grades must be at one sitting)
- Departmental cut-offs are always significantly higher than the university’s general cut-off
- The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria limits the number of students each medical school can admit
Medicine Cut-Off Marks at Federal Universities
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| UNILAG | Lagos | 285 |
| UI | Oyo | 280 |
| OAU | Osun | 275 |
| UNIBEN | Edo | 270 |
| UNN | Enugu | 270 |
| UNIPORT | Rivers | 265 |
| ABU Zaria | Kaduna | 260 |
| UNILORIN | Kwara | 260 |
| UNICAL | Cross River | 250 |
| UNIJOS | Plateau | 250 |
| UNIMAID | Borno | 240 |
| UNIUYO | Akwa Ibom | 250 |
| BUK | Kano | 245 |
Medicine Cut-Off Marks at State Universities
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| LASU | Lagos | 260 |
| LAUTECH | Oyo | 250 |
| DELSU | Delta | 240 |
| AAU Ekpoma | Edo | 240 |
| EKSU | Ekiti | 230 |
| EBSU | Ebonyi | 230 |
Medicine Cut-Off Marks at Private Universities
| University | State | Cut-Off Mark | Est. Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babcock University | Ogun | 200 | ₦2,000,000+ |
| ABUAD | Ekiti | 200 | ₦3,000,000+ |
| Igbinedion University | Edo | 180 | ₦2,500,000+ |
| Nile University | FCT | 180 | ₦2,000,000+ |
| Bingham University | Nasarawa | 180 | ₦1,500,000+ |
Note: Private university tuition for Medicine is significantly higher than other courses. Fees are estimates and may vary.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine
- UTME Subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- O’Level Requirements: Credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — preferably at ONE sitting
- Duration: 6 years (including 1 year internship)
- Degree Awarded: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
How to Get Into Medical School With Your JAMB Score
Based on your JAMB score, here is a realistic assessment:
| Your Score | Best Strategy |
|---|---|
| 280+ | Apply to any federal university. You are competitive everywhere. Focus on POST-UTME prep. |
| 260–279 | Target mid-tier federal universities (UNICAL, UNIJOS, ABU) or top state universities (LASU, LAUTECH). |
| 240–259 | Focus on state universities (DELSU, AAU, EKSU) or prepare for extremely strong POST-UTME performance at federal unis. |
| 200–239 | Private universities are your best option. Consider ABUAD, Babcock, or Igbinedion if budget allows. |
| Below 200 | Consider rewriting JAMB. Alternatively, study a related course (e.g., Biochemistry, Anatomy) and transfer or apply for graduate entry later. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study Medicine with 250 in JAMB?
Yes. A score of 250 qualifies you for Medicine at several universities including UNICAL, UNIJOS, LAUTECH, and some state universities. At top federal universities like UNILAG (285) and UI (280), you would need a higher score.
What is the lowest cut-off for Medicine in Nigeria?
Among accredited medical schools, some private universities accept JAMB scores as low as 180. Among public universities, newer federal and state universities may accept around 230–240 for Medicine.
Is it harder to study Medicine at UI or UNILAG?
Both are extremely competitive. UNILAG’s cut-off (285) is slightly higher than UI’s (280), but UI’s POST-UTME is often considered more challenging. Both are excellent medical schools.
How many years does Medicine take in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery takes 6 years including a 1-year internship (housemanship). After that, you complete a mandatory 1-year NYSC service.
Check which medical schools accept your score: JAMB Admission Calculator →
Data sourced from JAMB brochure, university admission portals, and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria records.