If you scored 280 or above in JAMB, you are among the top 5% of all candidates. This is an outstanding achievement that opens virtually every door in Nigerian higher education — including the most competitive medical schools and law faculties in the country.
This guide helps you make the most strategic use of your exceptional score.
Last Updated: February 2025 | Author: Dr. Adebayo Okonkwo
What Does 280+ Mean for Your Admission?
With 280+, you qualify for every course at every university in Nigeria — with the single exception of UNILAG Medicine (285). You are in an elite position. The question is not “where can I get in?” but “where should I choose?”
Medical Schools Accessible at 280+
| University | Medicine Cut-Off | Your Chance |
|---|---|---|
| UNILAG | 285 | 🟡 Moderate (280-284) / 🟢 High (285+) |
| UI | 280 | 🟢 High |
| OAU | 275 | 🟢 Very High |
| UNIBEN | 270 | 🟢 Very High |
| UNN | 270 | 🟢 Very High |
| UNIPORT | 265 | 🟢 Very High |
| ABU | 260 | 🟢 Very High |
| UNILORIN | 260 | 🟢 Very High |
| All other medical schools | <260 | 🟢 Guaranteed (score-wise) |
How to Choose Your University With 280+
Since cut-off marks are no longer your constraint, focus on these factors:
- Programme reputation: Which university is strongest for your specific course?
- Clinical facilities (for Medicine): Teaching hospital quality matters for medical training
- Location and lifestyle: Lagos vs. Ibadan vs. Nsukka offer very different student experiences
- POST-UTME strength: You still need to perform well in POST-UTME — prepare regardless
- Catchment area: Even with 280+, catchment area quota can affect admission at some universities
Top University Recommendations by Course
| Course | Best Universities for 280+ Scorers |
|---|---|
| Medicine | UI (oldest medical school), UNILAG (Lagos exposure), OAU (strong clinical training) |
| Law | UNILAG (strongest bar exam pass rate), UI, OAU |
| Engineering | UI, UNILAG, OAU (all have accredited COREN programmes) |
| Computer Science | UNILAG (tech ecosystem access), OAU, Covenant University |
| Pharmacy | UI, UNILAG, OAU |
Common Mistakes High Scorers Make
- Underestimating POST-UTME: A score of 300 in JAMB with 30% in POST-UTME can still result in rejection. Prepare seriously.
- Ignoring O’Level grades: Universities check O’Level results. If your grades are weak, even 300 in JAMB may not save you.
- Not having a backup: Some candidates with 280+ get rejected due to POST-UTME or administrative issues. Always have a Plan B.
- Choosing based on prestige alone: The “best” university is the one where you will thrive academically and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into UNILAG Medicine with 280?
280 is just below UNILAG Medicine’s typical cut-off of 285. With an exceptional POST-UTME performance (85%+), admission is possible but not guaranteed. Consider UI (280) where your score is exactly at the cut-off.
Is 280 guaranteed admission anywhere?
No score guarantees admission because POST-UTME and O’Level grades also factor in. However, 280+ makes you a very strong candidate everywhere. Rejection at this score level is rare if your POST-UTME and O’Level are adequate.
Should I choose the hardest university just because I can?
Not necessarily. Choose where you will get the best education for your specific course. Sometimes mid-tier universities have stronger departments in certain fields than the “top” universities.