Are you aspiring to study at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile‑Ife, Osun State, Nigeria? One of the first things you must understand is the cut‑off mark — because without it, you cannot qualify for admission.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the OAU cut‑off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session.
What Is A Cut‑Off Mark?
A cut‑off mark is the minimum score you must achieve in the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) — administered by JAMB — to be eligible to apply for admission into a university.
So, think of the cut‑off mark as the entry ticket:
- If you score below the required mark, you won’t be considered for admission.
- If you meet or exceed it, you become eligible — but admission still depends on competition and other factors.
OAU’s General Cut‑Off Mark For 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 academic session, Obafemi Awolowo University’s general cut‑off mark is 200 in the UTME. That means:
- You must score at least 200 in your JAMB UTME
- You must also choose Obafemi Awolowo University as your first choice
- This cut‑off applies to most courses offered at OAU
Important: Scoring 200 doesn’t guarantee admission. It just qualifies you for the Post‑UTME screening exercise — the next step in the admission process.
Why The Cut‑Off Mark Matters
Most students don’t realize this:
- Meeting the cut‑off mark gets you into the race
- But your actual admission depends on many factors like competition, your aggregate score, and department demand
- Some courses are more competitive than others — meaning the effective cut‑off for admission might be higher than 200
OAU Departmental Cut‑Off Marks
While 200 is the starting point, many departments require higher scores because they are more competitive. Below is a list of departmental cut‑off marks for the 2025/2026 session (based on trends and official information):
| Course / Department | Cut‑Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Accounting | 240 |
| Agricultural Economics | 200 |
| Animal Science | 200 |
| Architecture | 220 |
| Biochemistry | 230 |
| Biology | 210 |
| Building | 214 |
| Chemistry | 220 |
| Civil Engineering | 240 |
| Computer Science | 250 |
| Economics | 220 |
| Electrical Engineering | 240 |
| English Language | 210 |
| Fine Arts | 200 |
| Food Science & Technology | 200 |
| French | 200 |
| Geography | 200 |
| History | 200 |
| International Relations | 200 |
| Law | 250 |
| Mathematics | 200 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 240 |
| Medicine & Surgery | 280 |
| Microbiology | 220 |
| Nursing Science | 240 |
| Pharmacy | 260 |
| Physics | 200 |
| Political Science | 200 |
| Psychology | 200 |
| Public Administration | 200 |
| Sociology & Anthropology | 200 |
| Statistics | 200 |
| Yoruba | 200 |
Pro tip: Competitive programs like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Computer Science often set higher cut‑off marks because so many students apply for them.
Cut‑Off vs Admission
Here’s a key point many aspirants miss:
- Cut‑off mark = Minimum eligibility
- Admission offer = Based on overall performance and competition
So even if you meet the cut‑off, you still need:
- A good Post‑UTME score
- Strong O’Level results (WAEC/NECO)
- Good performance relative to other applicants
How OAU Calculates Aggregate Scores
To be competitive, especially for selective courses, OAU considers an aggregate score — not just your UTME:
- UTME score
- Post‑UTME score
- Aggregate score = Combined performance
- Higher aggregates improve your chances of getting an actual admission offer.
Do You Need Post‑UTME?
Yes! Even if you score 200+ in UTME and pick OAU as your first choice, you must:
- Apply for the OAU Post‑UTME screening
- Upload your results and correct subjects
- Sit for the screening (often online or university portal based)
Failing to attend or apply for the Post‑UTME may disqualify you from admission.
O’Level Requirements
Aside from UTME and the cut‑off mark, you also need:
- At least five credit passes in O’Level subjects
- English Language and Mathematics (for most courses)
- Passed within two sittings (in WAEC, NECO, etc.)
These results must be uploaded correctly during your application.
Direct Entry Students
If you’re applying through Direct Entry (DE) (e.g., Diploma holders), the requirements differ:
- You must have relevant ND, HND, or NCE qualifications
- Include your academic transcripts
- Often have different cut‑off expectations
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Assuming 200 guarantees admission
- Not checking your specific department’s cut‑off mark
- Forgetting Post‑UTME screening deadlines
- Uploading incorrect O’Level subjects
- Ignoring competition in popular programs
Tips To Boost Your Admission Chances
- Aim above the minimum cut‑off — especially for competitive courses
- Prepare thoroughly for the Post‑UTME
- Ensure your O’Level subjects match admission requirements
- Apply early and monitor the OAU admissions portal
- Focus on aggregate scoring