If you’re aiming to study at the University of Ibadan (UI), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, you’ve likely heard about cut‑off marks — but what do they really mean? What score do you need? How are these marks set? Most importantly, how can you use this information to increase your chances of admission?
In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know.
What Is A Cut‑Off Mark?
A cut‑off mark is the minimum score that a student needs to be eligible for a particular stage of the university admission process. At UI, cut‑off marks are used for:
- UTME (JAMB) eligibility — to qualify for Post‑UTME screening
- Departmental cut‑offs — to determine competitive thresholds for specific courses.
UI General UTME Cut‑Off Mark (2025/2026)
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the general JAMB UTME cut‑off mark for UI is: 200 and above
This means you must score at least 200 in JAMB to be eligible for UI’s Post‑UTME screening.
Important:
- Scoring 200 makes you eligible, but it does not guarantee admission.
- Admission is competitive and depends on your total performance across all requirements.
How UI Uses Cut‑Off Marks
At UI, cut‑off marks work in two stages:
UTME Eligibility Cut‑Off
This is the basic minimum (i.e., 200). If your score is below this, you cannot proceed to the next step.
Departmental Cut‑Off Mark
Departments set their own cut‑off marks because some courses are more competitive than others. These departmental figures depend on:
- Number of applicants
- Performance trends
- Available slots
- Competition level
- Medical and Law courses, for example, usually require higher scores than many science or arts courses.
UI Departmental Cut‑Off Marks (Official)
The University of Ibadan’s official cut‑off marks for the 2025/2026 session include different bands: Merit, Catchment, and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States). Here are some key ones from the official list:
Sciences & Technology
| Program | Merit | Catchment | ELDS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 63.25 | 63.25 | 57.00 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 70.50 | 70.50 | 60.12 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 70.00 | 70.00 | 58.88 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 55.37 | 55.37 | 55.37 |
| Petroleum Engineering | 62.75 | 62.75 | 57.13 |
Sciences & Health
| Program | Merit | Catchment | ELDS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | 57.12 | 57.12 | 57.12 |
| Microbiology | 50.50 | 50.50 | 50.50 |
| Physics | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Statistics | 50.00 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
Social Sciences
| Program | Merit | Catchment | ELDS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science | 55.37 | 55.37 | 55.37 |
| Psychology | 54.50 | 54.50 | 54.50 |
| Sociology | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Geography | 50.00 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
(Note: This is a partial list — UI releases the full cut‑off list on its official portal).
High‑Demand Courses & Competitive Marks
Some programs are more competitive than others due to demand and limited slots. These programs usually require higher aggregate scores, such as:
- Medicine & Surgery — one of the highest competitive programs
- Nursing Science
- Law
- Engineering programs
While the exact numbers vary year‑to‑year, competitive programs often require scores much higher than 200, and sometimes in the 70+ aggregate range.
Why The Cut‑Off Mark Matters
Understanding UI’s cut‑off mark is crucial because:
It Determines Eligibility
- If you score below the general cut‑off mark, you can’t sit for the next admission step.
It Helps You Set Realistic Targets
- Some departments require significantly higher scores than others, helping you plan your preparation strategy.
It Helps You Evaluate Your Chances
If your UTME or Post‑UTME scores fall below departmental thresholds, you can:
- Choose a different course
- Improve your scores next year
- Apply for another institution
Other Admission Requirements At UI
Meeting cut‑off marks alone doesn’t guarantee admission. Candidates must also have:
O’Level Credits
At least 5 credits in relevant subjects (including English and Mathematics) in WAEC/NECO, usually in not more than two sittings.
Correct Subject Combination
Your UTME subjects must match those required for your chosen program.
Post‑UTME Screening
UI usually conducts screening using JAMB and O’Level records. Your performance here influences your aggregate score.
First Choice Requirement
UI typically admits only those who chose the university as their first choice at UTME.
How Aggregate Scores Are Calculated
Aggregate score =
(JAMB score ÷ 8) + (Post‑UTME score ÷ 2)
This means both your UTME and Post‑UTME count, and doing well in either helps boost your overall standing.
Tips To Improve Your Admission Chances
Here are practical study and strategy tips if you’re aiming for UI:
Start Early
Preparation months before JAMB helps you score above UI’s minimum requirements.
Master Relevant Subjects
Focus on subjects tested by JAMB and required by your chosen department.
Practice Past Questions
Mock tests and past papers improve confidence and accuracy.
Stay Updated
Check UI’s official portal regularly for cut‑off updates and admission news.
