Cut of Mark for Medicine and Surgery 2025/2026

Medicine and Surgery is one of the most competitive courses in universities worldwide. In Nigeria, getting into medical school requires more than just passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The cut off mark plays a key role in determining who gets admitted.

This article explains how the cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is set, what scores different universities require, and what students can do if they don’t meet the cut off. It also covers related admission processes, strategies to improve your chances, and additional pathways for those who fall short of the requirements.

What is a Cut Off Mark?

A cut off mark is the minimum score a student must get in the UTME to be eligible for admission into a particular course. Universities use it to filter candidates and ensure only qualified students are considered. For Medicine and Surgery, the cut off mark is higher than most other courses due to limited spaces and high demand.

Medical schools have strict admission processes. Even candidates who meet the UTME cut off mark must still pass the post-UTME screening, maintain strong O’Level grades, and meet other institutional requirements.

General Cut Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery

The general cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria falls between 250 and 280 in the UTME. However, this is just a baseline—some universities require much higher scores. Federal universities, which receive a higher number of applications, tend to set higher thresholds, while private institutions may be more flexible.

How Universities Set Their Cut Off Marks

Each university sets its own cut off mark based on several factors:

1. Competition – More applicants mean a higher cut off.
2. Available Spaces – If a school has few slots, they raise the cut off.
3. Post-UTME Performance – Some universities consider both UTME and post-UTME screening scores.
4. Past Admission Trends – Schools review past scores to decide on a fair cut off.
5. Government Regulations – Some universities adjust their cut off based on education policies.

Cut Off Marks for Top Universities

Here’s a look at the expected cut off marks for Medicine and Surgery in some of Nigeria’s top universities:

and also her are the Best University to study Medicine & Surgery in Nigeria

University Name	Type	Medicine/Surgery Cut Off Mark
University of Ibadan (UI)	Federal	275+
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Federal	280+
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria	Federal	260+
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife	Federal	270+
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)	Federal	265+
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	Federal	260+
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)	Federal	250+
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	Federal	270+
University of Calabar (UNICAL)	Federal	250+
University of Jos (UNIJOS)	Federal	250+
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	Federal	250+
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)	Federal	260+
University of Uyo (UNIUYO)	Federal	250+
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)	Federal	250+
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka	Federal	260+
Lagos State University (LASU), Ikeja	State	250+
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka	State	250+
Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki	State	250+
Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti	State	250+
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu	State	250+
Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri	State	250+
Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba	State	250+
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho	State	250+
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye	State	250+
Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo	State	250+
Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt	State	250+
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)	Private	230+
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo	Private	240+
Igbinedion University, Okada	Private	230+
Madonna University, Elele	Private	230+
Bowen University, Iwo	Private	230+
Bingham University, Karu	Private	230+
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt	Private	230+
Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa	Private	230+
University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City	Private	230+

These figures change yearly, so students should always check their chosen school’s admission page for updates.

What Happens if You Don’t Meet the Cut Off?

Not scoring the required mark for Medicine and Surgery doesn’t mean the end of your dream. Here are some alternatives:

1. Apply for a Related Course – Some students switch to courses like Anatomy, Physiology, or Biochemistry and later cross over to Medicine.
2. Go for a Pre-degree or Remedial Program – Some universities offer a pre-degree program that can lead to admission into Medicine.
3. Consider Private or Foreign Universities – Some private universities have lower cut off marks and might accept students who missed the federal university requirements.
4. Retake JAMB – If determined, you can prepare better and try again next year.

Understanding Post-UTME and Aggregate Scores

Even if you score above the UTME cut off mark, admission isn’t automatic. Many universities use an aggregate score system, combining:

• UTME Score (50%)
• Post-UTME Score (30%)
• O’Level Grades (20%)

For example, if a university’s total cut off mark for Medicine is 80%, your combined scores must meet or exceed this figure.

Additional Admission Tips

• Aim for at least 300+ in UTME to strengthen your chances.
• Choose a university where your score is comfortably above the cut off mark.
• Practice for post-UTME using past questions.
• Ensure strong O’Level grades—some schools prioritize candidates with A’s and B’s.
• Apply for scholarships or financial aid if necessary.

Alternative Routes to Studying Medicine

If you don’t gain direct admission into Medicine, you can consider alternative routes:

• Inter-University Transfer – Some universities allow students to transfer into Medicine if they maintain excellent grades in related courses.
• A-Level Programs – Programs like JUPEB and IJMB provide another pathway to Medicine after one year of study.
• Study Abroad – Some universities in Ghana, Ukraine, and the Caribbean accept lower scores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Medicine and Surgery is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, and its cut-off mark is one of the highest. While most universities grant admission to students with 250+ scores, top schools peg their marks at 270 and above. Students are not only to aim high in UTME but also to be prepared for the Post-UTME and other admission hurdles.

If you don’t make the cut off, look out for other routes such as related courses, pre-degree programs, or private universities. Always check official sources for the latest admission updates.

For anybody dead set on doing Medicine, their preparation is their everything: study hard, stay informed, and give yourself the best chance of success!