Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Each year, thousands of applicants seek admission into its various academic programs. Only candidates who meet some admission requirements are, however, considered. One of such requirement is the OAU cut off mark.
The OAU cut off mark is part of the university’s admission process. It is a minimum score a candidate must have in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in order to qualify for the post-UTME screening. Obtaining this score gives the candidates a chance to compete for admission into their departments of choice.
Knowing the current year’s cut off mark helps students make an informed decision. It helps them decide whether to apply to OAU or seek an alternative.
In this article, we inform you of all that you wish to know regarding the OAU cut off mark, its calculation, and what to do in case you are below the cut off mark. We also talk about the entire process of admission, how scores are calculated, and some questions and answers in order to better prepare you.
What Is a Cut off Mark?
A cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in an entrance exam to qualify for the next stage of the admission process. For universities in Nigeria, this usually refers to the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Each university sets its own cut off mark, depending on factors such as the number of applicants, departmental quotas, and national admission standards. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides a general minimum, but universities often raise this based on competition and internal policies.
The OAU approved cut off mark at JAMB for the most recent admission exercise is 200. Anybody who scored 200 and more can apply for the OAU post-UTME screening exercise. Scoring exactly 200 is not, however, automatically assured admission.
Candidates who meet or exceed the required JAMB score are then invited to participate in the post-UTME test. This second stage is critical, as it helps the university assess candidates more thoroughly. The scores from both JAMB and post-UTME are then combined to determine final eligibility.
Understanding this system is important for every student aiming to secure a place at OAU. The better your scores, the higher your chances of being admitted to your desired course.
OAU Cut off Mark for All Courses
Below is a list of departmental cut off marks for various courses at OAU:
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Faculty of Administration | |
Management & Accounting | 262 |
International Relations | 235 |
Public Administration | 236.5 |
Local Government Studies | 202 |
Faculty of Arts | |
English Language | 256 |
Linguistics | 256 |
Philosophy | 244 |
Religious Studies | 206 |
Dramatic Arts | 250 |
History | 207 |
Music | 203 |
Faculty of Law | |
Law | 270 |
College of Health Sciences | |
Medicine and Surgery | 287 |
Dentistry | 260 |
Nursing Science | 256 |
Medical Rehabilitation | 248 |
Faculty of Pharmacy | |
Pharmacy | 256.5 |
Faculty of Social Sciences | |
Economics | 272 |
Geography | 213 |
Political Science | 236.5 |
Psychology | 237 |
Sociology & Anthropology | 236 |
Faculty of Technology | |
Agricultural Engineering | 216 |
Chemical Engineering | 272 |
Civil Engineering | 259 |
Computer Engineering | 264 |
Computer Science with Economics | 259 |
Computer Science with Mathematics | 271 |
Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 268 |
Food Engineering | 200 |
Mechanical Engineering | 266 |
Materials Science & Engineering | 247 |
Faculty of Science | |
Biochemistry | 200 |
Botany | 200 |
Chemistry | 200 |
Geology | 200 |
Mathematics | 200 |
Microbiology | 200 |
Physics | 200 |
Zoology | 200 |
Faculty of Environmental Design and Management | |
Architecture | 229 |
Building | 214 |
Estate Management | 200 |
Quantity Surveying | 200 |
Urban and Regional Planning | 200 |
Faculty of Education | |
Education and Biology | 200 |
Education and Chemistry | 200 |
Education and Economics | 200 |
Education and English Language | 200 |
Education and French | 200 |
Education and Geography | 200 |
Education and History | 200 |
Education and Integrated Science | 200 |
Education and Language Arts | 200 |
Education and Mathematics | 200 |
Education and Music | 200 |
Education and Physics | 200 |
Education and Political Science | 200 |
Education and Religious Studies | 200 |
Education and Social Studies | 200 |
Education and Yoruba | 200 |
Education Fine and Applied Arts | 200 |
Educational Management | 200 |
Guidance and Counselling | 200 |
Health Education | 200 |
Home Economics and Education | 200 |
Please note that the general JAMB cut-off mark for OAU is 200. However, meeting the departmental cut-off mark does not guarantee admission, as other factors like Post-UTME scores, O’Level results, and the number of applicants for each course also play significant roles in the admission process.
For more detailed and updated information, please visit the official OAU website: https://oauife.edu.ng.
Admission Process & Requirements
The admission process at OAU involves several stages:
- JAMB UTME Registration and Exam: Candidates must first register for and sit the JAMB UTME. OAU’s minimum acceptable score is 200.
- Post-UTME Screening: Candidates who meet the JAMB cut off must then apply for the OAU post-UTME screening. Registration is done online via the university’s admission portal.
- O’Level Requirements: Candidates must have a minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings. Subjects must relate to the intended course of study.
- Direct Entry Admission: OAU also accepts Direct Entry candidates who apply through JAMB. They must hold relevant A-level, NCE, OND, or HND qualifications.
- Submission of Documents: During registration and physical screening, candidates need to present the following:
- O’Level result(s)
- JAMB result slip
- Post-UTME registration slip
- Birth certificate or affidavit
- Local Government Identification
- Passport photographs
- Admission List Release: After all stages, OAU releases its merit admission list, followed by supplementary lists depending on availability.
Post-UTME Screening & Aggregate Score Calculation
OAU conducts a post-UTME screening test each year to further assess eligible candidates. Here’s what to expect:
- Registration: Candidates register online via OAU Admission Portal. They must pay a screening fee (usually around ₦2,000).
- Test Format: The post-UTME is computer-based. It tests subjects relevant to the candidate’s chosen course.
- Required Documents: Candidates must present their JAMB slip, post-UTME registration slip, and valid identification.
- Test Venue and Date: Details are communicated via the portal and email.
Aggregate Score Calculation
OAU uses a 50:50 ratio to calculate the aggregate score:
- JAMB Score (50%): The UTME score is divided by 8. Example: 280/8 = 35.
- Post-UTME Score (50%): The score is divided by 2. Example: 70/2 = 35.
- Aggregate: JAMB + Post-UTME = 35 + 35 = 70.
This aggregate determines if the candidate meets the departmental cut off.
How OAU Determines Its Cut off Mark
OAU does not use a fixed cut off mark for all courses. Instead, it adjusts the marks based on several factors:
- JAMB National Benchmark: JAMB sets a minimum cut off, but OAU can raise it.
- Departmental Quotas: Each department has a limited number of seats. Courses with higher demand (like Medicine and Law) have higher cut off marks.
- Number of Applicants: If a course attracts many candidates, the cut off rises.
- Candidate Performance: If the average scores of applicants are high, the university raises the bar.
- University Policy: Internal academic policies may also influence changes in cut off marks.
Different faculties and departments use these criteria to set competitive marks. This explains why Engineering and Medicine have much higher requirements than other programs.
What To Do If You Don’t Meet the Cut off Mark
Not meeting OAU’s cut off mark is not the end. Here are your options:
- Change of Course: Consider switching to a course with a lower cut off. This can be done via the JAMB portal.
- Pre-Degree Programme: OAU offers pre-degree programs that can prepare you for admission the following year.
- JUPEB Programme: The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) program allows direct entry admission after one year.
- Retake JAMB: Prepare better and try again next year. Focus on improving your score.
- Transfer Option: If you are already in another university, you may apply for a transfer after 100 level.
Explore all these paths while keeping an eye on official updates from OAU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is OAU’s JAMB cut-off mark?
- OAU’s general JAMB cut-off mark is 200.
Can I gain admission with 180?
- No, you must score at least 200 to be considered.
Does OAU accept two sittings for O’Level?
- Yes, provided you meet the required subjects.
How is the aggregate score calculated?
- 50% JAMB + 50% Post-UTME.
Can I apply for a change of course after the post-UTME?
- Yes, if the course has available slots.
Does OAU offer pre-degree or JUPEB?
- Yes, and both programs can help you gain admission.
Is the post-UTME form out?
- Check OAU’s portal for the latest updates.
What subjects are tested in the post-UTME?
- Subjects related to your course of choice.
What is the cost of the post-UTME form?
- It’s usually around ₦2,000.
Where can I get reliable updates about OAU admission?
- Visit universities.ng/oau for guides and updates.
Conclusion
Meeting the OAU cut off mark is a significant milestone to achieving admission into one of Nigeria’s best universities. Always make sure you score way above the minimum and prepare for post-UTME as well as JAMB. In the event that you are short, there are still ways that will allow you to study at OAU.
For the latest updates, always check OAU’s official site or browse our reliable guides on universities.ng.
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