Many students in Nigeria are interested in studying Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), and some ask if they can pursue it in a polytechnic.
Unlike universities, polytechnics follow different rules and have different cut-off marks.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for polytechnic courses?
For all polytechnic courses, JAMB sets a national minimum cut-off mark of 100 in the UTME exam. You must score at least 100 to be eligible for any polytechnic program.
Is there a separate cut-off for Medical Laboratory Science in polytechnics?
Unfortunately, no. Most polytechnics do not offer Medical Laboratory Science as a course.
That means there is no specific cut-off for MLS in polytechnics.
Instead, Medical Laboratory training is found in Health Technology colleges as a technician-level course, not as a degree program.
What related course can I study in a polytechnic?
Polytechnics offer Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) or similar courses.
For example, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo provides SLT, which covers lab work but at an ND/HND level, not MLS degree.
What cut-off mark applies to Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)?
Polytechnic SLT courses require the general cut-off mark of 100 in JAMB.
However, some polytechnics may set it higher, around 140–150, depending on demand and resources.
What about Health Technology colleges?
Colleges like Rivers State College of Health Science & Technology offer Medical Laboratory Technician programs at ND or even certificate level.
They do not use JAMB; admission is through their entrance exam.
Can I later move from polytechnic SLT to MLS degree?
Yes. After completing ND or HND in SLT, you can apply for Direct Entry into university degree programs like MLS, if the university allows DE from ND/HND.
You still need good grades, Post-UTME, and O’Level credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Which O’Level subjects are needed for SLT?
You need credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, and likely Physics, Chemistry, Biology. This mirrors MLS requirements, so it keeps your path flexible.
What can I do if I want MLS but polytechnics don’t offer it?
- Option 1: Write JAMB and apply for MLS at a university.
- Option 2: Study SLT at a polytechnic, then use ND/HND to enter MLS degree later.
- Option 3: Enroll in a Health Technology college to study Medical Laboratory Technician, then upgrade later.
If your goal is to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with a university degree, you should aim for university MLS admission. But if you’re fine with a polytechnic route, then SLT is a good technical option.