Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is one of the professional health courses offered by the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s first and one of the most prestigious universities.
Students who study MLS in UI are trained to become professionals capable of working in diagnostic labs, hospitals, research centers, and public health institutions.
Because the course is highly respected and the university is well-known, it is very competitive.
Many students apply for this program each year, but only a few are admitted.
What is the general JAMB UTME cut-off mark for UI?
The University of Ibadan has set a general JAMB UTME cut-off mark of 200.
This is the minimum score a candidate must get in the UTME to be eligible to apply for post-UTME screening.
This rule applies to all undergraduate courses, whether they are highly competitive or not.
So, if you score anything below 200 in JAMB, you cannot apply for any course at UI, including Medical Laboratory Science.
Even though 200 is the general minimum, you need to know that each department or course has its specific cut-off score, which is often much higher.
What is the departmental JAMB cut-off mark for Medical Laboratory Science in UI?
According to the University of Ibadan’s admission data, the specific JAMB score required for Medical Laboratory Science is usually not less than 250.
The department is under the College of Medicine, which includes other competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Nursing, all of which have high cut-offs.
Here’s what we know based on previous years:
- The 2023 merit cut-off score for MLS was around 68.625 aggregate (after combining JAMB and Post-UTME scores).
- To reach this aggregate, candidates typically had JAMB scores of 250–270 or more.
So, even though you only need 200 to apply, in reality, you should aim for at least 250 in JAMB to stand a good chance of admission into MLS.
How does UI calculate the final aggregate score for admission?
UI does not just rely on your JAMB score alone. Instead, the school uses an aggregate score made up of your JAMB and post-UTME results.
Here’s the formula:
- JAMB score ÷ 8
- Post-UTME score ÷ 2
- Then add both results together
For example, if you score 264 in JAMB and 72 in Post-UTME:
- 264 ÷ 8 = 33
- 72 ÷ 2 = 36
- Final aggregate = 33 + 36 = 69
This is a strong score, as it crosses the 68.625 cut-off for MLS based on the previous year.
What O’Level subjects do I need to study Medical Laboratory Science at UI?
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your O’Level results — WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB — in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These results must be obtained in not more than two sittings. If you do not have all five required subjects, even with a perfect JAMB score, you will not be admitted.
Does UI accept Direct Entry into Medical Laboratory Science?
Yes, the University of Ibadan does accept Direct Entry (DE) candidates for MLS, but it is also competitive. To apply through DE, you’ll need one of the following:
- A-level passes (in Biology and Chemistry)
- JUPEB or IJMB results with good grades in required science subjects
- ND or HND in Science Laboratory Technology with Upper Credit
You must also have the required O’Level subjects (English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to be considered.
What should I do if I don’t meet the cut-off for MLS in UI?
If your JAMB or aggregate score is not enough for Medical Laboratory Science in UI, you still have other options:
- Write JAMB again the following year and aim for 260 or higher
- Change your course to a less competitive one like Zoology, Physiology, or Biochemistry (if allowed by the university)
- Apply for MLS in other universities where the cut-off is lower (for example, state universities or private universities)
- Study Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) in a polytechnic and later use your ND or HND to apply for DE admission into UI
- Try health institutions that offer similar qualifications and consider upgrading later