Federal University with the lowest cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery

Among federal universities in Nigeria, the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) are known for having some of the lowest departmental cut-off marks for Medicine and Surgery. 

While top federal universities like the University of Ibadan (UI), the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) often set cut-off marks above 280, UNIUYO and UNIABUJA sometimes accept students with JAMB scores in the range of 240 to 250, depending on the year and competition. 

These scores are not fixed and may change every admission cycle.

Why is the cut-off mark for Medicine usually higher than for other courses?

Medicine and Surgery is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. 

Thousands of students apply every year, but the number of slots available is very small. 

This is because medical schools must follow limits set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to ensure proper training. 

As a result, universities only admit the highest-performing candidates. 

This makes the cut-off mark for Medicine much higher than for other courses like Sociology or Agricultural Science. 

A score that might get you into one course may not be enough for Medicine.

What is the general JAMB cut-off for Medicine in federal universities?

There is no single national JAMB cut-off mark for Medicine. 

JAMB usually sets a general minimum score, such as 140 or 150, for university admissions, but this does not apply directly to Medicine. 

Each university decides its departmental cut-off based on how many students applied and how well they performed. 

In most federal universities, the actual JAMB score needed for Medicine is between 270 and 320. 

But this is just one part of the admission process—Post UTME performance also plays a major role.

Can I study Medicine with a JAMB score lower than 250?

It is rare, but possible in some schools. For example, in past years, some candidates got admission into Medicine at UNIUYO or UNIABUJA with JAMB scores slightly below 250, especially if they did very well in Post UTME. 

However, this is not common and should not be relied on. If you want a strong chance at getting into Medicine, it is best to aim for at least 270 or higher. 

Also, schools may consider factors like catchment area and educational disadvantage when making final decisions.

Does state of origin or catchment area affect the cut-off mark?

Yes, most federal universities follow catchment area and quota policies. 

This means that students from certain states close to the university may get a slight advantage during admission. 

For example, a student from Akwa Ibom applying to UNIUYO might be considered with a lower score than someone from Lagos. 

Also, students from educationally less developed states (like Zamfara or Ebonyi) may be given more chances under the Educationally Disadvantaged States (EDS) policy. 

But this doesn’t mean they can get in with very low scores; it only helps when the scores are close.

Which federal universities can I try if my JAMB score is low?

If your JAMB score is below 260, but you still want to study Medicine at a federal university, you should consider schools that usually have lower competition. 

Some options include the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Federal University Wukari, and Federal University Dutse. 

These schools sometimes accept slightly lower scores, especially when there is less competition. 

However, the cut-off marks may still change depending on the number of applicants and overall performance in a given year.

What should I do if I don’t meet the cut-off for Medicine?

If your score is not high enough for Medicine, there are still other ways to pursue a healthcare career. 

You can apply for related courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing, or Medical Laboratory Science. 

These are important health fields with good job prospects. You can also consider private universities if you can afford the fees. 

Another option is to take a pre-degree or remedial program, which some federal universities offer.

Or you can take another year to study hard and retake JAMB. Many students eventually get into Medicine after trying more than once.