Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is one of the most competitive and respected health-related courses offered by the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
Many science students dream of getting into this course each year because it leads to a professional career and is in high demand in hospitals, laboratories, and research institutions.
However, UNICAL cannot admit everyone, so the university sets specific cut-off marks to select only qualified candidates.
If you’re planning to study MLS at UNICAL, you need to understand how these cut-off marks work.
What is the general JAMB UTME cut-off mark for UNICAL?
The general JAMB cut-off mark for UNICAL is 140. This is the minimum score required by the university for you to qualify for the post-UTME screening exercise.
In other words, if you score at least 140 in your UTME and select UNICAL as your first choice, you are eligible to apply for the Post-UTME form and take the screening exam.
But this general cut-off is not the same for every course. For professional and competitive courses like Medical Laboratory Science, the score required for admission is higher.
The 140 mark simply means you’re allowed to sit for the next stage, it does not mean you’ll be admitted.
What is the specific JAMB cut-off mark for Medical Laboratory Science in UNICAL?
For Medical Laboratory Science in UNICAL, there is no fixed published departmental cut-off in advance, but based on admission trends from recent years, the actual cut-off mark for MLS usually falls between 180 and 210.
Here’s how it works:
- Candidates who scored below 180 are very unlikely to be considered, even if they wrote the Post-UTME.
- Most admitted students scored between 190 and 250 in JAMB, showing that the course is highly competitive.
- The university releases a merit list and catchment list, and scores vary depending on these categories, but MLS remains one of the highest-demand courses.
So while 140 may allow you to take the Post-UTME, it’s strongly advised that you aim for at least 200 in your JAMB to stand a real chance of getting admitted into MLS at UNICAL.
How does UNICAL calculate its final admission cut-off?
UNICAL uses an aggregate system to calculate a candidate’s final score before admission.
They combine your JAMB score and your Post-UTME score using the following formula:
- JAMB score ÷ 8
- Post-UTME score ÷ 2
- Then add both results together
Let’s say you scored 240 in JAMB and 72 in the Post-UTME:
- 240 ÷ 8 = 30
- 72 ÷ 2 = 36
- Final aggregate = 30 + 36 = 66
This final number is used to compare you with other applicants. If the MLS departmental cut-off is, say, 68 or 70, then an aggregate of 66 would not make it.
That’s why both JAMB and Post-UTME are important. You can’t rely on one and ignore the other.
What subjects do I need in my O’Level for Medical Laboratory Science in UNICAL?
You need five (5) credit passes in the following subjects to qualify:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
You must get these credits in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, and in not more than two sittings.
Even if you pass JAMB and Post-UTME, you won’t be admitted if your O’Level result does not meet these requirements.
Can I gain admission into MLS in UNICAL with 160 or 170 in JAMB?
In reality, no. While UNICAL’s general cut-off is 140, Medical Laboratory Science is a highly competitive course.
Many students with scores below 180 are not considered, especially if hundreds of others scored 200 and above.
You may be allowed to write the Post-UTME, but your chances of admission into MLS with 160–170 are extremely low.
If you scored 160 or 170 and still want to apply to UNICAL, you may consider changing to a course with a lower demand, like Microbiology, Public Health, or some Environmental Science programs.
Does UNICAL accept Direct Entry (DE) into Medical Laboratory Science?
Yes, UNICAL accepts Direct Entry candidates for Medical Laboratory Science. However, like the UTME route, DE is very competitive.
To apply through Direct Entry, you must have one of the following:
- A National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology or a closely related course, with at least Upper Credit
- A-level passes or JUPEB in Biology and Chemistry
- Five O’Level credit passes including English, Maths, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry
Even with these qualifications, admission is not automatic. DE applicants are selected based on their academic performance and available slots.