The cut-off mark for medicine and surgery in Nigerian universities ranges between 150 and 320 points, depending on the institution. The national minimum set by JAMB for the 2026/2027 admission cycle is 150, but competitive universities set higher benchmarks. For instance, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) requires 318 points, while the University of Uyo, Imo State University, and Ambrose Alli University accept the lowest at 150 points.
Key Takeaways on Medicine and Surgery Cut-Off Marks
Private universities typically set cut-off marks between 200 and 280, while top-tier federal universities like UNN require up to 318. The JAMB UTME subject combination includes English Language, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Candidates must also have at least five O'Level credit passes in relevant subjects, often in one sitting for competitive schools.
According to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, there are 37 fully accredited medical schools in the country. The course duration is six years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship before full licensing.
Cut-Off Marks by University for 2026
Here are the cut-off points for medicine and surgery at various Nigerian universities, as per official websites:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka: 318
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi: 310.5
- University of Ibadan: 290
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto: 280
- Ekiti State University: 260
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: 250
- Bayero University, Kano: 240
- University of Ilorin: 240
- Lagos State University: 240
- University of Jos: 240
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki: 240
- University of Maiduguri: 250
- Niger Delta University: 220
- University of Calabar: 220
- Kaduna State University: 220
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences: 220
- Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences: 200
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University: 200
- University of Benin: 200
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti: 180
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: 180
- Madonna University, Elele: 180
- Delta State University: 160
- University of Port-Harcourt: 160
- University of Uyo: 150
- Imo State University, Owerri: 150
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma: 150
Subject Combination and Admission Requirements
Candidates must have at least five O'Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, typically in not more than two sittings. However, some universities like the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, University of Ibadan, and University of Ilorin require credits in one sitting.
The JAMB subject combination for medicine and surgery includes English Language (compulsory), Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Additional requirements include being at least 16 years old, having satisfactory post-UTME scores, and choosing the university as first choice in UTME. Direct entry is possible for holders of first degrees in relevant science fields.
Costs, Best Universities, and Duration
Tuition fees vary widely: federal universities charge between ₦100,000 and ₦350,000 per semester, while state universities can go up to ₦500,000 per session. Private universities like Madonna and Afe Babalola charge between ₦2 million and ₦6.9 million. For example, the University of Calabar charges ₦42,750 for new students, while Babcock University charges ₦5.5 million annually.
According to EduRank, the University of Ibadan is the best for medicine and surgery, followed by the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University. The MBBS program lasts six years, plus a one-year internship. The University of Abuja has a cut-off of 230, and in 2025, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria increased its admission quota from 75 to 200.
Admission to medicine and surgery depends on a candidate's UTME score, post-UTME performance, and O'Level results, with aggregate formulas like Obafemi Awolowo University's 50:40:10 (UTME, post-UTME, O'Level). Meeting these requirements is essential for securing a place in Nigeria's competitive medical schools.
