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1. What is a Cut‑Off Mark? Meaning & Key Terms

Before specific numbers, it’s good to know what “cut‑off mark” really means, especially for Medicine & Surgery at UI.

• A cut‑off mark is the minimum score/aggregate you need so that the university will consider you for admission.
• For competitive courses like Medicine at UI, the cut‑off is usually composed of multiple scores: UTME (JAMB) score, Post‑UTME/screening score, O’Level grades, perhaps subject combination.
• There are different types of cut‑off:
  • Merit cut‑off: for all candidates irrespective of location (general standard).
  • Catchment cut‑off: for candidates from the state(s) or area around the university; sometimes slightly lower or adjusted.
  • ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) cut‑off: for candidates from states considered educationally disadvantaged; the cut‑off may be lower slightly to allow fairness.
• LSI / related terms you will see: aggregate score, subject combination, departmental cut‑off, screening/exam weight, slots/quota.

Cut‑off marks do not guarantee admission; they determine qualification for screening or consideration, but final admission depends on how many people apply & meet criteria.

2. Latest UI Cut‑Off Mark for Medicine & Surgery 2025/2026

Here are the known figures from the latest UI cut‑off marks for Medicine & Surgery as of 2025/2026.

• UI’s merit cut‑off mark for Medicine & Surgery is 78.875% (or aggregate 78.875). (Legit.ng – Nigeria news.)
• For catchment area candidates, the same 78.875%. (AgropressUI)
• For candidates from ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States), the Medicine & Surgery cut‑off mark is 76.25%. (Arewa Campus NG)

So, to apply for Medicine & Surgery at UI in 2025/2026, you should aim for an aggregate of about 78.875 or above (for merit / catchment), or at least 76.25 if you come from an ELDS.

3. Merit, Catchment & ELDS Cut‑Offs: What They Mean & Figures for UI MBBS

Let’s explain more clearly what these categories mean, and what the specific cut‑off marks are.

3.1 Merit Cut‑Off

• This is the standard cut‑off for most candidates across Nigeria.
• For UI Medicine & Surgery 2025/2026, the merit cut‑off is 78.875. Candidates from any state can aim for this; if your aggregate is at or above this, you stand a competitive chance. (AgropressUI)

3.2 Catchment Cut‑Off

• UI catchment is usually Oyo State plus possibly neighbouring states (sometimes Lagos, Ogun etc.), depending on UI policies.
• The catchment cut‑off for Medicine & Surgery is the same as merit here: 78.875. That means belonging to catchment area does not give a significantly lower cut‑off in this case. (AgropressUI)

3.3 ELDS Cut‑Off

• ELDS are states considered educationally less developed. Candidates from these states may have slightly lower cut‑off to allow fairness.
• UI’s ELDS cut‑off for Medicine & Surgery is 76.25. (Arewa Campus NG)

Knowing which of these applies to you helps you plan your target score.

4. How UI Calculates Cut‑Off Mark for Medicine & Surgery

Knowing how UI arrives at these numbers helps you understand what to aim for.

4.1 Components of the Aggregate Cut‑Off

UI usually combines:

1. UTME Score (JAMB)
2. Post‑UTME / Screening Exam Score (UI’s screening test)
3. O’Level Result (WAEC, NECO etc.) – especially required subjects with good grades
4. Possibly subject combination correctness, and other criteria like meeting the minimum UTME general cut‑off.

Each of these parts is weighted. The exact formula UI uses is not always publicly detailed, but past cut‑off published seems to reflect aggregate performance (percent‑like values, sometimes normalized scores). For example, in 2024/2025, UI for Medicine & Surgery used 78.125 for merit, 76.25 for ELDS. (University of Ibadan)

4.2 How UTME Score Fits In

• Your UTME score gives a base. UI expects decent UTME score (often well above minimum general cut‑off).
• If UTME performance is low, you may still be disqualified even if post‑UTME is good; or you may need higher screening performance to compensate.

4.3 The Role of Post‑UTME / Screening Exam

• UI conducts a screening test / Post‑UTME exam. Your performance here is critical.
• Good Post‑UTME marks help raise your aggregate, particularly if your UTME is good but not super high.

4.4 O’Level Grades & Subject Combination

• UI requires strong O’Level grade in core science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English). For Medicine & Surgery, generally credit passes in these subjects.
• Subject combination in UTME must match what UI expects for MBBS. Wrong subject combination can disqualify you.

5. Subject Combination & O’Level Requirements for UI MBBS

Meeting the cut‑off isn’t enough if you don’t satisfy subject combination and O’Level requirements. These are essential.

5.1 O’Level Minimum Requirements

• You must have at least five (5) credit passes in WAEC / NECO / NABTEB. These must include:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• For Medicine & Surgery, UI often requires that all these credit passes are from one sitting. Some sources indicate that two sittings may be considered, but one sitting is preferred. (University of Ibadan)

5.2 UTME Subject Combination

• UTME subjects you choose must include the required science subjects — these include English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics / Mathematics (depending on policy).
• UI publishes acceptable combinations. For example, candidates need Biology and Chemistry; if the UTME subject has Physics or Math as needed, that helps.
• If you choose wrong subjects, meeting cut‑off may not matter; UI may reject you for subject mismatch.

6. How to Prepare to Meet UI Medicine & Surgery Cut‑Off Mark

Here are steps you can take to increase your chance of reaching or surpassing the UI cut‑off for Medicine & Surgery.

6.1 Aim High in UTME

• Score well above general UTME minimum (which might be ~200 or more for UI) so you have a strong base.
• Practice past UTME questions, focus on science subjects, especially Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English.

6.2 Excel in Post‑UTME / Screening Exam

• UI’s screening exam has big effect on your aggregate. Study well for it.
• Sample past UI Post‑UTME questions, mock tests, get familiar with time, computer‑based test environment.

6.3 Strong O’Level Results

• Make sure your core science grades are good (A1‑C6).
• If possible, aim for high grades (B’s and above).
• If subjects are weak, consider remedial study or private tutorial to improve.

6.4 Understand the ELDS / Catchment Benefit (if applicable)

• If you come from an ELDS state, note that your cut‑off is slightly lower; plan accordingly.
• Ensure you can prove your state of origin / catchment status when applying.

6.5 Avoid Mistakes in Application

• Ensure you upload correct documents.
• Ensure UTME subjects are correct.
• Apply before deadlines.
• Use correct names etc. so no disqualification for errors.

7. Pros and Cons of the UI Cut‑Off Mark for Medicine & Surgery

Knowing strengths and challenges helps you decide whether to try or consider alternatives.

7.1 Pros

• High standard: It ensures only well‑prepared students gain admission, maintaining high quality of the MBBS program.
• Transparent benchmarks: Published merit, catchment, ELDS cut‑offs help you know target scores.
• Fairness built in: ELDS cut‑offs help students from less developed areas.
• Encourages early preparation: Knowing cut‑off drives students to start preparing well in advance.

7.2 Cons

• Very high competition: Since many want Medicine & Surgery, many will score high; even slightly below cut‑off may lead to rejection.
• Stress on students: Pressure to get scores well above cut‑off in UTME, Post‑UTME, strong O’Level — can be stressful.
• Limited admission slots: Even with good aggregate, admission is not guaranteed because there are limited places.
• Potential for exclusion: Students who are capable but miss one component (e.g. weak O’Level, one subject) might be excluded even if aggregate close.

8. Comparison: UI Medicine Cut‑Off vs Other Nigerian Universities

Seeing what other universities require helps you measure yourself and possibly consider alternatives.

(Note: exact numbers for other universities may vary by year; always check official notices.)

9. What Happens if You Miss the Cut‑Off Mark

If you apply and your aggregate or UTME or screening score falls below the UI cut‑off for Medicine & Surgery, these are your possible paths:

• Try again next year: Prepare better, improve UTME / O’Level / screening test performance.
• Consider other health‑related courses: Courses like Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Biochemistry etc. — these also have good prospects and sometimes lower cut‑offs.
• Look at other universities: Somewhere else may have a slightly lower cut‑off for Medicine, depending on state or catchment.
• Change course within UI: If permitted, take a related course with lower cut‑off and try to transfer later if performance is good.
• Consider foundation or pre‑degree programmes (if available) to boost your credentials.
• Ensure you meet all requirements: Sometimes missing subject combination, weak O’Level, wrong documentation etc. cause failure even if scores are near cut‑off. Improving these helps.

10. Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here is a summary table to help you see quickly what the target scores are, what requirements are, and what to aim for.

11. Conclusion

The cut‑off mark for Medicine & Surgery at University of Ibadan (UI) in 2025/2026 is 78.875 for merit and catchment candidates, and 76.25 for ELDS. If you want admission into UI MBBS, you must aim for these target aggregates, meet O’Level subject and grade requirements, perform well in UTME and UI’s screening, and ensure your subject combinations are correct.

Here are final tips:

• Start preparing early for UTME; go beyond the minimum general mark.
• Practice past Post‑UTME / screening questions; work hard on your core science subjects.
• Check UI’s official admission guidelines for any changes to subject combination, documentation etc.
• Keep an eye on UI’s portal and JAMB CAPS to monitor admission status.