Securing admission to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in Nigeria remains one of the most competitive academic pursuits. Because human lives are ultimately on the line, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) strictly regulate admission quotas. Consequently, achieving the baseline institutional target is only the first step; understanding the realistic MBBS Cut Off Mark is what determines your admission status.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) maintained a general minimum tertiary cut-off. However, individual universities set substantially higher benchmarks for premium courses. If you target an MBBS slot, you must differentiate between the eligibility cutoff (to sit for Post-UTME) and the actual departmental merit aggregate cutoff required for final clearance.
The Dynamic Nature of the MBBS Cut Off Mark
The final MBBS Cut Off Mark is rarely a static figure. It is calculated as an aggregate score derived from three main components:
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The UTME Score: Weighted heavily at 50% across most institutions.
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The Post-UTME Screening Score: Usually written or graded as an aptitude test.
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O’Level Results: Calculated based on the number of A1s, B2s, and B3s achieved in core science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English).
A candidate with a UTME score of 260 could secure an admission spot over someone with a 290 if their Post-UTME performance and O’Level aggregates outweigh the latter. Furthermore, public institutions strictly apply Merit, Catchment Area, and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) criteria, which creates variations in the required points for different applicants.
20 Federal Universities and Their MBBS Cut Off Marks
Federal universities are heavily subsidized, making them the most competitive choices. While the institutional minimum eligibility score to register for screening is often 200, the competitive departmental ranges listed below reflect the target scores needed to secure a merit placement.
| S/N | Federal University | Minimum Screening Cutoff | Recommended Competitive Target |
| 1 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 | 280 – 320 |
| 2 | University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 | 290 – 310 |
| 3 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 | 280 – 290 |
| 4 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 200 | 270 – 290 |
| 5 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria | 180 | 270 – 280 |
| 6 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 | 260 – 280 |
| 7 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 180 | 260 – 270 |
| 8 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 160 | 250 – 270 |
| 9 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | 160 | 250 – 260 |
| 10 | University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 180 | 250 – 260 |
| 11 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 170 | 240 – 260 |
| 12 | University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 160 | 240 – 250 |
| 13 | Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 160 | 250 – 260 |
| 14 | Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 160 | 240 – 250 |
| 15 | Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) | 160 | 230 – 240 |
| 16 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) | 160 | 230 – 245 |
| 17 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun | 180 | 240 – 255 |
| 18 | Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) | 190 | 250 – 265 |
| 19 | University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | 180 | 250 – 270 |
| 20 | Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA) | 200 | 260 – 280 |
20 State Universities and Their MBBS Cut Off Marks
State-owned universities offer an excellent alternative for candidates who miss out on federal allocations. They naturally give strong preference to indigenes within their state boundaries, meaning non-indigenes must achieve significantly higher aggregate tiers to be competitive.
| S/N | State University | Minimum Eligibility Cutoff | Departmental Merit Target |
| 1 | Lagos State University (LASU) | 195 | 270 – 290 |
| 2 | Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka | 160 | 250 – 270 |
| 3 | Rivers State University (RSU) | 160 | 240 – 260 |
| 4 | Imo State University (IMSU) | 160 | 235 – 250 |
| 5 | Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma | 160 | 230 – 250 |
| 6 | University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) | 180 | 250 – 270 |
| 7 | Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 160 | 230 – 250 |
| 8 | Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) | 160 | 230 – 250 |
| 9 | Abia State University (ABSU) | 160 | 225 – 240 |
| 10 | Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye | 160 | 240 – 260 |
| 11 | Osun State University (UNIOSUN) | 160 | 240 – 255 |
| 12 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) | 170 | 250 – 265 |
| 13 | Kaduna State University (KASU) | 160 | 235 – 250 |
| 14 | Kwara State University (KWASU) | 160 | 230 – 245 |
| 15 | Benue State University (BSUM), Makurdi | 160 | 230 – 250 |
| 16 | Gombe State University (GSU) | 160 | 220 – 240 |
| 17 | Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) | 160 | 215 – 235 |
| 18 | Taraba State University (TASU) | 160 | 210 – 230 |
| 19 | Plateau State University (PLASU) | 160 | 220 – 240 |
| 20 | Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK), Kano | 160 | 230 – 245 |
15 Private Universities and Their MBBS Cut Off Marks
Private universities generally feature more accessible entrance parameters because admissions are largely driven by carrying capacity and financial capability rather than extreme geographical quotas. While the technical eligibility floor can range between 180 and 220, matching the baseline scores listed below ensures rapid consideration during internal screening processes.
| S/N | Private University | Minimum Entry Baseline | Recommended Admission Target |
| 1 | Covenant University, Ota | 200 | 240 – 260 |
| 2 | Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo | 170 | 220 – 240 |
| 3 | Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | 180 | 220 – 250 |
| 4 | Bowen University, Iwo | 160 | 200 – 220 |
| 5 | Bingham University, Karu | 160 | 200 – 220 |
| 6 | Igbinedion University, Okada | 160 | 180 – 200 |
| 7 | Madonna University, Okija | 160 | 180 – 200 |
| 8 | Lead City University, Ibadan | 160 | 190 – 210 |
| 9 | Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos | 220 | 230 – 250 |
| 10 | Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja | 180 | 210 – 230 |
| 11 | PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt | 180 | 220 – 240 |
| 12 | Adeleke University, Ede | 160 | 190 – 210 |
| 13 | Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri | 160 | 180 – 200 |
| 14 | Caleb University, Imota | 160 | 180 – 200 |
| 15 | Gregory University, Uturu | 160 | 190 – 210 |
Actionable Steps to Take if Your Score Falls Below the Merit Target
If your combined performance places you below the competitive MBBS Cut Off Mark for your primary choice institution, you do not have to abandon your medical ambitions. Consider these tactical pathways during the current 2026/2027 window:
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Utilize the JAMB CAPS Green Card Window: If your score is around 220–240, you are highly unlikely to secure Medicine at top public institutions like UNILAG or UI. Log in to your JAMB portal and execute a Change of Institution to an emerging state or private university where your score carries significant merit weight.
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Accept Alternative Program Transfers: Keep a daily watch on the “Transfer Approval” tab within your CAPS portal. If a university lacks space in MBBS but recommends a shift to closely related fields like Human Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or Public Health, accepting the offer keeps you within the college of medical sciences.
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Explore the A’Level Route (JUPEB / IJMB): Missing the UTME cutoff entirely allows you to bypass the standard exam cycle. Enrolling in structured one-year advanced-level programs like IJMB or JUPEB provides a direct entry route into the 200-level medical class upon completing the foundation points.
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Ensure Clean Document Synchronization: A simple spelling variation or a failure to properly upload verified science O’Level components on your JAMB profile will completely remove you from internal institutional consideration, regardless of how high your UTME score is.
Securing a spot in a medical cohort requires balancing raw academic results with structural awareness. Stay close to institutional updates, understand how your target school calculates its final baseline aggregates, and adapt your strategy to protect your admission timeline.
Read also: Nursing Cut Off Mark
Conclusion
Getting admitted to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in Nigeria is highly competitive, so meeting the minimum JAMB cut off mark alone is rarely enough. Most universities give admission to candidates with much higher scores, strong O’Level results, and good Post-UTME performance where applicable.
Before applying, always confirm the official admission requirements of your preferred university, including its JAMB cut-off mark, Post-UTME policy, O’Level subject requirements, and any additional screening guidelines. With the right preparation and a competitive score, you can significantly improve your chances of securing admission into an MBBS programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.
We will continue to update this page whenever universities release new admission requirements or revise their cut off marks for the 2026/2027 admission exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum JAMB score to study MBBS in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 session?
The minimum JAMB score varies by university. While some institutions may set a general minimum of 180 or 200, admission into MBBS is highly competitive, and successful candidates often score 250 or above.
2. Can I study MBBS with a JAMB score below 250?
Yes, it is possible in some universities, particularly where the competition is lower. However, your chances of admission improve significantly with a higher JAMB score, excellent O’Level grades, and a strong Post-UTME performance.
3. Is MBBS cut off mark the same in all Nigerian universities?
No. Each university determines its own admission requirements and cut-off marks. Federal, state, and private universities may have different benchmarks depending on competition, available admission slots, and institutional policies.