Every year, thousands of candidates apply to the University of Ibadan, popularly known as UI, hoping to secure a spot in one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities. But before you even get to the admission stage, there is one number that determines whether you can proceed at all — the University of Ibadan cut off mark.
If you are confused about what this cut off mark actually means, how it works, and what score you need for your specific course, this guide breaks it all down. We will look at the general JAMB cut off mark for UI, departmental cut off marks across different faculties, how UI calculates admission scores, and what you should do after meeting (or not meeting) the cut off.
What Is the University of Ibadan Cut Off Mark?
The University of Ibadan cut off mark refers to the minimum score a candidate must obtain in order to be considered for admission into the university. There are actually two layers to this — the general JAMB cut off mark set by JAMB and the university, and the departmental cut off mark set by individual faculties and departments based on competition and available slots.
Meeting the general cut off mark does not automatically guarantee you admission. Scoring 200 only qualifies a candidate to apply for the Post-UTME screening and does not guarantee admission, as admission into the university’s programmes is highly competitive and depends on several factors, including UTME scores, Post-UTME performance, O’Level results, and departmental competition.
UI General JAMB Cut Off Mark
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the University of Ibadan set its general JAMB cut off mark at a minimum score of 200 for all courses. This means that any candidate who chose UI as their first choice institution needs a minimum UTME score of 200 just to be eligible to apply for the next stage of the admission process.
This 200 mark applies to the 2025/2026 academic session as the JAMB cut off mark for UI. However, it is important to understand that this figure is simply the entry point. Scoring exactly 200 only gives candidates a realistic chance in the least competitive programmes, mostly in Arts and Education, and even then, excellent Post-UTME performance is still required. For most Science, Social Science, and professional courses, a score of 200 is generally too low to be competitive.
How UI Calculates Admission Scores (Aggregate System)
Unlike some universities that rely solely on JAMB scores, UI uses what is known as an aggregate score system. This means your final admission score is a combination of your UTME score and your Post-UTME score, not just one or the other.
The formula used by the University of Ibadan is: Aggregate = (JAMB score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME score ÷ 2).
To break this down with a simple example: if a candidate scores 250 in JAMB and 60 in Post-UTME, the aggregate would be calculated as (250 ÷ 8) + (60 ÷ 2), which equals 31.25 + 30, giving a total aggregate score of 61.25.
This aggregate score is what is then compared against the departmental cut off mark for the course the candidate applied for. UI also categorizes admission into Merit, Catchment Area, and Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS), each with their own required aggregate scores for different courses.
UI Post-UTME Cut Off Marks
For the 2025/2026 admission exercise, while the JAMB cut off remains at 200, the Post-UTME cut off scores differ significantly across courses and faculties. Some Post UTME cut off marks are pegged as low as 50, while others rise as high as the late 70s, depending on how competitive a particular course is.
For most faculties and courses at UI, the cut off mark is generally pegged around 50%, except for a handful of highly competitive programmes such as Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, and Law, which have notably higher cut off marks compared to the general baseline.
Departmental Cut Off Marks for Competitive Courses
Some courses at UI are known to be extremely competitive every year, and this is reflected in their departmental cut off marks. Here is a look at some of the standout figures from the 2025/2026 admission exercise.
College of Medicine
The highest cut off mark at the College of Medicine for the 2025/2026 session was recorded at 78.875 for Medicine and Surgery, making it one of the most competitive programmes at the university. In terms of JAMB scoring expectations, candidates aiming for Medicine at UI typically need a score around 290 and above, combined with a strong Post-UTME performance, to stand a realistic chance.
Faculty of Law
For the 2025/2026 admission exercise, the Faculty of Law’s merit cut off mark was set at 70.875, with an ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) cut off of 67.625 for aspirants from those designated states. In terms of JAMB scores, candidates targeting Law at UI generally need a score of around 270 and above to be competitive.
Faculty of Arts
Within the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Communication and Language Arts recorded a cut off mark of 61 for the 2025/2026 admission exercise. This is considerably lower than the figures seen in Medicine and Law, reflecting the difference in competition levels across faculties.
Less Competitive Courses
Courses such as Education, Agriculture, and some Arts programmes generally have lower cut off marks, usually falling between 210 and 230. These programmes tend to attract fewer applicants relative to the number of available slots, which keeps their cut off marks comparatively lower.
Quick Reference: JAMB Score Expectations by Course Type
While departmental cut off marks (the aggregate scores) and JAMB cut off marks are two different things, candidates often want a quick sense of what JAMB score range gives them a realistic shot at certain types of courses. Based on patterns from recent admission exercises:
- Medicine and Surgery: Around 290 and above, alongside a strong Post-UTME performance.
- Law: Around 270 and above.
- Pharmacy and Dentistry: Typically in a similar high range as Medicine and Law, given their classification among UI’s most competitive programmes.
- Engineering and competitive Sciences: Generally above the 200 baseline, with stronger applicants often scoring well into the 230-260 range.
- Education and Agriculture: Candidates with scores between 210 and 230 stand a reasonable chance, especially with a solid Post-UTME score.
- Minimum eligibility: A JAMB score of 200 is the absolute minimum required just to apply, but on its own it is generally too low for most Science, Social Science, and professional courses.
These figures should be treated as general guidance rather than fixed guarantees, since cut off marks can shift slightly from one admission cycle to the next based on the volume and quality of applicants.
Steps to Take After Checking the UI Cut Off Mark
Knowing the cut off mark is just one part of the process. Here is what candidates are generally expected to do after the cut off marks are released:
Step 1: Check Your JAMB CAPS Profile
Aspirants are advised to check their JAMB CAPS portal, either to accept their admission offer if they meet their departmental cut off mark, or to explore the possibility of transferring to another department if they do not meet the cut off for their original choice.
Step 2: Register and Attend Post-UTME Screening
Candidates who scale past the JAMB cut off hurdle still need to complete the Post-UTME screening process. This involves registering for the UI Post-UTME screening via the official UI Post-UTME form portal, preparing O’Level results and other supporting documents, and keeping track of all screening dates, as missing the screening could shut the door on admission completely.
Step 3: Prepare With Past Questions
While past questions are not a magic solution, they can help candidates sharpen their readiness for the Post-UTME screening exercise. Practicing with previous UI Post-UTME questions gives candidates a sense of the format and type of questions to expect.
Step 4: Wait for Departmental Cut Off Mark Release
Departmental cut off marks are typically released after the Post-UTME screening has been conducted. This is the stage where candidates finally find out whether their aggregate score is high enough for their chosen department.
Important Things to Note About UI Admission
UI Does Not Accept Second Choice Candidates
The University of Ibadan does not accept second choice candidates. The university has explicitly stated on its official website that admission is only available to candidates who selected UI as their first choice institution during JAMB registration. This makes it extremely important to be certain about UI as your first choice if that is where you intend to study.
Post-UTME Is Compulsory
Post-UTME is compulsory for admission into UI. Even a candidate who scores as high as 350 in JAMB must still go through and pass the Post-UTME screening process. There is no bypassing this step regardless of how strong your UTME score is.
What Happens If You Score Below the Departmental Cut Off
If a candidate scores below their departmental cut off mark, they may be transferred to another course or department that has a lower cut off mark. This is one of the reasons why checking your JAMB CAPS profile after cut off marks are released is so important — it shows you your options if your first-choice department does not work out.
Two Sittings Are Generally Accepted
For most courses, the University of Ibadan accepts O’Level results from two sittings. This gives some flexibility to candidates who may have combined results from more than one examination diet to meet the required number of credits.
University of Ibadan School Fees Overview
While this article focuses mainly on cut off marks, many prospective students also want to know about fees once admission is secured. Current University of Ibadan school fees generally range from about 34,300 naira to 36,800 naira for both old and new students across disciplines, though new students should check their specific departmental fees on the official school website, with payments made through the online portal.
As with cut off marks, fee structures can be reviewed from time to time, so always confirm the most current figures directly through UI’s official portal rather than relying on older information found elsewhere online.
Tips for Improving Your Chances of Admission Into UI
Given how competitive admission into the University of Ibadan can be, here are some practical tips that can improve your chances:
- Aim Higher Than the Minimum: Since 200 is just the baseline to apply, aim to score significantly above this, especially if you are targeting competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, or Engineering.
- Choose Realistic Course Combinations: If your JAMB score falls short of the typical range for your dream course, consider applying for a related course with a lower cut off mark, and explore the possibility of an internal transfer later if the university allows it.
- Take Post-UTME Seriously: Since your final aggregate score depends heavily on your Post-UTME performance, do not neglect preparation for this stage just because you scored well in JAMB.
- Stay Updated Through Official Channels: Cut off marks, screening dates, and other admission information should always be confirmed through UI’s official website and JAMB CAPS, rather than relying solely on third-party blogs or social media pages.
- Have a Backup Plan: Given how strict UI is about first choice candidates and the competitiveness of certain courses, it helps to have realistic expectations and alternative plans in case things do not go as hoped on your first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions About UI Cut Off Mark
What is the JAMB cut off mark for UI?
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the general JAMB cut off mark for the University of Ibadan is 200 for all courses.
Can I gain admission into UI with a score of 200?
Yes, but typically only for less competitive courses such as Education or Agriculture, and even then, a strong Post-UTME performance is still necessary.
Does UI accept second choice candidates?
No. The University of Ibadan only considers candidates who selected UI as their first choice institution during JAMB registration.
What is the cut off mark for Medicine at UI?
Candidates targeting Medicine and Surgery at UI generally need a JAMB score of around 290 and above, combined with strong Post-UTME performance.
What is the cut off mark for Law at UI?
Candidates aiming for Law at UI typically need a JAMB score of around 270 and above.
Is Post-UTME compulsory at UI?
Yes. Post-UTME is compulsory, and even a candidate with a very high JAMB score, such as 350, must still take and pass the Post-UTME screening.
When does UI release departmental cut off marks?
Departmental cut off marks are typically released after the Post-UTME screening exercise has been conducted.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the University of Ibadan cut off mark is one of the most important steps in your admission journey, but it is only one piece of a larger puzzle. While the general JAMB cut off mark of 200 opens the door to apply, your actual chances depend on your departmental cut off mark, your Post-UTME performance, and how UI’s aggregate scoring system places you relative to other candidates.
The competition at UI is real, especially for popular courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering. But with the right preparation, realistic course choices, and consistent attention to official UI and JAMB updates, candidates can significantly improve their chances of securing admission.
If this guide helped you understand UI’s cut off marks better, share it with other UTME candidates who might find it useful. And if you have any questions about specific departments or the admission process, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.