Nursing Science at the University of Ibadan (UI) is one of the most sought-after programmes in the College of Medicine, and every admission cycle it draws far more applicants than the department has space for. Because of this, UI sets its cut-off mark for Nursing Science higher than most other courses on campus, second only to Medicine and Surgery. This article explains what the current cut-off mark is, how it is calculated, what candidates need to qualify, and what to do if a score falls short.
What Is the UI Cut Off Mark for Nursing 2026/2027?
For the 2026/2027 admission exercise, the University of Ibadan’s Undergraduate Admissions Unit places the Nursing Science departmental cut-off mark at 74.50 for Merit and Catchment candidates, and 67.125 for candidates applying under the Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) category. This figure is not a JAMB UTME score out of 400. It is UI’s own aggregate score, calculated on a 100-point scale that blends a candidate’s UTME performance, Post-UTME screening result, and O’Level grades.
Nursing sits close to Medicine and Surgery, which currently holds the highest cut-off in the university at 80.00 for Merit and Catchment candidates and 73.50 for ELDS. This places Nursing Science as the second most competitive undergraduate programme at UI for the 2026/2027 session, ahead of Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, and most Engineering courses.
Candidates should note that a departmental cut-off mark is not fixed permanently and can shift slightly from one admission cycle to the next depending on the number of available slots, the volume of applications, and the overall performance of that year’s candidates. The figures above reflect what UI has published for the 2026/2027 session specifically, and candidates preparing for later sessions should expect similar, though not necessarily identical, figures.
UI’s General JAMB Requirement Before Departmental Screening
Before a candidate’s departmental cut-off mark even becomes relevant, they must first cross the university’s general minimum requirement. The University of Ibadan sets its baseline JAMB UTME score at 200 for the 2026/2027 session. Any candidate who scores below 200 in UTME cannot proceed to the Post-UTME screening stage, regardless of the course they are interested in.
Scoring 200 in JAMB only makes a candidate eligible to sit for UI’s Post-UTME screening exercise. It does not guarantee admission into Nursing Science or any other competitive programme. Because Nursing’s departmental cut-off sits well above the general baseline, candidates aiming for this course are strongly advised to score significantly higher than 200 in UTME, ideally above 260, to have a realistic chance once Post-UTME and O’Level results are factored in.
How UI Calculates the Aggregate Score
The University of Ibadan does not admit candidates based on their raw JAMB score alone. Instead, it combines three components into a single aggregate figure, and it is this aggregate that is compared against the departmental cut-off mark. The general structure works as follows:
| Component | Contribution to Aggregate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UTME (JAMB) Score | Weighted and divided to fit a portion of the 100-point scale | Based on the candidate’s score out of 400 |
| Post-UTME Screening Score | Weighted heavily, since this reflects direct performance at UI’s own screening exercise | Usually a written test or CBT set by the university |
| O’Level Results | Graded based on the number and quality of relevant credits (English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) | Best grades in required subjects are typically used |
Because Post-UTME performance carries substantial weight in the final aggregate, a candidate with an average JAMB score but an excellent Post-UTME result can still outscore a candidate who had a high JAMB score but performed poorly at the screening stage. This is why UI strongly recommends that Nursing aspirants prepare seriously for the Post-UTME exercise rather than relying on their UTME score alone.
Subject Requirements for Nursing Science at UI
To be considered for Nursing Science, a candidate’s academic credentials must meet specific subject requirements both at the O’Level and UTME stages.
O’Level requirements: Candidates need at least five credit passes obtained in not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Mathematics is required at the O’Level stage even though it does not appear as a UTME subject for Nursing.
UTME subject combination: The required UTME subjects for Nursing Science are English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Candidates must select this exact combination when registering for JAMB, since an incorrect combination can disqualify an otherwise qualified candidate from being considered for the programme.
Nursing Cut-Off Mark Compared to Other Competitive UI Courses
To give context on where Nursing Science stands relative to other high-demand programmes, the table below places the 2026/2027 cut-off marks side by side.
| Programme | Merit/Catchment Cut-Off | ELDS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 80.00 | 73.50 |
| Nursing Science | 74.50 | 67.125 |
| Software Engineering | 75.375 | — |
| Computer Science | 74.125 | — |
| Dentistry | 72.875 | — |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 71.25 | — |
| Law | 71.00 | — |
| Pharmacy | 70.375 | — |
This comparison shows that Nursing Science is UI’s second most competitive course overall for the 2026/2027 session, and the most competitive course within the College of Medicine after Medicine and Surgery itself. Candidates should treat this course with the same level of seriousness they would apply to Medicine, in terms of both UTME performance and Post-UTME preparation.
Why the Nursing Cut-Off Mark Is Consistently High
Several factors keep UI’s Nursing Science cut-off mark elevated year after year:
- Limited admission slots. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) regulates how many students an accredited nursing programme can admit annually, based on available clinical training facilities, staff strength, and hospital placement capacity. UI cannot expand its intake simply because demand is high.
- High application volume. Nursing Science attracts thousands of applicants nationwide every year because of the career stability, employability, and respect associated with the profession, both within Nigeria and abroad.
- Reputation of UI’s College of Medicine. UI’s College of Medicine, which houses the Nursing Science programme, is affiliated with the University College Hospital (UCH), one of Nigeria’s most respected teaching hospitals. This affiliation raises the perceived value of a UI nursing degree and, in turn, increases competition for the limited seats.
- Strict accreditation standards. Because Nursing is a regulated health profession, UI cannot lower its standards without risking the programme’s accreditation status, which would affect graduates’ ability to practice.
What to Do If Your Score Falls Below the Cut-Off
Candidates whose aggregate score falls below 74.50 still have a few practical options rather than assuming their admission chances are over for that cycle.
- Consider a related course with a lower cut-off. Programmes within the same faculty or college, such as Physiology, Physiotherapy, or other allied health courses, often carry lower cut-off marks and still lead to healthcare-related careers.
- Apply through change of course or change of institution during the JAMB portal window, if the timing allows, to a university where the Nursing cut-off is more attainable.
- Retake the UTME in the next cycle with a stronger preparation strategy, particularly for the Post-UTME component, since that segment carries significant weight in UI’s aggregate calculation.
- Explore other accredited nursing programmes, including diploma or basic nursing programmes run by teaching hospitals, as an alternative pathway into the profession.
When UI Releases Its Cut-Off Marks
The University of Ibadan typically releases its departmental cut-off marks after the JAMB UTME results are out and once the university has reviewed the general performance trend of that year’s candidates. This usually happens before the Post-UTME screening exercise begins, so that candidates know in advance whether their UTME score realistically positions them for their intended course. Prospective students are advised to monitor the official University of Ibadan admissions portal directly for the most accurate and timely updates, since cut-off marks can be reviewed slightly from one admission cycle to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UI cut-off mark for Nursing Science in 2026/2027?
It is 74.50 for Merit and Catchment candidates and 67.125 for ELDS candidates, based on UI’s 100-point aggregate scale.
What is the minimum JAMB score to apply for Nursing at UI?
A candidate needs at least 200 in UTME to be eligible for UI’s Post-UTME screening, but this only grants eligibility to be screened, not automatic admission into Nursing.
Does Mathematics count for Nursing admission at UI?
Mathematics is required at the O’Level stage as one of the five credit passes, but it is not one of the four UTME subjects for Nursing, which are English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Can a candidate be admitted into Nursing with a JAMB score below 250?
It is possible if the candidate performs exceptionally well in the Post-UTME screening and has strong O’Level grades, since UI’s aggregate combines all three components rather than relying on UTME alone. However, a higher UTME score significantly improves the odds.
Is the Nursing cut-off mark the same every year at UI?
No. The cut-off mark can vary slightly from one admission session to another depending on the number of applicants, available slots, and overall candidate performance that year.