KikelomoThe University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has released its official cut-off marks for the 2024/2025 academic session. These cut-off marks serve as the minimum scores required by candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission into the various undergraduate programs offered at the institution. This article will explore the newly released cut-off marks, discuss the importance of these scores, and provide an overview of the different departmental requirements.
1. Overview of UNILORIN’s Cut-Off Marks
The cut-off marks for the University of Ilorin for the 2024/2025 academic year vary across departments and faculties. In general, the university maintains a baseline UTME score of 180, but some departments require much higher scores due to the competitiveness of their programs.
- Professional courses like Medicine and Surgery have the highest cut-off marks, set at 260. Law follows closely with a cut-off mark of 240, reflecting the rigorous competition for admission into these fields.
- Engineering programs generally demand scores of 220 and above, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering requiring 240.
- Social sciences and humanities programs, such as Political Science and English, have more moderate cut-off marks, typically ranging from 190 to 210 depending on the program.
- Education and art-related courses tend to have lower cut-off marks, often starting at 180 for fields like Arabic, Christian Studies, and French.
The diversity in cut-off marks demonstrates that applicants must be well-prepared, not only academically but also in terms of choosing the right course, considering their UTME scores.
2. Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks
There are several factors that determine the cut-off marks set by UNILORIN each year. Some of the main influences include:
- Competition and demand: Popular courses with a high number of applicants, such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering, naturally have higher cut-off marks. In contrast, less competitive courses may have lower thresholds, making them more accessible to a wider range of students.
- Institutional policies: UNILORIN’s internal admission policies also play a crucial role. These policies are adjusted annually based on the university’s capacity, infrastructure, and educational resources.
- Post-UTME performance: While UTME scores are crucial, UNILORIN also considers candidates’ performance in the Post-UTME screening test. This screening typically accounts for 30% of the total admission score, while the UTME score constitutes 50%, and the remaining 20% comes from the candidates’ O’ Level results.
For instance, a candidate with a UTME score of 200 and a Post-UTME score of 80 would calculate their aggregate score as follows:
- UTME score: 200/8 = 25
- Post-UTME score: 80/2 = 40
- Aggregate: 25 + 40 = 65.
This demonstrates how crucial it is for applicants to perform well not only in their UTME but also in the Post-UTME screening.
3. Admission Process and Key Considerations
While meeting the cut-off mark is a significant step toward gaining admission, it does not guarantee a place in the university. Admission is still subject to factors such as the availability of slots in each department and the overall performance of applicants.
1. Competitive Nature of Professional Courses:
As mentioned earlier, courses like Medicine and Law are the most competitive. Medicine requires a cut-off of 260, and Law demands 240. These programs often have limited spaces compared to the large number of applications they receive annually, meaning that even candidates with high scores may face stiff competition.
2. Course-Specific Considerations:
Applicants should also consider other specific requirements for certain programs. For example, Engineering programs not only have high cut-off marks but also often require a strong background in science-related subjects. Additionally, Pharmacy and Nursing require cut-off marks of 230 or above, reflecting the specialized nature of these courses.
3. Lower Cut-Off Courses and Alternative Options:
Not all courses require extraordinarily high scores. For example, many Education and Arts courses accept UTME scores as low as 180. Programs like History, Arabic, and French can be great alternatives for students whose scores do not meet the demands of more competitive departments. Similarly, some Agricultural courses, such as Forestry and Wildlife, also have lower cut-off marks starting at 180, providing accessible options for interested candidates.
Conclusion
The release of the University of Ilorin’s cut-off marks for the 2024/2025 academic year provides important guidance for prospective students. Meeting these marks is essential for any candidate aspiring to gain admission to UNILORIN. However, students should also be mindful of the additional requirements, such as the Post-UTME screening, and consider alternative programs if their UTME scores fall below the required thresholds for highly competitive courses. As a final note, while these cut-off marks are critical, aspiring students should not view them as the sole determinant of their admission, as factors such as program capacity and performance in the Post-UTME test also play a crucial role.
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