The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is one of the most prestigious and sought-after institutions in Nigeria. For students planning to attend the university in the 2025/2026 academic session, understanding the cut-off marks for various programs is crucial. The cut-off mark determines eligibility for admission and varies across departments based on the number of applicants and the competitiveness of the program.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of UNILORIN’s cut-off marks, explain how to calculate aggregate scores, and discuss alternatives like A-levels and pre-degree programs for those who don’t meet the JAMB cut-off or have lower scores.
General UNILORIN Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026
The general cut-off mark for admission to the University of Ilorin for the 2025/2026 academic session is set at 160. This cut-off mark applies to most programs at the university, and candidates who score 160 or higher in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are eligible to apply for the Post-UTME screening. However, some competitive programs require higher scores due to the volume of applications and the number of available spots.
General Cut-Off Mark: 160
For candidates aspiring to study courses in highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy, the cut-off mark is typically higher. These programs have a larger number of applicants, and achieving the minimum cut-off mark might not guarantee admission.
Departmental Cut Off Marks for 2025/2026
Each department at UNILORIN sets specific cut-off marks based on demand, available spaces, and the performance of applicants. Below is a breakdown of the cut-off marks for some of the most popular courses at the university:
Popular Courses and Their Cut-Off Marks:
- Medicine and Surgery: 270 and above
- Pharmacy: 240 and above
- Law: 240 and above
- Mechanical Engineering: 230 and above
- Mass Communication: 200 and above
- Political Science: 200 and above
- Microbiology: 200 and above
- Public Administration: 190 and above
- Accounting: 200 and above
- Business Administration: 180 and above
Note: The above marks are the minimum cut-off marks. Meeting the cut-off mark is just the first step in the selection process. Candidates must also perform well in the Post-UTME exams and meet other requirements for each department.
Why Do Cut-Off Marks Differ by Department?
The variation in cut-off marks is largely due to:
- The number of applicants: Competitive programs like Medicine and Law naturally attract more applicants, leading to higher cut-off marks.
- Departmental capacity: The number of available spaces for each program influences the cut-off mark. Some departments may have a higher demand for seats, which impacts their cut-off.
- Departmental standards: The academic requirements for programs like Pharmacy, Medicine, and Engineering may be more stringent due to the depth of knowledge required for these fields.
How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score
UNILORIN, like most Nigerian universities, uses a combination of the JAMB score and Post-UTME score to determine your aggregate score. This score is used to assess your eligibility for admission into the university.
How to Calculate Aggregate Score
The formula for calculating your aggregate score is straightforward. Here’s how you can calculate it:
1. JAMB Score Calculation
Your JAMB score is divided by 8.
Example:
If you score 260 in JAMB:
260 ÷ 8 = 32.5
2. Post-UTME Score Calculation
Your Post-UTME score is divided by 2.
Example:
If you score 75 in Post-UTME:
75 ÷ 2 = 37.5
3. Calculating Your Aggregate Score
Now, you can add both scores together to get your total aggregate score.
Formula:
Scaled JAMB Score + Scaled Post-UTME Score = Aggregate Score
Example:
32.5 (JAMB) + 37.5 (Post-UTME) = 70
This aggregate score will be used to determine your eligibility for admission.
A-Levels and Pre-Degree Programs at UNILORIN
For students who don’t meet the required JAMB cut-off mark, the University of Ilorin offers alternative routes through A-levels and pre-degree programs. These programs provide students with the opportunity to meet the admission requirements and secure a place in their desired courses.
1. A-Levels Program at UNILORIN
The A-Levels program is a pre-university program that provides students with an alternative route to gain admission to the university without the need for JAMB. Successful completion of the A-level program, along with meeting the university’s internal requirements, guarantees direct entry into the second year of your chosen course.
A-Level Admission Requirements:
- Completion of two subjects relevant to your intended course.
- High performance in the internal exams.
- Meeting the departmental requirements for your chosen course.
2. Pre-Degree Program at UNILORIN
The Pre-degree program is another route for students who don’t meet the JAMB cut-off mark. This program helps students improve their academic qualifications and prepares them for university-level studies. After successfully completing the program, students may gain admission into the 100-level of their chosen department.
Pre-Degree Admission Requirements:
- At least five O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Successful completion of the Pre-degree program exams.
Advantages of A-Levels and Pre-degree Programs:
- Direct entry into the second year of university (A-levels).
- Opportunity to catch up on required courses (Pre-degree).
- Increased chances of admission to competitive courses.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Admission
1. Prepare Thoroughly for Post-UTME
The most critical factor in securing admission to UNILORIN is achieving a competitive score in both JAMB and Post-UTME. Here are a few tips to help you excel:
- Familiarize Yourself with Past Questions: Practicing past questions will give you insight into the exam format and typical question types.
- Stick to the JAMB Syllabus: Focus your study efforts on the topics covered in the official syllabus to ensure you’re prepared. Join Study Groups or Attend Tutorials: Collaborative learning can improve your understanding and provide additional motivation.
- Effective Time Management: Create a study schedule to ensure adequate preparation for both exams.
2. Focus on the Right Subjects
For competitive courses such as Medicine and Law, your performance in subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry (for Medicine) or English and Government (for Law) can significantly impact your score. Be sure to give extra attention to the subjects that are most relevant to your desired program.
3. Stay Informed
Always stay updated on any changes to the admission guidelines by checking UNILORIN’s official website or reaching out to their admission office for clarification.
Also read: KWASU Cut Off Mark 2025/2026: What You Need to Know
Conclusion
The University of Ilorin offers a wide range of programs, with cut-off marks varying depending on the course and department. The general cut-off mark for most courses is 160, but competitive programs like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy require significantly higher scores.
Understanding the admission process, including how to calculate your aggregate score and alternative pathways like A-levels and pre-degree programs, is essential for prospective students. If you don’t meet the JAMB cut-off mark, consider these alternative routes to secure your spot in UNILORIN.
By preparing thoroughly for both the JAMB and Post-UTME exams and exploring other options like A-levels and pre-degree programs, you can maximize your chances of securing admission to one of Nigeria’s top universities.
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