For thousands of ambitious minds across Nigeria, the University of Lagos is fondly called UNILAG, is more than just a school. It’s a symbol of excellence, a launchpad for futures, and a dream that keeps many wide-eyed students awake at night. But like every dream worth chasing, there’s a gate, and for UNILAG aspirants, that gate is called the cut-off mark.
Every year, after JAMB results are released, conversations begin to buzz across classrooms, social media, and study groups: “What’s UNILAG’s cut-off for Law this year?” “Can I make it into Engineering with 240?” “which course can I study with 150?” These numbers are more than just scores; they are deciding factors that shape the academic journey and future of countless candidates.
But what exactly are cut-off marks? Why do they differ by department? And how does UNILAG determine who gets in and who has to try again? In this article, we dive into the heart of the matter, not just listing figures, but uncovering the meaning, the process, and the strategy behind them.
Whether you’re a hopeful applicant, a parent, or just someone curious about the admission process into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, this guide will help you understand UNILAG cut-off marks not as a barrier but as a blueprint.
What do you understand by Cut-Off Mark
At its core, a cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must reach to be considered for admission into a specific course. But at UNILAG, it’s more than a number rather it’s a reflection of competition, demand, and departmental standards.
Every faculty has its own bar. Why? Because not all courses are equal in demand or capacity. The cut-off mark for Medicine won’t be the same as that of History, just like the battle to enter Law is often more intense than for Linguistics. It’s a numbers game but also a quality filter.
Types of Cut-Off Marks You Should Know
To really understand how admissions work, it’s important to know that UNILAG considers multiple layers of cut-off marks:
1. JAMB Cut-Off Mark: This is the minimum UTME score required to apply for UNILAG at all. For most years, this sits around 200. If you don’t meet this, you’re not eligible for the post-UTME screening.
2. Departmental Cut-Off Marks: This is where things get serious. Each department sets its own specific score threshold, often based on the number of available slots and the performance of applicants in both JAMB and post-UTME.
3. Aggregate Score: UNILAG doesn’t just use JAMB or post-UTME alone rather they combine both scores (sometimes including O’Level results) to form an aggregate score, which determines whether you meet the course’s cut-off.
For Example: If you scored 270 in JAMB and 22 out of 30 in post-UTME, your aggregate score will be calculated and compared to the departmental benchmark.
This is of how competitive different courses can be. Note: Actual scores change yearly.
Course and their Approximate Cut-Off
Medicine & Surgery 77 – 80%
Law 72 – 75%
Computer Science 70 – 74%
Accounting 68 – 72%
Mass Communication 68 – 70%
Education Courses 55 – 65%
Again, these are estimates although UNILAG releases the official numbers after screening.
READALSO: LASU Cut Off Mark
How UNILAG Calculates Aggregate Score
The calculation method often follows this format
UTME Score (out of 400) = 50% of total
Post-UTME Score (out of 30) = 30%
O’Level Grades (WAEC/NECO) = 20% (sometimes optional)
Formula Example:
UTME = 260
Post-UTME = 24
O’Level = Excellent grades
Aggregate score = (260/400 × 50) + (24/30 × 30) + (O’Level Score × 20)
This gives a weighted score, which is then ranked against others in your course.
Tips to Beat the Cut-Offs
1. Aim Higher than the Average: Don’t just settle for the minimum. Cut-offs marks can rise unexpectedly, so always push beyond the safe zone.
2. Prepare Well for Post-UTME: Many students score well in JAMB but lose out on post-UTME. Give both equal seriousness.
3. Strengthen Your O’Level: Strong WAEC or NECO grades can make a big difference in your final aggregate.
4. Choose Smartly During Change of Course: If your aggregate falls short for your dream course, consider switching to a related department with a lower cut-off. It’s better to gain admission and cross later than miss out entirely.
Eligibility requirements
If you’re aiming for UNILAG, ticking the right boxes is crucial. Here’s the full spectrum of what makes a candidate eligible:
1. Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission. Younger applicants will not be considered, regardless of their scores.
2. UTME Score – The Gateway: As stated, a score of 200 and above in the UTME qualifies you to apply for UNILAG’s Post-UTME. However, scoring just above 200 may not cut it for competitive courses like Law, Medicine, or Engineering.
3. Right Subject Combination: This is where many get disqualified without realizing it. Every course has a required subject combo in JAMB. If you apply for Mass Communication but wrote Mathematics instead of Literature, you’re out before the race begins.
4. O’Level Requirements: Candidates must have at least five (5) credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings. But let’s be honest if you want to shine in UNILAG’s admission radar, one sitting with strong grades is the gold standard.
5. Post-UTME Screening: This is where the game gets intense. UNILAG’s Post-UTME is not a formality, it’s a rigorous assessment designed to separate the truly ready from the barely eligible. Scoring well here is your biggest shot at redemption if your UTME wasn’t sky-high.
Catchment Areas & Merit Quotas
UNILAG, like other federal universities, follows a federal character policy. That means:
Merit (45%): Strictly for the highest scorers, regardless of state.
Catchment Areas (35%): Candidates from states considered UNILAG’s catchment zones (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti) have a slightly lower cut-off.
Educationally Less Developed States (20%): Candidates from states with lower access to education enjoy relaxed cut-offs. States like Zamfara, Yobe, and Ebonyi fall in this category.
This doesn’t mean the standards drop rather it means the university balances equity with excellence.
Myth-Busting: What You Think You Know (But Don’t)
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
- MYTH 1: “Some applicants thinks once you pass JAMB, you’re in.”
Wrong. JAMB is only the first battle. Post-UTME and O’Level results can make or break you.
- MYTH 2: “All courses have the same cut-off.”
Absolutely not. Medicine and Education do not sit at the same table.
- MYTH 3: “Catchment area doesn’t matter.”
It does. UNILAG gives room for catchment considerations, but merit still leads.
What UNILAG Wants (Beyond Grades)
UNILAG is building more than students rather it’s building leaders. The institution prioritizes:
- Academic excellence
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- And yes, resilience
Your scores get you in, but your mindset determines if you’ll thrive.
What Now? Your Next Move
Now that the facts are laid bare, the next steps are up to you:
- Re-evaluate your course choice
- Study the trends
- Practice Post-UTME like your life depends on it
- Organize your O’Level documents
And above all don’t wait for the system to favor you. Prepare to beat the system.
Because in UNILAG, those who rise are those who prepared to climb.
Conclusion
The Score is Just the Start. Cut-off marks are like checkpoints and not barriers. They don’t define your ability; they only reflect the competition at the moment. If you make it past, congratulations it’s a big win. And if you fall short? Don’t quit. There are many paths to success, and UNILAG or another great school might still be part of your journey.
Always remember It’s not just about hitting the score. It’s about preparing, adapting, and believing in your dream.
FAQs
1. What is the general cut-off mark for UNILAG?
Answer: UNILAG’s general UTME cut-off mark is 200. This is the minimum required to be eligible for Post-UTME screening. However, scoring 200 doesn’t guarantee admission especially for competitive courses.
2. How is the UNILAG aggregate score calculated?
Answer: The aggregate score is a combination of three elements:
- UTME score: 50%
- Post-UTME: 30%
- O’Level grades (5 relevant subjects): 20%
The final score is out of 100, and it’s what determines your ranking for admission.
3. Can I gain admission with a high JAMB score and poor Post-UTME performance?
Answer: Not likely. UNILAG balances your UTME, Post-UTME, and O’Level results. A low score in one area can weaken your chances, even if another score is strong. You need consistency across the board.
4. Does UNILAG accept two O’Level sittings?
Answer: Yes, but one sitting is preferred, especially for competitive courses. Two sittings are accepted as long as you have the required credits in both results combined.
5. What are catchment states for UNILAG, and how do they affect cut-off marks?
Answer: Catchment states for UNILAG include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. Candidates from these states may benefit from slightly lower cut-off marks under the quota system, though merit still plays a big role.
6. What is the cut-off mark for Medicine, Law, or Engineering?
Answer: These vary each year, but generally:
- Medicine: 80–82%
- Law: 74–76%
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil): 70–75%
These are among the most competitive programs.
7. Are there less competitive courses I can apply for at UNILAG?
Answer: Yes. Programs like Education courses, Botany, Creative Arts, and Fisheries tend to have lower cut-off marks and are often overlooked despite their value.
8. Can I switch my course after gaining admission into UNILAG?
Answer: Yes, but only under strict academic conditions. You’ll need excellent CGPA (usually above 4.5) and approval from the departments involved. It’s competitive and not guaranteed.
9. How important is the Post-UTME exam?
Answer: Extremely important. It contributes 30% to your total aggregate and can be the deciding factor between admission and rejection, especially if many candidates have similar JAMB scores.
10. Does UNILAG consider candidates from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)?
Answer: Yes. 20% of the admission slots are reserved for candidates from ELDS like Zamfara, Yobe, Ebonyi, etc. This policy is part of the federal character principle to promote equity.
11. Is there a difference between merit cut-off and catchment cut-off?
Answer: Yes. The merit cut-off is the highest score benchmark for a course, used nationally. Catchment cut-off is slightly lower and applies to candidates from UNILAG’s designated catchment states.
12. What should I do if I don’t meet the cut-off for my course?
Answer: You have options:
- Consider a change of course to one with a lower cut-off.
- Apply through Direct Entry after a diploma or JUPEB program.
- Reattempt UTME the next year with a better strategy.
13. Can I gain admission into UNILAG without Post-UTME?
Answer: No. Post-UTME is mandatory for admission consideration. If you don’t participate, your application will not be processed.
14. Does UNILAG give admission based on first choice only?
Answer: Yes. UNILAG only considers candidates who selected the school as their first choice in UTME. If you chose UNILAG as second choice, you must change it to first before applying for Post-UTME.
15. What are some common mistakes that affect admission chances?
Answer:
- Wrong subject combination in UTME
- Weak O’Level grades
- Poor Post-UTME preparation
- Choosing extremely competitive courses with borderline scores
- Missing deadlines or uploading documents late
