The University of Abuja has lifted its Medicine and Surgery cut-off mark to 285 for the 2026 intake, citing a surge in qualified applicants.
The University of Abuja has raised the cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery to 285 for the 2026 intake, up from the figure used in the previous cycle. The university said the increase reflects a sharp rise in the number of high-scoring candidates who selected the programme as a first choice.
Medicine is consistently among the most contested courses in the Nigerian admission system. Places are limited by accreditation rules that cap how many students a medical faculty can take, so when the number of strong applicants rises, the cut-off mark rises with it. The university stated that the 285 mark is a screening threshold, not a guarantee, and that final admission still depends on post-UTME performance and O'level results.
Candidates who score 285 or above will progress to the post-UTME screening, where their aggregate is calculated from a combination of UTME and screening marks. Those below the threshold will not be considered for Medicine but may still be eligible for related programmes that carry lower cut-offs, such as the medical laboratory sciences, nursing or the basic medical sciences, where places are sometimes available.
The university advised affected candidates to review their second-choice options promptly. It also encouraged candidates to consider the change-of-course window, which allows applicants to move to a programme that matches their score before admission lists are finalised.
What this means for candidates
If UNIABUJA Medicine is your target, you now need at least 285 to move forward, and a comfortable margin above that mark is wise given how competitive the post-UTME stage is. If your score falls short, do not wait. Look at related health science programmes at UNIABUJA or at Medicine cut-offs at other institutions where the threshold may be lower. Use the change-of-course window if it helps your position. Candidates should always plan around the specific institutional cut-off for the current year rather than last year's figure, because competitive courses move upward quickly.
Paraphrased summary. This guide is independent and not affiliated with JAMB or any institution mentioned.
Frequently asked questions
What does this mean for 2026 JAMB candidates?
The University of Abuja has lifted its Medicine and Surgery cut-off mark to 285 for the 2026 intake, citing a surge in qualified applicants. For candidates, the practical takeaway is to plan around the confirmed position rather than rumours, and to confirm any figure that affects your decisions on the official JAMB portal or the relevant institution's website before acting on it.
Is this jamb.guide update official?
No. jamb.guide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with JAMB or any institution. This article is a paraphrased summary of Institution announcement regarding cut-off marks. The official source named above is authoritative; jamb.guide presents it in candidate-friendly form.
Where can I confirm the latest on cut-off marks?
Confirm the current position on the official JAMB portal at jamb.gov.ng, through the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and on the admissions portal of the specific institution you applied to. jamb.guide updates its pages through the cycle but the official channels remain the authoritative source.
How does this affect my admission chances?
Developments around cut-off marks shape the timeline and the competitive landscape rather than any individual application directly. The strongest response is to keep your CAPS profile monitored, meet every published deadline, prepare seriously for post-UTME, and have a realistic primary, secondary and fall-back choice. Use the cut-off and eligibility pages on this guide to plan around your actual score.