Admissions
Published: February 2, 2026
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By Emmanuel Iweh
UNILAG and UI Set to Raise Merit Cut-Off Marks for Competitive Courses
"Leading Nigerian universities announce higher benchmark scores for 2026 following improved performance in mock UTME results."
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ibadan (UI) have signaled a potential increase in their merit-based cut-off marks for the upcoming 2026/2027 admission exercise. This internal decision, leaked from a recent Senate meeting, is attributed to the remarkably high performance observed in the preliminary JAMB Mock examinations and the increased quality of O-level results submitted by applicants. For the first time in three years, the projected merit cut-off for Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG is expected to cross the 85% aggregate mark, while Law at UI may require a minimum of 82%. This trend is a direct consequence of the 'Digital Learning' revolution in Nigeria, where more students now have access to high-quality online preparatory tools, leading to a general rise in national average scores. For the 2026 applicant, this means that 'passing' is no longer enough; 'excelling' is the new baseline for admission into premier institutions. The shift affects admission chances by narrowing the window for students who rely on 'Catchment Area' or 'Educationally Less Developed States' (ELDS) quotas. As the merit bar rises, the proportional scores for these sub-categories also drift upward. Furthermore, both universities are reportedly introducing a 'CBT Proficiency' test as part of their physical screening, which will test the candidate's ability to navigate digital academic environments. This adds another layer of difficulty for students from rural backgrounds. To navigate this, candidates are advised to use the current month to participate in as many simulated Post-UTME drills as possible. The impact of this cut-off hike is expected to trigger a 'cascade effect,' where students who miss the UNILAG or UI mark will flood the admission lists of state universities and private institutions, thereby raising the competitive bar across the entire tertiary education sector in Nigeria for the 2026 session.
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