University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) is one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria; it is the university in Nigeria that holds the record of being the first to award a degree without affiliation to other universities.
Established in 1955 and commenced operation in 1960, the university is the first land grant in Africa.
While the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) is notable for its excellent history, this is not only what makes the university quite popular; other things that make the university quite popular are the quality of courses offered in the university, and part of the courses in the institution are medicine and surgery.
Medicine and Surgery is a very competitive course in Nigeria, so expect the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Medicine and Surgery course to be so competitive, and that is why in this article we will explore the admission requirements and the cutoff mark that is needed for such a course.
Medicine and Surgery Course at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The Medicine and Surgery Course is offered through its Faculty of Medical Sciences and Dentistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has one of the oldest departments of medicine and surgery across Nigeria, with the department dating back to the 1980s; it is also notable for the successful surgery of the separation of Siamese twins in the 1980s.
The academic program at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, runs for the period of 6 years for students who got admitted through UTME, while a direct entry student’s duration is 5 years.
Medicine and surgery postgraduate courses are also offered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but the main focus is on the undergraduate courses in this article.
What is the UNN Cut-Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027?
The general cut-off for the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) based on the announcement and directive from JAMB is 150, but JAMB also gives universities the authority to set their own cut-off marks for different courses.
While the general cut-off mark for medicine and surgery as prescribed by JAMB is 150, JAMB will expect you to score higher than 150 because of the competitiveness of the course.
There should be a difference between his general cut-off mark and the departmental cut-off mark. The general cut-off mark is set by JAMB, while the departmental cut-off mark is set by a certain institution’s department, and this also applies to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
UNN Medicine and Surgery Cut-Off Mark for 2026/2027
UNN Medicine Cut-Off Mark 2025
Merit Admission Cut-Off Mark
- Medicine and Surgery: 338.0
Catchment Area Cut-Off Marks
| State | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Enugu | 334.5 |
| Anambra | 331.6 |
| Imo | 333.1 |
| Abia | 326.5 |
| Ebonyi | 314.2 |
| Delta | 315.8 |
| Akwa Ibom | 282.3 |
Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) Cut-Off Marks
| State | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Taraba | 312.1 |
| Rivers | 295.4 |
| Kogi | 294.6 |
| Bayelsa | 317.3 |
| Niger | 287.9 |
| Cross River | 287.7 |
| Benue | 282.4 |
| Gombe | 282.4 |
| Kaduna | 280.3 |
| Katsina | 283.3 |
University of Nigeria Nsukka Cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery over the years has saw an increase because of the high competition by many students leading the University to increase the Cut off mark yearly for the sake of merit
UNN Admission Requirements for Medicine and Surgery
UTME Admission Requirements
• Candidate must choose University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as their first-choice institution.
• Score a minimum of 200 in UTME (JAMB).
• Obtain at least five (5) O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Present your O’Level results in not more than two sittings, but one sitting is highly recommended for a higher chance of admission.
• Candidate must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
• Meet all relevant O’Level requirements stated above.
• Possess a Merit, Upper Credit, or higher qualification in any of the following: National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), JUPEB, IJMB, and any other recognized Direct Entry qualification
• Candidates with First Class or Second Class Upper qualifications in medical-related disciplines may be considered for admission.
Approved JAMB Subject Combination
• English Language
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
O’Level Subject Requirements
Candidates must have credit passes in:
• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
Why Medicine and Surgery Has a High Cut-Off Mark at UNN
° Large number of applicants
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, always has a higher number of applicants that apply for all courses in the institution, but for medicine and surgery, particularly, the applicant’s number is always high, making the institution increase the benchmark in terms of the cutoff mark per session in response to the high number of applicants.
° Limited admission slots
Medicine and surgery admission slots are always fewer than other courses in Nigerian universities because of professional bodies’ benchmarks and also based on the subjection of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
° Accreditation requirements
The reason also for the high cutoff mark is for the university to meet accreditation requirements set by the medicine and surgery professional bodies, which the university has maintained over the years, making many students troop there for admission.
° Reputation of UNN College of Medicine
The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has a reputation, and this has also caused a high increase in the number of applicants that apply for medicine and surgery yearly.
Alternative Medical Courses at UNN If You Miss the Cut-Off Mark
° Medical Laboratory Science
° Medical Radiography
° Medical Rehabilitation
° Nursing Science
° Biochemistry
° Anatomy
° Physiology
Tips to Gain Admission into UNN Medicine and Surgery
° Aim for a very high JAMB score.
Because of the high competition of candidates that apply for medicine and surgery every session, for any candidate to have a chance at admission, it is advisable that students aim for a high JAMB score, in fact, a very high JAMB score.
° Obtain excellent O-Level grades
While University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) accepts two O-level sittings if you want the course and want to get admitted, it is highly advised that you use one level sitting in order to boost your Post-UTME score, and also note that one level should be excellent.
° Monitor admission updates regularly
Even with a good JAMB score and O-level results, you can miss out on admission if you don’t know anything about the admission procedure, including when to apply and how to apply; you can miss out, and that is why you should monitor admission updates regularly.
° Select UNN as the first-choice institution
Mark University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as your first choice institution when filling out your JAMB form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
° What is the cut-off mark for medicine and surgery at UNN for 2026/2027?
The cut-off mark for medicine and surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for 2026/2027 is 250 and above, depending on several factors like the admission quota and the state where the candidates come from.
°Is 250 enough for medicine and surgery at UNN?
No, most especially if you are coming from a state that is not part of the educationally less developed states.
° How many years is Medicine and Surgery at UNN?
Duration for Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria Nsukka is 6 years for those who applied through UTME, while it is 5 years for those who use the route of direct entry.
° Does UNN accept two sittings for medicine and surgery?
Yes, two sittings are allowed in UNN, but it is highly advisable that students use one for the sake of getting admission.
Conclusion
The above cutoff mark indicated above is just an estimation and not the actual; the projection above can be less than what the institution requires, but rest assured that if you have that, you will likely get admitted to study medicine and surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Freeman is an education writer and the founder of Edulify. He has over four years of experience researching Nigerian universities, admissions, courses, and academic opportunities. His goal is to provide students with accurate, well-researched, and easy-to-understand educational guides to help them make informed academic decisions.