As the 2024/2025 admission season approaches, thousands of students across Nigeria are actively preparing to gain admission into various tertiary institutions. One university that continues to attract a high number of applicants each year is the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID). Known for its academic excellence and strategic location in the northeastern part of Nigeria, UNIMAID offers a wide range of programs across multiple disciplines.
If you’re a prospective student aiming to study at UNIMAID in the 2024/2025 academic session, this blog post will guide you through the university’s JAMB cut-off mark, admission requirements, Post-UTME screening process, and Direct Entry criteria. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what is required to secure a spot at this prestigious institution.
General JAMB Cut-Off Mark for UNIMAID 2024/2025
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved a minimum cut-off mark of 140 for candidates seeking admission into the University of Maiduguri. This means that applicants who scored 140 and above in the UTME are eligible to apply for the university's Post-UTME screening, provided they also meet other criteria.
However, while 140 is the general threshold, some departments may set higher internal (departmental) cut-off marks due to the level of competition in certain faculties.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks
Each department at UNIMAID may set its own cut-off marks based on the number of applications received and available admission slots. Competitive programs like Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Engineering, and Mass Communication often have higher cut-off marks, sometimes ranging from 180 to 220 or more.
Less competitive courses may stick to the university’s general cut-off of 140. Applicants are advised to check the specific cut-off marks for their intended programs via the UNIMAID portal or admissions office.
O’Level Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the JAMB score criteria, candidates must also satisfy the O’Level requirements. Here’s what is generally expected:
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Minimum of Five (5) Credit Passes in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
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Credits must be obtained from WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or their equivalents.
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The credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
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Specific programs may have additional subject requirements (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for science-related courses).
Failure to meet the O'Level requirements automatically disqualifies candidates, even if they meet the JAMB and Post-UTME criteria.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
UNIMAID also accepts Direct Entry (DE) applicants who seek to skip the 100-level and gain admission into 200-level. DE candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:
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A’Level passes in at least two relevant subjects.
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A National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or NCE with at least a Lower Credit or Merit grade.
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Five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics (just like UTME candidates).
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Direct Entry applicants must also register with JAMB and choose UNIMAID as their first choice.
Post-UTME Screening Process
Every eligible candidate must undergo a Post-UTME screening exercise as part of the admission process. Here’s a summary of how it works:
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Online Registration
Candidates must register for the screening through the UNIMAID admissions portal. -
Payment of Screening Fee
A non-refundable fee (usually around N2,000) is required to complete the registration. -
Document Upload
Candidates are expected to upload their JAMB results, O’Level results, passport photographs, and other necessary documents. -
Screening Test
Some faculties may conduct Computer-Based Tests (CBT), while others may adopt a grading system based on JAMB and O’Level performance. -
Monitoring Admission Status
After the screening, successful candidates are advised to monitor the JAMB CAPS portal and UNIMAID’s official website for updates on their admission status.
Additional Tips for Admission Success
Here are a few extra pointers to help you stand out during the admission process:
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Choose UNIMAID as First Choice Only: The university prioritizes applicants who selected it as their first choice in JAMB.
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Use the Correct Subject Combinations: Ensure that your UTME subjects align with your desired course. For example, Medicine requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
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Prepare Well for the Post-UTME Test: If your department organizes a test, take it seriously and prepare thoroughly.
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Regularly Check UNIMAID and JAMB Websites: Admission updates, screening dates, and result announcements will be published online.
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Ensure Accuracy in Your Details: Double-check your name, date of birth, and other credentials during registration to avoid disqualification.
Popular Faculties and Courses at UNIMAID
The University of Maiduguri offers over 70 degree programs across various faculties. Some of the popular ones include:
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Faculty of Medicine: Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Anatomy, Physiology
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Faculty of Law: Law
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Faculty of Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical
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Faculty of Science: Computer Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology
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Faculty of Arts: English, History, Linguistics
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Faculty of Management Sciences: Accounting, Business Administration, Banking & Finance
Each faculty may have specific requirements, so it’s best to consult their official course brochure or website.
Conclusion
Gaining admission into the University of Maiduguri for the 2024/2025 academic session is highly competitive but achievable if you meet the key requirements. With a minimum JAMB score of 140, the correct O’Level subject combinations, and successful Post-UTME performance, your dream of becoming a UNIMAID student can become a reality.
Always stay informed, prepare adequately, and ensure that you fulfill all application guidelines as stated by both JAMB and UNIMAID. Good luck with your application, and we wish you success on your academic journey!
