UNIMAID Cut Off Mark 2026/2027 Academic Session

The University of Maiduguri's (UNIMAID) cut off mark is clearly the academic bridge between you and the university.

Candidates who crossed the cut off mark will be given direct access to study their applied courses and programmes; those who failed to cross the cut off will be shown the alternative routes for admission.

However, understanding what this cut off mark really means is very important because admission into UNIMAID is highly competitive and goes beyond just meeting the minimum score.

UNIMAID Official Cut Off Mark 2026/2027

The cut off mark will be broken down by the faculties and departments within them.

College of Medical Sciences

Faculty of Agriculture

Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Environmental Studies

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Life Sciences

Faculty of Management Sciences

Faculty of Pharmacy

Faculty of Physical Sciences

Faculty of Social Sciences

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Note: The section for others represents scores for catchment states.

The Role of Catchment in UNIMAID Admission

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is a federal university, but as the admission process commences, the university is obligated to lower the cut off mark to favour states within the geographical area where the university is situated.

UNIMAID has catchment states such as

1. Borno State

2. Adamawa State

3. Bauchi State

4. Gombe State

5. Taraba State

6. Yobe State

Catchment states usually have about 35% of the admission quota for every academic session. As seen on the different departmental cut offs, the catchment score is lower than the actual merit score.

What to do If You Don't Meet the Department Cut Off Mark

Missing the cut off mark of your desired course of study does not mean you have been left out completely on the 2025/2026 admission. Here are some quick steps you can take:

1. Consider a Change of Course

If your aggregate score does not meet the requirement for your chosen programme, you may apply for a change of course to a less competitive discipline within the same institution.

1. Change from highly competitive programmes (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering)

2. Opt for related courses with lower cut off requirements (e.g., Education, Agriculture, Arts, or Social Sciences)

This approach often increases your chances of admission without changing your institution.

2. Apply for Change of Institution (Where Necessary)

If your overall score is below UNIMAID’s competitive threshold:

1. Consider applying for a JAMB Change of Institution

2. Select universities with lower admission cut off requirements

3. Choose programmes that align realistically with your current performance

This ensures your application remains competitive within an appropriate academic environment.

3. Enrol in Pre-Degree or Remedial Programmes

UNIMAID offers pre-degree and remedial studies as alternative admission pathways for candidates who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Key benefits include the following:

1. Structured academic preparation for university level study

2. Opportunity for subsequent admission into degree programmes

3. Strengthening of foundational academic knowledge

4. Consider JUPEB or IJMB programmes.

Candidates may also explore advanced level foundation programmes such as:

1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)

2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)

Successful completion of these programmes can qualify candidates for direct entry admission into 200 level, depending on performance and departmental requirements.

5. Reattempt UTME for Improved Performance

Where alternative pathways are not preferred:

1. Candidates may reapply for JAMB in the next admission cycle

2. Focus on achieving a significantly improved score (preferably 200 and above)

3. Prepare strategically for both UTME and post UTME assessments

This option allows for stronger competitiveness in future admission exercises.

6. Explore Related or Less Competitive Programmes

Candidates are advised to consider alternative programmes within their faculty of interest.

For example:

1. Applicants for Medicine may consider Anatomy or Biochemistry

2. Engineering aspirants may consider related science based courses

This approach increases admission probability while maintaining academic alignment with career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I score exactly the cut off mark, will I get admission?
A: Well, it depends on the course. In competitive courses, you need to be a little ahead to stand a chance.

Q: Are cut off marks higher for non indigenes?
A: Yes, candidates who do not fall under the catchment state have to meet the merit cut

Q: Does UNIMAID accept second choice candidates?
A: No, UNIMAID typically only considers candidates who chose them as their first choice in JAMB.

Q: How does UNIMAID calculate the aggregate score?
A: UNIMAID uses a point system that combines your JAMB score and your O-level grades (WAEC/NECO).

Q: What are the "Catchment States" for UNIMAID?
A: The catchment states include Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Candidates from these states often have slightly lower cut off requirements.

Q: Does UNIMAID accept two sittings for O-level?
A: Yes, UNIMAID accepts a maximum of two sittings for most courses, including medicine and law.