If you’re planning to study at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in the 2025/2026 academic session, one word is probably sitting heavily on your mind right now: cut-off mark. Every year, thousands of students write JAMB with the dream of securing admission into OOU, but only those who understand how the OOU cut off mark system works are able to make it through.
Here’s the truth: OOU is not just looking for students with high JAMB scores; the university considers several factors before deciding who gets in. And that’s why understanding how OOU cut off mark for all courses works is the secret ingredient to positioning yourself for admission success.
So I will show you in this guide, how OOU determines its departmental cutoff marks, what to do if you don’t meet up with the official cutoff.
OOU Cut Off Mark for All Faculties and Courses 2025/2026
The OOU cut off mark is not consistent across departments; each faculty and course has its own cutoff based on how competitive it actually is. The reality is that one of the reasons some students don’t get the courses they applied for is because the overall JAMB cut off mark for universities may be 140 or 150, however OOU departmental cut off marks can be much higher, and mainly in high courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, or Engineering.
Let us break it down faculty by faculty to give you a clear picture of what to expect for the 2025/2026 academic session.
1. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
This faculty is one of the toughest to get into. The demand for health-related courses keeps departmental cut-off marks high every year.
Medicine and Surgery – 250+
Nursing Science – 230 – 240+
Anatomy – 200+
Physiology – 200+
Pharmacology – 210+
2. Faculty of Pharmacy
Pharmacy in OOU is very competitive because the number of slots is always limited.
Pharmacy – 230 – 240+
3. Faculty of Law
Law attracts thousands of applicants every year at OOU. The cut-off mark is always on the high side.
Law – 230 – 240+
4. Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences
Engineering courses are moderately competitive. The cut-off is usually higher for Civil and Mechanical Engineering compared to others.
Civil Engineering – 210+
Mechanical Engineering – 210+
Electrical/Electronic Engineering – 210+
Computer Engineering – 215+
Architecture – 200+
Urban and Regional Planning – 190+
5. Faculty of Education
This is one of the most flexible faculties when it comes to cut-off marks.
Education and English – 180 – 200
Education and Biology – 180 – 190
Education and Mathematics – 180 – 190
Education and Economics – 180 – 190
Other Education Courses – 180+
6. Faculty of Social and Management Sciences
These courses are highly competitive because they are popular choices among students.
Accounting – 220+
Business Administration – 210+
Economics – 210 – 220+
Political Science – 200 – 210+
Sociology – 190 – 200+
Mass Communication – 220+
Psychology – 200+
Public Administration – 200+
7. Faculty of Science
Science courses vary depending on demand. Some are very competitive, while others are flexible.
Microbiology – 200+
Biochemistry – 200+
Chemistry – 180 – 190
Physics – 180 – 190
Mathematics – 180 – 190
Computer Science – 210+
Plant Science – 180 – 190
Zoology – 180 – 190
8. Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts tends to have more moderate cut-off marks compared to Law or Medicine.
English Language – 200+
History and Diplomatic Studies – 190+
Philosophy – 190+
Religious Studies – 180+
Yoruba – 180+
Performing Arts – 190+
OOU Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026 Academic Session
Let us now talk about the basic OOU deadline for the 2025/2026 session.
The minimal cut-off score for universities is 140, according to the JAMB.
Like many respectable state colleges, OOU does not, however, merely accept JAMB’s minimum. To uphold academic standards, OOU usually brings out a much higher cut off mark. What we anticipated the OOU cutoff mark to be for the 2025–2026 academic year is 180.
This means that you cannot apply for OOU’s Post-UTME screening if your JAMB score was less than 180.
The problem is that admission is not a sure thing just by scoring 180.
To have a more real chance in courses that are competitive like law, medicine, nursing, accounting, or mass communication, you will need to score much above 220 or even 240.
So think of it this way:
180 = Minimum requirement for Post-UTME registration.
200 – 210+ = Competitive chance in medium-demand courses.
220 – 250+ = Realistic shot at high-demand courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Mass Communication, etc.
How OOU Determines Departmental Cut Off Marks
1. Number of Applicants Per Course
Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing usually gets the attraction of thousands of candidates each and every year. The normal fact is that the more competitive a course is then the higher the departmental cut off mark will be
2. Performance in JAMB and Post-UTME
OOU looks at the general performance of candidates in both JAMB and its Post-UTME screening. If most candidates score high, the cut-off mark may be pushed up. If the general performance is poor, the cut-off may be reduced slightly.
3. Admission Quota (Number of Available Slots)
The maximum number of students that each OOU department is permitted to admit for the year is known as its quota, and it has been approved by NUC. With a quota of 150 students, only the top 150 will be selected, even if 5,000 people apply for nursing.
4. The Policy for Catchment Areas
As a public institution, OOU occasionally takes into account candidates’ catchment areas, particularly those from Ogun State and the surrounding areas. Indigenous people may have a little edge, but this does not preclude foreigners from being admitted.
5. Demand and Reputation of Universities
The standards for weeding out applicants are always higher in popular areas like accounting, law, medicine, and mass communication.
Conversely, departments with lower levels of competition might maintain cut-off scores that are more in line with the overall JAMB norm.benchmark.
How to Gain Admission into OOU Even if You Don’t Meet the Cut Off Mark
So, let’s say you applied for a course in OOU and unfortunately your score doesn’t meet the departmental cut off mark, is that the end? Not at all! Here are smart strategies to still get into OOU:
1. Switch to a Less Competitive Course
Courses like Medicine or Law are extremely tough. If your score is close but not quite enough, OOU sometimes allows you to switch to related but less competitive courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, or Sociology. This is called a change of course.
2. Take Advantage of Supplementary Admission
OOU often releases supplementary admission lists for departments that still have space after the first round. This gives candidates another opportunity to secure admission.
3. Perform Exceptionally in Post-UTME
A strong performance in OOU’s Post-UTME can save you, even if your JAMB score was not the highest. Many candidates underestimate this stage, but it can make all the difference.
4. Pre-degree and JUPEB/Direct Entry Options
OOU runs pre-degree and JUPEB programs that can help you gain admission into 200 level. If JAMB didn’t favor you, this is another door to OOU.
5. Consider Related Faculties
Sometimes the smartest move is to start with a related course and later switch internally after your first year (though this depends on your CGPA and department approval).
Conclusion
The OOU cut off mark for all courses 2025/2026 is more than just a number, it’s a gateway that filters the best candidates for each department. While some courses set very high standards, others are more flexible, giving everyone a fair chance.
If you actually want to get into OOU, don’t just “meet” the cut-off mark; seek to outperform it. You have to be strategic when preparing for the Post-UTME, weigh your alternatives carefully, and remember that OOU gives admission to students who are qualified.
At the end of the day, admission is more than just scores; it’s about strategy, preparation, and perseverance. So, will you simply wait until the cut-off mark, or will you begin to prepare today to be among the few that will be chosen?