AbdulIf you want to study at the University of Lagos, you probably already know this truth: UNILAG is popular for a reason, and popularity brings choke points.
Every year, tens of thousands of aspirants apply, but the university can only admit a fraction.
Cut-off marks are the gatekeepers. If you want to beat the gatekeepers, you need more than prayer. You need a plan.
This article explains the top five most competitive courses at UNILAG for the 2025 admission cycle, why their cut-offs are so high, what that number actually measures, and practical steps you can take if you are aiming for one of them.
I will reference UNILAG’s official notices and admissions materials where they report cut-offs and the admission formula, so you are not relying on hearsay. University of Lagos Admissions+1
Quick primer: What a UNILAG cut-off mark actually is
Before we list courses, clarify what the cut-off represents. UNILAG does not admit on UTME score alone. For the 2025 cycle, the university explicitly stated the weightings used to assess candidates. The commonly used breakdown is:
- JAMB UTME = 50 percent
- Post-UTME = 30 percent
- O’Level = 20 percent. University of Lagos Admissions
Those three inputs are combined into an aggregate. Meeting a department’s cut-off means your aggregate score reached the threshold that year for that course and category.
Some departments publish catchment area variations and merit versus catchment cut-offs, so a single “cut-off” number can have context attached to it.
That is why a 75 for one program in one state can mean something slightly different for another candidate who is from a catchment area. Official departmental cut-off lists are the authoritative source. University Of Lagos+1
Short version: the cut-off is not a mystical omen. It is a ranking threshold determined by supply, demand, and the quality of applicants that year.
The Top 5 most competitive courses at UNILAG in 2025
Below are the five programmes that consistently attract the highest cut-offs, based on UNILAG’s official release of merit and departmental cut-off data and previous-year trends.
I list them in order of competitiveness and explain what the numbers mean in practice.
Where possible I reference official UNILAG releases and the admissions documents they published for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 cycles because the university posts departmental cut-offs in their notices. University Of Lagos+2Myschool+2
1. Medicine and Surgery
Why it tops the list
Medicine at UNILAG is elite because it combines prestige, heavy professional demand, and tiny class sizes. The program receives applications from across Nigeria and beyond, many with near-perfect UTME scores and top O’Level results. That competition forces the cut-off very high.
What the cut-off looks like in practice
In the official documents recently released by UNILAG, Medicine and Surgery sits among the highest cut-offs, with merit-level thresholds that have been reported in the low to mid 80s on the aggregate scale. That means only applicants with a very strong JAMB score, excellent O’Level credentials and a solid Post-UTME performance will make the list. Expect the practical benchmark to be JAMB scores north of 320 and a high Post-UTME performance to push you over the line. University Of Lagos+1
How to approach it
If medicine is your target, treat the year like a multi-stage exam. Maximize JAMB, then prepare intensively for the Post-UTME. Do not neglect O’Level cleanup; re-sit weak subjects if necessary before applying.
2. Law
Why Law ranks near the top
UNILAG’s Law faculty has national reputation and historical prestige. Employers, elite internships, and graduate opportunities make it attractive. The applicant numbers are enormous, while capacity remains limited, so the cut-off reflects that pressure.
Typical cut-off band
Recent UNILAG releases place Law among courses with aggregates in the mid to high 70s, depending on catchment. That means strong JAMB and Post-UTME numbers plus clean O’Level results. For many applicants, Law is decided by how well they handle the Post-UTME screening. Scribd
How to approach it
Polish written communication and critical reading alongside technical exam prep. Past-question practice for Post-UTME is essential. Also confirm subject requirements early so you do not waste your application.
3. Computer Science and related Computing Programs
Why computing is so tough now
Technology is where opportunity lives in Lagos. UNILAG’s computing programmes send graduates straight into fintechs, startups, and global remote roles. That demand drives more applicants every year. With limited spots, cut-offs climb.
Numbers and implications
UNILAG’s departmental cut-offs put Computer Science and closely related programmes among the highest-scoring courses. Expect aggregate cut-offs in the mid to high 70s. A strong maths and physics profile at O’Level helps here, as does JAMB performance. Scribd+1
How to approach it
If you lack a top JAMB but have strong O’Level results, you can compensate with a stellar Post-UTME. Practice maths-based MCQs under timed conditions and shore up problem solving.
4. Accounting
Why Accounting still competes hard
Lagos is a business capital. Big accounting firms actively recruit from UNILAG. Parents and students see Accounting as a hard ticket to chartered qualifications and high-paying roles. Because of the economic magnet effect, Accounting cut-offs remain high.
Cut-off context
UNILAG’s admission releases show Accounting as one of the top business-related cut-offs, typically in the mid 70s on aggregate. Strong numbers in maths and related O’Level subjects matter. JAMB performance plus Post-UTME quality is decisive. Scribd
How to approach it
Focus on quantitative readiness and bookkeeping basics for Post-UTME prep. If you aim for Accounting, make sure maths is not your weak link.
5. Mass Communication
Why Mass Communication makes the top five
Mass Communication at UNILAG combines creative appeal with careerable outcomes in media, PR, advertising and corporate communications. UNILAG’s department has strong industry ties, making it a first choice for creative students.
Aggregate pressure
Mass Communication cut-offs have been in the low to mid 70s in recent releases. The program favors strong English and Literature results as well as a credible Post-UTME score. Scribd
How to approach it
Work on written English skills, current affairs, and media literacy. Strong O’Level English and Literature grades are non-negotiable.
What the numbers mean for you, practically
Cut-offs are not absolutes. They shift because of supply, demand, and applicant performance across the year. A few things to keep in mind:
- Hitting the minimum UTME cut-off is not the same as getting an admission offer. UNILAG uses the aggregate. Don’t celebrate the general minimum until your final ranking comes out. University of Lagos Admissions
- Catchment areas and quotas matter. You may see different cut-offs reported for merit, catchment, and other categories. Know which category applies to you. Official departmental lists are the source of truth. University Of Lagos
- Post-UTME is a heavy lever. A strong Post-UTME can compensate for a UTME that is slightly weaker. That is why mock tests and practice matter. University of Lagos Admissions
If you fall short: realistic backup strategies
Being realistic without giving up is the best posture. If your numbers are below the 2025 thresholds for your chosen course, consider these options:
- Choose a related course with lower cut-off now and plan for internal transfer later if UNILAG allows it. That is a common and pragmatic route.
- Apply to similar programs in reputable universities where cut-offs are lower. Lagos has private and state institutions with strong industry links.
- Strengthen credentials, reapply next cycle, or pursue a one-year conversion or pre-degree program to increase competitiveness.
How to prepare for the 2025 cycle, step by step
- Clarify your target course and its subject requirements by checking UNILAG’s official admission requirements PDF. Confirm O’Level subject demands for your program. University of Lagos Admissions
- Set numeric targets. If you are targeting Medicine, aim for a JAMB score in the 320 to 350 range. For Law or Computer Science, aim for 300 to 320. For Accounting and Mass Communication, aim for 290 to 310 with strong Post-UTME prep to push you higher.
- Prioritize O’Level health. High aggregate points from O’Level can shift your rank meaningfully. If you need to re-sit weak subjects, do it before application windows.
- Practice Post-UTME seriously. Use past UNILAG question patterns, simulate exam conditions, and time yourself. The Post-UTME is not a trivia quiz; it is a pressure test.
- Watch the official UNILAG admissions portal for cut-off releases and notices. Official postings are the authority. University of Lagos Admissions+1
Final thoughts and a small reality check
Those high cut-offs mean two things. First, UNILAG attracts extremely capable students. Second, admission is less about destiny and more about preparation.
If you are aiming for one of these top five programs, be honest with yourself about where your points will come from: UTME, Post-UTME, or O’Level. Don’t treat cut-offs like a scoreboard that decides your worth. Treat them like a target to be planned for and reached.
Now a few questions for you to think about:
- Which of these top five are you targeting and why?
- Where do you think your weakest point is right now: UTME score, Post-UTME readiness, or O’Level grades?
Abdul
