Universities That Accept IJMB And Their Points For Medicine In Nigeria
Introduction
Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of students apply through JAMB UTME, but only a small percentage secure admission due to high cut-off marks and limited admission quotas.
As a result, many students are now exploring alternative admission pathways such as the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme. IJMB is an Advanced Level programme moderated by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, that allows successful candidates to gain Direct Entry admission into 200 Level in many Nigerian universities.
One of the most common questions asked by prospective medical students is:
“Which universities accept IJMB for Medicine and what points do I need?”
The answer depends on the university, the competitiveness of the admission year, and the number of applicants seeking Medicine admission. Generally, Medicine requires some of the highest IJMB scores among all university courses.
This article explores universities that accept IJMB for Medicine and Surgery, their expected IJMB points, admission requirements, and tips for increasing your chances of admission.
Can You Study Medicine Through IJMB?
Yes.
IJMB is widely accepted as a Direct Entry qualification for Medicine and Surgery in many federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria. Candidates who successfully complete the programme can apply for Direct Entry admission into 200 Level through JAMB Direct Entry.
For Medicine, the recommended IJMB subject combination is:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
This combination aligns with the admission requirements of most Nigerian medical schools.
O’Level Requirements For Medicine Through IJMB
Before discussing universities and points, it is important to understand the basic admission requirements.
Candidates must possess credit passes in:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Most universities require these credits in not more than two sittings, while some medical schools prefer one sitting for competitive admission.
Understanding IJMB Points For Medicine
The maximum obtainable IJMB score is 15 points.
Medicine is highly competitive, and most universities expect candidates to score between 12 and 15 points.
Admission experts generally recommend aiming for at least 14 points to maximize your chances of securing Medicine admission through Direct Entry.
Top Universities That Accept IJMB For Medicine And Their Points
1. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin is one of the most sought-after universities for IJMB candidates.
Expected IJMB Points:
13 – 15 points
Competitive years may require 14 points or above
UNILORIN is known for giving consideration to strong IJMB candidates applying for Medicine and Surgery.
Recommended Target
Aim for 14–15 points for a stronger chance of admission.
2. Ahmadu Bello University
ABU is the institution that moderates the IJMB programme.
Expected IJMB Points:
13 – 15 points
ABU remains one of the most popular destinations for IJMB candidates seeking Medicine admission.
Recommended Target
14 points and above.
3. University of Jos
The University of Jos accepts IJMB candidates into several programmes, including Medicine.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 14 points
Admission competitiveness varies yearly depending on available slots and applicant performance.
Recommended Target
13–14 points.
4. Bayero University Kano
BUK is another major federal university that accepts IJMB for Medicine.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 14 points
Strong performance in IJMB significantly improves admission prospects.
Recommended Target
13 points and above.
5. University of Benin
UNIBEN accepts Direct Entry candidates with IJMB qualifications.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 15 points
Medicine remains one of the most competitive courses in the institution.
Recommended Target
14 points and above.
6. University of Port Harcourt
UNIPORT is recognized as one of the universities that accept IJMB for Medicine and related medical programmes.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 15 points
Recommended Target
14 points.
7. University of Maiduguri
UNIMAID accepts IJMB Direct Entry candidates into Medicine.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 14 points
Recommended Target
13 points and above.
8. Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
UDUS has a long history of accepting IJMB candidates for Direct Entry.
Expected IJMB Points:
12 – 14 points
Recommended Target
13–14 points.
9. University of Nigeria
UNN recognizes IJMB qualifications for Direct Entry admission into various programmes, including Medicine.
Expected IJMB Points:
13 – 15 points
Recommended Target
14 points and above.
10. Obafemi Awolowo University
OAU is one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities.
Expected IJMB Points:
13 – 15 points
Some admission guides indicate that OAU often requires exceptionally high IJMB scores for Medicine.
Recommended Target
14–15 points.
Summary Table
University
Typical IJMB Points for Medicine
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
13 – 15
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
13 – 15
University of Jos (UNIJOS)
12 – 14
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
12 – 14
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
12 – 15
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
12 – 15
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
12 – 14
Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS)
12 – 14
University of Nigeria (UNN)
13 – 15
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
13 – 15
Admission points vary yearly depending on competition and available spaces.
What IJMB Score Is Safe For Medicine?
Although some universities may consider candidates with 12 points, competition for Medicine is extremely high.
A safer target is:
12 points = Possible but competitive
13 points = Good chance
14 points = Strong chance
15 points = Excellent chance
Many admission advisers recommend aiming for at least 14 points if Medicine is your goal.
Tips For Getting Medicine Admission Through IJMB
1. Choose The Correct Subject Combination
Always register:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
These subjects align with Medicine admission requirements.
2. Aim For Straight A’s
The closer you are to 15 points, the higher your chances of admission.
3. Obtain Excellent O’Level Results
Strong WAEC or NECO grades can strengthen your application.
4. Apply Through JAMB Direct Entry
After obtaining your IJMB result, you must still complete the Direct Entry admission process.
5. Prepare For Screening Exercises
Some universities conduct additional screening before admission.