JAMB 2025: Competitive Courses That Require High UTME Scores in Nigerian Universities: As the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) draws to a close, candidates across Nigeria are turning their attention toward university admission. While JAMB has set the general cut-off mark, securing admission into highly competitive courses still requires significantly higher UTME scores, especially in top federal universities.
These competitive courses attract thousands of high-performing candidates each year, creating tough competition for limited slots. To stand a good chance, candidates must not only score well in UTME but also have excellent O’Level results in relevant subjects.
Below are the top competitive courses that require high JAMB scores in 2025:
1. Medicine and Surgery
Medicine and Surgery remains Nigeria’s most competitive university course. Aspiring doctors must aim for a UTME score of 280 and above, along with five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.
2. Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a prestigious health-related course with vast career opportunities. A score of 270 or higher in UTME is required, in addition to credits in English, Maths, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
3. Law
Law is one of the most respected and sought-after courses. It requires a high UTME score – typically 260 and above, depending on the university. Candidates must also have strong O’Level results including English, Literature in English, and Government.
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4. Nursing Science
Nursing continues to grow in demand, both locally and internationally. To study Nursing in 2025, a minimum of 260 UTME score is advised, plus credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
5. Accounting
Accounting is another competitive course in Nigeria, known for its career flexibility. Candidates need to score 250 or more in UTME and must have O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting, and another relevant subject.
ALSO READ: JAMB Subject Combination for Accounting / Accountancy
6. Computer Science
With the rise of tech innovation, Computer Science has become one of the most in-demand courses. Admission requires at least 250 in UTME, along with credits in English, Maths, Computer Studies, and Physics or Chemistry.
7. Economics
Economics is essential to both government and private sectors. To study this course, candidates should target a UTME score of 250 and above, and have credits in English, Mathematics, Economics, Government, and Commerce.
Other Highly Competitive Courses in Nigerian Universities
While the above courses are widely recognized as top-tier, there are several others across different faculties that are equally competitive and should not be overlooked by candidates:
8. Medical Rehabilitation
Medical Rehabilitation is a specialized health science course that is gaining more attention in federal universities. It typically requires a UTME score of 250 and above with relevant O’Level subjects in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics.
ALSO READ: UNN Medical Rehabilitation Cut-Off Mark & Requirements for 2024/2025
9. Medical Laboratory Science
This course is crucial in the healthcare sector and highly competitive in schools like UNN, UI, and OAU. Candidates should aim for 260+ UTME scores and have five credits in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics.
10. Medical Radiography
Radiography is another health-based course with increasing demand and limited slots. A UTME score of 260 and above is often required, especially in federal universities, alongside strong science-based O’Level results.
ALSO READ: UNN Medical Radiography Science Requirements & Cut-off Mark 2024/2025 [UPDATED]
11. Mass Communication
Mass Communication is one of the most competitive courses under the Faculty of Arts. Candidates must aim for 250+ in UTME and have good O’Level grades in English, Literature, Government, and other relevant subjects.
ALSO READ: UNN Requirements & Cut-Off Mark for Mass Communication 2025/2026
12. Theatre and Film Studies
Creative courses like Theatre and Film Studies are also gaining popularity. Candidates interested in these fields should score at least 240 in UTME, and possess credits in English Language, Literature, and Arts-related subjects.
ALSO READ: UNN Theatre and Film Studies Requirements and Cut-Off Mark 2025/2026
13. English and Literary Studies
This course is both academic and professional. It is competitive in universities like UNILAG, UNN, and UI. A UTME score of 240 and above is typically needed, along with O’Level credits in English, Literature, and other Arts subjects.
14. English Education
Under the Faculty of Education, English Education is a competitive course, especially in federal universities. UTME candidates need to aim for 230 and above and have strong grades in English, Literature, and Education-related subjects.
15. Political Science Education
This course combines politics and teaching, and is another competitive Education programme. A score of 230 or more is advisable, alongside credits in Government, English, and other social science subjects.
16. Computer Education
As technology spreads into the education sector, Computer Education has become highly relevant. Candidates should target a UTME score of 240+, and strong O’Level grades in Mathematics, Computer Studies, English, and other science-related subjects.
Final Thoughts: Work Hard, Aim High
Whether you’re pursuing a course in Medicine, Law, Arts, or Education, competition is intense in Nigerian universities – especially federal institutions. Scoring just the minimum cut-off is no longer enough. To increase your chances of gaining admission into your preferred course, you must aim higher in both UTME and O’Level results.
Important: The information here are advised/recommendation from us, it doesn’t stand to be the cut-off marks for your preferred institution, please visit your Preferred institution for official updates about their cut-off marks and admission requirements. Thanks stay blessed.
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