Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disclosed fresh details about its 2026/2027 admission exercise, revealing that no fewer than 60,370 candidates selected the institution as their preferred university, while the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) approved an admission quota of 13,900 candidates.

The university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Abiodun, made the revelations during the ongoing orientation programme for newly admitted students, where he explained the factors determining admission into the institution.

According to the figures presented by the PRO, approximately 25,000 candidates scored 200 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while about 15,033 reportedly satisfied the university’s Post-UTME screening requirements.

He added that some candidates were absent from the screening exercise, while fewer than 100 candidates reportedly failed the Post-UTME examination.

The figures highlight the intense competition among prospective students seeking admission into one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.

Medicine and Surgery: Over 500 Candidates Compete for 80 Admission Spaces

One of the major revelations concerned admission into Medicine and Surgery, where competition reportedly remains extremely intense.

The PRO disclosed that the initial admission quota for the department was 50 students but was subsequently increased to 80.

However, more than 500 candidates reportedly scored 80 and above in the Post-UTME examination, meaning that the number of high-scoring candidates significantly exceeded the available admission spaces.

This suggests that achieving an impressive Post-UTME score does not automatically guarantee admission into the highly competitive medical programme.

OAU Reveals Admission Quota for Departments

The university also operates specific admission quotas for different departments.

For instance, the admission quota for English Language was reportedly put at 291 students, while Nursing Science had an approved quota of 120 students.

These departmental limits, according to the explanation, influence the number of candidates who can eventually secure admission, regardless of their examination performance.

How OAU Shares Its Admission Spaces: 45%, 35%, 20%

The PRO further explained that admission allocation follows three major categories:

• 45 per cent – Merit: Candidates admitted based on the applicable merit criteria.
• 35 per cent – Catchment Areas: Candidates from states within the university’s recognised catchment areas.
• 20 per cent – Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS): Candidates from designated educationally less developed states.

The arrangement is designed to ensure that admission opportunities are distributed in accordance with the applicable national admission guidelines.

Why Scoring Above Departmental Cut-Off May Not Guarantee Admission

Another important clarification was that candidates who score above their departmental cut-off marks may still fail to secure admission if they do not satisfy the required O’Level subject combinations.

The PRO reportedly cited cases of candidates who performed well in the Post-UTME examination but presented inappropriate O’Level subjects for their chosen courses.

Such candidates could not be considered for admission despite their impressive screening scores.

He therefore advised prospective students to pay attention to the specific O’Level requirements of their chosen programmes rather than concentrating exclusively on UTME and Post-UTME scores.

OAU Warns Candidates Against Paying Money for Admission

The university also issued a strong warning against admission racketeering, insisting that it does not collect money from candidates in exchange for admission.

According to the PRO, some candidates had allegedly paid individuals who promised to facilitate their admission into the university.

He disclosed that some of these candidates initially saw proposed admission statuses but later discovered that their admission status had reverted to “Not Admitted.”

He advised parents and prospective students to avoid individuals demanding money under the guise of securing admission and to follow only the university’s recognised admission procedures.

Fresh Revelation About OAU Law Admission

The Faculty of Law also featured in the discussions, with the PRO reportedly disclosing that the Dean of the faculty had expressed interest in admitting more students.

However, because of limitations in the number of candidates that could be accommodated directly, an arrangement was discussed under which some candidates might initially be offered admission into the Faculty of Arts and subsequently apply for a change of course to Law through the appropriate university procedures.

Candidates should, however, note that this does not amount to an automatic transfer or guaranteed admission into Law.

What OAU Admission Candidates Must Understand

The revelations provide important lessons for candidates seeking admission into OAU for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Meeting the departmental cut-off mark is only one aspect of the admission process. Candidates must also satisfy their O’Level subject requirements and compete for the limited spaces available in their chosen departments.

Departmental quotas, merit allocation, catchment considerations and ELDS provisions also influence the final admission process.

The university’s message is clear: a high UTME or Post-UTME score does not automatically translate into admission.

Source: Statements attributed to OAU Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun, during the ongoing orientation programme for newly admitted students.