Understanding the 2026 Aggregate System
Every year, thousands of students with high JAMB scores miss out on admission because they do not understand how their **Aggregate Score** is calculated. In 2026, Nigerian Universities have tightened their screening processes.
The Three Pillars of Admission
- 1. UTME Score (50%): Most federal universities divide your JAMB score by 8 to get a 50-point scale.
- 2. Post-UTME (30-40%): Some schools like UNILAG and UI use a rigorous entrance exam to test your core subject knowledge.
- 3. O-Level Results (10-20%): Schools like OAU and FUTO place heavy emphasis on your WAEC/NECO grades. An A1 can be the difference between Medicine and a less competitive course.
Catchment & ELDS Explained
It is not just about your score. You must understand your **Catchment Area**. Federal Universities give preference to students from neighboring states. Furthermore, **ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States)** candidates may have lower cut-off marks for certain competitive courses.
"Pro-Tip: Always check the previous year's merit cut-off before choosing your first-choice institution."