Yes — You Can Study Medicine with IJMB
Medicine is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria, but IJMB is a legitimate and accepted pathway into MBBS (Medicine & Surgery) at many Nigerian universities. Thousands of students have gained medical school admission through IJMB Direct Entry.
The key difference is that unlike JAMB — where even a score of 280+ may not guarantee admission into Medicine — IJMB gives you a full academic session to demonstrate your capability. Your effort directly determines your result.
Subject Combination for Medicine
For Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and related health courses, your IJMB subject combination must be:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Some universities also accept Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics — but Biology, Chemistry, Physics is the safest and most universally accepted combination for Medical Sciences.
O-Level Requirements for Medicine
Your O-Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) must include credits in the following subjects for Medicine:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
All five of these must be obtained at credit level (C6 or better) in not more than two sittings.
Minimum IJMB Points for Medicine
Medicine is the most competitive course for IJMB candidates. Here are typical cut-off points at various institutions:
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) MBBS: 14–15 points (very competitive)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) MBBS: 13–15 points
- University of Jos (UNIJOS) MBBS: 12–14 points
- Bayero University Kano (BUK) MBBS: 12–14 points
- Most other federal universities: 12–15 points
The target should be at least 14 points (e.g., A+A+B or A+B+B grades) if you are serious about gaining Medicine admission. 15 points (triple A) gives you the best chance.
Federal Universities Accepting IJMB for Medicine
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — MBBS
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — MBBS
- University of Jos (UNIJOS) — MBBS
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK) — MBBS
- University of Maiduguri — MBBS
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto — MBBS
- Federal University, Lokoja — MBBS (newly established)
- University of Calabar — MBBS
- University of Benin — MBBS
- University of Port Harcourt — MBBS
What Does the Admission Process Look Like?
- Register and complete the IJMB programme (9 months)
- Sit the IJMB A-Level examinations conducted by ABU Zaria
- Collect your IJMB certificate/result (usually released 3–4 months after the exam)
- Register for JAMB Direct Entry (DE) form — select Medicine and choose up to 3 universities
- Attend Direct Entry screening at your preferred university
- Gain admission into 200 Level MBBS
Is IJMB Harder Than JAMB for Medicine?
IJMB requires sustained effort over 9 months, while JAMB is a single exam day. However:
- With JAMB, a technical glitch or bad day can ruin everything
- With IJMB, your grade reflects consistent study over the entire session
- IJMB students entering Medicine are often better prepared for 200 Level work because they have covered much of the 100 Level curriculum already
For dedicated students, IJMB is the more reliable pathway into Medicine.