Studying Medicine and Surgery is one of the most ambitious academic decisions a Nigerian student can make. If Borno State University is your target institution, the first number you need to know is the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine. It is not just a figure — it is the threshold that determines whether you proceed to Post-UTME screening or have to reconsider your options. Getting it wrong costs you an entire admission cycle.
Borno State University (BOSU), located in Maiduguri, Borno State, is a fast-growing state university established in 2016 under the administration of Governor Kashim Shettima. Despite its relative youth, BOSU has built a serious academic reputation, earning NUC accreditation for 28 of its 30 programmes and housing an active College of Medical and Health Sciences that offers the full MBBS Medicine and Surgery programme.
This guide covers the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine in complete detail — both the minimum threshold and the merit score, how admission competition works, O’Level requirements, JAMB subject combinations, the Post-UTME process, and the full step-by-step admission pathway.
Borno State University and the MBBS Programme
BOSU’s MBBS Medicine and Surgery programme sits within the College of Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences — one of the university’s flagship academic units. The college also houses Nursing Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science, Biochemistry, and Health Information Management, making it the most competitive faculty cluster in the entire university.
The MBBS programme at BOSU runs for six years and equips graduates with the clinical and scientific foundation needed for medical practice in Nigeria. Graduates proceed to the mandatory one-year housemanship and NYSC service before full medical registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Being a state university, BOSU offers Medical students a combination of quality training and more accessible tuition fees compared to private medical schools — a practical advantage for many North-East students.
Borno State University Cut-Off Mark for Medicine — Official Figures
The Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine operates on a two-tier system that every prospective medical student must understand clearly:
- “Others” score (minimum eligibility): 200 — This is the lowest JAMB score that makes you eligible to participate in the BOSU Post-UTME screening for Medicine and Surgery.
- “Merit” score (competitive threshold): 250 — This is the score at which BOSU considers you a priority candidate. Scoring 250 and above puts you in the merit bracket and significantly improves your admission chances.
These two tiers — “Others” and “Merit” — apply across all courses in BOSU’s College of Medical and Health Sciences. The table below shows the complete picture for all medical programmes.
Table 1: BOSU Cut-Off Marks — College of Medical & Health Sciences (2025/2026)
| Programme | Min. Score (Others) | Merit Score | Competition Note |
| M.B.B.S. Medicine & Surgery | 200 (Others) | 250 (Merit) | Highest in the university — most competitive |
| B.NSc. Nursing Science | 190 (Others) | 230 (Merit) | Strong demand; aim well above minimum |
| B.PT. Physiotherapy | 180 (Others) | 220 (Merit) | Health science — competitive |
| B.RAD. Radiography | 180 (Others) | 220 (Merit) | Technical health programme |
| B.MLS. Medical Lab Science | 180 (Others) | 220 (Merit) | Lab-based; Physics-heavy |
| B.Sc. Biochemistry | 180 (Others) | 220 (Merit) | Pre-clinical sciences pathway |
| HMIS (Health Information Mgt.) | 180 (Others) | 220 (Merit) | Data and health records focus |
Medicine and Surgery carries the highest cut-off in the entire university. While the general BOSU minimum is 150, the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine sits at 200 for eligibility and 250 for merit. In practical terms, scoring exactly 200 does not guarantee you a spot — it only qualifies you for the screening stage. The final admission battle is won or lost at the Post-UTME level.
Cut-Off Marks Across Other BOSU Faculties
For students who may be considering alternative courses at BOSU if Medicine does not work out, understanding the cut-off landscape across other faculties helps with informed planning.
Table 2: BOSU Cut-Off Marks — Other Faculties (2025/2026)
| Faculty | Key Programmes | Others Score | Merit Score |
| Faculty of Agriculture | B. Agriculture | 150 | 170 |
| Arts & Education | English, Islamic Studies, Education courses | 150 | 170 |
| Arts & Education | Education/Computer Science | 160 | 180 |
| Social & Management Sciences | Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication | 150 | 170 |
| Social & Management Sciences | Law (if offered) | 160 | 200 |
The contrast is stark. While the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine demands 200–250, most arts and social science courses start from as low as 150. This range reflects the competitive pressure on medical placements compared to other disciplines at BOSU.
Why “Merit” Score Matters More Than the Minimum
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine is the difference between eligibility and competitiveness. Many students score 200 and feel relieved — but that relief is premature.
BOSU receives far more applications for Medicine and Surgery than it has available spaces. When hundreds of candidates all score 200 and above, the institution uses the Post-UTME screening result alongside JAMB performance to determine who gets in. A candidate scoring 250 in JAMB (merit) enters Post-UTME with a structural advantage over a candidate who scored exactly 200.
Additionally, candidates in the “Others” category — those scoring 200–249 — must perform exceptionally well in the Post-UTME to compensate for the JAMB gap. Merit candidates scoring 250+ still need strong Post-UTME results, but they go in from a stronger starting position. The safe target for Medicine at BOSU is 260 and above — a comfortable buffer that keeps you competitive even if Post-UTME does not go perfectly.
O’Level Requirements for Medicine and Surgery at BOSU
No JAMB score — however high — compensates for missing O’Level requirements. For the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine to be relevant in your application, you must first satisfy the O’Level entry requirements outlined below. These are non-negotiable.
Table 3: O’Level Subject Requirements — MBBS Medicine & Surgery, BOSU
| Subject | Status | Detail |
| English Language | Compulsory | Credit pass required in all SSCE sittings |
| Mathematics | Compulsory | Core requirement for all BOSU programmes |
| Biology | Compulsory | Fundamental for all medical programmes |
| Chemistry | Compulsory | Core science — must score credit |
| Physics | Compulsory | Required; also a JAMB subject for MBBS |
| Any relevant Science | 5th Credit | Agricultural Science, Health Science, or equivalent accepted |
All five credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings. Awaiting results are not accepted at the final clearance stage — ensure your complete certificate is available and uploaded to the JAMB CAPS portal before the admission cycle closes. Candidates with any missing credit from the five core science subjects will not be cleared for MBBS admission, regardless of JAMB score.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery at BOSU
The correct JAMB subject combination for MBBS Medicine and Surgery at Borno State University is:
- English Language — compulsory for all JAMB candidates
- Biology — foundational for all medical and health science programmes
- Chemistry — core science; covers pharmacology, biochemistry basics, and organic chemistry
- Physics — required for MBBS at all accredited Nigerian medical schools
Do not substitute any of these subjects. Registering the wrong JAMB combination for Medicine makes you ineligible for MBBS admission even if you score 280. Verify the exact combination in the current JAMB brochure before sitting for the UTME, as requirements can be updated.
Step-by-Step Admission Process for MBBS at BOSU
Understanding the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine is only the beginning. The actual admission process involves multiple stages, each of which demands careful attention.
Table 4: BOSU MBBS Admission Process — Step-by-Step
| Stage | Action Required |
| Step 1 — JAMB | Score 200+ (aim for 250+); select BOSU as first choice; choose Biology, Chemistry, Physics + English |
| Step 2 — Post-UTME | Monitor putme.bosu.edu.ng for registration; pay non-refundable screening fee; register online |
| Step 3 — Screening | Attend CBT or physical screening with UTME slip, O’Level results, and passport photos |
| Step 4 — CAPS | Upload O’Level results to JAMB CAPS; check admission status regularly on JAMB portal |
| Step 5 — Admission | Accept offer on JAMB CAPS; pay acceptance fee (₦10,000); proceed to BOSU admissions office |
| Step 6 — Documents | Present originals: JAMB admission letter, UTME result, O’Level cert, birth certificate |
Post-UTME registration at BOSU is conducted online via the dedicated portal at putme.bosu.edu.ng. The screening window for the 2025/2026 session ran from August 11 to August 31, 2025. Watch the official BOSU website and the JAMB portal closely for the equivalent window in your application year — missing the registration deadline means missing the admission cycle entirely.
Direct Entry into Medicine at BOSU
For candidates who already hold relevant qualifications and want to skip 100 Level, Direct Entry (DE) is an option. DE requirements for MBBS at BOSU include:
- A minimum of Lower Credit or Merit in a relevant National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a science or health-related field
- For candidates applying with A-Level results: minimum of two passes in relevant science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- IJMB or JUPEB candidates must score a minimum of 5 points in relevant sciences for DE consideration
- Five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics remain mandatory
- All DE applicants must also register for the BOSU DE screening at the Post-UTME portal
BOSU School Fees for Medicine and Surgery
Once admission is secured, the next planning priority is school fees. BOSU school fees range from approximately ₦37,000 to ₦57,000 per session depending on faculty and year of study. The acceptance fee is ₦10,000 (non-refundable), and on-campus hostel accommodation costs approximately ₦25,000 per session.
As a state university, BOSU’s medical programme fees are significantly more accessible than private medical schools, where annual fees often run into several million naira. This affordability is one of the key reasons BOSU remains a top choice for prospective medical students in the North-East region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine?
The official JAMB cut-off for MBBS Medicine and Surgery at BOSU is 200 (“Others” category) and 250 (“Merit” category). The general BOSU institutional minimum is 150, but Medicine and Surgery requires a significantly higher score to be competitive. Aim for 260+ for the strongest admission position.
2. Is 200 enough to gain admission into Medicine at BOSU?
200 qualifies you to sit the Post-UTME screening, but it does not guarantee admission. Given the competition for MBBS spaces, candidates scoring exactly 200 must perform outstandingly at the Post-UTME stage. A score of 250 or above puts you in the merit bracket, which provides a material advantage in the final selection process.
3. What JAMB subjects are required for Medicine at BOSU?
The required JAMB combination is: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These four subjects are mandatory and cannot be substituted with any other subjects for MBBS admission at any NUC-accredited university in Nigeria.
4. Does BOSU conduct Post-UTME for Medicine and Surgery?
Yes. BOSU conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise for all eligible candidates including those applying for MBBS. Registration is done online at putme.bosu.edu.ng. Only candidates who scored the minimum JAMB threshold for Medicine (200+) and selected BOSU as their first choice are eligible to register.
5. What O’Level subjects are needed for Medicine at BOSU?
You need five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. All credits must be obtained in not more than two SSCE sittings. These five subjects are the universal minimum for MBBS admission across all Nigerian universities.
6. How competitive is Medicine at Borno State University?
Medicine and Surgery is the most competitive programme at BOSU — it carries the highest cut-off mark in the institution (250 merit / 200 others). The Borno State University cut-off mark for medicine is 100 points above the general institutional minimum of 150, which reflects both the limited spaces available and the consistent high demand for medical placements.
7. Can I apply for Medicine at BOSU as a second choice?
No. BOSU only considers first-choice candidates for the Post-UTME screening. If you initially selected another institution in JAMB, you must complete a Change of Institution on the JAMB portal to make BOSU your first choice before you can register for the Post-UTME screening.
8. What are BOSU’s school fees for Medicine and Surgery?
BOSU school fees range from ₦37,000 to ₦57,000 per session, making it one of the most affordable medical schools in Nigeria. The acceptance fee is ₦10,000. Hostel accommodation costs an additional ₦25,000 per session. Verify the current session fees on the official BOSU portal at bosu.edu.ng.