Why Scoring 304 in JAMB UTME Still Couldn’t Get This Nigerian Student Admission to UNIZIK

Denied admission despite high JAMB score. In a recent development that sparked conversations across Nigeria, Okonkwo Chukwudozie Joshua, a determined student from Anambra State, publicly shared his disappointment after being denied admission to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) despite scoring an impressive 304 in the 2024 JAMB UTME.

Joshua’s dream was to study Medicine and Surgery, one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. This wasn’t his first attempt—he scored 284 in 2022, but didn’t make the cut. He missed the 2023 registration window, hoping his previous results would suffice. In 2024, he returned stronger with a UTME score of 304 and a post-UTME aggregate of 305.99—yet, he was still not offered admission into the program.

Why Was Joshua Denied Admission Despite a High Score?

Understanding this scenario requires a look into how university admissions work in Nigeria, particularly for highly competitive programs.

1. High Departmental Cut-Off Marks

UNIZIK may accept a general JAMB cut-off of 160, but Medicine and Surgery requires a departmental cut-off of 310.5 points. Despite his excellent performance, Joshua fell just short of this strict benchmark.

2. Limited Slots for Competitive Courses

Medicine and Surgery are among the most sought-after courses, with a limited number of available admission slots each year. Even a strong score may not be enough when thousands of students are vying for a handful of seats.

3. Additional Admission Factors

UNIZIK, like other Nigerian universities, considers various criteria beyond JAMB and post-UTME scores, including:

• Catchment area/state quotas
• University-specific admission policies
• Performance in O‘Level subjects

Public Reaction to Joshua’s Story

Joshua’s story trended on social media, where users offered support and practical advice:

• @ObuMalachy: “Apply to state or private universities. Time waits for no one.”
• @tcr_dc: “Try again. Gaining admission is just the beginning.”
• @Joel_Noblez: “Change institution. Uniuyo is still giving admission.”
• @Forexpatron: “Don’t feel bad. Learn a skill while waiting.”

Many encouraged Joshua to accept an alternative offer for Radiography or explore other institutions that may have open slots.

What Nigerian Students Can Learn from This

Joshua’s experience is a reminder that high JAMB scores don’t guarantee admission—especially in courses like Medicine. Here are key lessons:

💡 Consider Alternative Institutions

Apply to other universities with lower cut-off marks or open admissions.

💡 Be Flexible with Related Courses

Starting with a related course (e.g., Radiography, Anatomy) may offer a path to eventually transfer into Medicine.

💡 Explore Private Universities

Some private institutions offer more accessible admission processes for Medicine and other health-related courses.

💡 Learn a Skill

Use waiting periods to develop practical skills that can support your education or career.

Conclusion

At StartSmart Nigeria, we understand the challenges of navigating the Nigerian tertiary education system. Joshua’s story reflects the resilience of many Nigerian students and the importance of staying informed, adaptable, and persistent. Whether you’re aiming for Medicine or any other course, always explore all your options and keep striving forward.