Here’s a comprehensive guide detailing how to use your WAEC results to gain admission into the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for the 2025 academic session. We’ll lead you step-by-step through everything from eligibility to post-admission clearance.
1. Understanding the Admission Pathways to UNICAL
A. UTME (UTME to 100-Level Admission)
This is the most common route. You:
Sit for the JAMB UTME exam, selecting University of Calabar as your first-choice institution.
Score at least the general JAMB UTME cut-off mark set by UNICAL for the 2025 admission cycle.
Meet the WAEC (O’Level) subject requirements (5 credits).
Participate in Post-UTME screening conducted by UNICAL.
Achieve the necessary aggregate score combining JAMB and Post-UTME results.
Fulfill departmental (faculty/course-specific) cut-off requirements (especially for competitive programs).
B. Direct Entry (DE) into 200-Level
This is for candidates with prior tertiary qualifications (e.g., A-Levels, NCE, HND, JUPEB). DE applicants must also:
Have relevant O-Level credits (including WAEC/NECO).
Meet JAMB Direct Entry requirements.
Sit for UNICAL’s Post-UTME screening (if applicable).
C. JUPEB Pathway
UNICAL’s own JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) programme is an alternative 10-month pre-degree course allowing direct entry into 200-Level. This requires:
Five O’Level credits, including Math and English.
Enrollment via UNICAL’s designated process.
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2. WAEC (O’Level) Requirements
To be eligible for either UTME or DE admission, you must present:
At least five O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English.
Acceptable exam bodies: WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, etc.
Two sittings (i.e., combining two results) are accepted.
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3. JAMB UTME Cut-Off Marks for 2025
A. General Cut-Off
For the 2025/2026 academic session, UNICAL’s general JAMB UTME cut-off mark is 160 and above. Candidates scoring at least this are eligible to apply for the Post-UTME screening.
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Note: Some sources mention 140 as the general cut-off, but the widely accepted and corroborated mark is 160.
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B. Departmental Cut-Off Marks
Departments offering highly competitive programs (e.g., Medicine, Law, Nursing) often require higher JAMB scores. Examples include:
Law: 200 and above
Medicine & Surgery: 220 and above
Nursing Science: 200 and above
Medical Laboratory Science: 180 and above
Dentistry: 190 and above
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For less competitive courses, the departmental cut-off might match the general mark (~160). Always verify the specific cut-off for your intended course on UNICAL’s official portal or reliable admission resources.
4. Post-UTME Screening and Aggregate Score Calculations
Once you meet the above requirements, you’ll be eligible for the UNICAL Post-UTME screening. Although specifics vary annually, here’s how the aggregate score is commonly computed:
Two methods are noted:
Method A: Simple Average
Add your JAMB score and Post-UTME score.
Divide by 2 to get the aggregate.
E.g., JAMB 300 + Post-UTME 300 = 600 / 2 = 300 aggregate.
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Method B: Weighted Calculation
Divide JAMB Score by 8.
Divide Post-UTME Score by 2.
Add both results to get total aggregate.
E.g., JAMB 320 ÷ 8 = 40; Post-UTME 70 ÷ 2 = 35; aggregate = 75.
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UNICAL may adopt one method or adjust weights. Always consult the latest UNICAL admission bulletin or official site for clarity.
5. Step-by-Step: From WAEC to UNICAL Admission (2025)
Below is an actionable, chronological guide:
Step 1: Take WAEC (or equivalent)
Ensure you pass English, Mathematics, and three other relevant subjects for your intended course. Two sittings are valid.
Step 2: Register for JAMB UTME
Select UNICAL as your First Choice.
Aim for at least a 160 score (ideal for general courses).
If targeting competitive programs (e.g., Medicine, Law), aim for higher scores (200+).
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Step 3: Secure the Cut-Off and Purchase Post-UTME Form
Ensure your JAMB score meets or exceeds the required threshold.
Once JAMB results are out, purchase UNICAL Post-UTME screening form when available.
Step 4: Prepare for & Take Post-UTME
Use past questions and course-specific topics.
Some sources report 400 questions total for UNICAL’s test.
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Step 5: Calculate Your Aggregate Score
Use whichever method UNICAL employs.
Compare with published departmental cut-offs (especially if applying for competitive programs).
Step 6: Monitor Admission Status
Keep checking UNICAL’s admission portal for updates.
Be ready to accept admission or complete further steps.
Step 7: Post-Admission Clearance
After admission, you must submit documents such as:
JAMB Admission Letter
O’Level Certificates
Birth Certificate
State of Origin Certificate
Recent Passport Photographs
Post-UTME Result Slip
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6. Alternative Routes: JUPEB & Direct Entry
A. JUPEB Programme
Duration: ~10 months.
Requirements: Five O’Level credits (including Math & English).
Fee: Around ₦15,500 (online payment).
Outcome: Direct entry into 200-Level at UNICAL upon completion.
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This route bypasses JAMB UTME and Post-UTME, and may be beneficial if you don’t perform as expected in UTME but still want to enter UNICAL.
B. Direct Entry (DE)
For candidates with qualifications like A-Levels, NCE, HND, or JUPEB.
You must have five O’Level credits (including English & Math).
Must register for JAMB DE and meet UNICAL’s specific DE screening criteria.
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7. Important Tips & Final Thoughts
Set Higher Goals: Although the general cut-off is ~160, aiming significantly higher increases your chances, especially for competitive courses.
Verify Cut-Offs: Use multiple sources and UNICAL’s official portal to confirm course-specific marks. Conflicting numbers (140, 160, 180, or 200) exist online—opt for the most recent and authoritative information.
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Subject Combinations Matter: Use only the correct O’Level subjects relevant to your intended course.
Two-Sitting Option: If you’re not strong in certain subjects, leveraging two WAEC results (or WAEC + NECO) is permitted.
Document Preparedness: Missing any clearance documents post-admission can delay or jeopardize your matriculation.
8. Summary Table: UTME Pathway (WAEC → UNICAL 2025)
Step What You Do Key Requirement
1 Take WAEC / O’Level exams Minimum 5 credits including English, Math
2 Register JAMB UTME, choose UNICAL Aim score ≥160 (higher for competitive courses)
3 Buy UNICAL Post-UTME Form If cut-off met after JAMB results
4 Take Post-UTME exam Prepare via past questions
5 Compute aggregate Use UNICAL’s formula (check current method)
6 Check admission status Via UNICAL portal/BETAS
7 Submit clearance documents For final admission registration
Final Thoughts
With diligence, smart planning, and the right information, your WAEC results can form a solid foundation for gaining admission into UNICAL’s 2025 session. Whether you go through UTME, JUPEB, or Direct Entry, ensure you meet the specific cut-off and document requirements, prepare well, and stay informed via official UNICAL channels.
If you’d like help preparing for Post-UTME, selecting the right subject combinations, or comparing your odds in different courses, feel free to ask—happy to assist!
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