In a recent development, Okonkwo Chukwudozie Joshua, a dedicated student from Anambra State, has publicly expressed his disappointment after being denied admission to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) despite achieving a commendable score of 304 in the 2024 JAMB UTME. Joshua aspired to study Medicine and Surgery, a program known for its competitiveness.
Joshua’s pursuit of a medical degree has been marked by determination. In 2022, he scored 284 in the JAMB UTME but was not admitted to UNIZIK. The following year, he missed the registration window, hoping his previous score would suffice. Undeterred, he sat for the 2024 UTME, achieving a score of 304. Despite this, and a post-UTME aggregate of 305.99, he was not offered admission to his desired course.
UNIZIK’s admission process is multifaceted. While the general JAMB cut-off mark is 160, specific programs have higher thresholds. For Medicine and Surgery, the departmental cut-off mark stands at 310.5 points . This means that even with a high score, candidates must meet or exceed this benchmark to be considered for admission
Joshua’s experience underscores the challenges faced by many Nigerian students. High scores do not always guarantee admission, especially in highly competitive courses. Factors such as limited slots, departmental cut-offs, and internal university policies play significant roles in the admission process.
Public Reactions to Joshua’s Situation
Joshua’s post sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many people offering him words of encouragement and advice on what steps he could take next.
Advice from Social Media Users
- @ObuMalachy: “Bruhhh, you need to find any state or private university and apply. Time waits for nobody. You can re-sit while you’re admitted in school and possibly gain admission to your dream school and course.”
- @tcr_dc: “Hey, I’m a medical student currently in 200 level. I’ll advise you to try again. Getting into medical school is the easiest part; it doesn’t get easier after that.”
- @Joel_Noblez: “Change institution. Uniuyo is still giving admission.”
- @Forexpatron: “Don’t feel bad bro; you did your best. At this point, school is your priority. Just find a skill and have an edge while in school or before school.”
Many advised him to consider other institutions that might still have open slots for his preferred course or to accept the Radiography offer while planning for future adjustments.
How University Admissions Work in Nigeria
Joshua’s story highlights the challenges many Nigerian students face when trying to gain admission into competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery.
Even with high scores, students often face hurdles due to:
- Limited Slots: Medicine and Surgery are among the most competitive courses, with limited admission slots.
- Post-UTME Screening: Universities often combine JAMB scores, post-UTME performance, and other factors to determine final admission.
- State Quotas: Some universities have quotas for indigenes and non-indigenes, affecting admission chances.
Alternative Pathways for Aspiring Students
For students encountering similar challenges, several options can be considered:
Exploring Other Institutions: Applying to universities with different admission criteria or less competitive programs.
Considering Related Courses: Accepting admission into related fields with the possibility of transferring later.
Private Universities: Exploring private institutions that may offer more flexible admission processes.
Skill Development: Utilizing the interim period to acquire relevant skills or certifications.
Conclusion
Joshua’s story highlights the complexities of the Nigerian tertiary education admission system. While his journey has been fraught with challenges, his resilience serves as an inspiration. It’s essential for prospective students to stay informed, consider multiple pathways, and remain adaptable in their academic pursuits.
