Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has disclosed that 60,370 candidates selected the institution for the 2026/2027 academic session, against an admission quota of 13,900 approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The university’s Public Relations Officer disclosed the figures during the freshers’ orientation programme, explaining that admission depends on available spaces, academic performance and compliance with programme requirements.
According to the presentation, approximately 25,000 candidates scored at least 200 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while about 15,033 met the university’s UTME screening requirements.
The spokesperson said some candidates were absent from the screening exercise, while fewer than 100 failed the Post-UTME examination.
Giving a breakdown of departmental allocations, the PRO said English Language had a quota of 291 students and Nursing Science 120. The admission allocation for Medicine and Surgery was reportedly increased from 50 to 80.
Competition for Medicine and Surgery remained particularly strong, with more than 500 candidates reportedly scoring at least 80 in the Post-UTME examination.
The spokesperson explained that admission spaces were distributed across merit, catchment areas and Educationally Less Developed States, accounting for 45 per cent, 35 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
He cautioned that meeting a departmental cut-off mark did not automatically guarantee admission, stressing that candidates must also satisfy the prescribed O’Level subject combinations and other course requirements.
According to him, some candidates who exceeded their departmental cut-off marks were not admitted because their O’Level subjects did not meet the requirements for their chosen programmes.
The PRO also warned applicants and parents against paying individuals who claimed they could secure admission, saying the university did not accept money in exchange for placement.
He referred to cases in which candidates allegedly paid purported admission facilitators but subsequently saw their admission status change from a proposed offer to “Not Admitted”.
Applicants were advised to follow recognised admission procedures and verify information through official university channels.
The briefing also addressed limited admission spaces in the Faculty of Law. A possible arrangement involving initial admission into the Faculty of Arts and a subsequent application for a change of course to Law was reportedly discussed.
However, the discussion should not be regarded as an approved or guaranteed route into Law. Any transfer would remain subject to official university requirements, available spaces and the necessary approvals.
The presentation underscored the distinction between passing a screening exercise and securing admission, with departmental capacity and complete academic eligibility remaining key considerations.
Candidates should consult the university’s official admission communications for confirmation of final quotas, programme requirements and any changes to the process.
