With the race for admission into Nigerian universities getting more competitive, certain courses continue to dominate as a result of their high demand and limited slots. These programmes not only require top-tier performance in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME but also excellent O’level results.

In 2025, these seven courses remain the most competitive in Nigeria, drawing thousands of high-performing applicants.

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medicine and Surgery consistently ranks as the most competitive course in Nigeria. With thousands aspiring to become doctors and limited admission slots, it remains a top choice.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 280+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Law

Law is highly sought-after for the prestige, career opportunities, and societal respect it offers. Admission is tough due to its popularity and limited intake capacity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Literature-in-English, Government or History, and other related subjects.

3. Pharmacy

Pharmacy attracts candidates seeking a stable, well-paying career in healthcare. With roles in hospitals, industry, and research, it offers excellent job prospects.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Nursing Science

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions in Nigeria, with global demand and solid financial benefits.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 260+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

5. Accounting

Accounting remains a top choice due to its versatility and strong job market. It also provides a pathway to professional qualifications like ICAN and ACCA.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting, and any relevant subject.

6. Computer Science

As the tech industry booms, Computer Science has become one of the most in-demand courses. Career options range from software development to cybersecurity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, and one other science or social science subject.

7. Economics

Economics is competitive due to its relevance in both the public and private sectors. Graduates enjoy diverse career paths in banking, policy, and business.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and two other related subjects like Government, Commerce, or Geography.

Several notorious bandit leaders terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, identified those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.

The publication quoted security sources as saying the bandits embraced the peace deal and surrendered following sustained military operations in the region.

Makama said the repentant bandits handed over their weapons to the troops and released several hostages they had abducted.

According to the publication, the former bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting engagement in the construction of markets and hospitals.

They vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities, it added.

Their surrender was reportedly facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Hamisa Batsari.

On Monday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) said 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for onward reintegration into society.

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1. The abductors of Dr. Adekunle Raif Adeniji, the Director of Administration at the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Secretariat in Abuja, have demanded a ransom of N350 million for his release. His family was reportedly contacted by the kidnappers, who are insisting that the payment be made for his freedom.

2. Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, has alleged that his political opponents are plotting to arrest, detain and torture him in one of the offices of the National Security Adviser. El-Rufai, however, vowed that he wouldn’t be intimidated by such threats.

3. With political calculations for the 2027 presidential election gaining traction, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at a possible bid for Nigeria’s top office. Speaking on Tuesday, the economist and development expert said he would be “available to serve” in any capacity after his tenure, including Nigeria’s presidency.

4. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of 4 percent Free-on-Board charge on value of imports. The action was the outcome of the ongoing consultations with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun and other stakeholders.

5. Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday apologized to the Senate Public Accounts Committee for failing to honour multiple invitations to address queries raised by the Auditor General of the Federation regarding the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking under oath before the committee, Egbetokun explained that his absence was not intentional but due to the heavy demands of his office.

6. Another Peoples Democratic Party member in the House of Representatives, Amos Gwamna Magaji, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Magaji, who represents Java/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, said he was leaving to the PDP as a result of an unresolved crisis in the party – from the national to local levels.

7. A police officer, who allegedly defiled a 17-year-old girl at the Ogudu Area Command premises, was arraigned in court on Tuesday. The suspect was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Facility and the case was adjourned to March 11, pending the issuance of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) legal advice.

8. The Nigeria Labour Congress in collaboration with its Central Working Committee on Tuesday unveiled the North-Central Compressed Natural Gas buses given to the union by the Federal Government. The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajero, at the official inauguration of 10 CNG buses in Lokoja, expressed optimism that the CNG buses would ease transportation for workers in the state.

9. The crisis rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took an intriguing twist, yesterday, as the Abia State chapter suspended the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, over alleged anti-party activities. The Abia State PDP decried Wabara’s alleged reported comments that Governor Alex Otti of Labour Party, LP, had got a second term, five months into his first term.

10. The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until their service improves. This came as subscribers have started switching to alternative network providers, following a sharp increase in MTN Nigeria’s data and SMS tariffs.