The Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU), Prof. Sani-Ahmed Yauta, has revealed the intense competition facing candidates seeking admission into the institution, disclosing that thousands of applicants are vying for limited spaces in some of the university’s most sought-after programmes.
Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday at the Senate Chambers to formally announce the commencement of the 2026 admission exercise, Yauta said the reality of the admission process meant that many qualified candidates would inevitably miss out on their preferred courses.
According to him, although the university has a carrying capacity to admit up to 7,000 students across its programmes, demand continues to far exceed available spaces, particularly in professional disciplines.
“For instance, we have 2,231 applicants competing for only 100 spaces in MBBS, 1,187 applicants competing for 50 spaces in Law, 2,363 applicants competing for 100 spaces in Nursing, 1,241 applicants competing for 200 spaces in Computer Science, and 967 applicants competing for 100 spaces in Pharmacy,” he said.
He noted that the figures underscore the fierce competition associated with professional courses.
“This means that in Medicine, only about 4.5 per cent of applicants can be admitted; in Law, less than five per cent; and in Nursing, fewer than one in twenty candidates will secure admission,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
“These figures highlight the intense competition and the reality that many qualified candidates will not gain entry into their first-choice programmes.”
Yauta consequently advised candidates, particularly those with average scores, to consider alternative programmes where their chances of admission would be higher.
“We therefore strongly advise candidates with average or lower scores to broaden their choices and consider other programmes where opportunities are greater. GSU offers a wide range of courses that are equally marketable and relevant to national development,” he said.
“By diversifying their options, candidates increase their chances of admission and future success.”
The Vice Chancellor announced that the university senate had approved a minimum UTME cut-off mark of 150 for most programmes, while maintaining higher thresholds for highly competitive courses.
According to the approved cut-off marks, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Law and Doctor of Pharmacy will require a minimum score of 200, while Public Health will admit from 190 points. Anatomy, Physiology, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology, Computer Science and Science Laboratory Technology have cut-off marks ranging between 180 and 190 points.
Yauta explained that although the national benchmark remained 150, the institution had adopted higher standards for professional courses.
“This ensures that while the national minimum is 150 points, GSU maintains higher standards for professional and competitive programmes, starting selection from the highest scores downward,” he said.
He further disclosed that admissions would be guided by principles designed to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.
Under the arrangement, 10 per cent of available slots will be allocated purely on merit to candidates with the highest scores regardless of their state of origin, while another 10 per cent will go to non-indigenes to promote national integration.
An additional 10 per cent has been reserved for discretionary admissions involving special circumstances or exceptional talents, while 70 per cent of admissions will be shared among the eleven local government areas of Gombe State.
“This structure reflects our commitment to equity, transparency and the principle that education should serve both local communities and the nation at large,” Yauta said.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that all admission processes must be concluded on or before October 31, 2026.
He added that the minimum admission age remained 16 years but noted that exceptional candidates below the age threshold could be considered under special circumstances.
“The age limit for candidates is 16 years, except in rare cases where candidates below 16 score above 300 points, in which case they may be considered,” he explained.
Assuring prospective students and stakeholders of the university’s commitment to innovation, Yauta said efforts were ongoing to introduce more market-driven programmes capable of meeting the aspirations of young Nigerians and addressing emerging societal needs.
“Let me assure the public that Gombe State University is working tirelessly to mount more up-to-date, competitive and market-driven courses that will meet the aspirations of our youth and the needs of society,” he said.
Addressing candidates directly, the Vice Chancellor urged them not to define their future by admission into a particular course.
“Do not be discouraged by competition or limited spaces in certain programmes. Success in life is not defined by a single course of study,” he said.
“Whether you pursue Medicine, Law, Computer Science or any other discipline, what matters most is your dedication, resilience and the skills you acquire.”
“The world today values creativity, innovation and adaptability. Many of the most successful individuals did not begin in the most competitive programmes, but they excelled by making the most of the opportunities available to them.”