Abigail Kene
So your JAMB score isn’t as high as you hoped—maybe you scored 140, 145, or 150. Don’t panic! You’re not alone, and more importantly, you still have a good shot at getting into a university in Nigeria. Many schools, including federal, state, and private universities, accept students with lower JAMB scores. Let’s break it all down for you.
Top Nigerian Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores in 2024/2025
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved a general minimum score of 140 for universities in the 2024/2025 academic session. This means schools can admit students starting from this score, although each institution can still set its own specific cut-off. Luckily, a good number of schools are happy to accept students within that 140–150 range.
Let’s start with federal universities. They usually have more recognition and affordable tuition. Some federal universities that are known to accept candidates with low JAMB scores include Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Federal University Gashua, and Federal University Otuoke—all of which accept 140. Federal University Dutse (FUD) sets its cut-off around 150. These universities offer various courses, from sciences to arts, and while you might not get into competitive programs like Medicine or Law with a low score, you can still find many valuable degree options.
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State universities are also a great option for candidates with moderate or low scores. They offer a good mix of affordability, location convenience, and flexible requirements. Abia State University (ABSU), Adamawa State University (ADSU), Gombe State University (GSU), and Plateau State University are some state-owned schools that accept JAMB scores starting from 140. Depending on your course of interest, you may even get admitted into programs in education, agriculture, and social sciences without needing to hit a very high score.
Now let’s talk about private universities. A lot of students shy away from private institutions because of the higher tuition, but they come with many benefits: better learning environments, shorter academic calendars, and less risk of strikes. Some private universities that accept students with JAMB scores between 140 and 160 include Lead City University (Ibadan), Ajayi Crowther University (Ibadan), Nigerian Turkish Nile University (Abuja), Babcock University, Covenant University, and Redeemer’s University. While Babcock and Covenant may demand slightly higher scores (around 160), Lead City and Ajayi Crowther are very welcoming to students with 140–150 scores.
But what if your score is below 140? Don’t lose hope. There are still good alternatives for you. Many institutions offer pre-degree or foundation programs. These are one-year courses that prepare you for direct entry into 100 level the next academic year—no need to rewrite JAMB. Another great route is JUPEB or IJMB. These are A-level programs that let you skip 100 level entirely and gain direct admission into 200 level in partnering universities.
Polytechnics and colleges of education also remain valuable options. JAMB’s cut-off for polytechnics is 100, and many of them provide excellent training in fields like engineering, ICT, business management, and education. Plus, you can always switch to a university later on through direct entry or after earning an ND or NCE.
So what’s the big takeaway here? Scoring low in JAMB doesn’t mean your university dream is over. What really matters is how you plan your next move. Don’t be afraid to apply to schools with lower cut-offs. Consider foundation and direct entry programs. Look into private universities if you can afford them. Explore polytechnics if you’re more skill-focused.
Plenty of students with average JAMB results have gone on to succeed by being smart and flexible. Just because your score wasn’t perfect doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You still have the chance to study, graduate, and build the future you want.
Your JAMB score isn’t your limit—it’s just a starting point.
