So, you’ve written JAMB, checked your results — and it’s not what you expected. Now what?
Don’t panic. Scoring low in JAMB doesn’t mean your university dream is over. Every year, thousands of students in Nigeria gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education with scores below 180. The secret is knowing how to play the game smartly.
This guide will show you how to choose a university course in Nigeria in 2025/2026 with low JAMB scores, which institutions accept lower cut-offs, alternative admission routes like JUPEB and IJMB, and strategies to maximize your chances.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear plan to secure admission — even with a score of 120, 140, or 160.
How to Choose a University Course in Nigeria With Low JAMB Scores
The first thing to do after seeing your JAMB result is to be realistic. A score of 140 or 150 won’t get you into Medicine at UNILAG or Law at UI. But the good news is there are still plenty of good options available.
Here’s how to make smart choices:
- Be flexible with your course choice: Instead of Medicine, consider Anatomy, Microbiology, or Nursing. Instead of Law, think of Political Science or International Relations.
- Look for less competitive courses: Agriculture, Education, and Languages often have lower cut-offs.
- Prioritize employability: Some lesser-known courses still have high job demand, like Statistics, Industrial Chemistry, or Education Technology.
- Target institutions with lower cut-offs: Private universities and polytechnics can admit you with scores as low as 120.
Remember: Choosing wisely now can save you years of frustration later.
What Is the Minimum JAMB Score for Admission in Nigeria?
Every year, JAMB announces the minimum score required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the cut-off points are:
- Universities: 140 and above
- Polytechnics: 100 and above
- Colleges of Education: 100 and above
However, this is just the baseline. Each institution still sets its own cut-off marks. For example:
- UNILAG might set 200 for Engineering.
- A state university might accept 150 for the same course.
- Some private universities admit from 120 upward.
Tip: Always check the official cut-off list of the school you’re applying to.
Can I Gain Admission With a Low JAMB Score in 2025/2026?
Yes, you can. A low JAMB score doesn’t automatically mean no admission. What it means is you’ll need to adjust your strategy.
Ways to gain admission with a low score:
- Perform very well in the Post-UTME/Screening. Many schools combine JAMB and Post-UTME scores.
- Apply for courses that don’t fill up quickly. Medicine may need 280, but Sociology may admit at 160.
- Consider private universities and polytechnics. They are more flexible with JAMB scores.
- Explore part-time, evening, or distance learning programs, which sometimes don’t require JAMB at all.
In short: With the right choices, a 150 score can still land you in a university.
Which Universities in Nigeria Accept Low JAMB Scores?
If you scored between 120–170, these are your best bets:
- Private Universities:
- Crawford University (cut-off: 140)
- Bowen University (cut-off: 140)
- Babcock University (cut-off: 150)
- Adeleke University (cut-off: 140)
- State Universities:
- Delta State University (cut-off: 150)
- Benue State University (cut-off: 150)
- Lagos State University (some courses: 160)
- Federal Universities:
- University of Calabar (cut-off: 160)
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma (cut-off: 150)
What Courses Can I Study With Low JAMB Scores?
Not all courses are equally competitive. With a low JAMB score, your best bet is to pick less competitive but valuable fields.
Some great options include:
- Education courses: English Education, Biology Education, Physics Education.
- Agriculture: Fisheries, Crop Science, Animal Science.
- Sciences: Industrial Chemistry, Physics, Statistics.
- Social Sciences: Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration.
- Arts and Humanities: Linguistics, History, Philosophy.
Which Professional Courses Accept Low JAMB Scores?
Sadly, highly competitive professional courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Law usually require very high scores (200–280).
But here’s the trick:
- You can enter through a related course (e.g., Anatomy, Biochemistry, or Physiology for Medicine aspirants).
- Later, you can cross over via Direct Entry or postgraduate studies.
Example: Many successful lawyers first studied Political Science, then pursued Law through a second degree.
Can I Change My Course if My JAMB Score Is Low?
Yes! JAMB allows you to change your course or institution up to two times.
- If you aimed for Medicine but scored 150, you can switch to Anatomy, Nursing, or Microbiology.
- If you picked UNILAG but scored 140, you can switch to a private or state university with lower cut-offs.
- This option prevents wasted admission years.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to use this — it’s one of the smartest moves for low scorers.
How Do I Increase My Admission Chances With a Low JAMB Score?
Here are proven strategies to boost your admission chances:
- Score high in Post-UTME or Screening – Many schools weigh this more than JAMB.
- Apply to less competitive schools – Avoid UI, UNILAG, and UNN if you have below 180.
- Leverage your O’Level results – Strong WAEC/NECO grades increase your total score.
- Consider private universities – They are usually more flexible.
- Apply early – Some schools admit on a first-come, first-served basis.
Which Polytechnics and Colleges Accept Low JAMB Scores? (H3)
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education are fantastic options. Many accept from 100 upward.
- Top Polytechnics:
- YABATECH (ND part-time)
- Federal Poly Nekede
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Top Colleges of Education:
- Federal College of Education, Zaria
- FCE Akoka (Lagos)
- Adeyemi College of Education
You can later use Direct Entry to enter university at 200 level.
What Are Alternative Admission Routes Without High JAMB Scores?
Didn’t score well? Here are alternatives:
- JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) – 1-year program, gain 200-level admission.
- IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) – Similar to JUPEB, widely accepted in Northern schools.
- Pre-degree/Remedial – Offered by many federal/state universities.
- Diploma/Foundation programs – Start with diploma, move into degree later.
Can JUPEB, IJMB, or Pre-degree Help Me Get Admission?
Yes, and here’s how:
- JUPEB: Costs ₦250k–₦400k, valid for life, accepted in 70+ universities.
- IJMB: Cheaper (₦150k–₦250k), mostly used in Northern Nigeria.
- Pre-degree: Best if done at the university you want to enter.
These alternatives give you a fresh chance without rewriting JAMB immediately.
Extra Tips for Students With Low JAMB Scores
- Don’t panic – Thousands succeed with 120–170 scores.
- Consider part-time or distance learning – Many don’t require JAMB.
- Leverage catchment areas – Some schools lower cut-offs for indigenes.
- Build strong WAEC/NECO results – Some universities weigh O’Level heavily.
- Be flexible – Don’t insist on one school or course.
