Not every student will score high in JAMB. That doesn’t mean your university dream is over. In fact, many schools in Nigeria accept low JAMB scores.
If your score is between 120 and 180, there are still options. Some schools even admit students with 100.
This guide lists universities and polytechnics that accept low JAMB scores for 2025 admissions.
Contents
- What Is a Low JAMB Score?
- Why Some Schools Accept Low Scores
- Federal and State Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores
- 1. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina
- 2. Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Bayelsa
- 3. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
- 4. Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa
- 5. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
- State Universities That Consider 120–160
- 6. Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
- 7. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- 8. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- 9. Abia State University (ABSU)
- 10. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (NWU)
- Private Universities That Accept Low Scores
- 11. Igbinedion University, Okada
- 12. Lead City University, Ibadan
- 13. Madonna University
- 14. Novena University, Delta State
- 15. Gregory University, Uturu
- Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
- What To Do If Your Score Is Below 140
- Courses That Are Less Competitive
What Is a Low JAMB Score?
A low JAMB score is anything below 180. Most top universities like UNILAG, UI, and OAU demand 200 and above. But not every school does.
Some schools adjust their cut-off marks based on the general performance each year.
Why Some Schools Accept Low Scores
- They have fewer applicants.
- They want to fill up their spaces.
- They’re new or located in less popular areas.
- They offer flexible entry through diploma or part-time programs.
Private universities also have more relaxed admission rules because they are not under the same pressure as public schools.
Federal and State Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores
These universities have accepted scores between 120 and 160 in past years. Most are likely to continue in 2025.
1. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina
- Accepts 140 and above.
- Offers a wide range of courses.
- One of the most flexible federal universities.
2. Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Bayelsa
- Accepts scores from 140.
- Good for students from the South-South.
- Offers engineering, education, and arts courses.
3. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
- Cut-off often ranges from 140 to 160.
- Located in Kebbi State.
- Has growing facilities and a peaceful environment.
4. Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa
- Cut-off starts at 150 for some courses.
- Courses like education and agriculture are easier to get into.
5. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
- Often accepts from 150.
- Popular in the South-South.
- Science courses may need higher scores.
State Universities That Consider 120–160
6. Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
- Some courses accept 150.
- Competitive programs like medicine need higher scores.
7. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Accepts from 140.
- Less competition for education, agriculture, and social science courses.
8. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- Some courses admit students with 150.
- Courses like marketing, sociology, and agricultural science are more flexible.
9. Abia State University (ABSU)
- Accepts scores from 140.
- Cut-off varies by course.
10. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (NWU)
- Known to accept from 140.
- Focused on science and education fields.
Private Universities That Accept Low Scores
Private universities are usually more open with JAMB scores. Many accept as low as 120 or even lower.
11. Igbinedion University, Okada
- Nigeria’s first private university.
- Accepts 120 and above.
- Offers law, medicine, and social sciences.
12. Lead City University, Ibadan
- Accepts 120 and above.
- Good learning environment.
- Offers flexible payment plans.
13. Madonna University
- Accepts 120 and above.
- Offers a range of courses.
- Known for discipline and structure.
14. Novena University, Delta State
- Accepts low scores.
- Less competitive courses admit with 120.
15. Gregory University, Uturu
- Open to students with low JAMB scores.
- Good option for science and health-related courses.
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
If a university won’t accept your score, consider polytechnics or colleges of education. You can switch later through direct entry.
Top Choices:
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Kwara State Polytechnic
- College of Education, Zuba
Many polytechnics accept from 100. They focus on hands-on skills and offer strong career paths.
What To Do If Your Score Is Below 140
Don’t panic. You have options:
- Apply to a school that accepts low scores.
- Consider private universities or polytechnics.
- Go for part-time, pre-degree, or diploma programs.
- Try JAMB again next year if you’re not ready.
You can also apply for change of institution and course on the JAMB portal.
Courses That Are Less Competitive
Some courses naturally accept lower scores because fewer people apply.
Examples:
- Agriculture
- Education
- Philosophy
- History and International Studies
- Library and Information Science
- Fisheries and Forestry
These are smart choices if your score is low. You can later switch through inter-departmental transfer or direct entry.
Final Tips
- Always confirm with the school’s website or admission office.
- Cut-off marks change every year.
- Apply early and prepare well for post-UTME if required.
- Don’t give up—many people with low scores still get in.
Conclusion
Scoring low in JAMB isn’t the end. Plenty of universities accept low scores in 2025. What matters is knowing where to look and acting fast.
Pick smart. Apply early. Keep your head up.
You still have a chance.
