Which universities in Nigeria have the lowest JAMB cut-off marks for admission?

Securing admission into a Nigerian university can be challenging, especially for students who score lower in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam. However, many universities in Nigeria have adopted flexible admission policies to accommodate students with lower JAMB scores. If you scored between 140 and 200 in JAMB and are wondering which universities accept such scores, this article provides a comprehensive guide. 

Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks

JAMB sets a general cut-off mark each year for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The current JAMB general cut-off marks for 2024/2025 are:

• Universities: 140
• Polytechnics: 100
• Colleges of Education: 100

Each university, however, has the discretion to set its own cut-off marks above the JAMB minimum requirement, depending on the competitiveness of their programs.

Universities Accepting Low JAMB Scores (140 and Above)

The following universities accept students with JAMB scores as low as 140:

Federal Universities

• Federal University Birnin-Kebbi (FUBK)
• Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ)
• Federal University of Transport, Daura (FUT Daura)
• Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA)
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)

State Universities

• Taraba State University (TASU)
• Sule Lamido University (SLU)
• Yobe State University (YSU)
• Kogi State University (KSU)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
• Adamawa State University (ADSU)
• Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
• University of Cross River (UNICROSS)

Private Universities

• Babcock University
• Renaissance University
• Oduduwa University
• Bowen University
• Redeemer’s University
• Gregory University
• Nile University
• Skyline University
• Coal City University
• Elizade University
• Landmark University
• Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN)

Universities Accepting 150 JAMB Cut-Off Score

Some universities accept students with JAMB scores between 150 and 159. These include:

Federal Universities

• Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI)
• Federal University Dutse (FUD)
• Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE)
• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
• Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
• Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
• Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI)

State Universities

• Benue State University (BSU)
• Borno State University (BOSU)
• Umar Musa Yaradua University (UMYU)
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU)
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)

Private Universities

• Bingham University
• Mercy Medical University, Osun
• Gerar University of Medical Science, Imope-Ijebu (GUMED)
• Muhammad Kamalud University, Kwara

Universities Accepting 160 and Above

For students scoring 160 and above, options include:

Federal Universities

• Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
• Federal University, Ikot-Abasi
• Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH)

State Universities

• Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
• Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU)
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) (160 for some programs, 200 for others)

Private Universities

• Caleb University
• Anchor University
• American University of Nigeria (AUN)
• Atiba University, Oyo

Universities Accepting Higher Cut-Off Scores (170, 180, and 200)

Universities Accepting 170 JAMB Score

• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
• Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
• Imo State University (IMSU)
• Delta State University (DELSU)

Universities Accepting 180 JAMB Score

• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
• University of Jos (UNIJOS)

Universities Accepting 200 JAMB Score

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Can You Get Admission with a Low JAMB Score?

Yes, you can still gain admission with a low JAMB score by considering alternative options:

1. Apply to less competitive courses: Popular courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering require higher scores. Opt for less competitive programs for better chances.
2. Consider polytechnics and colleges of education: These institutions have lower cut-off marks (as low as 100) and can serve as a pathway to university education.
3. Apply for supplementary admissions: Some universities offer supplementary admission programs that require additional screenings or tests.
4. Use direct entry options: If you have an OND, NCE, or other certifications, you may gain admission without relying on JAMB scores.

Conclusion

Despite scoring low in JAMB, you still have opportunities to pursue higher education in Nigeria. Many universities, including federal, state, and private institutions, accept lower cut-off marks, ensuring that students can still achieve their academic goals. By making strategic choices and exploring alternative admission routes, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into a university that aligns with your aspirations.