If you wrote the JAMB UTME and didn’t score as high as you hoped, don’t panic. Not all universities in Nigeria require super high scores for admission.
There are many federal, state, and private universities that offer admission to candidates with lower JAMB scores, especially for less competitive courses like Education, Social Sciences, Humanities and some science programmes.
Knowing where to apply can make the difference between sitting at home and securing a university placement this year.
In this article, you will find 10 universities that accept low JAMB scores for admission, what they typically look for, and how you can improve your chances of getting in.
These schools usually set their cut-off marks between 140 and 180, depending on the course and admission year.
What Is Considered a “Low” JAMB Score?
Before we begin, it’s important to understand what counts as a low JAMB score. Generally, any score below 180 is seen as low for most competitive universities and courses in Nigeria. Some institutions accept scores as low as 140 or 150, but this often depends on the programme you choose and the competition level in that department.
1. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
FUBK is one of the newer federal universities in Nigeria, and it has become popular with students scoring lower JAMB marks. Some departments admit candidates with scores from around 140–160, especially for courses like Arts, Languages, History and Sociology. FUBK’s admission policy is relatively flexible, especially in less competitive programmes.
2. Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG)
BASUG accepts students with JAMB scores starting from around 140 in several departments. Courses in Education, Sociology and Agricultural Sciences are often open to candidates with lower scores. This university is a strong option if your marks are below the national average and you are looking for public university admission.
Read Also: How to Change JAMB Course, Institution, and Data Correction Process in 2025
3. Sokoto State University (SSU)
This state university often sets its cut-off marks around 140 for a number of courses, especially in Arts and Social Sciences. SSU is known for its less competitive admission process, making it a viable choice for candidates with low JAMB scores who still want quality education.
4. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
KSUSTA is a state institution that offers a mix of science, technology and management programmes. It typically accepts candidates with JAMB scores from about 140 and above, depending on the departmental demand. If you’re interested in science or technology but scored low, this university could be worth considering.
5. Taraba State University, Jalingo (TASU)
TASU is recognised for being open to candidates with JAMB scores from around 140, particularly in areas like Education, Public Administration, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It’s a good university for those in the North-East region.
6. Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi
ADSU is another state university that tends to admit candidates with JAMB scores around 140 or more in many programmes, including Business, Education and Sociology. It’s known for its consistent academic calendar and reasonable cut-off marks for less competitive courses.
7. Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
FUD, a federal institution in Jigawa State, makes the list because it sometimes admits candidates with 150 and above, especially for courses like Arts, Agricultural Sciences and Management Sciences. This makes it a good option for students with below-average UTME scores.
8. Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS)
FUGUS is similar to FUD in its approach. Some programmes admit students with JAMB scores that start from about 150 and above, particularly in Arts, Education and Social Sciences. FUGUS is often overlooked but remains a solid choice for low-score candidates who meet other requirements.
9. Plateau State University (PLASU)
Plateau State University, located in Bokkos, generally accepts candidates with JAMB scores beginning from 150 for several courses. The university is particularly suitable for students interested in Arts, Education and Social Sciences.
10. Lead City University and Other Flexible Private Universities
While most private universities have higher fees, many of them are very welcoming to candidates with low or moderate JAMB scores. Institutions like Lead City University, Gregory University, Oduduwa University, and Tansian University often admit students with scores in the 140–160 range, depending on the course.
Private universities may be more flexible than public ones because they set their own cut-offs and admission policies, though fees tend to be higher.
How These Universities Use JAMB Scores
It’s important to note that a low JAMB score doesn’t automatically guarantee admission. Most universities combine your JAMB score with:
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Post-UTME screening results
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O’Level grades (WAEC/NECO)
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Performance in interviews (if applicable)
A strong performance in a Post-UTME or good O’Level results can help offset a low UTME score when the school is selecting candidates.
Tips to Increase Your Admission Chances With a Low Score
Even when applying to these universities, you can improve your chances by:
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Preparing well for the Post-UTME test — Many institutions consider this heavily.
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Choosing less competitive courses — Education, Social Sciences, and Humanities often accept lower scores more easily.
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Ensuring good O’Level results — Strong WAEC/NECO grades are sometimes more important than UTME scores.
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Applying early — Some departments fill up quickly, and early application helps you avoid closed quotas.
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Checking additional requirements — Some universities require extra documents like character references or LGA certificates.
Final Thoughts
If your JAMB score was lower than you hoped, don’t lose hope. The universities above show that you can still gain admission with a low score, especially if you combine your application with a solid Post-UTME performance and strong O’Level results.
Always check the latest admission guidelines directly on university websites or official JAMB portals, because cut-off marks and policies can change each year.
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