Scoring 120 in JAMB UTME might feel like a setback if you were hoping for admission into Nigeria’s most competitive universities.
But the good news is you can still gain admission into several reputable Nigerian universities even with this score, especially into private institutions and some flexible state schools.
With the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy allowing universities to set their own minimum cut‑off points, many schools now admit candidates with scores as low as 120 for selected programmes.
This guide presents the top 10 universities in Nigeria that accept 120 as a JAMB score (or close to it) in 2025/2026, with practical advice on how to choose the right school and programme.
How Minimum JAMB Scores Work in 2025/2026
Since JAMB deregulated the general cut‑off mark, Nigerian universities now determine their own minimum required UTME scores for admission each academic session.
This means that some schools, particularly private universities, accept lower JAMB scores such as 120 for various courses, especially in the arts, business, humanities, and social sciences.
Acceptance also depends on factors like:
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Course competitiveness
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O’Level performance (WAEC/NECO)
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Post‑UTME results
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Faculty requirements
Keep in mind that medicine, law, engineering, and other high‑demand courses usually require higher scores, even in these universities.
1. Achievers University, Owo (Ondo State)
Achievers University is one of the universities in Nigeria that accepts 120 as a valid JAMB score for several programmes.
What You Should Know:
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Offers programmes in humanities, social sciences, management, and education
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Candidates with 120+ UTME scores are often considered depending on course competitiveness
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Good option if you want affordable private university admission with flexible entry requirements
2. Adeleke University, Ede (Osun State)
Adeleke University accepts 120 and above as an eligible score for admission consideration.
Highlights:
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Well‑structured academic programmes across arts and social sciences
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Often considers strong O’Level and good Post‑UTME performance
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Suitable for students who want a private university experience without needing high UTME marks
3. Caleb University, Imota (Lagos State)
Caleb University allows admission for candidates with 120+ JAMB scores, especially in less competitive programmes.
Why It’s Worth Considering:
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Offers business, social sciences, arts, and basic sciences
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Lower cut‑off makes it accessible to many candidates
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Competitive applicants can improve chances with Post‑UTME and good WAEC/NECO results
4. Caritas University, Amorji‑Nike (Enugu State)
Caritas University accepts applicants with a minimum of about 120 in JAMB, particularly for humanities and management programmes.
What to Expect:
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Well‑regarded private university with a disciplined academic calendar
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Flexible admission criteria for selected courses
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O’Level results and screening performance still matter significantly
5. Fountain University, Osogbo (Osun State)
Fountain University is a faith‑based institution that widely accepts 120 JAMB scores for several departments.
Benefits:
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Strong emphasis on moral and academic excellence
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Good candidate choice for social sciences and business programmes
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Smaller class sizes and focused learning environment
6. Novena University, Ogume (Delta State)
Novena University’s cut‑off includes candidates with 120 JAMB marks across a range of courses.
What You Should Know:
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Offers science, management, and humanities programmes
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Known for flexible admissions
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Best suited for students who want admission into reputable private universities with affordable entry barriers
7. Renaissance University, Ojiagu‑Agbani (Enugu State)
Renaissance University also considers JAMB scores from 120 and above for many entry‑level courses.
Admission Insights:
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Ideal for humanities, mass communication, and business courses
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Focus on holistic student development and mentorship
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Good alternative if your JAMB score is low but you have strong academics elsewhere
8. Evangel University, Akaeze (Ebonyi State)
Evangel University offers admission consideration for students with 120 JAMB scores in several departments.
Why It’s Popular:
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Private Christian university with a growing academic reputation
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Courses in social sciences, education, business, and arts
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Candidates with strong O’Level results and Post‑UTME performance stand a better chance
9. McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo (Ogun State)
McPherson University considers candidates with 120 JAMB scores in many programmes.
What to Expect:
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Good student‑teacher ratio and personalized learning
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Friendly admission policies
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Prioritize overall candidate profile, not just UTME result
10. Southwestern University, Okun‑Owa (Ogun State)
This private institution also admits applicants with minimum JAMB scores of around 120 for selected programmes.
Highlights:
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Offers management, humanities, and social sciences
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Affordable tuition compared to some peers
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Screening and Post‑UTME performance influence final offers
Other Universities Close to 120 Score Admission
Several private schools are known for flexible admission standards, often below 140:
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Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa — accepts 120+ scores
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Wesley University, Ondo — popularly flexible
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Western Delta University, Oghara — inclusive cut‑off standards
These schools also regularly admit candidates with low UTME scores, depending on course and department capacity.
Tips Before You Apply
1. Check the Latest School Cut‑offs
Universities update their minimum required scores annually. Always confirm the exact cut‑off on official portals or admission notices before applying.
2. Boost Your Post‑UTME Performance
Even with a 120 JAMB score, you can improve your admission chances with a strong Post‑UTME score and excellent WAEC/NECO results.
3. Choose Less Competitive Courses
Courses like Education, Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities often have more flexible entry requirements compared to competitive fields like medicine, law, or engineering.
4. Prepare Good Supporting Documents
Universities weigh your O’Level results, character references, and interview (where applicable), so make sure your credentials are well‑organized and legitimate.
Check Also: How to Change JAMB Course, Institution, and Data Correction Process in 2025
Final Thoughts
Scoring 120 in JAMB UTME doesn’t mean your university dream is over. Several Nigerian universities, especially private institutions, offer admission opportunities even with this score.
What matters most is how well you prepare your application, perform in screening exercises, and choose a course that matches your profile.
Always validate admission requirements from official university announcements before applying, as cut‑off marks can change from session to session.
With the right approach and preparation, admission is still very much possible in 2025/2026 even with a low JAMB score.
