A “low” JAMB score here means between 140 to 180 for Universities and 100 to 120 for Polytechnics.
If your score falls in these ranges, see schools that accept low JAMB score to pick your best option and move fast before post-UTME portals start closing.
Your JAMB score may not have been as you hoped however, understand that a low score is not a failure but redirection.
Thousands of candidates gain admission every year with scores as low 140.
Universities accepting low JAMB score (140, 150, 160)
Do you know there are several universities that accept low JAMB score as long as you meet the O’level requirements?
Most of them are either State-Owned, located in less competitive regions or larger capacity that keeps their cut-offs low.
Here are Federal and STATE UNIVERSITIES known for lower admission scores:
1. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
FUOYE admits candidates with scores in the 150 to 160 range for NON-PROFESSIONAL COURSES.
It is one of the NEWER FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES with good capacity and lower competition compared to older institutions.
2. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
FUNAAB is competitive for Agriculture and related courses yet more accessible than UI or UNILAG for Science-based programs.
Scores from 150 upward are workable for several departments.
3. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED)
UNIMED is a quite new federal university focused on health sciences.
Their admission quota are lower than older medical schools, making it an option for candidates targeting HEALTH-RELATED COURSES with moderate scores.
4. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK)
Formerly Northwest University, YUMSUK is a state university in Kano with accessible cut-offs for most courses.
Scores from 140 upward are competitive depending on the department.
5. Sokoto State University (SOSU)
Most STATE UNIVERSITIES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA have lower cut-offs due to lower application volumes in certain faculties.
Sokoto State University is one of the more accessible options in that region for all candidates.
6. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA)
AAUA is an Ondo State university that has admitted candidates with 150 to 160 for Arts, Social Sciences and Education courses.
7. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State
This university is education-focused and admits candidates with scores from 140 upward.
If you’re open to EDUCATION-BASED COURSES, this is a strong option.
Your low JAMB score can be an ELDS advantage
NIGERIA’S FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES operate an Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) policy.
Candidates from states classified as ELDS get admission at lower minimum score than the general JAMB CUT-OFF MARK.
States benefitting from this policy are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Kogi, Nasarawa.
If you’re from any of these states, a score of 150 may be considered at a federal university that require 180+ from other states.
Before concluding your score is too low for federal universities, check if your state of origin qualifies for ELDS in your school of choice.
Private Universities are even faster option
Private schools that accept low JAMB score are the most accessible route for candidates with scores from 140 and above.
Almost all PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA will consider candidates at this score range, provided he/she meets the O’level requirements and can afford the fees.
Private university fees are far higher than public universities, but privates offer faster admission and lower competition.
Schools like Babcock University, Covenant University, Landmark University and Benson Idahosa University have their own admission scores lower than federal university departmental cut-offs.
If cost is not your main concern, then private universities are your best option for admission with low JAMB score.
Polytechnics that accept low JAMB score in 2026
Many polytechnics accept low JAMB score while still offering quality ND and HND programs.
The national minimum score for polytechnics is often 100 to 120, making them very accessible for those with lower scores.
Polytechnic graduates go on to successful careers in engineering, technology, business, and applied sciences.
An HND from a reputable polytechnic is a recognized qualification that can lead to direct degree programs at universities.
Here are top polytechnics to consider:
1. Kwara State Polytechnic (Kwara Poly)
One of the most established polytechnics in Nigeria with a wide range of ND and HND programs.
Their admission cut-offs are accessible and they have strong industry linkages.
2. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Ogun State
MAPOLY is rated high among NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS.
They offer programs in engineering, business and applied sciences and admit candidates with scores from 100 upward for most departments.
3. Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State
Nekede is one of the OLDEST FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS in southeastern Nigeria.
It is well-resourced and admits candidates with low scores for most of its programs.
4. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos
YABATECH is one of the most prestigious polytechnics in Nigeria.
Competition here is higher than most polytechnics due to its location and reputation.
But it remains accessible for candidates with scores in the 120 to 150 range for most programs.
5. Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State
A federal polytechnic with accessible admission requirements and programs spanning engineering, business and science.
Bida is most regarded for its Electrical and Computer Engineering programs.
Its location in north-central Nigeria makes it a strong catchment area option for candidates from Niger, Kogi and Kwara States.
6. Kaduna Polytechnic
One of the largest polytechnics in northern Nigeria with a broad range of programs and accessible entry scores.
Kaduna Poly has well established engineering and technology departments among other polytechnics.
Candidates from northern states benefit from proximity and catchment area advantages when applying here.
These are just some of the schools that accept low JAMB score in Nigeria with less competitive admission process.
More guaranteed option are Colleges of Education
If your score is at or above 100, colleges of education are among the most accessible schools that accept low JAMB score in Nigeria.
The minimum JAMB score for colleges of education is around 100 and many admit candidates at exactly that mark.
Colleges of Education award Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), the minimum qualification for teaching in Nigerian primary schools.
NCE is also a stepping stone to a degree.
Many colleges of education have affiliations with universities that allow NCE graduates to transfer into 200 level degree programs after completing their certificate.
How to gain admission with low JAMB score
Knowing the schools that accept low JAMB score to target is half the battle.
Your course choice and your strategy determine if you get the offer.
Here is how to approach this:
Step 1: Use the JAMB change of course/institution portal
If your current application to a school or course above your score range, switch now.
Before making any change, confirm your score by CHECK JAMB RESULT first.
Once confirmed, visit the e-Facility portal, go to Correction of Data, and CHANGE YOUR COURSE OR INSTITUTION to match your score.
After making your changes, visit an accredited JAMB CBT CENTRE near you to complete biometric verification.
Then, monitor your ADMISSION STATUS ON JAMB CAPS as this is where schools will offer you admission first.
Step 2: Choose less competitive courses
Course selection has a bigger impact on your admission chances.
If you earlier applied for Medicine but scored 160, switching to Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry or Botany at the same university gives you a better chance.
These courses have lower departmental cut-offs while still in the Sciences.
Same way switching from Law to Political Science, or from Computer Science to Statistics, can reopen admission doors that low JAMB score closed before.
Step 3: Target schools in your catchment area
State universities prioritize candidates from that state.
A state university in your state of origin will consider you more for admission than an outsider with the same score.
So, check if your state’s university is on the list of schools that accept low JAMB score and apply there if your score qualifies.
Step 4: Prepare for post-UTME
Some schools that accept low JAMB score use an aggregate formula combining your JAMB with post-UTME score and O’level grades.
A strong post-UTME score can raise your aggregate despite the low JAMB score.
So start preparing for your post-UTME now, even before the date is announced.
Frequently asked questions on schools that accept low JAMB score
Yes, in some cases. If you are from an ELDS state, 150 can be competitive at several federal universities depending on your course and department.
For non-ELDS candidates, 150 is more realistic at newer federal universities like FUOYE or UNIMED for non-professional courses.
Check your target school’s specific requirements before assuming your score is too low.
Not really. A score of 150 qualifies you for admission at several state universities, newer federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Follow the steps in this guide, use the change of course portal if needed, and target schools where 150 is competitive.
Only consider rewriting if your heart is set on a school that requires a higher score and no other option works for you.
The national minimum for universities is expected to remain at 150.
However, some state universities and private universities are known to accept candidates at 140 in less competitive courses.
But your options become limited to polytechnics and colleges of education below 150.
Yes, if you can afford the fees.
Private universities are the most accessible schools that accept low JAMB score.
Many admit candidates with scores from 150+ as long as O’level requirements are met.
Yes. The national minimum for polytechnics is 100.
Many polytechnics admit candidates at exactly this score for several programs.
Confirm with your chosen polytechnic as some departments may set higher internal cut-offs.
Conclusion
A low JAMB score slims your options but it does not cancel them.
There are legit institutions in Nigeria that can still admit you even with that score you have.
Candidates who gain admission with low scores are not lucky…
They identify the right schools that accept low score early, use the change of course portal fast, and prepare for post-UTME while others are still crying over their scores.
Post-UTME dates are already being announced. Act now.
GOOD LUCK.
Do you have something to say about these schools that accept low JAMB score? Let us know in the comments.
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