Can You Gain Admission with 120 in JAMB?

Yes, you can.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allows institutions to set their own cut-off marks, and some schools—especially private universities and polytechnics—accept scores as low as 120. (Study Guides)

However, your options are limited mainly to:

• Private universities
• Polytechnics
• Colleges of education

Federal and top state universities usually require 150–200+.

Universities That Accept 120 in JAMB (Nigeria)

Most universities that accept 120 are private institutions, and they are generally more flexible with admission.

Examples include:

• Achievers University, Owo
• Adeleke University, Ede
• Caleb University, Lagos
• Caritas University, Enugu
• Fountain University, Osogbo
• Novena University, Delta State
• Renaissance University, Enugu
• Evangel University, Ebonyi
• McPherson University, Ogun State
• Southwestern University, Ogun State
• Samuel Adegboyega University, Edo State
• Wellspring University, Benin City
• Western Delta University, Delta State
• Wesley University, Ondo
• Summit University, Kwara
• Edwin Clark University, Delta State
• Hezekiah University, Imo (My Legit School)

These schools often accept 120 for courses like:

• Business Administration
• Accounting
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Marketing

Important: Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering are usually not available with 120.

Polytechnics That Accept 120 in JAMB

Polytechnics give you more chances if you scored 120.

Popular ones include:

• Auchi Polytechnic
• Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
• Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
• Federal Polytechnic, Bida
• Federal Polytechnic, Ede
• Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Federal Polytechnic, Offa
• Federal Polytechnic, Oko
• Kaduna Polytechnic
• Yaba College of Technology (ND programmes) (My Legit School)

There are many more, including state and private polytechnics across Nigeria. (schoolgist.ng)

Courses you can study:

• Mass Communication
• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Statistics
• Engineering (some less competitive options)

Why Private Universities Accept 120

Private universities:

• Have flexible admission policies
• Focus on filling available spaces
• Consider WAEC results and Post-UTME alongside JAMB

They give students a “second chance” compared to public universities. (Study Guides)

Important Things to Know

1. 120 is the minimum—not guaranteed admission

Even if a school accepts 120:

• You still need 5 O’level credits
• You may write Post-UTME or screening

2. Course matters more than the school

With 120:

• Choose less competitive courses
• Avoid high-demand courses

3. Polytechnic is a strong option

Don’t ignore polytechnics:

• They offer practical skills
• You can later do HND → Direct Entry to university

Tips to Gain Admission with 120

• Apply to private universities early
• Choose less competitive courses
• Perform well in Post-UTME/screening
• Consider JUPEB, IJMB, or pre-degree
• Have a backup school choice

Alternative Options If 120 Doesn’t Work

If admission is tough, you can:

• Rewrite JAMB and aim higher
• Apply for JUPEB or IJMB (Direct Entry later)
• Consider National Open University (NOUN)
• Learn a skill while preparing again

Final Advice

A score of 120 is not the end of your academic journey. It simply means you need to be strategic.

Best path:

• Try private universities if you can afford them
• Or go for a polytechnic and build from there