If you scored low in JAMB (100–180), don’t panic—you still have many real admission opportunities in Nigeria. In fact, statistics show that a large percentage of candidates score below 200, so you’re not alone (Ulearngo).
This guide will walk you through a comprehensive, well-organized list of schools that accept low JAMB scores, plus smart tips to boost your chances.
What is a “Low” JAMB Score?
- 100–120 → Very low (best for colleges of education & some polytechnics)
- 120–150 → Low (polytechnics & some universities)
- 150–180 → Moderate (many state & some federal universities)
According to JAMB guidelines:
- Universities: 140 minimum
- Polytechnics: 120 minimum
- Colleges of Education: 100 minimum (CampusCybercafe)
Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores (140–180)
These universities are known to accept candidates with lower scores (especially for less competitive courses):
Federal Universities
- Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS)
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
- Federal University, Kashere
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL) (SALTCITY CAREERS)
State Universities (Best Options)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU) (WizGist)
These schools often accept 150–170, especially for:
- Education courses
- Agriculture
- Arts & Social Sciences
Private Universities (Easiest Admission Route)
Private universities are the most flexible:
- Bingham University
- Godfrey Okoye University
- Chrisland University
- Trinity University
- Tansian University (SchoolNewsNG)
Some accept 140 or even less, depending on your O’level results.
Polytechnics That Accept Low JAMB Scores (100–150)
Polytechnics are your best chance if your score is below 150.
Top Polytechnics
- Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Offa – 120
- Kaduna Polytechnic – 120
- Auchi Polytechnic – 120–150
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) – 150
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan – 120
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede – 120
- Kwara State Polytechnic – 120
- Kogi State Polytechnic – 120
- Gateway ICT Polytechnic – 120
- Ramat Polytechnic – as low as 100 (CampusCybercafe)
Polytechnics focus on practical skills and offer ND → HND → university progression.
Colleges of Education (100–140)
If your score is very low, this is a smart and underrated option.
Examples include:
- Federal College of Education (various states)
- State Colleges of Education
- Private Colleges of Education
✔ Many accept 100 and above
✔ You can later upgrade to a university via Direct Entry
Smart Admission Strategies (VERY IMPORTANT)
Getting admission with a low score is more about strategy than luck:
Choose Less Competitive Courses
Avoid:
- Medicine
- Law
- Engineering
Go for:
- Education
- Agriculture
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
Change Institution Early
Use JAMB portal to switch to:
- State universities
- Polytechnics
Perform Well in Post-UTME
Some schools still conduct screening—this can boost your chances significantly.
Consider Private or Open Universities
Some schools even allow admission with flexible requirements (sometimes without strict JAMB dependence).
Final Advice
A low JAMB score is not the end of your academic journey. It simply means you need to:
- Be flexible
- Choose wisely
- Apply strategically
Thousands of students gain admission every year with 120–170—you can too.
