10 Nigerian Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores (160–180)
Did you get a low JAMB score this year? Don’t worry! You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean the end of your admission dreams. Many universities in Nigeria still give students with JAMB scores of 160–180 a chance.
Even though lots of students didn’t pass, you still have hope. Some schools don’t require high scores like 200 and above. You can still get into a good school with a score between 160 and 180.
This guide lists 10 universities that accept low JAMB scores for admission, plus how to apply and answers to common questions.
List of Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores for Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allows Nigerian universities to set their own cut-off scores. While some schools want 200 or more, many allow scores between 160 and 180.
Here are 10 universities that accept 180 or even lower:
1. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Minimum JAMB score: 180
Known for a fast academic calendar
Accepts low JAMB scores for courses like:
Estate Management
Education
Criminology
Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry
UNILORIN is one of the top choices for students with low JAMB scores.
Address: P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Website: www.unilorin.edu.ng
Faculties and Departments:
Faculty of Agriculture: Agricultural Economics, Crop Production, Animal Production, etc.
Faculty of Arts: English, History, Linguistics, Performing Arts, etc.
Faculty of Education: Educational Management, Guidance and Counselling, etc.
Faculty of Engineering and Technology: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
Faculty of Science: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.
Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, Geography, Political Science, etc.
- College of Health Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Medicine, etc
Note: UNILORIN has maintained a minimum JAMB cut-off mark of 180 over the last decade, making it a considerable destination for students seeking universities that accept low JAMB scores.
2. Nigerian Police Academy (POLAC)
Minimum JAMB score: 180
Located in Kano State
Offers both classroom and physical training
Great for students who want a career in law enforcement
POLAC is another school that makes the list of universities that accept 180.
Address: Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria
Website: www.polac.edu.ng
Faculties and Departments:
Faculty of Humanities: English, History and International Studies, Linguistics, etc.
Faculty of Science: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, etc.
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences: Accounting, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, etc.
Note: POLAC has a minimum cut-off mark of 180 for all courses, making it an excellent option for those interested in a career in law enforcement.
3. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Accepts students with JAMB scores from 180
You can apply for science, arts, and agriculture courses
Known for welcoming students with low JAMB scores
Address: Oba Adesida Road, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Website: www.futa.edu.ng
Schools and Departments:
School of Engineering and Engineering Technology: Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
School of Earth and Mineral Sciences: Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics, Meteorology, etc.
School of Environmental Technology: Architecture, Building, Estate Management, etc.
School of Management Technology: Project Management Technology, Transport Management Technology, etc.
School of Sciences: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics,
Note: FUTA welcomes applicants who have scored a minimum of 180 to purchase its Post-UTME form and partake in the exercise.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Minimum JAMB score: 180
Offers courses in sciences, agriculture, and humanities
Great option if you want admission with a score under 200
Address: P.M.B. 1045, Sokoto Road, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Website: abu.edu.ng
Faculties and Departments:
Faculty of Administration: Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, etc.
Faculty of Agriculture: Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Crop Protection, etc.
Faculty of Arts: Arabic, English, French, History, etc.
Faculty of Education: Arts and Social Science Education, Educational Foundation and Curriculum, etc.
Faculty of Engineering: Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
Faculty of Environmental Design: Architecture, Building, Fine Arts, etc.
Faculty of Law: Commercial Law, Private Law, Public Law, etc.
Faculty of Science: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.
Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Sociology, etc
Note: ABU’s cut-off starts from 180 points, offering a wide variety of courses for students with 180 in the UTME.
5. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Cut-off: 180–190
Offers courses in education, law, and social sciences
One of the top universities that accept students with low JAMB scores
Address: Etta Agbor Road, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Website: unical.edu.ng/
Faculties and Departments:
Faculty of Arts: English and Literary Studies, History and International Studies, Linguistics and Communication Studies, etc.
Faculty of Education: Adult and Continuing Education, Curriculum and Teaching, Educational Management, etc.
Faculty of Law: Commercial and Industrial Law, Private Law, Public and International Law, etc.
Faculty of Management Sciences: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Management, etc.
Faculty of Science: Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.
Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, Sociology, etc.
Note: UNICAL has its cut-off mark ranging from 180 to 190 points, with available courses in arts, social sciences, education, and law.
6. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Accepts from 160
Offers health science, agriculture, and art programs
Located in Kano and focused on research
Address: PMB 3011, Gwarzo Road, Kano, Nigeria
Faculties & Departments:
Faculty of Agriculture:
Agricultural Economics & Extension
Agronomy
Animal Science
Crop Protection
Fisheries & Aquaculture
Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies:
Arabic
English & Literary Studies
History
Islamic Studies
Linguistics
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences:
Medical Laboratory Science
Nursing Science
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Faculty of Enginee
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Telecommunication Engineering
Faculty of Physical Sciences:
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Geology
Statistics
Faculty of Social Sciences:
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:
Veterinary Anatomy
Veterinary Pathology
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Surgery

7. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Accepts scores around 180
Offers a mix of courses in arts and sciences
Known for its flexible admission rules
Petroleum Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Studies:
Architecture
Building
Estate Management
Fine and Industrial Arts
Geoinformatics and Surveying
Quantity Surveying
Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty of Law:
Public Law
Private Law
International Law and Jurisprudence
Faculty of Pharmacy:
Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine
Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
Clinical and Biopharmacy
Faculty of Science:
Botany and Ecological Studies
Chemistry
Computer Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Statistics
8. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Cut-off: 180–190
Offers affordable tuition
Located in Borno State with many programs in social sciences and arts
Faculty of Pharmacy:
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pharmacognosy
Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Administration
Faculty of Science:
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Environmental Biology
Geology
Mathematics & Statistics
Microbiology
Physics
Zoology
Faculty of Social Sciences:
Economics
Geography
Mass Communication
Political Science
Sociology & Anthropology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:
Veterinary Anatomy
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology
Veterinary Pathology
Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry
Veterinary Public Health & Preventive Medicine
10 Nigerian Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores (160–180)
9. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
Minimum JAMB score: 180
Courses include ICT, Engineering, and Sciences
Great for students looking for tech-focused programs
10. Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA)
Cut-off starts at 170–180
Located in Nasarawa State
Offers courses in sciences, engineering, and more
Other Schools That Accept Low JAMB Scores
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Port Harcourt (UniPort)
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
How To Apply for Admission with a Low JAMB Score
Follow these steps to apply for admission into universities that accept low JAMB scores:
Visit the school’s admission website.
Make sure your JAMB score is 160 or 180, depending on the school.
Fill the Post-UTME or screening form online.
Upload your documents: UTME result, O’Level results, passport photo.
Wait for updates from the school about screening or exam dates.
Check your admission status on the school’s portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get admission with a JAMB score of 160?
Yes! Many universities accept low JAMB scores starting from 160.
2. Do I still need to write Post-UTME with a low JAMB score?
Yes, most schools will ask you to write Post-UTME or take part in a screening process.
3. Can I study medicine or law with a score of 180?
No. Medicine and law usually need higher JAMB scores (200+). But you can apply for other related courses.
4. Is 180 a good JAMB score for 2025?
It’s not the highest, but it’s still good enough for many schools that accept low JAMB scores.
5. When will these universities start accepting applications?
Most schools begin around July–August. Always check the school’s official website.
Conclusion
Getting a low JAMB score is not the end of your academic dreams. Many Nigerian universities accept 160–180 for admission. Don’t give up. Stay informed, apply early, and follow instructions carefully.
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