Universities That Accept low JAMB Cut Off Mark (2026/2027) – The good news for every prospective student in this category is that several accredited universities and polytechnics in Nigeria including reputable private universities, state universities, and even some federal institutions for specific courses accept candidates within this low JAMB score range for various programs.
Many students who scored low in the UTME examination often search for universities that accept 120 to 160 JAMB cut off marks for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic session. This quest is entirely valid and highly necessary, given the competitive nature of tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
Our extensive research into low JAMB cut off mark universities for the 2026/2027 cycle reveals a clear pathway to obtaining a quality university education, even if your score wasn’t among the highest.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allows institutions, during its annual policy meeting, to set their own minimum admission benchmark after the official results are released. While the most popular, first-generation federal universities maintain higher requirements—often at 200 and above for competitive courses a significant number of state and private universities accept candidates who scored 120, 130, 140, 150, or 160 in JAMB.
This flexibility is a deliberate policy to ensure broader access to higher education for a larger pool of qualified applicants. Understanding precisely which schools fall into the category of JAMB cut-off mark 120-160 universities can help you strategically plan your application, significantly increasing your chances of securing admission into reputable institutions this year.
Many of these universities also employ a rigorous screening process that considers candidates’ O’level results, post-UTME scores, and appropriate subject combinations during the final evaluation phase.
If your JAMB score is between 120 and 160, you should dismiss any notion of being automatically disqualified from university admission. On the contrary, you can still gain admission into reputable institutions that offer quality education and fully accredited programs.
The crucial element for success is to apply strategically and focus your energy on the schools known for accepting lower JAMB cut off marks in the current admission cycle. Always remember to check the institution’s official website and the JAMB CAPS portal regularly for the latest and most precise information, as cut-off marks are subject to change based on the course, school policy, and the competitiveness of the applicant pool each year.
This detailed guide aims to give you a comprehensive list and the necessary context to make an informed choice and successfully navigate the 2026/2027 admission process.
Universities That Accept 120 JAMB Cut Off Mark
If you unfortunately scored 120 in JAMB 2026, there is absolutely no need to panic a significant number of universities and accredited polytechnics across Nigeria still accept candidates within this specific range. The key to understanding this flexibility lies in the operational philosophy of these institutions.
They typically set a lower minimum threshold to ensure accessibility to higher education, allowing a greater volume of candidates to proceed to the next stage of the admission process. This stage often involves rigorous post-UTME or screening exercises that are designed to comprehensively evaluate applicants far beyond the singular metric of their UTME score.
Most private and state-owned universities that accept 120 as their JAMB cut-off mark primarily focus on providing a platform for students who did not meet the very high, often prohibitive benchmarks of the first-tier federal universities, but who possess the requisite O’level qualifications and the determination to succeed academically.
These institutions believe that a student’s potential should not be solely judged by their performance in a single standardized examination. They offer a vital second chance, providing opportunities to students who are otherwise qualified for admission, especially in non-competitive courses like some Education and Agricultural programs.
The following list comprises some Nigerian universities and private institutions known for accepting the 120 JAMB cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session. It is imperative to note that while the general benchmark might be 120, specific highly sought-after departments within these schools may require a slightly higher score.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to check the departmental cut-off marks directly on the school’s official post-UTME portal to confirm eligibility before making an application or initiating a change of institution.
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Achievers University, Owo
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Adeleke University, Ede
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Arthur Javis University, Cross River
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Anchor University, Lagos
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Caleb University, Lagos
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Southwestern University, Okun-Owa, Ogun State
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Rhema University, Aba
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Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State
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Dominion University, Ibadan
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Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State
These universities that accept 120 JAMB cut off mark often provide more flexible admission policies, smaller class sizes, and a more supportive academic environment, which can be highly beneficial for students adapting to university life.
It is crucial for candidates to remain proactive, check each school’s post-UTME portal for the latest updates on registration, and ensure they meet all stipulated departmental requirements, including the mandatory five O’level credits. For additional guidance on admission protocols, you can explore resources like the one found at https://tnjc.org.ng.
Universities That Accept 130 JAMB Cut Off Mark
If your JAMB score is 130, you will find that a broader range of universities in Nigeria opens up for your application during the 2026/2027 academic session. This score places you in a more comfortable position than the 120 bracket, indicating a satisfactory performance that many institutions are willing to consider for admission.
These schools accept candidates with lower JAMB scores but are committed to maintaining good academic standards and offering diverse course options, making them excellent choices for prospective students looking for quality education without the intense competition of the high-tier federal schools.
A significant portion of the universities that accept a 130 JAMB cut off mark includes established private universities and some of the newer state universities that are actively working to build their student population and capacity.
These institutions view the 130 mark as a solid base score, signifying that the candidate has the foundational knowledge required to undertake a university education.
By lowering their general admission floor, they allow a greater number of qualified candidates to participate in their post-UTME screening, ensuring a fair chance of gaining admission through a composite assessment process that weighs O’level and post-UTME performance more heavily.
The following is a curated list of approved universities that are known to accept 130 in JAMB for the 2026/2027 academic session. Remember that this general cut-off is the minimum for screening eligibility.
Your actual course of study may have a slightly higher departmental requirement, which is why cross-referencing with the school’s official admission page is non-negotiable for a successful application strategy.
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Coal City University, Enugu
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Crown Hill University, Kwara State
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Legacy University, Okija
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Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State
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Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State
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Evangel University, Akaeze
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Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos (for non-core medical programs)
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Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
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Atiba University, Oyo
These institutions understand that not every student will score exceptionally high in UTME but may still possess the intellect and discipline to excel academically once given the opportunity. The environment in many of these schools is conducive to learning, often benefiting from new infrastructure and a focus on practical, career-oriented education.
Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official university portals for post-UTME forms, specific departmental requirements, and the latest updates on admission screening, ensuring their choice aligns with their UTME subject combination.
Universities That Accept 140 JAMB Cut Off Mark
Candidates who successfully scored 140 in JAMB 2026 find themselves in an even more advantageous position, with solid chances of gaining admission into a much wider variety of reputable universities across Nigeria.
The 140 JAMB cut off mark has often been adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as the official minimum benchmark for university admission for a number of academic sessions, and many institutions use this score as their general minimum floor for admission into selected programs, particularly the non-competitive ones. This is a very comfortable score to work with when mapping out your application strategy.
The universities that accept 140 JAMB score represent a good mix of private and state-owned institutions, many of which are fully accredited and offer a wide array of flexible entry requirements. For these schools, the 140 score is merely the ticket to the screening gate.
They often conduct robust internal screening exercises, where a candidate’s final admission is primarily determined by a composite score derived from a weighted combination of their O’level grades (WAEC, NECO, etc.) and their performance in the subsequent post-UTME or screening examination.
This holistic approach is beneficial, as it allows excellent O’level results or strong screening performance to compensate for a moderately lower UTME score.
Here is an extensive list of Nigerian universities that are reputed to accept 140 JAMB cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session. We have cross-referenced these with known admission trends to provide the most reliable information for your application planning.
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Gregory University, Uturu
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Samuel Adegboyega University, Edo State
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Summit University, Offa
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Western Delta University, Oghara
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Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo
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Madonna University, Okija
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Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (selected courses, especially in Arts, Social Sciences)
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Kings University, Ode Omu, Osun State
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Kola Daisi University, Ibadan
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Lead City University, Ibadan
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Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
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Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)
Applicants with a 140 JAMB score should strategically focus on courses with lower competition such as Education, Agricultural Science, or certain Arts and Humanities programs, as these are more likely to admit at the minimum benchmark.
Crucially, you must ensure they meet the five O’level credit requirements in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, as this remains a fundamental prerequisite.
These universities remain a great option for students who desire a quality education with flexible admission opportunities, and you can always check our guide on securing admission with a low score at https://tnjc.org.ng.
Universities That Accept 150 JAMB Cut Off Mark
If your JAMB score is 150, you have successfully positioned yourself to qualify for admission into a significantly wider and more competitive range of universities across Nigeria.
The 150 JAMB cut off mark has historically been a popular de facto minimum requirement for a substantial number of tertiary institutions, including a host of federal, state, and private universities for certain foundational courses.
Achieving this score is a clear indicator that your academic profile is strong enough to be considered for screening in many respectable public institutions.
The JAMB 150 cut off mark universities often provide competitive programs while still maintaining fair admission chances for all eligible applicants. Many of these state and federal institutions have a general cut-off of 150, but then use their post-UTME screening and departmental performance to filter the top candidates for high-demand courses like Law, Medicine, and Engineering.
For less competitive programs like Agriculture, Education, and certain Social Sciences, a 150 score, combined with a strong post-UTME score, can easily secure admission. These schools actively encourage candidates to participate in their post-UTME screening to boost their admission possibilities.
Below are some reputable federal and state universities that are known to accept 150 JAMB cut off mark in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session, particularly for courses that are not oversubscribed.
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Abia State University (ABSU)
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Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
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Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
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Delta State University (DELSU)
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Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)
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Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI)
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Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
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Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
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Imo State University (IMSU)
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Federal University Dutse (FUD)
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Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
With 150 in JAMB, you stand a strong chance of admission, especially if your O’level results are excellent and your post-UTME score meets the departmental requirements.
It is a score that moves you from the high-risk category into the highly-probable category for many state and newer federal universities. Always verify the latest JAMB admission policy on the official website and check each school’s official portal for confirmation before applying for your Post-UTME.
Universities That Accept 160 JAMB Cut Off Mark
Scoring 160 in JAMB 2026 places you in a very favourable position, granting you access to a much wider selection of universities, including a noticeable number of top-ranking state and federal institutions.
This score is generally considered a comfortable threshold for entry into many public universities, and it significantly increases your chances of securing a spot even in some moderately competitive programs.
Most schools that accept 160 as their JAMB cut off mark offer a balanced chance, reflecting a commitment to both merit-based admission and ensuring accessibility to qualified candidates.
These universities with 160 JAMB cut off mark still require candidates to successfully pass their post-UTME screening and meet the necessary O’level subject combinations as stipulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The screening process for this category is often highly competitive, as a large pool of applicants falls into the 160-200 range. Students who perform exceptionally well in both their screening exercise and have strong WAEC/NECO exams (Grade A’s and B’s) often secure admission easily, making the post-UTME an extremely critical factor for candidates with this score.
Here is an updated list of approved federal and state universities that accept 160 JAMB score for the 2026/2027 academic session. This list includes institutions that are highly reputable and widely sought-after.
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University of Calabar (UNICAL)
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Rivers State University (RSU)
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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
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University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
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Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
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Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
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Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
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Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) (for certain courses)
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Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
Candidates with a 160 JAMB score should strategically target courses with moderate competition such as Education, Agricultural Sciences, Management Sciences (excluding Accounting in some cases), and pure sciences.
Always ensure you meticulously follow all updates on the JAMB CAPS portal and the official admission page of your chosen school for screening details, registration deadlines, and any specific course requirements.
Leveraging this score strategically, as detailed in related guides on https://tnjc.org.ng, can pave your way to a successful academic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the JAMB cut-off mark the only requirement for university admission in Nigeria?
No, the JAMB cut-off mark is definitely not the only requirement for university admission in Nigeria; it is merely the minimum eligibility threshold set by JAMB and adopted by the individual institution for their screening exercise. While scoring above the official benchmark (e.g., 120, 140, 150, or 160) qualifies you to participate in the admission process, the final securing of a spot depends on a composite evaluation.
This holistic assessment involves weighing your UTME score, performance in the institution’s Post-UTME or Screening Examination, and most crucially, your O’level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE) which must meet the mandatory five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Furthermore, many competitive universities and specific high-demand departments like Medicine, Law, and Engineering implement a much higher departmental cut-off mark, which is usually a score far above the general JAMB minimum.
Therefore, while a low score like 120 gets you a chance to be screened in private or state universities, a high aggregate score derived from excellent Post-UTME and O’level grades is what ultimately guarantees your name on the JAMB CAPS admission list.
Q2: Can I gain admission into a Federal University with a JAMB score of 150?
Yes, you can absolutely gain admission into a Federal University with a JAMB score of 150, but this prospect is highly dependent on the specific Federal University and the course of study you are applying for. First-generation and highly-subscribed Federal Universities (like UNILAG, UI, OAU) typically set their minimum cut-off marks much higher, often at 200 or more.
However, many newer and second-generation Federal Universities, particularly those located in less urban areas, set their general cut-off mark at 150, or sometimes 160, for less competitive courses such as Education, Agricultural Sciences, and certain Science-based programs.
To secure admission with a score of 150 in a Federal University like Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) or Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI), your strategy must be flawless.
You should ensure that your 150 score is for a course that falls within the university’s lower departmental cut-off range and, most importantly, you must perform exceptionally well in the school’s Post-UTME screening to boost your aggregate score above the competitive average.
Q3: What should I do if my JAMB score is exactly 120?
If your JAMB score is exactly 120, your immediate and most effective action is to focus your application solely on accredited private universities and polytechnics in Nigeria that have officially adopted this score as their general minimum admission benchmark for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Very few public universities, whether federal or state, now maintain a 120 cut-off mark for degree programs, making the private institutions your primary and best option for a university degree.
After identifying a reputable private university from the list provided (e.g., Achievers University or Caleb University), your next critical step is to quickly process a Change of Institution on the JAMB CAPS portal to your chosen school, and subsequently purchase and prepare diligently for their Post-UTME or screening exercise.
Your performance in this internal screening, coupled with meeting the O’level subject requirements, will be the decisive factor for admission, as the school will use it to distinguish qualified candidates from a large pool of applicants who also scored 120.
Q4: Are private universities that accept low JAMB scores fully accredited?
Yes, the private universities that accept low JAMB scores (e.g., 120, 130, 140) are generally fully accredited by the appropriate Nigerian regulatory bodies, primarily the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The NUC is the sole body responsible for granting licenses, regulating, and ensuring the quality and standard of all academic programs in every Nigerian university, irrespective of whether they are federal, state, or private. The cut-off mark an institution adopts is an admission policy determined by their management and does not directly relate to their accreditation status.
A lower JAMB cut-off mark is typically adopted by private and newer state universities as a strategy to encourage enrolment and ensure accessibility. Candidates are strongly advised to always verify the full accreditation status of the university and the specific course they are applying for directly on the official NUC website, or through the JAMB CAPS portal, to be completely certain that their chosen degree is recognized and valid for future endeavors like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Q5: Can I change my course if I meet the school’s cut-off but not the departmental cut-off?
Yes, if you meet the university’s general minimum cut-off mark (e.g., 150) but fail to meet the higher departmental cut-off mark for your initially chosen course (e.g., Law which may require 250), you are typically allowed to process a Change of Course through the JAMB CAPS portal.
This change should be directed toward a less competitive course within the same university that has a lower departmental cut-off mark, which your current score satisfies.
This strategic move is one of the most effective ways to secure admission and is a common practice among prospective students. You should look to switch to foundational programs in Faculties such as Education, Agriculture, Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology), or Arts (e.g., History), as these often have lower cut-off requirements that align with scores in the 150-170 range.
Always check the official departmental requirements on the school’s admission portal before initiating the change to ensure your new choice is viable and your subject combination remains relevant.
