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Introduction

Getting into university in Nigeria is not always easy. Many students worry about low JAMB scores, tough Post‐UTME, high competition, and confusing admission rules. But you do not always have to aim for the topmost or most competitive schools. Some universities give you a better chance of being admitted, even with moderate scores, if you choose the right school and course.

This guide will show you:

• What we mean by “highest admission chances”
• Which Nigerian universities tend to give high chances of admission in 2025/2026
• What makes admission easier in those schools (lower cut‑off, easier screening, etc.)
• Pros and cons of choosing these kinds of universities
• How to pick one that matches your score and wants
• Frequently asked questions

By the end, you should know which universities are most realistic for you, and how to plan so you can get in without too much stress.

What Does “Highest Admission Chances” Mean?

Before listing which schools, it’s important to understand what “highest admission chances” means. This helps you pick wisely.

Definition – What Makes Admission “Likely” or “Easy”

Some factors that make a university have high chances of admission:

• Lower UTME / JAMB cut‑off marks for many courses
• Less competition for certain departments or courses
• Good acceptance rate or high ratio of seats to applicants
• Flexible screening / Post‑UTME or even minimal screening for some courses
• Less stringent O’Level / subject combination demands
• Universities located in less saturated or less popular states may have fewer applicants, so more slots per applicant

Why Some Universities Are Easier to Get Into

Here are reasons some schools are easier to gain admission into:

• They are newer, so fewer people know them, so fewer apply
• They may not have very high reputation yet, so less competition
• They may be state universities or private ones with more flexible criteria
• They may offer many programmes including less competitive ones
• Some have lower tuition or lower cost of living, making them attractive for students with moderate resources

 Related Keywords & Terms to Know

• Cut‑off Marks
• Post‑UTME / Screening
• O’Level Requirements
• JAMB CAPS
• Direct Entry (DE)
• Acceptance Rate
• Catchment area / State Quota

Understanding these helps you know why you may have better chance at one university vs another.

Key Data: What JAMB & Others Tell Us in 2025/2026

To choose universities with high admission chances, it helps to know what the data say—what schools are most preferred, what cut‑offs are used, how many apply, etc.

Here’s what the recent data show:

• Most sought‑after / most preferred universities: LASU (Lagos State University), UNILAG, UNILORIN among others. These are very popular, so they are competitive.
• Easiest universities to gain admission: Some schools are named in media reports as among those with easier admissions (lower cut‑offs, higher acceptance, etc.). For example, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) have been mentioned.
• Newer federal universities like FUOYE are rising in popularity but may still provide better chances for students with moderate scores because competition may not yet be as severe for many programmes.

Top Nigerian Universities with Highest Admission Chances 2025/2026

Based on available information, the following universities are more likely to give higher chances for admission in 2025/2026—especially if your JAMB / UTME score is moderate, you satisfy O’Level and subject combination requirements, and you apply early.

Here are schools to consider, and what makes them good options.

University	Why Admission Might Be Easier	What To Check / Caveats
Federal University Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE)	Relatively newer; broad course offerings; cut‑off marks tend to be lower for many programmes compared to older universities; many students apply, but still likely more slots per applicant in certain courses.	More popular courses still competitive; screening and Post‑UTME required; costs and location; departments differ in ease.
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)	Mentioned among universities with easier admission; focus on education programmes; possibly flexible O’Level requirements; state university.	May have fewer programmes in sciences/engineering; courses outside education may still be competitive.
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)	Reported as among those with acceptance rates around ~39%; diverse programmes; less overwhelming competition in many courses.	Some programmes may still demand high scores; check cut‑off marks for the specific course.
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU)	Private university with more flexible admission process; some courses and slots might have lower entrance barriers.	Private fees are higher; some programmes may still be competitive; check their Post‑UTME/screening.
Universities in less saturated states (not always named in media)	States where many students don’t apply because the university is less known or located far; less demand → higher chances.	Information about cut‑offs and screening not always easy to get; infrastructure and programme accreditation should be checked.
Newly established universities / applied sciences universities	Because they are new, they often have more capacity vs demand, fewer applicants per programme, more flexibility. Example: Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK).	Being new, some facilities may be developing; some programmes may still be getting full accreditation; location and visibility matter.

How to Evaluate a University to Know If Your Admission Chances Are High

Knowing which universities are likely to admit you is good—but verifying whether you specifically have a high chance matters. Here are criteria to use:

 Check Cut‑Off Marks

• Find the latest cut‑off marks for the course you want.
• If your UTME score is close or above that, chances are good.
• Lower cut‑off marks for the same course in some universities mean higher admission chances.

 Acceptance / Admission Rate & Competition

• Schools with high numbers of seats relative to applicants are better choices.
• Also, find which courses are less popular—those often have easier admission.

Screening or Post‑UTME Requirements

• Some schools use very tough Post‑UTME exams; others use simple verification or screening. If the screening is mild, easier to pass.
• Know the date to apply for screening; missing it kills chances.

 Subject Combination & O’Level Requirements

• Even if the university is “easy” in terms of competition, some courses demand strong grades in the right subjects.
• Make sure your O’Level has the required credits, maybe even in one sitting.

 Location & State Quota

• Sometimes states have quotas. If you are applying in your state of origin or state where you have catchment, you might have advantage.
• Universities in less populated or remote states may have fewer applicants, giving you better chances.

Private vs Public Universities

• Private universities tend to have more flexible entry conditions (but higher fees).
• Public universities are more recognized, sometimes cheaper, but competition is often higher for popular courses.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Universities with Higher Admission Chances

Choosing a university where it’s easier to get in has both advantages and trade‑offs. Let’s see the pros and cons.

Pros (Advantages)

1. Higher likelihood of getting admitted even with moderate or below‑top scores.
2. Less stress about meeting extremely high cut‑offs.
3. More options to pick a course you like rather than settle out of necessity.
4. Earlier admission – you apply early, meet requirements, and might get offers faster.
5. Opportunity to build record – once inside, you can do well, possibly transfer or move to better schools or courses later.

Cons (Challenges / What to Watch Out For)

1. Some of these universities may have less prestige, which might affect competitiveness of job applications or postgraduate options.
2. Facilities may vary – newer or less known universities may still be developing laboratories, lecture halls, resources.
3. Some courses may have lower recognition, accreditation risk. Always check accreditation.
4. Cost of living / travel might be higher if the university is far from home.
5. If competition rises year to year, what was “easy” before can become more competitive.

Universities vs Courses: Matching Your Score to Right University

Even in universities with higher admission chances, your chances still depend heavily on which course you apply for. Some courses are universally competitive; others are easier.

 Grades / Score Bands and What Universities Might Accept

Here are some example bands and what kinds of universities & courses you might target:

UTME Score Band	Likely Universities / Schools	Likely Courses / Departments
150‑180	State universities, less known federal universities, private universities, newly established schools	Education, Arts, Social Sciences, Library Science, CRS, Basic Science, Agric‑related, Humanities
181‑220	More competitive state and federal universities, medium demand courses	Mass Communication, Business, Some Science, Social work, Public Administration, Environmental studies
221‑250	Good federal universities, choice courses in federal/state, professional courses with moderate demand	Accounting, Microbiology, Engineering (lower demand branches), Computer Science (lower demand programmes)
250+	Top federal universities, high demand professional courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc.

Using “Safety”, “Target”, and “Reach” Strategy

To maximize your admission chances:

• Safety schools: Universities where you are almost sure to be admitted (score >> cut‑off).
• Target schools: Where your score is close to or just above cut‑off.
• Reach schools: Very competitive universities or courses where your score may be lower than average cut‑off; apply just in case.

You should apply to a mix: some safety ones, some target ones, some reach ones. That way you have options.

Examples: Universities that are Likely Easier for Many Students in 2025/2026

Here are some more concrete examples—universities which tend to give higher admission chances. Use these as examples and check if they fit your score / course.

 Federal University Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE)

• Why easier: Many programmes; still growing in reputation; many applicants, but not as saturated in many courses.
• What to check: Cut‑off mark for course you want; Post‑UTME / screening difficulty; location.

Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)

• Why easier: Focus on education programmes; acceptance rates cited as moderate, which means better chances for many students.
• What to check: If the course is Education or Arts, it’s more likely; more competitive ones may still have high demand.

Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

• Why easier: Broad courses, moderate acceptance, likely less intense cut‑off for many non‑professional courses.
• What to check: The specific course, cost, and how many people apply.

Some Private Universities Like ACU

• Why easier: Private schools sometimes offer more seats in less popular courses; they may have more flexible criteria. But fees are higher.

New Federal Universities or Applied Science Ones

• Example: Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK). Being new means possibly lower competition and growing capacity.

How to Pick a University with High Admission Odds for YOU

Here is a step‑by‑step method to find universities where your personal admission chances are high.

Step 1: Know Your UTME / JAMB Score

Write down your UTME score; know your O’Level grades.

Step 2: Make a List of Universities You Might Like

Include:

• Some you like (prestige, location)
• Some who are known to be easier (from above examples)

Step 3: For Each University, Check:

• The cut‑off mark for your course in previous years
• Screening/Post‑UTME requirement
• O’Level subject requirements
• Whether your score meets or exceeds previous cut‑offs

Step 4: Rank Them by Likelihood

Mark them as:

• High chance: your score >> last year’s cut‑off
• Moderate chance: your score ≈ last cut‑off
• Low chance: your score < previous cut‑off

Step 5: Apply to Multiple Schools

Don’t put all hope in one school. Apply to at least 3‑5: one safe, a few targets, maybe one reach.

Step 6: Submit All Requirements Early

• Post‑UTME application as soon as university opens its form
• O’Level results uploaded
• Subject combination correct
• Check JAMB CAPS often

Doing theComparison: “Most Preferred Universities” vs “Universities with High Admission Chances”

Sometimes, the universities with the most applicants are not the best choices for many students with moderate scores.

• Most Preferred Universities: These attract many applicants (for example LASU, UNILAG, UNILORIN). But because they are popular, competition is high, cut‑off marks can be steep.
• Universities with High Admission Chances: These may be less preferred by many applicants,/or newer, or state/private universities, or ones outside major cities.

Why this matters: If everyone applies to the same top few universities, those places get over‑subscribed. If you pick some with high odds, you get in sooner and more safely.

Tips to Boost Admission Chances in Any University

Even with a moderate score, you can improve your odds. Here are actions you can take.

 Improve Your UTME / JAMB Preparation

• Study past questions
• Use official syllabus
• Attend tutorials or study groups
• Focus on weaker subjects

 Do Well in Post‑UTME or Screening

• Practice what past Post‑UTMEs asked
• Be punctual; apply early for screening forms
• Know date, venue, format (online or physical test)

 Ensure O’Level / WAEC / NECO Strong Grades & Right Subjects

• Make sure you have the needed O’Level credits including English, Maths, and other relevant subjects
• If possible, get them in one sitting (some universities prefer that)

 Use JAMB CAPS and Change Institution / Change Course Options

• Monitor JAMB CAPS – accept admissions offer quickly when it appears
• If your first choice seems unlikely, change institution or course while still allowed

 Choose Courses with Lower Competition

• Some courses get many applicants (Law, Medicine, etc.) – competition high
• Some courses are less popular but still valid – choosing these may give easier admission

Pros & Cons: Lower Risk Universities vs Prestigious Ones

Here is a side‑by‑side look at choosing easier‑admission universities vs going for very prestigious ones.

Feature	Universities with High Admission Chances	Prestigious / Highly Competitive Universities
Admission probability for moderate score	Higher	Lower
Stress during application	Lower	Higher
Cost (tuition / living)	Varies – often moderate	Can be higher especially for private or big students crowd
Prestige / recognition	Good, but perhaps less so in some circles	Very high
Postgraduate & job competition	May need extra effort to stand out	Easier to transition due to name recognition
Facilities / infrastructure	Sometimes less developed	Often more advanced

Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here is a summary table that puts together key info for quick reference.

University	Type (Federal / State / Private)	Likely Admission Ease	Strongest Faculties / Courses	Things to Check Before Applying
FUOYE	Federal	High for moderate scores in many courses	Social Science, Education, Sciences	Cut‑off for your course; Post‑UTME demands
TASUED	State	High, especially for Education & Arts courses	Education, Arts, Social Sciences	Screening / required O’Levels; see cost
AAUA	State	Medium‑High	Arts, Education, Management Sciences	Compare cut‑off last year for your department
ACU (Ajayi Crowther University)	Private	Medium‑High	Social Sciences, Humanities, Business	Check fees; private status; screening forms
FUASK	Federal (new)	High in many applied sciences programmes	Applied Sciences, Environmental Science	Accreditation; facilities; recognition
Other less saturated state universities	State	High depending on course demand	Varies – often Arts, Basic Sciences, Education	Check safety, housing, infrastructure

Conclusion

Choosing a university with higher admission chances is not about settling—it’s about making smart decisions. If your JAMB score is moderate, you can still get admission into a good university, study a useful course, and build a great future.

Here are final takeaways:

• Look for universities that have lower cut‑offs for your course
• Pick schools with less competition but good accreditation
• Use “safe / target / reach” strategy
• Check Post‑UTME, O’Level req