1. What “Low JAMB Score” Means in Nigeria 2025
Before listing courses, you must know what “low JAMB score” usually means.
- JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is scored out of 400. A “low score” often refers to any score much below the cut‑off marks of popular/competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering). For many universities/courses, a score between 140 and 179 is considered low but sometimes still usable for less competitive courses.
- Some courses accept even lower scores, especially polytechnics/National Diplomas, certain state/private universities.
So when we say “courses easy to gain admission with low JAMB score,” we mean courses whose admission cut‑offs are relatively low, competition is less stiff, and requirements are simpler.
2. Why Choosing Easy Courses Helps When Your JAMB Score Is Low
Choosing a less competitive course when your JAMB score is low has many benefits:
- Higher chance of admission: Because fewer applicants compete, your score is more competitive.
- Less pressure: Screening, Post‑UTME and departmental cut‑offs tend to be lower or more flexible.
- Faster start: You don’t waste time waiting for slots; you can get admitted earlier rather than trying again.
- Opportunity to switch later: After first year, you might do inter‑departmental transfer if you perform well.
- Lower cost sometimes: Less competition correlates with less cost for forms, fees in some cases.
But, you must understand what “easy” doesn’t mean “no work.” You still need good O’Level, correct subject combinations, pass screening, etc.
3. What Makes a Course “Easy” or Less Competitive
These are the traits that make a course easier to get into:
- Low demand: Fewer students apply for them (e.g. less glamour, fewer people know about them).
- Lower cut‑off mark: The JAMB cut‑off for those courses is often closer to the minimum UTME cut‑off (e.g 140‑170).
- Flexible subject combination: They require fewer or less strict subject combos (many may accept less science, or all Arts subjects).
- Multiple universities offering the course: More choices means you can apply to many schools.
- Private or state universities: Often more flexible than top federal universities.
- Polytechnics, colleges of education: Some of these accept lower scores and are easier pathways.
So when selecting a course, check these things in admission brochures or university websites.
4. Easy Courses You Can Accept with Low JAMB Score: Full List
Here is a list of courses you can often get admission into with low JAMB score (roughly 140‑180, depending on the university). I break them into categories.
4.1 Arts & Humanities Courses
These courses are usually less competitive:
- Religious Studies / Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Religious Studies
Many universities accept JAMB scores of about 140‑160 for Religious Studies. It involves reading, writing, theology or philosophy, not heavy lab work. - Philosophy
Focus on logic, ethics, reasoning. Requires good reading, thinking, writing skills. Cut‑offs are often lower (≈150‑160). - History / International Relations
Less science; many students avoid it, so competition is lower. Cut‑off marks are more forgiving. - Theatre Arts / Performing Arts / Music
Creative courses (acting, music, drama) are less crowded. Some universities accept lower scores. - English / Literature / Foreign Languages (French, Arabic, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba)
These are Art subject courses; competition lower than science courses. - Fine and Applied Arts / Creative Arts
Painting, sculpture, design. Less demand sometimes, though requires talent/portfolio.
4.2 Social Sciences & Management Courses
These combine analysis, theory, behaviour or management. They are less strict in subject combos.
- Sociology
Many schools accept ~150‑170 for this. - Political Science / Public Administratio
Less lab work; more reading, essays. Good option. - Psychology
Some schools accept lower scores, especially if demand is not super high. May need basic science or social science subjects. - Business Management / Accounting / Insurance
Especially private or state schools; for many of these, the competition is lower and JAMB cut‑offs are modest. - Marketing, Office Technology, Public Relations
Less competitive, and many universities offer these courses with lower entry thresholds. - Industrial Relations & Personnel Management
Less known; fewer applicants, so easier entry.
4.3 Agricultural / Biological / Environmental Science Courses
These are science courses but many are less competitive than medicine, pharmacy, engineering.
- Agricultural Science / Agricultural Economics
In many state or federal universities, courses like Agriculture accept JAMB scores around 140‑160. - Fisheries / Forestry / Soil Science
More practical, fewer applicants. Good options. - Botany / Zoology / Environmental Biology
Basic science courses less competitive; if your O’Level and subject combo are good, possible with low score. - Home Economics / Nutrition / Dietetics
If interested in food, diet, health from a scientific but less intense lab perspective. Some universities accept low scores.
4.4 Education & Teaching‑Related Courses
Training to teach is always needed in Nigeria; many universities/states have teacher shortages.
- Education (Science Education, Arts Education, Social Science Education)
Courses like Social Studies Education, English Education, etc. often have lower entry barriers. - Religious Studies Education
Combines religion and teaching; lower competition. - Health Education / Physical Education (depending on school)
Less high demand vs other fields; may accept lower JAMB. - Computer Science Education (if school demands lower JAMB)
This is more competitive; but in some state/private universities may be accessible. Use with backup option.
4.5 Library, Information & Communication Courses
These are very good options for low‑JAMB‑score students.
- Library and Information Science
Many universities accept scores around 140‑160 for this. Work in libraries, archives, etc. - Mass Communication / Media Studies
Less strict science subjects; more writing, reporting, media. Some universities accept lower JAMB cut‑offs. - Information Technology (less technical/less engineering)
If you can meet basic maths/ICT subject requirement, may be easier than full Engineering. Should research schools that treat IT as arts/science hybrid.
4.6 Others: Language & Culture, Religious Studies, etc.
- Indigenous Language Studies (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa etc.)
Culture languages often low competition; many universities have courses in Nigerian Languages and Literatures. - Linguistics
Study of language, how people speak; not heavily science intensive. Good option. - Religious Studies, Theology
For those interested; usually lower cut‑offs. - Philosophy / Logic
As earlier; good thinking, reading, less lab demand.
5. Minimum Requirements for Low‑Competition Courses (O’Level, Subject Combos, etc.)
Even “easy” courses require some baseline. Here are usual minimums:
- O’Level / WAEC / NECO credits: at least five (5) credit passes including English Language. For some courses, Mathematics may be required; for arts less often.
- Subject Combination: Choose correct subjects. For example, for Arts & Humanities you may need English + Literature + one social science subject + any two other approved subjects. For agricultural or biology courses, you may need Biology, Chemistry plus either Maths or Physics depending on school.
- Number of Sittings: Many universities accept two sittings; but some prefer one sitting. Avoid splitting too much; aim to do as much as possible in one sitting if you can.
- JAMB UTME subjects: For arts/humanities/social science courses, you will need English, plus three other relevant subjects (depending on course). Make sure you choose correct ones.
- Post‑UTME / Screening: Even in easy courses, many universities require Post‑UTME or screening test. Doing well here helps dramatically.
- Good O’Level result authenticity; valid documents, proper photo, etc.
6. Universities / Institutions That Often Accept Low JAMB Scores for These Easy Courses
Knowing which universities have lower cut‑offs helps you pick your application.
Some of these include:
- Taraba State University, Jalingo — for courses in Education, Public Admin, Library Science etc. accepting scores of ~140‑160.
- Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa — many departments accept around 150.
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma — several arts, social science, education courses accept low scores.
- Adamawa State University, Mubi (ADSU) — flexible admission for arts/social sciences at low JAMB scores.
- Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) — some less popular courses accept ~140‑150.
- Taraba State University (TSU) — as above.
Also polytechnics and colleges of education (ND/NTI etc.) are good places to apply for easy/hands‑on courses if your JAMB score is low.
7. How to Apply & Maximize Admission Chances with Low JAMB Score
Even with a low score, if you do smart things, you can still get admission. Here is how.
Step 1: Research & Choose Easy Courses
- List easy courses from section 4 that interest you.
- Check subject combinations and O’Level requirements for those.
- Check which universities offer those courses and their recent cut‑off marks.
Step 2: Ensure O’Level Results Are Strong
- If any subject you need is weak, consider re‑writing or combining sittings.
- Make sure you have credit in English (always required).
Step 3: Pick Correct UTME Subjects & Register Correctly
- Choose the correct UTME subject combination for your course. If art/social science course, avoid choosing too many science subjects you will struggle with.
- Make sure your registration details are correct: spelling, names, date of birth etc.
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Schools & Use Backup Options
- Don’t only apply to big schools with high competition. Mix in state or private universities with lower cut‑offs.
- Use second choice wisely.
Step 5: Prepare for Post‑UTME / Screening
- Even easy courses often require screening test. Get past screening/exam papers. Practice.
- If the school has interview or oral test, prepare to speak about why you chose the course, show passion/commitment.
Step 6: Improve Other Parts of Application
- Essays, personal statements (if needed).
- Good character certificates.
- Present any extra qualification (certificates from workshops, O’Level distinctions etc.)
Step 7: Communicate/Verify with Admission Offices
- Call or email admission offices of target universities to confirm current cut‑offs and policy.
- Sometimes universities lower cut‑offs late, or accept second choice etc.
Step 8: Consider Alternative Routes if Necessary
- If even easy courses options are not giving results, consider diploma, part‑time, distance learning, or study in polytechnics then use Direct Entry later.
8. Pros and Cons of Choosing “Easy Courses” with Low JAMB Score
It is good to know benefits and potential downsides so you make an informed choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You are more likely to gain admission sooner rather than later. | The course may not be your first choice; might be less prestige or visibility. |
| Less pressure for high UTME cut‑off; less competition. | Salary or job opportunities may sometimes be lower compared to high demand courses. |
| Lower stress in screening / Post‑UTME often. | You might feel regret if you wanted a more “respected” course but couldn’t get it. |
| It gives you time to improve academically; you may shift to better course later. | Some easy courses still require hard work; some schools may charge high fees even for low cutoff courses. |
| You can build strong skills; many easy courses have good career paths in education, administration, research, etc. | Your choice may limit some postgraduate options (depending on school & course). |
9. Comparison: Easy Courses vs Competitive Courses
Let’s compare easy vs highly competitive courses to show the difference.
| Factor | Easy / Less Competitive Courses | Competitive Courses (Medicine, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| UTME / JAMB Cut‑off Marks | Lower (~140‑170 often) | Very high (~230‑250+ or more) |
| Subject Requirements | Less strict, fewer science subjects, more arts/social science options | Stringent combinations: must have particular science or advanced maths and high O’Level grades |
| Screening / Interview | Less demanding; fewer practical / laboratory tasks | Tough screening; sometimes practical tests, interviews, high competition |
| Competition from applicants | Lower | Very high; many people want them |
| Duration & Course Load | Often less intense lab/practical work; lighter load in first year for many arts/social science courses | Heavy course load; more lab/practicals; more rigorous curriculum |
| Career & Salary Prospects | Good, but tends to have slower growth or lower initial prestige | Often higher initial prestige, higher salary potential, more competition for entry positions |
10. Real Examples / Student Stories
Here are hypothetical examples to help you understand how students use easy courses with low JAMB to their advantage.
Example A: Chukwu’s Backup Plan in Sociology
- Chukwu scored 150 in JAMB. He wanted to study Computer Science, but cut‑off was 200+.
- He researches easy courses, chooses Sociology at a state university which accepts 150 in that course.
- He applies, writes Post‑UTME, does well. He gets admission. While studying Sociology, he does well and in third year, applies for change of department or transfers if possible.
Outcome: He starts university, gets degree, builds strong network. Possibly switches or does postgraduate in a field he desires later.
Example B: Amina Studies Library and Information Science
- Amina scored 145, lower than many applicants for more glamorous courses.
- She picks Library and Information Science which many universities accept with such score.
- She meets O’Level requirements, picks correct UTME subject combination, does screening well. Admitted.
Outcome: She gets into university, works in libraries, archives, or digital data. If passionate, she can also study further or specialize.
Example C: Obinna’s Choice in Agricultural Science
- Obinna’s JAMB score was 155. He likes science but didn’t reach medicine cut‑offs.
- He chooses Agricultural Science course. Requirements are less strict in some universities; has good O’Level results.
- Applies to one of the federal/state universities that accept ~150 for this course. Gets admission.
Outcome: He studies agriculture, can choose specializations, work in agribusiness, government agricultural extension, etc.
11. Summary Table: Easy Courses, Score Ranges, Requirements, Advantages & Disadvantages
Here’s a summary table so you can quickly compare:
| Course | Approximate JAMB Score Needed | Key Subject Combination / O’Level Requirements | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Studies / Theology | ~140‑160 | English + Literature / CRS + other arts subjects; 5 credits including English | Low competition, good for teaching, media, NGOs | May not pay as much early; fewer labs; sometimes fewer job options outside teaching |
| Sociology | ~150‑170 | English, Government / History / Social Science subjects; O’Levels 5 credits | Versatile; many options; good demand in social services, research | Less prestige compared to STEM; competition still rising in some places |
| Library & Information Science | ~140‑160 | English, Maths (sometimes), other arts/social science subjects | Good for quiet job; digital records, archives work; less stress labs | May not be well known; some equipment or funding may be limited in smaller universities |
| Education / Arts Education | ~140‑170 | English + subject to teach + 3 other credits; correct UTME subject combo | If you like teaching, it’s stable; many schools need teachers; job in academia or schools | Pay may be less; heavy teaching workload; career advancement slower in some cases |
| Agricultural Science / Soil Science / Fisheries | ~140‑160 | Biology, Chemistry, sometimes Maths; relevant O’Level subjects | Good demand in agribusiness; can work in government; possible entrepreneurship | Some lab and field work required; sometimes lower infrastructure; less glamour compared to medicine etc. |
| Philosophy | ~150‑160 | English + Literature / Social Science subjects; strong reading and thinking skills | Builds reasoning, debate, critical thinking; can lead to law/political options later | Finding direct job early may be harder; need further study for some roles |
| Performing Arts / Theatre Arts / Music | ~140‑160 | English, Arts subjects; maybe portfolio; O’Level 5 credits | For creative students; less science; potential in entertainment/arts industry | Earnings may vary; job competition; sometimes fewer schools with good facilities |
| Foreign/Nigerian Languages & Literature | ~140‑160 | Language subjects, Literature, English etc. | Strong in translation, media, education; cultural relevance | Limited job growth in some regions; less funding in some universities |
Conclusion
If your JAMB score is low, that does not mean your university dreams are over. You can still get admission by choosing “easy courses” — those with lower competition and more forgiving cut‑offs.
Key advice:
- Pick courses you like among the easy ones (arts, social sciences, agriculture, education etc.).
- Make sure you meet the subject combinations and O’Level requirements.
- Apply to several universities (including private/state ones) known to accept lower scores.
- Work hard in Post‑UTME, screening process, and do not neglect your overall performance.
With determination, you can start university, gain skills, build your future — even with a low JAMB score. And remember: starting somewhere is better than waiting for perfect.
