Step-by-Step Guide to Gain Admission in Nigeria With Low JAMB Score 2025/2026

Introduction

Did you score low in your JAMB 2025 exam and feel like your dreams of going to the university are over? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many students get low JAMB scores every year and still gain admission into good schools.

We will show you the exact steps, smart choices, alternative routes, and real options that allow you to gain admission in Nigeria even with a low JAMB score.

No matter your score, you still have hope — let’s show you how What Is Considered a Low JAMB Score?

A low JAMB score is any score below the cut-off mark for your chosen course or school.

In 2025/2026, the general minimum JAMB score was:

• 140 for universities

• 120 for polytechnics

• 100 for colleges of education

So if you scored below 200 for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, etc., or below 140 for any course, it may be considered low for admission into most federal universities.

But that doesn’t mean you are a failure or that your dreams are over.

Can I Still Get Admission With Low JAMB Score?

Yes, you can!
There are many smart and legal ways to get into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college even if your JAMB score is low.

Some schools accept low scores. Others offer alternatives like pre-degree, direct entry, and part-time options that don’t depend on JAMB scores.

Top Ways to Gain Admission With Low JAMB Score in 2025/2026

Let’s now look at 10 powerful ways to get admission even if your JAMB score is low.

Change Course or Institution

This is one of the easiest solutions.

Why it works:

• Some courses are less competitive

• Some schools have lower cut-off marks

• You improve your chance without writing another exam

Example:

If you applied for Medicine with 190, switch to Microbiology or Biochemistry in a university that accepts 180 or less.

Use the JAMB change of course/institution portal.

Choose Schools With Low Cut-Off Marks

Some universities, especially state and private universities, accept students with scores as low as 140–150.

Examples of such schools:

• Abia State University (ABSU)

• Ekiti State University (EKSU)

• Ambrose Alli University (AAU)

• Lead City University

• Al-Hikmah University

Always check the school’s website or JAMB brochure for the current cut-off.

Apply for a Polytechnic

Polytechnics accept lower scores and still give you quality education.

With a score of 100 to 140, you can gain admission into:

• YABATECH

• LASPOTECH

• Federal Poly Nekede

• Kaduna Polytechnic

Later, you can even upgrade your ND to a university degree.

Go Through a Pre-Degree or Remedial Programme

These programs allow you to study for 1 year and gain 100-level admission without using JAMB score.

Schools that offer it:

• UNILORIN Pre-degree

• OAU Pre-degree

• LAUTECH Remedial

• UNN JUPEB Foundation

Use JUPEB or IJMB Direct Entry

With JUPEB or IJMB, you study for 9–12 months and gain direct entry into 200-level in universities — without using your low JAMB score.

These programs are available nationwide. After passing, you apply through JAMB Direct Entry, not UTME.

Consider National Open University (NOUN)

NOUN is a government-owned university that does not require JAMB at all.

It offers:

• Flexible learning

• Online lectures

• Affordable fees

• Admission with only O’level results

Perfect for working-class or older students.

Go for Private Universities or Affiliate Colleges

Private universities often accept low scores or no JAMB at all.

They conduct internal screening or exams.

Examples:

• Babcock University

• Covenant University

• Madonna University

• Ajayi Crowther University

Note: They are usually more expensive.

Explore School of Nursing or College of Health

These schools conduct their own entrance exams. Your JAMB score doesn’t matter much.

Courses include:

• Nursing

• Health Technology

• Public Health

• Midwifery

They provide job-ready skills and fast-track employment.

Apply for Part-Time or Distance Learning

Many universities offer part-time and distance learning programs that do not need JAMB.

Examples:

• UNILAG DLI

• OAU CDL

• ABU DLC

• UNIBEN Part-Time

You get the same certificate as full-time students.

Diploma to Degree Conversion Later

Start with a diploma or ND (National Diploma), then upgrade to a university degree later through direct entry — no JAMB needed.

Path:

ND → HND → BSc (or BSc via direct entry)

You build your education step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Here is a simple plan you can follow:

Pros and Cons of Each Admission Route