Are you worried because your JAMB score is too low for Medicine, Law, or Engineering? You’re not alone. Thousands of candidates across Nigeria score between 140 and 170 in JAMB and still gain admission. The secret is simple — choosing the best courses for low JAMB scores in Nigeria.
In this guide, you will discover a full list of courses you can apply for with a low JAMB score in 2025, their requirements, and smart strategies to increase your chances of gaining admission.
What Is Considered a Low JAMB Score in 2025?
A low JAMB score in 2025 generally means anything below 180. This is because most competitive courses and federal universities require 180 and above. However, many state and private universities accept 140, 150, or 160 for various courses.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially set the minimum cut-off as follows:
Universities: 140 and above
Polytechnics: 120 and above
Colleges of Education: 100 and above
If your score falls between 140 and 170, don’t give up. What matters most is choosing the right course that matches your score.
Can I Gain Admission with a Low JAMB Score?
Yes, you can. Many Nigerian institutions especially state universities, private universities, and polytechnics accept candidates with low JAMB scores into several accredited courses.
Your chances depend on:
The course you apply for
The institution’s cut-off mark
Your O’level (WAEC/NECO) results
Whether or not the school conducts Post-UTME
To increase your chances, go for less competitive courses that are still useful and offer strong career opportunities.
Best Courses for Low JAMB Scores in Nigeria 2025
Here is a list of the best courses that accept low JAMB scores (140–170) in 2025. These courses are offered by most Nigerian universities and are easier to gain admission into, especially when compared to competitive ones like Medicine or Law.
1. Education Courses
Courses in education are widely accepted across universities and usually require low JAMB scores. They also provide stable job opportunities, especially in teaching and administration.
Examples include:
Education and English
Education and Biology
Educational Management
Guidance and Counselling
Education and Political Science
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English and Mathematics
2. Agricultural Science and Related Courses
Agriculture-based courses are less competitive but very valuable. They are especially relevant in Nigeria’s growing need for food security.
Examples:
Agricultural Economics
Animal Science
Crop Production
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Soil Science
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry, and any other science subject
3. Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology is one of the most accessible courses for social science students. It covers the study of society and human behavior and is available in many universities with a low cut-off.
Typical Cut-Off: 150 – 170
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Government or History, and two other subjects
4. Religious Studies
This course has one of the lowest admission competitions and is available in most state and private universities.
Examples:
Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Islamic Studies
Comparative Religious Studies
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 150
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, CRS/IRS, and any other three subjects
5. History and International Studies
This is a good alternative for those who wanted Law or Political Science. It is easier to get admission into this course in most universities.
Typical Cut-Off: 150 – 170
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, History or Government, and three other relevant subjects
6. Library and Information Science
Library Science is becoming more relevant in the digital age. It is not highly competitive, which makes it a good option for candidates with low scores.
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, and three other subjects
7. Environmental Biology or Plant Science
If you are from the science background, courses like Environmental Biology or Plant Science are good choices with low competition.
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
8. Philosophy
Philosophy is a humanities course that is offered in most universities and has relatively low entry competition.
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, and three other arts or social science subjects
9. Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
This is a business-related course available in many polytechnics and some universities. It offers career paths in HR and business admin roles.
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Economics or Commerce, and two other relevant subjects
10. Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
Linguistics is a good choice for arts students. It has low competition and is offered in state and federal universities.
Typical Cut-Off: 140 – 160
O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English and four other arts-related subjects
Smart Tips to Gain Admission with Low JAMB Score
Choose less competitive courses like those listed above
Apply to private or state universities with lower cut-offs
Use JAMB Change of Course/Institution if needed
Ensure your WAEC/NECO results are strong
Prepare well for Post-UTME or screening
Consider diploma, pre-degree, or JUPEB programs
Summary Table: Best Courses for Low JAMB Scores in Nigeria 2025
| Course | Typical Cut-Off | Relevant Subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education and English | 140–160 | English, Literature, CRS, Govt, Maths | Widely accepted |
| Agricultural Economics | 140–160 | Biology, Agric, Chemistry, English, Maths | Science candidates |
| Sociology | 150–170 | Govt, History, English, Maths | Less competition |
| CRS/IRS | 140–150 | CRS/IRS, English, History, Govt | Easy entry |
| History | 150–170 | History, Govt, English, Literature | Good Law alternative |
| Library Science | 140–160 | English, Maths, Literature, CRS | Available in most schools |
| Environmental Biology | 140–160 | Biology, Chemistry, English, Maths | Science route |
| Philosophy | 140–160 | English, CRS, Govt, History | Flexible course |
| Industrial Relations | 140–160 | English, Commerce, Govt, Maths | Career in HR |
| Linguistics | 140–160 | English, Literature, CRS, Govt | Arts path |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which course can I study with 140 in JAMB?
You can study courses like Education, Religious Studies, Agricultural Science, Library Science, or Linguistics in many state and private universities.
What are the best courses for low JAMB scores?
Courses like Educational Management, History, Sociology, and Religious Studies are among the best for students with low JAMB scores in Nigeria.
Can I study Law with a low JAMB score?
No. Law is a highly competitive course. You should consider History or Political Science as a more accessible alternative.
What are the best science courses for low JAMB scores?
Agricultural Science, Environmental Biology, and Plant Science are good science-related courses that accept lower JAMB scores.
Is it possible to gain admission with 150 in JAMB?
Yes. With 150, you can gain admission into state or private universities if you choose a less competitive course.
What happens if my JAMB score is below 180?
You can still gain admission by changing your course, applying to a different institution, or exploring polytechnics, pre-degree, or JUPEB options.
Final Thoughts on Best Courses for Low JAMB Scores in Nigeria 2025
Scoring low in JAMB is not the end of your academic journey. You just need to be smart about your next steps. With the right course, institution, and strategy, you can still secure admission and start your higher education in 2025.
This guide has shown you the best courses for low JAMB scores in Nigeria, their requirements, and how to use them to your advantage. Be proactive, be flexible, and you’ll still get into school this year.