How to Gain Admission with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB (2025 Guide)

Scored 140, 150, or 160 in your 2025 JAMB and worried about admission? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students fall within this score range. But here’s the truth is that you can still gain admission into a reputable institution in Nigeria with a score of 140, 150, or 160, if you follow the right strategies.

This detailed guide explains how to gain admission with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB, including all your available options, schools that accept these scores, and proven steps to take immediately.

What You Need to Know About JAMB Scores in 2025

JAMB has announced the minimum cut-off marks for 2025 as follows:

• Universities: 140

• Polytechnics: 120

• Colleges of Education: 100

However, each school and course has its own specific cut-off. While some schools accept 140–160, others may require 180 and above for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.

So if you scored between 140, 150, or 160, your best move is to strategically choose schools and courses that accept your score range.

Can I Gain Admission with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB?

Yes, you can. Many schools in Nigeria accept students with these scores. But you need to act fast, be flexible with your choices, and apply smart strategies.

These include:

• Applying to the right institutions

• Choosing less competitive courses

• Taking advantage of Post-UTME or O’level strength

• Exploring alternative admission routes like JUPEB, polytechnic, pre-degree, or part-time programs

Let’s explore each in detail.

1. Choose the Right Institution for Your JAMB Score

What to Do:

• Avoid federal universities with high competition

• Apply to state universities, private universities, or newly established institutions

Examples of Schools That Accept 140–160:

• Ambrose Alli University (AAU)

• Delta State University (DELSU)

• Federal University Dutsin-Ma

• Oduduwa University

• Wellspring University

• Benue State University (BSU)

• Bamidele Olumilua University

• Nasarawa State University (NSUK)

Always check the latest school cut-off for your chosen course.

2. Go for Less Competitive Courses

Some courses are very competitive, like:

• Medicine

• Law

• Engineering

• Nursing

• Computer Science

To increase your chances with 140, 150, or 160, consider switching to a less competitive course like:

• Educational Management

• Agricultural Science

• Environmental Biology

• Library and Information Science

• Plant Science

• Industrial Relations

• Religious Studies

• Sociology

This single move can instantly increase your admission chances.

3. Use the JAMB Change of Course or Institution Option

You can log in to your JAMB profile and make a change of course or institution for a small fee.

This is one of the best admission rescue moves if your original school/course choice requires a higher cut-off than your score.

Why This Works:

• Some schools accept lower scores

• You can shift to a less competitive course

• Admission slots are still available in many institutions

4. Perform Well in Post-UTME or Screening

Many institutions in Nigeria use a Post-UTME screening system, which can help boost your aggregate score.

Schools like UNIBEN, DELSU, and LASU consider:

• 50% JAMB + 50% Post-UTME

• Or 40% JAMB + 60% Screening

If your JAMB score is 150 and your Post-UTME is very high, you can still meet the departmental cut-off.

Make sure your O’level (WAEC or NECO) results are also good, especially in English and Mathematics.

5. Consider Polytechnic or College of Education Admission

Polytechnics and colleges of education are great alternatives to universities and accept lower JAMB scores.

Schools That Accept 140, 150 or 160 in Polytechnics:

• YABATECH

• Auchi Polytechnic

• Kaduna Polytechnic

• Federal Polytechnic Nekede

• The Polytechnic Ibadan

• Ramat Polytechnic

These institutions offer ND and NCE programs, and you can later apply for HND or direct university admission into 200 level.

6. Explore Pre-Degree, JUPEB, or Diploma Programs

These are alternative admission routes that allow you to study without relying on your JAMB score.

Examples:

• JUPEB or IJMB: A 9–12 month program that allows Direct Entry into 200 level

• Pre-Degree/Remedial: Offered by many state and federal universities

• Diploma: 2-year program leading to Direct Entry

After completing these, you can apply to universities without retaking JAMB.

7. Don’t Ignore Part-Time or Open Distance Learning (ODL) Programs

If you’re flexible and want a valid degree without worrying about JAMB, consider:

• NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria)

• LASU Part-Time

• UNILAG Distance Learning

• ABU Distance Learning

These programs are recognized by NYSC and ideal for working students or those who want a second chance.

 8. Apply to Schools That Accept Catchment Area or ELDS Candidates

Some schools lower their cut-off marks for students from:

• Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)

• Catchment areas based on geo-location

ELDS includes:

• Zamfara

• Kebbi

• Gombe

• Yobe

• Ebonyi

• Sokoto

If you’re from any of these states, admission may be easier, even with a score of 140–160.

9. Monitor Your Admission on JAMB CAPS

Even if your score is low, always check your CAPS portal regularly. Some students get offers under:

• Transfer Approval (to a related but less competitive course)

• Institutional Offers based on screening

• O’level Strength

Accept offers quickly if you get them — delays can cost you admission.

10. Consider Retaking JAMB (While Using Other Options)

If you don’t get admission this year, use the time to:

• Learn a skill

• Take a diploma course

• Improve your study methods

• Prepare for next JAMB with full commitment

With determination and better preparation, you can score 250+ and get into your dream course.

Summary Table: Admission Possibilities with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB

FAQs:How to Gain Admission with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB

Can I gain admission with 140 in JAMB?

Yes. Many polytechnics, colleges of education, and private universities accept 140 in JAMB. You just need to select your institution carefully.

What can I study with 150 in JAMB?

You can study education, agriculture, social sciences, and other less competitive courses in universities that accept 150 as their cut-off.

Does UNILAG accept 160 in JAMB?

No. UNILAG usually requires 200 and above. With 160, consider state universities or polytechnics instead.

What should I do after scoring low in JAMB?

Start by doing a change of institution or course, consider pre-degree or part-time programs, and apply to less competitive schools immediately.

Can I do JUPEB or IJMB with 140 JAMB score?

Yes. In fact, JUPEB or IJMB does not require JAMB at all. You can apply directly and use it to gain admission into 200 level later.

Is it possible to get admission into a federal university with 150?

Only a few federal universities accept 150. Most require higher scores, except for non-competitive courses or candidates from ELDS.

Final Thoughts on How to Gain Admission with 140, 150 or 160 in JAMB

Scoring 140, 150, or 160 in JAMB is not the end of your admission journey in 2025. There are many smart ways to still gain admission. By following the strategies above, you can find the right course, school, or alternative path that fits your current score.

Be flexible, act quickly, and don’t waste time waiting. Admission is possible — but only for those who are informed and proactive.