Are you worried about your low JAMB score in 2025? You're not alone. Thousands of students in Nigeria face this same challenge every year. But the good news is, scoring low in JAMB doesn't mean your admission dreams are over. With the right JAMB admission low score strategies, you can still gain admission into a good university or polytechnic in Nigeria.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about JAMB admission low score strategies, the best options available in 2025, and smart moves you can make to secure your spot despite a low score.
What Is Considered a Low JAMB Score in 2025?
Before we dive into the strategies, it’s important to understand what a low JAMB score means in the Nigerian admission system.
In 2025, JAMB officially sets the minimum cut-off mark at:
Universities: 140
Polytechnics: 120
Colleges of Education: 100
However, many competitive universities set their cut-off far higher — sometimes 180, 200 or even 250 for courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
So, if you score below 180, especially for a competitive course or university, it’s generally considered a low JAMB score.
But don’t worry — keep reading for the best JAMB admission low score strategies to still gain admission in 2025.
Can I Still Get Admission with a Low JAMB Score?
Yes, you can. Many Nigerian institutions admit students with scores below 180, especially if you’re flexible with your course or institution choice.
Admission is not based on JAMB alone. Schools also use other factors like:
Post-UTME score
O’level results (WAEC/NECO)
Catchment area or educationally less developed states
Direct Entry options
Part-time and pre-degree alternatives
Let’s now go through strategies you can use to gain admission in 2025 with a low JAMB score.
1. Consider Less Competitive Courses
If your JAMB score is low, you need to be realistic. Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering require very high scores.
But some courses have lower competition and are still marketable.
Courses to consider include:
Agricultural Science
Environmental Management
Education courses
Botany or Zoology
Library and Information Science
Social Work
Industrial Relations
Religious Studies
Changing to these courses increases your admission chances.
2. Apply to State Universities or Private Schools
Federal universities are highly competitive. With a low JAMB score, your chances there may be slim.
But many state universities, private universities, and even newly established public universities accept lower scores.
Examples of schools that may accept low JAMB scores:
Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
Federal University Otuoke (FUO)
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Oduduwa University
Wellspring University
Lead City University
These schools often accept students with scores as low as 140–160.
3. Do a Change of Institution or Course
One of the most important JAMB admission low score strategies is to use the Change of Institution or Course feature on the JAMB portal.
If your first choice won’t work due to your low score, quickly switch to a school or course where your score is acceptable.
Tips:
Use JAMB CAPS to check available admission chances
Act fast — admission spaces fill up quickly
Be flexible with course selection
4. Improve Your Post-UTME Performance
Even with a low JAMB score, a very high Post-UTME score can increase your chances.
Some schools combine JAMB and Post-UTME in the following ratio:
50% JAMB + 50% Post-UTME
Or 40% JAMB + 60% Post-UTME
Example:
If you scored 150 in JAMB, but get 80% in Post-UTME, your average may still meet the cut-off.
So prepare well and target Post-UTME aggressively.
5. Use JUPEB, IJMB or Pre-Degree Programs
These are alternative admission routes that allow you to enter 200 level without JAMB.
JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board)
IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
Pre-degree/Foundation Programs
They are offered by many schools like:
Unilorin
Unilag
Uniben
LASU
UNN
OAU
After completing 9–12 months of study, you can apply via Direct Entry.
6. Consider Polytechnic and College of Education Admission
Many candidates focus only on universities, but polytechnics and colleges of education offer good alternatives.
In 2025, you can gain admission into:
Federal Polytechnic Bida
Auchi Polytechnic
YABATECH
Federal College of Education Zaria
College of Education Ikere-Ekiti
With scores as low as 120 or even 100.
7. Watch for Schools That Accept Low JAMB Scores
Some schools accept lower JAMB scores than others. Always monitor announcements on their websites or social media.
Examples of schools that often accept low scores:
Delta State University (DELSU)
Benue State University (BSU)
Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
These schools sometimes accept scores from 140 upwards depending on the course.
8. Use Part-Time or Distance Learning Programs
Another smart JAMB admission low score strategy is to go for part-time or Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs.
These programs don’t require JAMB.
You can apply directly to schools like:
NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria)
LASU Part-Time
UNILAG Distance Learning Institute
ABU Distance Learning
You’ll still earn a valid degree, though it may take longer.
9. Re-Write JAMB for Next Year While Pursuing Other Options
If none of the strategies work, don't give up.
You can:
Enroll in a pre-degree program
Take a diploma course
Learn a skill during the gap year
Prepare well for next year’s JAMB
With better planning, you can score high next year and apply again.
10. Use Catchment Area or ELDS Advantage
Some universities reduce cut-off marks for students from:
Catchment areas
Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)
If you're from states like:
Kebbi
Zamfara
Yobe
Gombe
Taraba
Ebonyi
Sokoto
You may benefit from this and still get admission with a low JAMB score.
11. Use Direct Entry Option (for OND/NCE Holders)
If you already have:
OND
NCE
A’Level
You can apply for admission through Direct Entry into 200 level — and JAMB score won’t be needed.
This is one of the best admission alternatives if you’ve already started a diploma course.
12. Monitor JAMB CAPS Frequently
JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is where schools upload admission status.
Even if you scored low:
Some schools may offer admission through "Transfer Approval"
Some courses may be downgraded for you automatically
You must accept the offer quickly
So check JAMB CAPS at least twice a week.
Summary Table: JAMB Admission Low Score Strategies in 2025
| Strategy | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Course/Institution | Switch to schools or courses that accept lower scores | Scores below 180 |
| Apply to State/Private Universities | Many accept scores from 140–160 | Flexible students |
| Choose Less Competitive Courses | Reduce admission competition | Students open to any course |
| Post-UTME Performance | High score can balance low JAMB score | Schools that combine both scores |
| Pre-degree, JUPEB, IJMB, Diploma | Alternative path to 200 level | Those who want to skip JAMB |
| Polytechnic or College of Education | Many accept 100–140 | Practical or teaching careers |
| Part-Time & Distance Learning | JAMB not required | Working students or second chance seekers |
| Direct Entry | Use OND, NCE, or JUPEB for 200 level | Existing diploma/NCE holders |
| Catchment Area Advantage | Benefit from reduced cut-off | ELDS or hometown advantage |
| Monitor JAMB CAPS | Accept admission quickly | All candidates with low score |
| Re-write JAMB Next Year | Try again with better preparation | Long-term planners |
Final Tips for Students with Low JAMB Scores in 2025
If your JAMB score is low, follow these final tips:
Stay calm and don’t panic
Act fast and explore all possible options
Use the change of institution/course option wisely
Don’t wait till it’s too late — research immediately
Consider alternatives like polytechnics, colleges, JUPEB or NOUN
Focus on long-term value — all degrees are valid
FAQs: JAMB Admission Low Score Strategies
Can I gain admission in 2025 with a JAMB score of 140 or 150?
Yes. Several state universities, private universities, and polytechnics accept scores between 140 and 150. Use a combination of low score strategies such as change of course/institution and good Post-UTME performance.
Which universities accept low JAMB scores in 2025?
Some examples include Delta State University (DELSU), Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Wellspring University, Lead City University, and Ambrose Alli University (AAU). Always check official updates.
Can I gain admission without writing JAMB at all?
Yes. Through programs like NOUN (Open University), IJMB, JUPEB, and some part-time or diploma programs, you can gain admission without sitting for JAMB.
What’s the lowest JAMB score accepted by any school?
Some polytechnics and colleges of education accept scores as low as 100. Examples include Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and some state colleges of education.
Should I do a change of course or institution after seeing my low score?
Yes. It's one of the smartest strategies. Switch to schools that accept your score or change your course to a less competitive one.
Can I still study Law or Medicine with a low JAMB score?
It’s highly unlikely. These are very competitive courses. Consider switching to a related course and later cross over through inter-departmental transfer if allowed.
Will scoring high in Post-UTME help if my JAMB score is low?
Yes. If the school combines both scores, a high Post-UTME result can improve your average and give you a better chance.
Final Thoughts
Scoring low in JAMB doesn’t mean the end of your education dreams. With the right JAMB admission low score strategies, you can still gain admission into a recognized institution in 2025.
Be flexible. Take smart steps. Explore every option. Remember, many successful graduates today once started with a low score but didn’t give up.
You can do it too.