Every year, thousands of Nigerian students write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME with the hope of gaining admission into higher institutions. But the reality is that not every student scores above 200 or 250. Many candidates find themselves stuck with scores between 160–180, and the big question arises: “Can I still gain admission with 160 in JAMB?”
The good news is that several universities in Nigeria still accept 160 as their JAMB cut-off mark in 2025. While top federal universities like UNILAG, UI, UNN, and OAU usually demand 200+, other universities (especially state and private ones) are more flexible. This makes education accessible for candidates with lower JAMB scores.
In this guide, we will cover:
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What a JAMB cut-off mark means in 2025
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Why some universities accept 160 as cut-off
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The full list of universities in Nigeria that accept 160 in JAMB
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Categories: Federal, State, and Private Universities with 160 cut-off
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Courses you can study with 160 in JAMB
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How to boost your admission chances with 160
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Frequently asked questions and answers
By the end of this detailed guide, you’ll know all the options available if you scored 160 in JAMB 2025.
Understanding JAMB Cut Off Marks in 2025
What is JAMB Cut Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the UTME to qualify for admission consideration into a university, polytechnic, or college of education.
How JAMB Cut-Off Works
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National Minimum Cut-Off: Every year, JAMB and stakeholders fix a general minimum score (usually 140 for universities, 120 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges).
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Institutional Cut-Off: Each university decides its own specific cut-off mark based on demand, capacity, and competition.
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Course-Based Cut-Off: Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering often require higher scores (180–250+). Less competitive courses may accept 160.
Why Some Universities Accept 160
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Lower Competition – Not all universities have overwhelming applicants like UNILAG or UI.
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Access to Education – To give more candidates opportunities, some schools reduce their cut-off.
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Diverse Academic Offerings – Schools with large course options may allow lower scores for less-demanded courses.
List of Universities in Nigeria That Accept 160 as JAMB Cut Off Mark (2025)
Not all institutions will accept candidates with 160. However, several universities—especially state universities and private universities—consider 160 as their minimum requirement.
We’ll break them down by category:
Federal Universities That Accept 160 in JAMB 2025
Most federal universities are highly competitive. But a few may accept 160 for certain less competitive courses. For example:
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Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina
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Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE), Gombe
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Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara
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Federal University Birnin-Kebbi (FUBK), Kebbi
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Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Kogi
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Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa
Note: Competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing, and Law in these schools will still require higher scores.
State Universities That Accept 160 in JAMB 2025
State universities are the most flexible with cut-off marks. Many accept 160 as the minimum for most courses. Some examples:
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Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos
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Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt
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Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
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Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
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Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba
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Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete
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Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
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Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri
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Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu
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Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo
These schools often accept 160 for general courses but set higher cut-offs for professional courses.
Private Universities That Accept 160 in JAMB 2025
Private universities in Nigeria generally offer more admission opportunities to candidates with lower JAMB scores because they are less competitive. Many accept 160 as minimum. Examples:
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Babcock University, Ogun State
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Covenant University, Ota
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Bowen University, Iwo
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Redeemer’s University, Osun State
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Igbinedion University, Okada
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Caleb University, Lagos
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Madonna University, Anambra
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Lead City University, Ibadan
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Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
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Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife
Private universities are flexible but usually come with higher tuition fees.
Courses You Can Study with 160 in JAMB
Even though some universities accept 160, not all courses will be available at that score. Here are common courses you can secure with 160:
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Education courses (Biology Education, Mathematics Education, etc.)
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Agricultural Science
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Sociology and Anthropology
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Languages (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, French, etc.)
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Political Science
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History and International Studies
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Religious Studies
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Library and Information Science
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Geography
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Business Education
Courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Engineering, and Computer Science usually require 180–250+.
How to Gain Admission with 160 JAMB Score in 2025
Scoring 160 doesn’t mean your dream is over. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
1. Choose Less Competitive Courses
Opt for courses in Arts, Education, or Social Sciences.
2. Perform Well in Post-UTME
Most schools conduct Post-UTME screening. A strong performance can make up for a low JAMB score.
3. Consider State or Private Universities
Federal universities are stricter. State and private universities are more likely to accept 160.
4. Apply for Supplementary Admission
If you miss your first choice, many schools open supplementary lists.
5. Explore Part-Time or Pre-Degree Options
Some schools run remedial or diploma programs that allow transition into full-time degree programs.
Common Challenges Students Face with 160 in JAMB
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Limited Course Options – Many professional courses are out of reach.
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Stigma and Pressure – Students may feel embarrassed comparing scores.
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High Competition Even at 160 – Thousands of students still compete for available slots.
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Financial Barriers – Private universities may be too expensive.
Tips to Increase Your Admission Chances with 160
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Register for Post-UTME early.
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Research universities’ past admission cut-offs.
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Prepare thoroughly with past questions.
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Consider change of institution if needed.
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Stay updated on admission deadlines.
Summary Table: Universities in Nigeria Accepting 160 in JAMB (2025)
| Category | Examples of Universities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | FUDMA, FUKASHERE, FUBK | Mostly accept 160 for non-competitive courses |
| State Universities | LASU, DELSU, BSU, IMSU | Flexible and accessible |
| Private Universities | Babcock, Bowen, Caleb | Accept 160 but with higher tuition |
FAQs: Universities That Accept 160 in JAMB 2025
1. Can I study Medicine with 160 in JAMB?
No. Medicine requires at least 220–250+ depending on the university.
2. Which federal university accepts 160 as cut-off?
FUDMA, FUKASHERE, FUBK, and a few others may accept 160 for less competitive courses.
3. Do state universities accept 160 in JAMB?
Yes, many state universities accept 160 for most courses.
4. Can private universities admit me with 160?
Yes, almost all private universities accept 160 as minimum JAMB cut-off.
5. Is 160 a good JAMB score in 2025?
It is average. It may not secure competitive courses but can still fetch you admission.
6. Do I still need Post-UTME with 160?
Yes, most universities will still require Post-UTME or screening.
7. Can I change my course if my score is low?
Yes, JAMB allows change of course/institution to increase your admission chance.
8. Which courses are easier to study with 160?
Education, languages, social sciences, and arts-related courses.
9. Can polytechnics accept 160?
Yes, but polytechnics usually accept even lower (120–140).
10. How can I improve my admission chances with 160?
Choose less competitive schools, excel in Post-UTME, and stay flexible with courses.
Conclusion
Scoring 160 in JAMB 2025 is not the end of your academic journey. While it may not secure highly competitive courses like Medicine or Law, it still qualifies you for admission into several federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria.
The key is to be strategic: select the right universities, choose less competitive courses, perform well in Post-UTME, and keep an open mind about state or private institutions.
Education is a journey, and what matters is starting strong wherever you can. With determination, discipline, and wise choices, you can still achieve your academic and career goals—even with 160 in JAMB.