Scoring below 200 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) does not automatically mean that a candidate cannot gain admission into a Nigerian university. Every year, thousands of students secure admission with JAMB scores ranging from 140 to 180 by choosing suitable institutions and courses.
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While highly competitive programmes such as Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Dentistry, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and Radiography often require higher scores, many universities across Nigeria admit candidates with scores between 140 and 180 into various science, arts, social science, education, and health-related programmes.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to universities that may accept candidates with JAMB scores of 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 for the 2026 admission exercise.
UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT 140 IN JAMB
Candidates who score 140 still have opportunities in selected state and private universities.
Some universities that may consider candidates within this range include:
Adamawa State University (ADSU)
Adeleke University
African School of Economics
Skyline University Nigeria
Other accredited private universities
Courses commonly available include:
Education Programmes
Agricultural Sciences
Religious Studies
History and International Studies
Languages and Linguistics
Library and Information Science
Candidates are advised to monitor the admission requirements of their preferred institutions, as departmental cut-off marks may differ.
UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT 150 IN JAMB
A score of 150 opens more admission opportunities in both federal and state universities.
Examples include:
Federal University Dutse (FUD)
Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Benue State University (BSU)
Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
Taraba State University (TASU)
Available courses may include:
Sociology
Economics
Political Science
Education Courses
Agricultural Science
Environmental Management
Statistics
UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT 160 IN JAMB
Candidates with 160 have a stronger chance of gaining admission into several universities across Nigeria.
Examples include:
Federal University Gusau (FUGUS)
Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Plateau State University (PLASU)
Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK)
University of Ilesa (UNILESA)
At this score range, candidates may be eligible for programmes such as:
Physiology
Anatomy
Public Health
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Education and Science Courses
The University of Ilesa remains one of the institutions prospective candidates can explore for science and health-related programmes, subject to admission requirements and departmental considerations.
UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT 170 IN JAMB
Candidates with a score of 170 enjoy wider admission opportunities.
Examples include:
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE)
Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA)
Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
Nigerian Maritime University (NMU)
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
Popular courses include:
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Education Programmes
Agricultural Courses
Environmental Sciences
Many institutions consider candidates within this score range for a variety of programmes outside highly competitive professional courses.
UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT 180 IN JAMB
A JAMB score of 180 significantly increases a candidate's chances of gaining admission.
Examples include:
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Kwara State University (KWASU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
Candidates with 180 may also find opportunities in selected science and health-related programmes depending on institutional requirements.
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES THAT MAY ACCEPT 140–180 IN JAMB
Many private universities offer admission opportunities to candidates with moderate JAMB scores.
Examples include:
Adeleke University
Bowen University
Babcock University
Lead City University
Crawford University
Al-Hikmah University
Ajayi Crowther University
Veritas University
Bingham University
Private universities often provide candidates with additional admission opportunities, provided they meet the O'Level requirements and other institutional criteria.
IMPORTANT ADMISSION TIPS FOR CANDIDATES
To improve your chances of gaining admission, you should:
Ensure your O'Level results meet the course requirements.
Upload your O'Level results on JAMB CAPS.
Participate in Post-UTME screening exercises.
Regularly monitor admission updates from your chosen institution.
Consider changing your course or institution if necessary.
Stay informed about admission deadlines and requirements.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A JAMB score between 140 and 180 does not mean your admission journey is over. Numerous federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria provide opportunities for candidates within this score range. The key is to apply strategically, select realistic courses, and stay updated with official admission information.
Candidates are encouraged to remain focused, explore available options, and take advantage of every admission opportunity available for the 2026 academic session.
For the latest JAMB updates, admission news, scholarship opportunities, educational guides, and recruitment information, continue following OPTIMISTIC INSTITUTIONS NETWORKS (OIN).