Many Nigerian students are exploring universities and polytechnics that accept low JAMB scores following widespread underperformance in the 2025 UTME Several institutions are expected to consider candidates with scores between 100 and 150 due to persistent poor results in recent years While official cut-offs are pending, past trends suggest schools like Abia State University and Federal Polytechnics may offer flexible admission thresholds
As thousands of Nigerian students await clarity on their university admission prospects after the controversial 2025 UTME, attention is shifting to institutions that may accept candidates with low JAMB scores.
This year’s UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was marred by widespread dissatisfaction over unexpectedly low results. While nearly two million candidates sat for the exam, only 12,400 managed to score 300 or above.
The board has since admitted to technical glitches that may have contributed to the poor performance and has organised resit exams for affected students.
Candidates begin search for fitting institutions
In light of the situation, students and parents have begun scouting for tertiary institutions willing to consider lower scores for admission.
The conventional benchmark of 200 has in recent years been adjusted by many universities, with some already moving their cut-off to 150 or even lower due to recurring underperformance.
Interviews conducted with staff from various institutions suggest that some universities and polytechnics are prepared to admit candidates who scored as low as 140 or 100.
Although many schools are yet to officially announce their 2025 cut-off marks—citing the ongoing exam process—past admission trends and internal sources offer insight into likely thresholds.
Universities likely to accept 140 – 150 UTME scores:
Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu – 140
Ebonyi State University – 140
Ekiti State University – 140
Delta State University – 140
Federal University Gashua, Yobe State – 140
Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State – 140
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State – 150 (except for medicine and law)
Sokoto State University – 140 (pending official decision)
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – 140
Benue State University, Makurdi – 150
Polytechnics likely to accept 100–120 UTME scores:
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Ebonyi State – 100
Delta State Polytechnic – 100
Kano State Polytechnic – 100
Federal Polytechnic, Ede (Osun State) – 120
Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (Oyo State) – 120
The final decisions on admission thresholds will depend on internal policy reviews and JAMB’s official briefing, expected later in the year.
For now, students who scored below the traditional benchmark are encouraged to consider institutions with flexible cut-off policies.
