Scoring between 140 and 160 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can feel discouraging, but it is far from the end of your admission journey. Following the recent UTME cycles, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and various institutional senates have adjusted baseline metrics to accommodate qualified candidates who fell short of the 200+ mark.
An aggregate score within the 140–160 range does not automatically disqualify you from higher education. Admission success relies heavily on strategic selection of institutions, alignment with less competitive courses, correct O-Level subject combinations, and strong performance in post-UTME screening exercises.
JAMB 2026 General Baseline Benchmarks
JAMB sets minimum national baseline parameters for admissions. While individual universities reserve the right to raise their institutional or departmental cut-offs based on application volume, these baselines serve as the official starting point for the 2026/2027 academic session.
| Institution Type | Minimum Baseline JAMB Score |
| Federal Universities | 140–150 |
| State Universities | 140 |
| Private Universities | 140 |
| Polytechnics (ND Programmes) | 100–120 |
| Colleges of Education (NCE) | 100 |
Critical Note: These are general baseline entry requirements. Highly competitive professional faculties (such as Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Pharmacy) consistently demand significantly higher departmental scores, regardless of the institution’s general cut-off mark.
Federal Universities Accepting a 160 JAMB Score
Several federal institutions consider candidates with a UTME score of 160 or above. However, these scores are typically restricted to programs within the Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Arts, and select physical sciences.
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa (FUD)
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
- Federal University, Gusau
- Federal University, Kashere
- Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa (FULafia)
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi (FULokoja)
- Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Federal University, Wukari, Taraba (FUWUKARI)
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Police Academy, Wudil
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
State Universities Accepting a 140–160 JAMB Score
State-owned universities offer a more flexible framework for candidates with mid-range UTME scores. The following institutions regularly accept 140 as a minimum entry benchmark for non-competitive tracks:
- Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU)
- Adamawa State University, Mubi (ADSU)
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA)
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU)
- Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG)
- Benue State University, Makurdi (BSU)
- Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
- Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
- Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA)
- Kogi State University, Anyigba (KSU)
- Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)
- Niger Delta University, Yenagoa (NDU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye (OOU)
- Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Sokoto State University (SSU)
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
- Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSU)
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU)
Polytechnics Accepting 100–120 JAMB Scores
If your UTME score falls between 100 and 130, gaining admission into a National Diploma (ND) program at a polytechnic is a highly viable alternative. This route allows you to transfer later into a university degree via Direct Entry (DE) or complete a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Federal Polytechnics (Minimum Cut-Off: 120)
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
- Federal Polytechnic, Bida
- Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede
- Federal Polytechnic, Idah
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
- Federal Polytechnic, Mubi
- Federal Polytechnic, Namoda
- Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Federal Polytechnic, Offa
- Federal Polytechnic, Oko
- Federal School of Dental Technology & Therapy, Enugu
- Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
State Polytechnics (Minimum Cut-Off: 100)
- Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic
- Abia State Polytechnic
- Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic
- Adamawa State Polytechnic
- Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
- Benue State Polytechnic
- Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
- Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe
- Edo State Institute of Technology & Management
- Enugu Polytechnic
- Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic
- Imo State Polytechnic
- Institute of Management & Technology (IMT), Enugu
- Jigawa State Polytechnic
- Kano State Polytechnic
- Kogi State Polytechnic
- Kwara State Polytechnic
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology (Formerly LASPOTECH)
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY)
- Nasarawa State Polytechnic
- Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru
- Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic
- Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke
- Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
- Plateau State Polytechnic
- Ramat Polytechnic
- Rivers State Polytechnic
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Private Universities Accepting 140 JAMB Scores
Private universities in Nigeria offer stable academic calendars and flexible admission processes. Most accept the statutory minimum baseline of 140 for the majority of their courses, provided the candidate meets the institution’s financial obligations.
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Ajayi Crowther University
- Al-Hikmah University
- American University of Nigeria (AUN)
- Babcock University
- Bells University of Technology
- Benson Idahosa University
- Bingham University
- Caritas University
- Chrisland University
- Covenant University
- Crawford University
- Hallmark University
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
- Landmark University
- Lead City University
- Madonna University
- Pan-Atlantic University
- Paul University
- Redeemer’s University
- Renaissance University
- Rhema University
- Ritman University
- Salem University
- Samuel Adegboyega University
- Skyline University Nigeria
- Summit University
- Veritas University
- Wellspring University
Colleges of Education Accepting 100 JAMB Score
For candidates interested in educational career paths, Nigerian Colleges of Education offer the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) options starting at a UTME baseline score of 100.
- Adeyemi College of Education
- Corona College of Education
- Diamond College of Education
- ECWA College of Education
- Ipere College of Education
- Kinsey College of Education
- Lessel College of Education
- Nana Aishat Memorial College of Education
- Pan African College of Education
- Piaget College of Education
- Sunnah College of Education
Strategic Action Plan: How to Secure Admission with a 140–160 Score
Possessing a qualifying score is only the first phase. To turn your 140–160 score into a confirmed admission letter, you must execute the following strategic adjustments:
1. Optimize Your Course Selection
Do not try to force your way into highly competitive, oversubscribed departments. Shift your focus toward disciplines with higher acceptance yields for your score range:
- Science Options: Industrial Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Statistics, Applied Biology, Environmental Sciences, or Agricultural Disciplines.
- Arts & Humanities Options: History and International Studies, Religious Studies, Linguistics, Library and Information Science, or Education combinations (e.g., B.Sc. Ed, B.A. Ed).
2. Utilize the JAMB Change of Course/Institution Portal
If your initial choices were highly competitive federal institutions or programs like Medicine, Law, Nursing, or Engineering, you should log into your JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) profile immediately. Change your first-choice institution to a state university, private university, or polytechnic whose baseline matches your actual performance.
3. Ensure Flawless O’Level Uploads
A common reason candidates are denied admission is failure to upload their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) to the JAMB portal. Ensure your five core credits—including English Language and Mathematics—perfectly align with your target department’s requirements.
4. Excel in the Post-UTME Screening
Many state and federal universities combine your UTME score with a Post-UTME screening exam score or O’Level point aggregate to form a final composite score. A strong performance in your school’s institutional screening can make up for a lower score on the main JAMB exam.