Are you searching for universities accepting low JAMB score for 2026/2027 admission in Nigeria? If you scored between 150 and 199 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you may still have opportunities to secure admission into a university. However, your chances will depend on the institution you choose, your preferred course, your O’level results and the admission requirements for the programme.
The good news is that the 2026 admission policy has established a minimum tolerable UTME score of 150 for universities in Nigeria. This provides a starting point for candidates who did not score as highly as they expected. Nevertheless, scoring 150 does not automatically qualify you for admission into every university or course.
In this guide, we explains the universities you should investigate, the minimum JAMB score required for the 2026/2027 session, courses that may offer more flexible admission opportunities, and the steps you can take to improve your chances.
We will also explain how to verify admission requirements through official university websites and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), so you can make an informed decision before changing your institution or course.
Important update: JAMB’s official website confirms that the minimum tolerable admission score for universities for the 2026/2027 session is 150. Individual universities may set higher requirements, and competitive courses may require significantly higher scores. Always confirm the current requirements before applying.
Is JAMB 150 Enough for University Admission in 2026/2027?
Yes, a JAMB score of 150 may make you eligible to be considered for admission by a university whose approved minimum UTME score is 150. However, eligibility is not the same as receiving an admission offer.
At the 2026 policy meeting on admissions, JAMB and tertiary institution representatives approved 150 as the national minimum tolerable score for universities. Institutions are permitted to set higher minimum scores but cannot admit candidates below the approved national benchmark.
This means candidates who scored 150, 160, 170, 180 or 190 should investigate universities and courses whose published requirements match their results.
For example, a candidate who scores 155 may satisfy the minimum UTME requirement of one institution but fail to meet another university’s requirement of 180. Even where the score is sufficient, the candidate must still satisfy the other admission conditions.
The following points are important:
- 150 is the national minimum tolerable university admission score, not a guarantee of admission.
- Universities can establish higher institutional or programme-specific requirements.
- Medicine, Law, Nursing, Engineering and other competitive courses may have stricter requirements.
- Candidates must meet the relevant O’level subject and credit requirements.
- Post-UTME, screening results, departmental requirements and available admission spaces may influence selection.
For the official policy, visit the JAMB website.
Universities Accepting Low JAMB Score for 2026/2027 Admission
Candidates searching for universities accepting low JAMB score should focus on institutions whose officially published minimum requirements match their UTME results. Do not assume that every university will accept 150 simply because it is the national minimum.
The institutions below are worth investigating when looking for lower-entry-score opportunities. Their inclusion is a shortlist for checking official admission requirements, not confirmation that each university has approved 150 for every course in 2026/2027.
1. Federal Universities
Federal universities attract applicants from across Nigeria and may have strong competition for admission. Some programmes can be highly competitive even when an institution’s minimum UTME score is relatively low.
Candidates with scores around 150–179 should check the current admission announcements of the following institutions:
| University | Official website | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University Dutse (FUD) | fud.edu.ng | Current UTME requirements and available programmes |
| Federal University Kashere (FUK) | fukashere.edu.ng | Departmental requirements and screening notice |
| Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA) | fugashua.edu.ng | Minimum score and eligible courses |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | fubk.edu.ng | Current admission guidelines |
| Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) | fugusau.edu.ng | Programme-specific entry requirements |
| Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) | fuwukari.edu.ng | UTME screening and departmental cut-off information |
These universities are possible starting points for your research, not a verified list of institutions accepting 150. Their requirements can change between admission sessions and differ between departments.
Before choosing any of them, visit the official website and look for the 2026/2027 admission screening announcement. If the institution has not published its current requirements, contact its admissions office or check the JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS).
2. State Universities
State universities are another category worth investigating if you scored below 200 in JAMB. They may provide alternatives to highly competitive programmes at popular federal universities.
However, state ownership does not automatically mean that a university has a low cut-off mark. Some state universities attract considerable competition, especially for professional courses.
You can check the current admission requirements of these institutions:
| University | Official website | Admission information to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Adamawa State University (ADSU) | adsu.edu.ng | Current minimum score and available courses |
| Gombe State University (GSU) | gsu.edu.ng | Screening eligibility and departmental conditions |
| Taraba State University (TSU) | tsuniversity.edu.ng | Admission requirements for the session |
| Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) | basug.edu.ng | Current institutional and course requirements |
| Yobe State University (YSU) | ysu.edu.ng | UTME score, O’level credits and screening |
| Sokoto State University (SSU) | ssu.edu.ng | Approved admission requirements |
The table is intended to help you identify institutions to investigate. It does not establish that these universities have all approved a 150 UTME cut-off for 2026/2027.
For instance, if your score is 160, check whether a university accepts that score for your chosen programme before making a change of institution. You should also confirm whether your subject combination is appropriate for the course.
3. Private Universities
Private universities may offer additional options for candidates who are flexible about their institution and can meet the financial requirements. Some have different admission processes and programme availability from public universities.
However, private universities are not automatically easier to enter. They must comply with applicable national admission requirements, and some programmes may have high academic entry standards.
Candidates can investigate the official admission pages of the following universities:
| University | Official website | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Hikmah University | alhikmah.edu.ng | Current UTME score and programme requirements |
| Summit University | summituniversity.edu.ng | Admission guidelines and available courses |
| Fountain University | fountainuniversity.edu.ng | Screening requirements and course eligibility |
| Crescent University | crescent-university.edu.ng | Minimum score and departmental conditions |
| Adeleke University | adelekeuniversity.edu.ng | Current admission procedure |
| Babcock University | babcock.edu.ng | Course-specific requirements and admission route |
Do not interpret this list as confirmation that all the universities accept 150. Check each institution’s current admission notice and ask whether your exact UTME score is acceptable for your preferred course.
Private university tuition, accommodation and other fees may also be higher than those of many public universities. Consider the full cost before making a decision.
Which Universities Should You Check Based on Your JAMB Score?
The most practical way to find universities accepting low JAMB score is to begin with your actual result and compare it with published requirements.
| Your UTME score | What you should do |
|---|---|
| 150–159 | Check universities that explicitly permit this score and identify eligible programmes |
| 160–169 | Compare current cut-off requirements across federal, state and private universities |
| 170–179 | Check both institutional requirements and course-specific competition |
| 180–189 | Consider a broader selection of institutions and programmes matching your subject combination |
| 190–199 | Compare admission chances across several suitable institutions rather than relying on one choice |
| 200 and above | Check programme-specific requirements; competitive courses may still demand stronger results |
These ranges are planning guides, not official cut-off categories. Your score alone cannot establish whether a university will admit you.
A university may publish a minimum score of 150 while requiring a higher score for particular programmes. Similarly, meeting a minimum score does not guarantee that you will rank highly enough to receive an offer.
Courses to Consider If You Scored 150–179 in JAMB
Candidates with lower UTME scores should investigate courses that match their qualifications and interests without assuming that any particular department has a guaranteed low cut-off.
Depending on the university and its current admission requirements, you may investigate programmes in the following areas:
1. Education Courses
Education programmes can be worth investigating for candidates interested in teaching, educational administration or subject-specialist teaching.
Examples include:
- Education and Biology
- Education and Chemistry
- Education and Mathematics
- Educational Management
- Guidance and Counselling
- Early Childhood Education, where offered
The availability of these programmes and their score requirements vary by institution. You must still meet the relevant subject combination and O’level requirements.
2. Agriculture-Related Courses
Candidates interested in agriculture and natural resources may check programmes such as:
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Extension
- Forestry and Wildlife Management, where available
These programmes may be suitable for candidates whose academic interests align with agriculture, environmental management and natural resources. Nevertheless, no course should be treated as automatically accepting 150.
3. Arts and Humanities
Some universities offer programmes in the arts and humanities that may be appropriate for candidates with different UTME score ranges.
Examples to investigate include History, Linguistics, Religious Studies, Philosophy and selected language programmes.
The specific subject combination required for each programme is important. For example, a candidate must not assume that meeting a university’s general cut-off is enough if the programme requires particular O’level credits.
4. Social Science Courses
Depending on the university, candidates may investigate programmes such as Sociology, Political Science, Social Work, Geography and selected related disciplines.
Some programmes attract substantial competition, so compare the current departmental requirements rather than relying on general claims about low cut-off marks.
5. Science Courses
Candidates interested in science should examine the requirements carefully. Programmes such as Biology, Mathematics, Statistics and certain environmental science courses may have different entry conditions across universities.
Science candidates must pay close attention to their O’level credits, including Mathematics and the relevant science subjects.
Important: These are examples of courses to investigate, not a claim that every programme listed accepts candidates with 150–179. Check the current requirements for the exact university and course before applying.
Courses That May Be More Competitive
If your JAMB score is low, you should be particularly careful when applying for programmes that often attract many qualified candidates.
These may include:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing Science
- Law
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Engineering programmes
- Computer Science at highly sought-after universities
This does not mean that every university applies the same cut-off to these courses. It means that you should not assume the national minimum of 150 is sufficient for admission.
For example, a candidate who scores 155 may meet the general minimum at a particular university but remain ineligible for a programme with a higher departmental requirement.
Choose a course based on your genuine interests, your qualifications and the institution’s published requirements rather than selecting a programme only because someone online claims it has a low cut-off mark.
How to Confirm Whether a University Accepts 150 in JAMB
Before making any admission decision, confirm the requirements directly with an official source. This is especially important for the 2026/2027 session because admission requirements and departmental cut-off marks may change.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the University’s Official Website
Open the university’s official website and search for its 2026/2027 UTME admission screening announcement.
Read the announcement carefully. Check whether the university has published a minimum UTME score, the list of eligible courses, screening dates and registration instructions.
Do not rely only on blogs, WhatsApp messages or social media posts claiming that a particular institution accepts 150.
Step 2: Check the JAMB IBASS Portal
The JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System provides information to help candidates check entry requirements for different institutions and programmes.
Use the system to verify the subjects required for your preferred course and the relevant admission conditions.
Make sure you distinguish between the minimum UTME score, the required UTME subject combination and the O’level qualifications.
Step 3: Confirm the Requirements for Your Course
A university may accept candidates with 150 for some programmes but require a higher score for others.
For this reason, do not stop after confirming the university’s general minimum score. Find the requirements for your specific department.
Step 4: Confirm Your O’level Results
Check that you have the required credits in English Language, Mathematics and other relevant subjects. The exact requirements depend on your intended programme.
If your results do not meet the course requirements, a lower JAMB score will not solve the problem.
Step 5: Check Your JAMB CAPS Profile
The JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is the official platform for processing and monitoring admissions.
Use your own JAMB profile to check your admission status and follow the official instructions provided there. A university’s screening registration does not itself mean that JAMB has offered you admission.
How to Apply for Admission With a Low JAMB Score
If your result is between 150 and 179, follow a careful application strategy instead of rushing to change your institution.
1. Identify suitable universities. Make a shortlist of institutions whose official requirements match your result, location preferences and financial circumstances.
2. Choose an eligible course. Confirm that your UTME subject combination and O’level results meet the course requirements.
3. Review the admission screening notice. Check the application deadline, screening method, required documents and payment instructions.
4. Complete the application through the official portal. Enter your details accurately and keep your payment receipt or application confirmation.
5. Monitor your admission status. Check the university’s admission announcements and your JAMB CAPS account regularly.
6. Respond to official instructions promptly. If an admission offer appears on CAPS, read the instructions carefully and respond within the stated period.
Never pay an individual who promises to secure admission through personal connections. No unofficial agent can guarantee a legitimate admission offer.
Can You Change Your Institution if Your JAMB Score Is Low?
Yes. Candidates may consider a change of institution or course through the official JAMB process, provided the relevant options are available and the candidate meets the applicable requirements.
However, you should not change your institution simply because a social media post says that another university accepts low scores.
Before making a change, confirm the following:
- The university is accepting applications for the relevant admission session.
- Your score meets its published minimum requirement.
- Your desired programme is available for your admission category.
- Your UTME subject combination matches the programme.
- You satisfy the required O’level conditions.
- You understand any screening fee and deadline.
You can access JAMB services through the official JAMB website. Follow the instructions provided for changing your institution or course.
A change of institution does not automatically guarantee admission. The receiving university must still assess your eligibility and process your application under the applicable admission rules.
What If You Scored Below 150 in JAMB?
For the 2026/2027 admission session, the national minimum tolerable UTME score for universities is 150. Therefore, candidates who scored below 150 should not assume that they can secure regular UTME-based university admission by applying to an institution that claims to accept a lower score.
Consider the following options.
1. Investigate Other Approved Tertiary Institutions
The 2026 policy meeting approved a minimum tolerable score of 100 for polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture and innovation enterprise institutions, while the minimum for universities is 150.
The score required by an individual institution or programme may be higher. Check the official requirements before applying.
2. Consider Another Admission Session
If your preferred course requires a higher score than you achieved, you may prepare for a future UTME and aim for a stronger result.
Use your previous result to identify the subjects that need more attention. A realistic reading timetable and regular practice can help you prepare more effectively.
3. Investigate Other Approved Admission Routes
Some institutions may have Direct Entry or other approved admission pathways for eligible candidates. These routes have their own academic qualifications and conditions; they are not automatic alternatives for candidates who scored below the university minimum in UTME.
Do not enrol in an unaccredited programme or pay an unofficial agent in the hope of bypassing admission requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Universities Accepting Low JAMB Score
Candidates can lose valuable time and money by relying on inaccurate admission information. Avoid these mistakes.
Believing That 150 Guarantees Admission
The national minimum only establishes the baseline for university admission consideration. Each institution may set higher requirements, and admission depends on additional conditions.
Applying for a Course Without Checking Subject Combinations
A candidate may meet the UTME score requirement but lack a required subject. Check the JAMB brochure and the university’s official admission guidelines before applying.
Relying on Old Cut-Off Marks
A university’s previous admission requirements may not apply to 2026/2027. Always look for information specifically covering the current session.
Paying for Fake Admission Assistance
Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees admission in exchange for money outside an institution’s approved payment process. Make payments only through verified official channels.
Ignoring the Cost of Studying
Consider tuition, accommodation, transport, feeding, registration charges and other expenses before choosing a university. A suitable admission option must also be financially realistic.
Assuming Every Course Has the Same Cut-Off
Departments can have different requirements. Always verify the exact programme instead of relying on the university’s general minimum.
Official Websites for Checking 2026/2027 Admission Information
The following resources are useful when researching universities accepting low JAMB score.
| Resource | What it helps you do | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board | Check national admission policies and official announcements | jamb.gov.ng |
| JAMB CAPS | Monitor admission status and offers | caps.jamb.gov.ng |
| JAMB IBASS | Check course requirements and subject combinations | ibass.jamb.gov.ng |
| Federal Ministry of Education | Review federal education announcements | education.gov.ng |
| University websites | Confirm institutional cut-off marks, screening notices and deadlines | Use the official websites listed above |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which universities accept 150 in JAMB for 2026/2027?
The national minimum tolerable score for universities is 150. However, you must identify universities that have officially approved that score for the relevant course. Do not assume every university accepts 150.
2. Can I gain admission with 160 in JAMB?
Yes, it may be possible if your chosen university and programme accept your score and you meet the other admission requirements. Your chances depend on the institution, course, O’level results and selection process.
3. Is 170 a good JAMB score for university admission?
A score of 170 may meet the minimum requirement at some institutions, but it may be insufficient for more competitive courses. Compare your score with the current official requirements for your intended programme.
4. Can I study Nursing with 150 in JAMB?
Do not assume that 150 is enough for Nursing Science. The programme may have higher institutional or departmental requirements. Check the current university admission notice and JAMB brochure before applying.
5. Can I study Medicine and Surgery with 160?
Medicine and Surgery is highly competitive at many Nigerian universities. A score of 160 may not meet the requirements of your preferred institution. Verify the current requirements before considering a change of course or institution.
6. Are private universities easier to enter with low JAMB scores?
Not necessarily. Private universities have their own admission procedures, and they must comply with applicable national requirements. Some programmes may be competitive, and candidates should also consider tuition and other expenses.
7. Do state universities accept lower JAMB scores than federal universities?
There is no universal rule that state universities have lower cut-off marks than federal universities. Requirements vary by institution, course and admission session.
8. Can I change my course after scoring 150 in JAMB?
You may be able to change your course through the official JAMB process if the desired programme is available and you meet its requirements. Check the subject combination, O’level credits and the institution’s admission conditions first.
9. Does meeting the cut-off mark guarantee admission?
No. Meeting the minimum score only makes you eligible for consideration where other requirements are satisfied. Admission may also depend on screening performance, qualifications, available spaces and the institution’s selection process.
10. How can I check my admission status for 2026/2027?
Visit the official JAMB CAPS portal and sign in using your JAMB profile details. Follow the instructions on the platform and monitor official university announcements.
11. Can I gain university admission without meeting the O’level requirements?
Generally, candidates must satisfy the prescribed O’level requirements for their intended programmes. A qualifying UTME score does not remove the requirement for the relevant subjects and credits.
12. What should I do if my university has not released its 2026/2027 cut-off mark?
Continue checking the university’s official website and contact its admissions office if necessary. Avoid treating an old cut-off mark or an unofficial social media post as confirmation of the current requirement.
13. Can I use one JAMB score to apply to another university?
You may be able to change your institution through the official JAMB process, subject to the applicable rules and available options. Confirm the receiving university’s requirements before making the change.
14. Is 149 enough for university admission in 2026/2027?
The national minimum tolerable UTME score for universities is 150. A score of 149 is below that benchmark, so you should not rely on claims that a university can admit you below the approved minimum.
15. Where can I find the most reliable list of universities accepting low JAMB scores?
Start with JAMB’s official website, the IBASS portal and each university’s own admission announcements. The most reliable list is one that confirms the current requirements for the specific admission session and programme rather than repeating unverified claims.
Conclusion
Finding universities accepting low JAMB score for 2026/2027 admission is possible when you research carefully and choose institutions that match your qualifications. JAMB’s approved national minimum tolerable score for universities is 150, but this does not mean every institution or course will accept candidates with that score.
If you scored between 150 and 199, compare the official requirements of federal, state and private universities. Check your subject combination, O’level credits, screening requirements and the cost of studying before making a decision.
Most importantly, verify every admission claim through JAMB and the university concerned. Do not pay for unofficial admission promises or make changes based solely on outdated information.
