When your Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score is between 160 and 180, it can feel like a high-stakes game to navigate the Nigerian university admissions process. Although it can be easy to feel depressed, there is still hope for your academic career. Numerous respectable colleges throughout the nation provide admissions options for applicants with marginally lower JAMB results because they understand that a single test does not fully capture a student’s ability.
In this comprehensive guide for the 2025 admission cycle, we’ll illuminate the landscape of tertiary institutions that consider candidates within the 160-180 JAMB score bracket. Our goal is to give you useful information and a glimmer of hope because we recognise the fear and uncertainty that can come with this stage. Dispel the misconception that a low JAMB score can prevent you from attending college. Rather, let’s examine the various choices that are accessible, reveal the particular standards that these universities use, and provide you with the information you need to make wise judgements for your future.
Prepare to learn about a variety of universities that are eager to accept motivated students like you into their academic communities and value more than just a number. Your desire to continue your study is still very much alive and well!
List Of Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores For Admission (160-180)
This is not an exhaustive list of all courses within these universities that might accept these scores, but rather a starting point for your focused research.
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State:
- Note: AAUA is a state-owned university known for its relatively serene environment and diverse range of programs. It often considers candidates with scores in this range, particularly those who perform well in their post-UTME screening.
- Potential Courses: History and International Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Linguistics, various programs within the Faculty of Education (e.g., English Education, History Education).
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State:
- Note: AAU is a long-established state university with a broad academic portfolio. It has historically offered admission to students with JAMB scores around this bracket, especially for programs within its arts and social sciences faculties.
- Potential Courses: Library and Information Science, Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, some programs within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State:
- Note: OOU is a multi-campus state university with a significant student population. It is known to consider candidates with scores in the 160s, often placing emphasis on strong O’level results and post-UTME performance.
- Potential Courses: Agricultural Economics, Plant Science, Animal Production, some programs within the Faculty of Arts (e.g., English Language, History).
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State:
- Note: TASUED is a specialized university dedicated to teacher education. Its admission focus is primarily on Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs across various disciplines.
- Potential Courses: Numerous Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) courses across various subjects (e.g., B.Ed. in Mathematics, B.Ed. in Social Studies, B.Ed. in English Language) might consider scores in this range.
- Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete:
- Note: KWASU is a state-owned university that has embraced innovation and entrepreneurship in its academic offerings. It has often been receptive to students with scores in this range, utilizing a combination of JAMB and post-UTME scores in its admission process.
- Potential Courses: Tourism and Hospitality Management, Library and Information Science, some programs within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State:
- Note: LAUTECH is a state-owned university renowned for its science and technology programs. While generally competitive, some programs in its Pure and Applied Sciences (excluding highly sought-after fields like Medicine and Engineering) might occasionally consider scores slightly below 180, with a strong emphasis on post-UTME performance.
- Potential Courses: Some options within Biological Sciences or Earth Sciences.
- Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri:
- Note: IMSU is a state university located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It typically offers a wide array of programs and often provides opportunities for students within its catchment area with scores in this range.
- Potential Courses: Many programs within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, English and Literary Studies), as well as some programs in the Faculty of Agriculture.
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State:
- Note: UNIUYO is a federal university situated in the South-South region. While a federal institution, it has, in the past, considered scores around 160-180 for certain programs, particularly during supplementary admission exercises.
- Potential Courses: Some programs in the Faculty of Arts (e.g., Linguistics and Communication Studies, Foreign Languages), and potentially some programs in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (excluding Medicine itself) during supplementary admissions.
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State:
- Note: FUOYE is one of the newer federal universities in Nigeria, established to increase access to tertiary education. As a developing institution, it might have more flexible cut-off marks for some of its programs.
- Potential Courses: Programs within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Political Science), and some programs in the Faculty of Agriculture.
- Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State:
- Note: FUD is another of the newer federal universities located in the northern part of Nigeria. Similar to other new federal institutions, FUD could offer opportunities for candidates in this score range across various faculties.
- Potential Courses: Programs in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (e.g., History, Sociology), and some programs in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.
- Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State (Private):
- Note: Crescent University is a private Islamic university committed to academic excellence and moral development. Private universities often have more flexibility in their admission criteria.
- Potential Courses: Mass Communication, Business Administration, Accounting, International Relations, Computer Science (subject to specific requirements).
- Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State (Private):
- Note: Bells Tech is Nigeria’s first private university of technology, focusing on science, technology, and management programs. It has historically admitted students with scores between 160 and 180 for certain courses.
- Potential Courses: Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Estate Management, some programs in Management Sciences and Information Technology.
- Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State (Private):
- Note: Ajayi Crowther University is a private university owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). It is known for its emphasis on Christian values and academic rigor.
- Potential Courses: Law, Economics, Mass Communication, English, History, and International Relations.
- Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State (Private):
- Note: Bowen University is a private Baptist university with a strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence. It often considers applicants with scores in this range, particularly with a good performance in their screening process.
- Potential Courses: Agriculture, Communication Arts, History and International Studies, Sociology, Theatre Arts.
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State (Private):
- Note: Lead City University is a private university located in Ibadan, known for its diverse programs and focus on producing graduates relevant to the needs of the society.
- Potential Courses: Mass Communication, Business Administration, Economics, Information Technology, Social Sciences.
Conclusion
With a JAMB score between 160 and 180 for the 2025 academic year, the road to university admission is far from done. For motivated students who fall within this score range, several universities in Nigeria, both public and private, provide pathways, as we have examined.
These schools frequently take a more comprehensive approach to admissions, taking into account variables other than your JAMB score, like your performance in the post-UTME screening and your O’level results.
However, it is absolutely crucial to visit the official websites of these and any other universities you are interested in to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date admission requirements and cut-off marks for the specific courses you wish to pursue for the 2025 academic session.
FAQs
1. Is 180 a good score in JAMB?
A JAMB score of 180 for the 2025 admission year can be considered average. Whether it’s a “good” score ultimately depends on the specific university and course you are targeting. While it might pose a challenge for admission into highly competitive federal programs, it can be sufficient or considered by many state and private universities, especially when coupled with a strong Post-UTME performance and good O’Level results. The key is to be informed, realistic, and strategic in your application process.
2. Can I study med lab with 160?
Scored 160 in JAMB and want to study Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)? It’s possible but challenging. Top federal universities are likely out of reach. However, many state and private universities might consider this score, especially with a strong Post-UTME performance and excellent O’Level results (good grades in science subjects and English).
3. What course can I study with 160 in JAMB as a science student?
Focus on Microbiology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Science, and potentially Medical Lab Science or Public Health in these institutions. Crucially, research each university’s official website for their specific 2025 cut-off marks and required O’Level grades. Prepare well for the Post-UTME, as a strong score there can boost your chances.