For many Nigerian students seeking tertiary education, achieving a high JAMB score remains a significant challenge. However, numerous universities across the country provide admission opportunities for candidates with scores between 140 and 149, offering hope to those with average performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Understanding JAMB Cut-off Marks in Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board sets minimum scores that candidates must achieve to qualify for admission into Nigerian universities. While competitive courses demand higher scores, several institutions have established lower thresholds, making university education accessible to a broader range of students.
Recent statistics from JAMB for 2025 reveal that 24,535 candidates scored below 100 marks, while 3,820 candidates achieved scores between 100 and 119. This highlights the importance of understanding admission options for average performers.
Complete List of Universities Accepting 140-149 JAMB Scores
Federal Universities with 140 Cut-off Mark
Several federal institutions maintain relatively low cut-off marks, providing opportunities for students with scores in the 140-149 range:
- Federal University, Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) - Located in Bayelsa State, established in 2011
- Federal University Gashua - Situated in Sabon Gari, Yobe State
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina (FUDutsinma)
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULokoja)
- Federal University of Transport, Daura (FUT Daura)
- Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (FUAZ)
State Universities Accepting 140-149 Scores
State-owned institutions constitute the majority of universities accommodating students with 140-149 JAMB scores:
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (UMYU), formerly Katsina State University, accepts students with 140 points into various programs including Arabic Studies, Agriculture, Business Administration, Chemistry, and International Relations.
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), also known as Kogi State University, admits candidates with minimum 140 points into courses such as Accounting, Agriculture, Chemistry, Education, and Banking and Finance.
Ebonyi State University provides admission opportunities for 140 scorers in Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, and Sciences and Humanities programs.
Ekiti State University (EKSU), founded in 1982 by Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, accepts 140 scores for Geography and Planning, Actuarial Science, Entrepreneurship, Education, and Business Administration.
Private Universities with 140 Cut-off Mark
Private institutions also participate in providing access to tertiary education for average performers:
Fountain University, established on Islamic principles, admits students with 140 JAMB scores into Islamic Studies, Accounting, Environmental Health Science, Arabic, and Microbiology programs.
Venite University, located in Iloro Ekiti, Ekiti State, accepts 140 scores for Sociology, Accounting, English and Linguistics, Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship Studies.
Polytechnics Accepting 140 Cut-off Marks
For students preferring polytechnic education, several institutions accept 140 JAMB scores:
Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti has set its cut-off mark at 140 for the 2024/2025 academic session, offering programs in Computer Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, and Engineering.
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku accepts candidates with 140 scores into Engineering, Art and Design, Applied Sciences, and Business programs.
Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro provides admission for 140 scorers in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Food Science and Technology, and Computer Science.
Important Considerations for 140-149 Scorers
Course Limitations
While a 140-149 JAMB score opens doors to university education, candidates should understand that competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering typically require higher scores, usually 250 and above. No Nigerian university accepts 140-149 scores for Medicine and Surgery programs.
Additional Admission Requirements
Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark is only the first step. Candidates must also satisfy other admission criteria including:
- Five O'Level credits in relevant subjects
- Good post-UTME screening performance
- Meeting departmental requirements
- Age requirements where applicable
Universities Accepting 150 Cut-off Marks
For students scoring slightly higher, institutions like University of Calabar (UNICAL), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Delta State University (DELSU), Lagos State University (LASU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), and Abia State University (ABSU) accept 150 cut-off marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 140 a Good JAMB Score?
A JAMB score of 140 is considered average. While insufficient for highly competitive courses, it provides adequate opportunities for admission into less competitive programs in various universities.
Which University Has the Lowest Cut-off Mark in Nigeria?
Several universities maintain low cut-off marks around 140, including Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, and Abia State University.
Can I Study Nursing with 140 JAMB Score?
Prince Abubakar Audu University (Kogi State University) accepts Nursing students with 140 points, representing the lowest cut-off mark for Nursing programs in Nigeria.
Strategic Advice for 140-149 Scorers
Prospective students with JAMB scores between 140 and 149 should:
- Research thoroughly before selecting universities and courses
- Consider less competitive programs that match their career goals
- Prepare adequately for post-UTME screenings
- Explore polytechnic options as alternative pathways
- Consider improving their scores through JAMB regularization if necessary
The Nigerian education system provides multiple pathways to tertiary education, ensuring that students with average JAMB performances can still access quality university education through strategic course and institution selection.
