Schools That Accept 140, 150 & 160 JAMB Scores In 2026: Full List & Admission Guide
If your UTME score is between 140 and 160, you still have a solid chance of gaining admission in Nigeria — but only if you make smart choices.
Every year, thousands of candidates assume low scores automatically mean no admission. That’s not entirely true.
Admission depends on your school choice, course competitiveness, and strategy — not just your score.
This guide will gives you:
- Verified schools that accept 140, 150, and 160
- Full lists (universities, polytechnics, colleges)
- Real admission strategy
JAMB General Cut-Off Benchmark (2026)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board sets minimum benchmarks for tertiary institutions.
Here is the current structure of Cutt-Off Marks for the 2026 academic exercise.
| Institution Type | Minimum JAMB Score |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 150 |
| State Universities | 140 |
| Private Universities | 140 |
| Polytechnics | 100+ for some |
| Colleges of Education | 100 |
Important Thing you Should Know
This is just the minimum requirement. Most schools and courses set higher departmental cut-off marks.
Federal Universities That Accept 160 JAMB Score (2026)
These federal universities often accept candidates with 160 and above for selected courses:
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- Federal University Dutse (FUD)
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma
- Federal University Lafia
- Federal University Lokoja
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI)
- Federal University Otuoke
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Federal University Wukari
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Police Academy Wudil
- Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
These schools may still require higher scores for competitive courses.
State Universities That Accept 140 JAMB Score
These state universities typically accept 140 and above:
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Adamawa State University (ADSU)
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- Bauchi State University Gadau (BASUG)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
- Delta State University Abraka (DELSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
- Kogi State University
- Kwara State University (KWASU)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Sokoto State University
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
- Taraba State University
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU)
Federal Polytechnics That Accept 120 JAMB Score (2026)
Polytechnics are your strongest backup option if your score is low:
- 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 Nasarawa
- Federal Polytechnic Nekede
- Federal Polytechnic Offa
- Federal Polytechnic Oko
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
State Polytechnics That Accept 100 JAMB Score (2026)
- Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic
- Abia State Polytechnic
- Adamawa State Polytechnic
- Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
- Benue State Polytechnic
- Gateway Polytechnic
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
- The Polytechnic Ibadan
- Imo State Polytechnic
- Kano State Polytechnic
- Kwara State Polytechnic
- Lagos State Polytechnic
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
- Nasarawa State Polytechnic
- Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic
- Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku
- Osun State Polytechnic Iree
- Plateau State Polytechnic
- Ramat Polytechnic
- Rivers State Polytechnic
Private Universities That Accept 140 JAMB Score (2026)
Private universities are more flexible:
- Afe Babalola University
- Covenant University
- Babcock University
- Bingham University
- Landmark University
- Redeemer’s University
- Veritas University
- Pan-Atlantic University
- American University of Nigeria
- Ajayi Crowther University
- Bells University of Technology
- Al-Hikmah University
- Madonna University Nigeria
- Lead City University
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University
- Salem University
- Paul University
Colleges of Education That Accept 100 JAMB Score (2026)
- Adeyemi College of Education
- ECWA College of Education
- Nana Aishat Memorial College of Education
- Corona College of Education
- Pan African College of Education
- Sunnah College of Education
- Diamond College of Education
Key Admission Truths Most Candidates Ignore
This is where most people fail:
- Scoring 140–160 does NOT guarantee admission
- Competitive courses are almost impossible with low scores
- Wrong school choice = automatic rejection
Smart Admission Strategy: This Is What Works
If you scored:
140–150
Focus on: Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Less competitive universities
150–160
You can try:
State universities or Some federal universities that are less competitive courses
160+
Better chances, but avoid Medicine, Law, Nursing, Engineering
Final Advice: Very Important
If your goal is admission this year, stop chasing big schools blindly.
Focus on:
- Course strategy
- School flexibility
- Correct subject combination
- Early O’Level upload
The smartest candidates don’t chase prestige they secure admission first.
FAQs: Schools That Accept 140, 150 & 160 JAMB Cut-Off Mark 2026
Can I gain admission with 140 in JAMB?
Yes, admission with 140 is possible—but it depends heavily on your strategy. Many state universities, private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education accept 140 for less competitive courses. However, your chances improve significantly if you choose the right course and meet all other requirements like O’Level results and screening performance.
Which federal universities accept 160 as cut-off mark?
Several federal universities use 160 as their general benchmark for many programmes. Examples include:
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI)
- Federal University Lafia (FULafia)
- Federal University Dutse (FUD)
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma
- Federal University Lokoja
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Keep in mind: competitive courses in these schools still require higher scores.
Do polytechnics accept 100 in JAMB?
Yes. Most polytechnics in Nigeria accept 100 as the minimum score for National Diploma (ND) programmes. Institutions like Yaba College of Technology and Federal Polytechnic Offa are popular options, although some courses may require slightly higher scores.
Which private universities accept 140 cut-off mark?
Many private universities are flexible with admission requirements and accept 140 or even lower depending on the course. Examples include:
- Afe Babalola University
- Babcock University
- Covenant University
- Landmark University
- Veritas University
- Bells University of Technology
- Redeemer’s University
These institutions often prioritize full application completion over extremely high UTME scores.
Is 140 the official cut-off mark for all universities in Nigeria?
Not exactly. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board sets a minimum benchmark, which is often 140 for universities. However, each institution is allowed to set its own cut-off mark, and most competitive schools raise theirs above the minimum.
Can I study Medicine or Law with 140 in JAMB?
Realistically, no. Courses like Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Engineering are highly competitive and usually require 220–250+. Even with higher scores, candidates still need strong O’Level results and good screening performance.
Can universities change their cut-off marks after JAMB releases benchmarks?
Yes, they can. Universities regularly adjust their cut-off marks based on:
- Number of applicants
- Course demand
- Available admission quota
This is why some schools may increase their requirements after Post-UTME screening begins.
Where can I confirm the correct cut-off mark for my chosen school?
Always rely on verified sources such as:
- The school’s official website
- Admission portal updates
- Official statements from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
Avoid relying solely on social media or unverified blogs, as misinformation is common during admission periods.
What is the best strategy if my score is between 140 and 160?
Your best move is to focus on admission probability, not prestige:
- Choose less competitive courses
- Consider state or private universities
- Use polytechnics or colleges as backup options
- Ensure your O’Level results are correctly uploaded
Smart selection increases your chances more than a high score alone.
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