The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has left many Nigerian students stunned, disheartened, and confused.
With thousands of candidates scoring far below expectations, the path to higher education suddenly looks like an uphill battle.
The once-bright dream of gaining admission into top-tier universities is now dimmed by a harsh reality: the competition is stiff, and the scores are low.
However, while some students are licking their wounds, others are pivoting, adapting, and exploring new educational frontiers.
Low UTME Scores: A National Wake-Up Call?
Meanwhile, this year’s UTME results have sparked outrage, anxiety, and nationwide debate.
Also, parents are demanding answers, students are scrambling for alternatives, and education experts are raising eyebrows over what the future holds.
Is Nigeria’s academic system failing its youth, or are students underestimating the UTME’s rigour?
Whatever the case, one thing is clear: the 2025 results have shaken the system—and forced thousands of students to reconsider their academic options.
Survival Mode: What Students Are Doing Next
With scores falling short of the typical cut-offs for Nigeria’s elite universities, many candidates are now shifting focus from high-profile institutions to more inclusive ones.
Polytechnics, colleges of education, and private universities are suddenly in high demand.
Some students are choosing to take a gap year to re-strategise, while others are actively researching schools that accept lower JAMB scores.
The urgency is real, and the race is on—to find a university that fits their current academic profile without completely compromising their career goals.
Hope Is Not Lost: Universities That Accept Low JAMB Scores
If you’re among those who didn’t score as high as you hoped, don’t panic—several universities across Nigeria accept JAMB scores as low as 140.
Here’s a breakdown of options that could be your saving grace:
Universities Accepting 160 And Above
If your score is 160 or higher, you still have a solid list of universities to consider:
Abia State University
Achievers University
Akwa Ibom State University
Al-Qalam University
American University of Nigeria
Augustine University
Babcock University
Bowen University
Covenant University
Edo University
Igbinedion University
Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Madonna University
Nile University of Nigeria
Oduduwa University
Pan-Atlantic University
Paul University
Redeemer’s University
Renaissance University
Rhema University
Samuel Adegboyega University
Skyline University Nigeria
Summit University
Tansian University
University of Mkar
Veritas University
Wellspring University
Universities Accepting 150 And Above
With a JAMB score of 150 or more, your options expand to include:
Adamawa State University
Ajayi Crowther University
Al-Hikmah University
Benson Idahosa University
Bingham University
Caritas University
Chrisland University
Crawford University
Hallmark University
Mountain Top University
Novena University
Nigerian Turkish Nile University
Precious Cornerstone University
Renaissance University
Rhema University
Salem University
Southwestern University
Tansian University
University of Mkar
Veritas University
Wellspring University
Universities Accepting 140 And Above
And if your score falls between 140 and 149, don’t lose hope.
These universities could still open their doors to you:
Admiralty University of Nigeria
African University of Science and Technology
Baze University
Chrisland University
Delta State University
Federal University, Dutse
The Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
Federal University, Gashua
The Federal University, Gusau
Federal University, Kasere
Federal University, Otuoke
Gombe State University
Lead City University
Modibbo Adama University of Technology
Nile University of Nigeria
Northwest University
Obong University
Oduduwa University
PAMO University of Medical Sciences
Renaissance University
Rhema University
Ritman University
Samuel Adegboyega University
Skyline University Nigeria
Summit University
University of Africa
University of Mkar
Veritas University
Wellspring University
Failure Is Not Final
Let’s be honest—no one wants to score low in UTME. But the truth is, your JAMB result doesn’t define your destiny.
You May Like: UTME: The Real Cause Of JAMB Crisis Nigerians Are Not Seeing
Nigeria has a vast educational landscape, and while you may have to adjust your plans, you’re not without options.
This moment might feel like a setback, but it could also be the turning point where you find an unexpected opportunity that leads to long-term success.
Need Help Choosing the Right University for Your Score?
Stay tuned—we’ll be posting guides, admission tips, and expert advice to help you navigate this uncertain academic season.
Bookmark this page, share it with your friends, and remember: you can still rise—no matter how low your score may seem.
