7 Courses You Can Study in the University with Low JAMB Score (2025 Guide)

   

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, hoping to secure admission into their dream university. But not everyone ends up with high scores. If you are one of the students who got a low JAMB score in 2025, don’t worry — you are not alone, and it’s not the end of the road. In this detailed guide, we will show you 7 practical courses you can study with a low JAMB score, and how to go about getting admitted into a university without unnecessary stress.

What is Considered a Low JAMB Score?

In general, a JAMB score below 180 is considered low, especially for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering. However, many universities and polytechnics in Nigeria accept scores as low as 120 or even 100, depending on the institution and the course you want to study.

According to the official JAMB policy, the minimum cut-off mark for universities in 2025 is 140, while for polytechnics and colleges of education, it is 100. This means you still have a chance to gain admission if you scored within this range.

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up Because of a Low JAMB Score

• Many successful people didn’t start with the best academic results.
• You can still get a good education with the right strategy.
• There are courses with low competition but high value in the job market.
• You can use your first degree as a stepping stone to a more competitive field.

Top 7 Courses You Can Study with a Low JAMB Score in 2025

Let’s go through the top 7 courses you can study even with a JAMB score below 180. These courses are not only easier to get into, but they are also useful in the real world, offering you job opportunities and career growth.

1. Education Courses (e.g., Education and English, Education and Mathematics)

Education-related courses are among the most accessible courses to study in Nigerian universities. They are not highly competitive, and many universities accept low JAMB scores for them. More importantly, there’s always demand for qualified teachers.

Why Consider This Course:

• Cut-off marks are usually low (between 140–160).
• There’s a national shortage of teachers in public and private schools.
• You can specialize later in your career (e.g., curriculum development, administration).

Career Opportunities:

• Primary or secondary school teacher
• Lecturer (after further studies)
• Educational consultant

Universities that Accept Low Scores for Education Courses:

• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
• Ekiti State University
• Federal College of Education (affiliated with universities)

2. Religious Studies or Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK)

Another excellent course you can apply for with a low JAMB score is Religious Studies. Most people ignore this course, so the competition is very low. However, it can lead to careers in religious institutions, schools, and media.

Why Consider This Course:

• Cut-off marks are often as low as 140.
• It’s ideal if you have interest in theology or religious education.

Career Opportunities:

• Religious teacher
• Clergyman or Pastor
• Religious program presenter on radio/TV

3. Library and Information Science

Library and Information Science is another less competitive course that you can pursue with a low JAMB score. It prepares you for roles in libraries, information centers, research organizations, and digital archives.

Why Consider This Course:

• Low competition; many schools accept 140–160 JAMB scores.
• Teaches digital literacy and information management skills.

Career Opportunities:

• Librarian
• Archivist
• Information manager in corporate firms or NGOs

4. Sociology

Sociology is a social science course that focuses on the study of society, behavior, and human relationships. It’s an underrated course that offers many career options in NGOs, government agencies, media, and more.

Why Consider This Course:

• Some universities accept JAMB scores of 160–170.
• It provides a foundation for careers in social work, research, and public policy.

Career Opportunities:

• Social worker
• Human rights advocate
• Community development officer

5. Philosophy

Philosophy teaches critical thinking, ethics, and logic. While it may not seem like a practical course, it lays a strong foundation for careers in writing, politics, law (after conversion), and education. And yes, it’s available for low JAMB scores in many institutions.

Why Consider This Course:

• Universities accept scores as low as 150.
• It builds reasoning, debate, and analytical skills.

Career Opportunities:

• Philosophy lecturer
• Political analyst
• Public speaker or writer

6. Agricultural Science

Agriculture is still a backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet very few students apply for Agriculture-related courses. This makes it an excellent field for students with low JAMB scores. The course also offers both academic and practical knowledge.

Why Consider This Course:

• Scores of 140–160 are accepted in many universities.
• Opens doors to entrepreneurship and government opportunities.

Career Opportunities:

• Agricultural extension officer
• Farm manager
• Agribusiness entrepreneur

7. Linguistics and Nigerian Languages

Linguistics, especially when focused on Nigerian languages like Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo, is a great option for students with a low JAMB score. It has low demand but plays a crucial role in preserving culture and supporting communication efforts in media and education.

Why Consider This Course:

• Many universities offer it at low cut-off marks (around 150).
• It contributes to local language development and media communication.

Career Opportunities:

• Translator
• Language instructor
• TV/Radio presenter in indigenous languages

Tips to Gain Admission Despite a Low JAMB Score

Even if you pick one of the above courses, you need to be smart about your next steps. Here’s how to boost your chances:

1. Choose less competitive schools: Federal universities are usually more competitive. Consider state universities, private universities, or polytechnics with a university affiliation.
2. Do a change of course/institution on JAMB portal: If your current school won’t accept your score, change to one that does.
3. Apply for supplementary admission: Some schools release a second or third list where they consider lower scores.
4. Write a strong O’level: If your WAEC/NECO result is strong, it can support your admission chances.
5. Consider a pre-degree or JUPEB program: These can help you gain 200-level admission later.

FAQs About Low JAMB Score Admission

Can I get admission with 150 in JAMB?

Yes, you can. Many state universities and polytechnics accept candidates with 150, especially for non-competitive courses like Education or Library Science.

Which school accepts 140 in JAMB?

Some examples include:

• Delta State University (for some courses)
• Federal University Gusau
• Novena University

Can I study Nursing with 160 in JAMB?

Highly unlikely. Nursing is extremely competitive, and most schools require 200+. You might need to consider a different course or go through pre-degree programs.

Where can I get the full guide to complain about my JAMB result?

You can read this full guide: How to Complain to JAMB About UTME Results – The Ultimate Guide

Conclusion

Getting a low JAMB score doesn’t mean your academic dream is over. It simply means you need to be strategic. The courses we listed here are not just easy to get into, they also offer real value. Choose the one that matches your interest, passion, and future plans.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out our related articles below:

• Top 10 Universities and Polytechnics with Low School Fees
• How to Retrieve WAEC Registration Number
• How to Complain to JAMB About UTME Results
• How to Check WAEC Result Without Scratch Card