Following the disappointing pass rate recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), thousands of Nigerian students are now grappling with anxiety and uncertainty regarding their academic futures.
The underwhelming results, which have sparked widespread concern, have forced many candidates to reconsider their initial university choices, course preferences, and even career paths. With cut-off marks for competitive institutions likely to remain high, the competition for admission slots has intensified, particularly for federal and state universities.
As the 2025/2026 admission season approaches, candidates and their families are increasingly seeking guidance from educational consultants, career counselors, and online platforms to explore realistic options. While some students have shifted their focus to polytechnics and colleges of education, others are considering a gap year to better prepare for the next UTME cycle.
In response to the national mood and growing demand for flexible admission pathways, several universities — especially private and newer federal institutions — have adjusted their cut-off marks to accommodate students with lower JAMB scores. This move offers relief to thousands who feared being completely shut out of the tertiary education system.
Below is a breakdown of institutions currently accepting lower JAMB scores for 2025 admissions:
Universities Accepting UTME Scores of 160 and Above:
- 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 UTME Scores of 150 and Above:
- 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 UTME Scores of 140 and Above:
- Admiralty University of Nigeria
- African University of Science and Technology
- Baze University
- Chrisland University
- Delta State University
- Federal University, Dutse
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
- Federal University, Gashua
- 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
Advisory Note:
Students are advised to visit the official websites of their preferred institutions and confirm departmental requirements and accreditation status. It is also important to monitor updates from JAMB and the institutions' admissions offices regarding screening and post-UTME procedures.
As the dust settles on the 2025 UTME, stakeholders hope that flexibility in admissions and improved guidance can help students make informed decisions and find a path forward despite the setbacks.
