Many students face the disappointment of a lower-than-desired JAMB score. This can feel like a major setback on the road to higher education. However, there’s good news! This doesn’t have to mean the end of your admission journey. In fact, there are several strategies and alternative options you can explore to secure a spot at your preferred university.
Options for Admission
A. Apply Strategically:
This strategy involves leveraging your application to target universities where you have a higher chance of admission despite your JAMB score. Here’s how:
- Public Universities with Lower Cut-Off Points: Research public universities with historically lower cut-off points for your desired course. These universities might be less competitive, increasing your chances of admission.
- Private Universities: Explore private universities as an alternative. Many private universities in Nigeria do not require JAMB for admission. They may have their own entrance exams, but the competition might be less intense compared to JAMB.
- Catchment Area Advantage: Investigate universities located within your state or catchment area. Some public universities offer lower cut-off points for indigenes (in-state students) residing within their catchment area. This can be a significant advantage if your JAMB score falls short of the general cut-off point.
By applying strategically, you can maximize your chances of admission despite a lower JAMB score. Remember, research is key! Carefully investigate the specific admission requirements and cut-off points for each university you consider.
Apply Strategically (continued):
- Research Post-UTME performance: Not all universities weigh JAMB and Post-UTME equally. Some universities, like University of Lagos (UNILAG), for instance, place a significant emphasis on the Post-UTME score. This means that a strong performance in the Post-UTME exam can significantly improve your chances of admission, even if your JAMB score is lower than the cut-off for your chosen course.
B. Explore Alternative Programs:
- Pre-degree Programs: Consider pre-degree programs like Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) or Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB). These programs offer an alternative pathway to university admission. Importantly, they often do not require a JAMB score for entry. IJMB is offered by several universities across Nigeria, while JUPEB availability might be more limited. Researching institutions with these programs can open doors even with a low JAMB score.
C. Rethink Course Selection:
- Courses with Lower Cut-Off Points: Research courses within your desired field (or a related field) that historically have lower cut-off points. For example, if your dream is to study Mass Communication but the cut-off is high, consider exploring Journalism or Public Relations, which might have lower requirements. Remember, a lower cut-off point doesn’t mean a lesser program. It simply means there might be less competition, allowing you to leverage your JAMB score more effectively.
- Subject Combination Alignment: Ensure your JAMB subject combination aligns with the new course you’re considering. Mismatched subjects can disqualify you from admission, regardless of your score. Double-check the specific subject requirements for your chosen course before applying.
III. Conclusion
A low JAMB score doesn’t have to derail your university dreams. By applying strategically, exploring alternative programs, and considering a course switch, you can still secure admission. Remember, thorough research is crucial! Investigate specific universities, their cut-off points, Post-UTME weightage, and available programs before making your final decisions. With some strategic planning, a lower JAMB score won’t stand in your way of achieving your educational goals.
Courses you can study with a low JAMB score
Arts
The art courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 140 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are eligible.
- Theatre Arts
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Christian Religious Studies
- English and Literary Studies
- Fine and Applied Arts (Creative Arts)
- Yoruba and Communication Arts
- Foreign Languages (French, Chinese) and Literature
- History
- Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
- Music
Science courses
The courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 140 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are eligible as well.
- Fisheries
- Agricultural science
- Forest Resources Management or Forestry
- Home Science and Nutrition
- Soil Science
- Animal Science
- Botany
- Anatomy
- Marine Biology
Social Science and Management
The courses below are acceptable in universities for candidates with JAMB scores between 150 – 180. For polytechnics, candidates with scores between 100 – 120 are also eligible.
- Insurance
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Marketing
- Agricultural Economics
- Accountancy
- Business Management
- Actuarial Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Estate Management
- Health Administration and Management
Federal universities that accept low JAMB scores
These universities accept JAMB scores of 140 and above:
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
- Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State
- Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
- Federal University of Lafia, Nassarawa State
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State
State universities that accept low JAMB scores
These universities also accept JAMB scores of 140 and above:
- Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Ekiti State University
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu
- Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Rumuolumeni
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
- Lagos State University, Ojo
- Niger Delta University, Yenagoa
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
