More than 1.5 million students who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are currently facing a difficult crossroad, their dreams of university education teetering due to scores that fell below the traditional admission thresholds. With anxiety high and options few, a quiet shift in policy by several Nigerian universities has offered a fresh glimmer of hope—redefining what is possible for candidates who once feared the worst.
This year’s UTME results, administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), took the nation by surprise. A staggering number of students—over 1.5 million—scored below 200, a figure that has triggered widespread concern among parents, educators, and the students themselves. For many, the once clear-cut path to university admission now seems riddled with uncertainty.
Rather than dwell in frustration or despair, students have begun seeking alternative institutions—places they hadn’t initially considered but are now evaluating with urgency. The conventional preference for federal universities and top state institutions has, out of necessity, expanded to include polytechnics, colleges of education, and a growing list of private and state universities that are showing flexibility in their admission requirements.
In an unprecedented move, a number of these institutions have publicly revised their cut-off marks, lowering them to accommodate a wider pool of applicants. Some are now accepting scores as low as 140, a significant drop from the 180–200 range that had previously been the baseline for most universities.
This shift comes as a breath of fresh air for thousands of candidates who might have otherwise sat out this academic year or considered a repeat attempt in 2026. The new cut-off thresholds—140, 150, and 160—are more than numbers; they are lifelines for young Nigerians eager to continue their educational journey.
Universities Opening Doors at 160 and Above
For those who managed to score 160 or above, a sizeable list of institutions is available for immediate consideration. Abia State University, for example, has traditionally welcomed students with a wide range of UTME scores, and this year is no different. Alongside them, institutions like Achievers University, Akwa Ibom State University, and Al-Qalam University have all confirmed their openness to candidates at this score tier.
Even some premium private institutions have adopted more inclusive admission policies. Covenant University, Babcock University, and Bowen University—names that have often been associated with stricter cut-offs—are among those now accepting 160 and above. Other universities on this list include Edo University, Igbinedion University, American University of Nigeria, Nile University, and Redeemer’s University.
This decision appears to reflect a growing understanding of the unique challenges candidates faced this year, and a willingness by university administrations to meet students halfway.
More Options at 150 and Up
Dropping further into the 150–159 score bracket, the list of welcoming universities remains impressive. Adamawa State University has long held a reputation for accommodating a broad spectrum of applicants, and their continued flexibility in this regard has not gone unnoticed.
Private universities such as Ajayi Crowther University, Al-Hikmah University, Bingham University, and Benson Idahosa University are now key players in this tier. These institutions, known for their disciplined academic environments and personalized learning structures, offer a compelling option for candidates with modest scores.
The list doesn’t stop there. Novena University, Hallmark University, and Mountain Top University are all actively encouraging applicants to submit their applications. Nigerian Turkish Nile University, despite its reputation as a more exclusive school, has also adjusted its bar to 150—a clear sign of how widespread this recalibration has become.
Some universities, like Rhema and Veritas, appear on multiple cut-off lists, suggesting a flexible, department-based admission policy that gives candidates even more of a fighting chance depending on their course of interest.
Broader Access at 140 and Above
For students whose UTME scores landed in the 140–149 range, the road is not closed. In fact, more doors are open than ever before. The 140 score bracket is being embraced by institutions across all categories—federal, state, and private.
Admiralty University of Nigeria and African University of Science and Technology have both declared 140 as their admission floor. This is a major win for candidates with limited options and high hopes. Delta State University, a public institution, has also joined the ranks, which is especially significant for students hoping to avoid the higher fees typically associated with private universities.
The Federal Universities of Dutse, Dutsin-Ma, Gashua, Gusau, Kasere, and Otuoke are also among the institutions lowering their thresholds. These schools are not only geographically diverse—spread across the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country—but they also offer a wide range of courses, giving candidates much-needed flexibility in choosing their career paths.
Lead City University, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, and Northwest University are also part of this inclusive initiative, as are Obong University and PAMO University of Medical Sciences. Notably, many of these schools specialize in science and technology-based curricula, providing solid options for STEM-inclined students.
Rounding out the list are familiar names like Samuel Adegboyega University, Ritman University, Skyline University Nigeria, and Summit University—all of which now accept candidates from the 140 mark upward. University of Africa, University of Mkar, and Wellspring University further complete a broad and growing network of institutions redefining what it means to be eligible for higher education in Nigeria.
A Time for Strategic Decision-Making
While these developments bring hope, they also place a responsibility on candidates and their guardians to act strategically. Knowing which schools accept which scores is only the beginning; students must also consider the specific programs available, location, fees, accreditation status, and long-term career goals.
It is advisable for prospective students to visit school websites, engage with admission officers, and attend open days or virtual Q&A sessions if available. There is also the option to leverage JAMB’s Change of Institution portal, which remains a critical tool for students seeking to align their UTME performance with the most suitable institutions.
The Bigger Picture
What this moment ultimately underscores is the resilience of Nigeria’s higher education system. Faced with an academic year marred by lower-than-expected UTME results, both students and institutions are pivoting with remarkable adaptability. For the students, it is a lesson in perseverance. For the institutions, it is a gesture of inclusivity and pragmatism.
Far from a death knell for academic ambition, the drop in UTME performance has sparked a movement of recalibration across Nigeria’s tertiary landscape. The message is clear: a low score is not the end of the road. It may, in fact, be the beginning of a more thoughtful, deliberate educational journey—one that takes unexpected turns but still leads to a promising destination.
As new admission windows open and choices expand, students are encouraged to stay hopeful, informed, and proactive. Because now, more than ever, opportunity favors the prepared.
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