How to gain admission without meeting the JAMB cut-off mark? Seeing your JAMB score and discovering that you didn’t meet the required cut-off for your chosen course can be very discouraging.
At that moment, it may feel like all your efforts were wasted and your dreams have come to an end. But here’s the truth, you’re not alone, and more importantly, it’s not the end of your journey.
Many applicants in your situation ask questions like:
- How can I gain admission with a low JAMB score?
- Is it possible for schools to offer admission without JAMB approval?
The good news is that these questions have clear answers.
In this post, we’ll explain practical and legal ways on how to gain admission without meeting the JAMB cut-off mark. These are smart alternatives that many students use every year to secure admission into Nigerian universities without unnecessary stress.
Yes, thousands of students gain admission annually even when they don’t meet the official JAMB cut-off mark—and you can be one of them too.
So take your time and read on as we break everything down step by step. Let’s start from the basics so you fully understand how it works.
Is JAMB Compulsory for University in Nigeria?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body responsible for coordinating university admissions in Nigeria.
Most public universities, and even some private ones, use JAMB scores as a major requirement for admitting students. However, what many people don’t realize is this: JAMB is not the only pathway to university admission.
There are alternative routes through which students can gain admission without presenting a JAMB score. Some of these options include:
a. Pre-degree or Foundation programmes
b. JUPEB and IJMB programmes
c. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
d. Some private universities
e. Diploma and Certificate programmes
So yes, while JAMB plays an important role in admissions, it is not compulsory in every situation. Understanding this alone can reduce your stress and give you renewed hope.
Keep reading as we explain each of these options in detail below.
How Can I Get Admission With a Low JAMB Score?
If your JAMB score is low, you still have several options. Here’s how to make the most of what you have:
1. Pick a Less Competitive Course: Courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering are very competitive. They require high JAMB scores. But other courses, like Education, Agriculture, or Library Science, usually have lower cut-offs.
2. Choose a Less Competitive School: Some Universities and Polytechnics accept lower JAMB scores. Private and State schools are more flexible than Federal Universities.
3. Switch Courses: You can change to a course that matches your score. For example, switch from Pharmacy to Plant Science. Use JAMB’s change of course/institution portal.
4. Apply for Part-Time or Evening Programs: These programs usually have different admission processes. And the good news is that some don’t require JAMB at all.
5. Use Pre-degree or JUPEB Results: These options allow you to apply for 100 or 200-level admission without relying solely on JAMB.
Can Schools Give Admission Without JAMB Approval?
Yes, they can.
Some programs are approved by the Ministry of Education and NUC (National Universities Commission) to admit students without JAMB.
As long as the program is approved, you’re safe. But be careful. Avoid any program that isn’t registered or recognized.
Just read below as we list and discuss these programs in details…
That being said, now let’s look at how to gain admission without meeting the JAMB cut-off mark and the Schools to try.
How to Gain Admission Without Meeting JAMB Cut-Off Mark
Check out below the legal and trusted ways to gain admission without meeting the JAMB cut-off mark in Nigeria.
1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)
JUPEB is a one-year program that allows you to gain admission into 200-level Universities that accept it.
It is recognized by many Nigerian universities. Here’s how it works:
– No JAMB required
– Use your O’level (WAEC/NECO)
– After 9–10 months, take the JUPEB exam
– Apply to a University with your JUPEB result.
Schools like UNILAG, UNIBEN, UNN, LASU, and others accept JUPEB.
2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
Like JUPEB, IJMB also offers admission into 200-levels without JAMB. It’s more common in Northern Nigeria.
How it works:
– Takes about 9 months
– Accepted by ABU, UNIJOS, BUK, and others
– You attend lectures, write exams, and use the result to apply
Guess what? It’s an affordable and flexible option to try if your Jamb score is low or you don want to take Jamb exam at all.
3. Pre-degree or Remedial Programmes
Applying for a Pre-degree program is a great way to gain admission without meeting Jamb cut-off mark or taking Jamb exam at all.
Thankfulky, many Federal and State Universities offer pre-degree programs. See how it works:
– Lasts 1 academic session
– You attend classes and take exams
– If you perform well, you get admitted
Some Universities still require you to write JAMB but may accept low scores if you pass the pre-degree exam.
4. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN is a Federal University. It doesn’t require JAMB for admission. Check out it features:
– Study at your pace (online and physical lectures)
– Offers courses in Law, Education, Management, etc.
– Approved by NUC
If you’re a working student and parents who want to study, this is the perfect fit for you to consider.
5. Private Universities
Some Private Universities allow direct admission without JAMB or with low scores. Examples include:
– Lead City University
– Evangel University
– Caleb University
These schools often accept JUPEB, IJMB, or pre-degree results.
6. Colleges of Education and Polytechnics
These Institutions often have lower cut-off marks. Some offer non-JAMB programs too.
Later, you can apply for Direct Entry into the University after your ND or NCE.
7. Diploma and Certificate Courses
These are short-term courses offered by Universities, Polytechnics, or other educational bodies in Nigeria.
Here’s another easy way on how to gain admission without meeting Jamb cut-off mark in Nigeria. Why consider this?
– No JAMB required
– Affordable
– Can lead to full-time University admission later.
FAQs on How to Gain Admission without meeting JAMB cut-off Mark
Q1. Can I gain admission without JAMB in 2025?
Yes, through programs like JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, and Private Universities.
Q2. Can I Get Admission with Just WAEC or NECO?
Yes. Some programs like JUPEB, IJMB, and pre-degree only require your WAEC/NECO result.
Q3. Is Direct Entry Easier Than JAMB?
It depends. If you have an ND, HND, or NCE, Direct Entry helps you enter 200 levels. It skips JAMB but requires those earlier qualifications.
Q4. Which school accepts low JAMB scores?
Polytechnics, colleges of education, and some Private or State Universities.
Q5. Can I gain admission with only WAEC?
Yes, for JUPEB, IJMB, and some diploma or pre-degree programs.
Q6. What is the difference between IJMB and JUPEB?
Both are A-level programs, but IJMB is more common in Northern Nigeria while JUPEB is used in the South.
Q7. Is NOUN a real University?
Yes, it is a fully approved Federal University by the Nigerian government.
Q8. Can I Study Medicine Without JAMB?
It’s tough but possible. Some Private Universities and foreign schools accept JUPEB or other qualifications.
Conclusion
Not meeting the JAMB cut-off mark is not the end of your academic dream. It simply means you need to take a different route.
The good news is that there are several reliable options on how to gain admission without meeting the JAMB cut-off mark in Nigeria.
From JUPEB and IJMB to NOUN and some private universities, you have multiple paths to explore. These are not shortcuts. They are smart, legal, and approved alternatives that have worked for many students and are still working today.
If you’re a parent or guardian reading this, please encourage your child to consider these options. Don’t give up on them. Help them discover the path that suits them best.
Education is a journey, and every journey has more than one road. Choose the one that works for you.
