“Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark: What It Means and What to Do Next”

“Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark: What It Means and What to Do Next”: Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets the minimum cut-off marks for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For many candidates, seeing a low JAMB cut-off mark may spark confusion or even disappointment. However, a low cut-off mark doesn’t mean the end of your admission dreams—it may be a doorway to new opportunities if you know how to navigate the options.

This article explains what low JAMB cut-off marks really mean, how institutions use them, and what you can do if your score falls within or below this range.

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What Is a JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

A JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible for admission consideration. While JAMB sets a general baseline (e.g., 140 for universities in 2024), each institution is allowed to raise its cut-off depending on demand and competitiveness of courses.

For example:

• Federal universities may set their cut-off at 180–200.
• State universities might accept 160–180.
• Polytechnics and colleges of education often go as low as 100–120.

You can verify the current official policy from JAMB’s website here:
👉 https://www.jamb.gov.ng

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Why Do Some Institutions Use Low Cut-Off Marks?

Low JAMB cut-off marks don’t always indicate poor academic standards. In fact, many institutions set lower benchmarks for several reasons:

• To attract more applicants: Especially newly established or less competitive schools.
• To ensure regional representation: Schools in underserved areas may lower the cut-off to give more students a chance.
• To fill available slots: Some courses are less in demand and can afford lower thresholds.

Moreover, institutions can use additional screening methods (like post-UTME) to maintain quality.
“Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark: What It Means and What to Do Next”

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Is a Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark Bad?

Not necessarily. If you scored around 140 or 150, it simply means your options may be limited to institutions or programs that accept such scores. While it may exclude you from highly competitive courses like medicine or law, you can still gain admission into reputable programs in fields such as:

• Agriculture
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• Arts and Humanities

Rather than feel discouraged, focus on making the most of available opportunities.

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What to Do If You Have a Low JAMB Score

1. Consider Schools with Lower Cut-Off Marks

Several universities and polytechnics are known to accept scores between 100 and 160. Some options include:

• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)
• Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
• Nasarawa State University, Keffi
• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede

For a full list of schools with low cut-off marks, check this guide:
👉 https://www.myschool.ng/news/schools-accepting-low-jamb-scores

2. Apply for a Change of Institution

If your preferred school requires a higher cut-off than your score, consider changing to a school that matches your UTME performance. JAMB allows this through the change of institution feature on the CAPS portal:
👉 https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng

3. Explore Polytechnic and College of Education Options

These institutions often have more flexible admission policies and provide quality education. After obtaining your diploma or NCE, you can even use Direct Entry to upgrade to a university degree.

4. Prepare Well for Post-UTME

Some institutions use Post-UTME or screening exercises to further assess candidates. A strong performance here can boost your admission chances—even with a lower JAMB score.

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Tips for Maximizing Admission Chances

• Always upload your O’Level results to the JAMB portal.
• Frequently check JAMB CAPS for updates on your admission status.
• Stay informed through the official JAMB bulletin.
• Join online student communities to learn from peers.

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Conclusion

A low JAMB cut-off mark doesn’t end your academic journey. Rather, it should guide your next steps. By identifying the right institutions, understanding your options, and taking proactive measures like changing institutions or considering polytechnics, you can still secure admission and pursue your goals. Keep in mind, success isn’t only about where you start, but how you finish.

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