The low pass rate in the 2025 UTME has left many Nigerian students uncertain about securing university admission As cut-off marks may shift, students are turning to polytechnics, colleges of education, or planning to retake the exam next year Educational consultants and online platforms are now key resources for students navigating new academic options Find the stories that matter to you – faster. Use our new search tool:
The release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results has triggered concern among thousands of Nigerian students and their families, following a sharp decline in pass rates nationwide. Many candidates, who had initially set their sights on competitive universities, are now grappling with uncertainty about their admission chances. More than half of the total candidates who sat this year’s exam scored below average.
As the new academic session draws near, attention has turned to admission requirements, departmental cut-off marks, and institutional preferences. The lower performance figures have prompted students to reconsider their choices, with some now exploring options in polytechnics, colleges of education, or less competitive universities.
Education consultants and guidance counselors are experiencing a surge in consultations, as students seek advice on viable alternatives and next steps.
Online forums and social media platforms have also become hubs for sharing experiences and strategies. Some candidates are even contemplating a gap year to better prepare for the 2026 UTME. Parents, too, are voicing concern about the future of their wards, especially amid growing competition for limited admission slots. With expectations dampened and plans shifting, this year’s admission process is set to be more complex and emotionally charged than usual. The situation reflects broader challenges within the educational system, including preparedness, access to resources, and examination standards.
Here are universities that accept JAMB scores as low as 140: Universities Accepting 160 JAMB score and above 1. Abia State University 2. Achievers University 3. Akwa Ibom State University 4. Al-Qalam University 5. American University of Nigeria 6. Augustine University 7. Babcock University 8. Bowen University 9. Covenant University 10. Edo University 11. Igbinedion University 12. Joseph Ayo Babalola University 13. Madonna University 14. Nile University of Nigeria 15. Oduduwa University 16. Pan-Atlantic University 17. Paul University 18. Redeemer’s University 19. Renaissance University 20. Rhema University 21. Samuel Adegboyega University 22. Skyline University Nigeria 23. Summit University 24. Tansian University 25. University of Mkar 26. Veritas University 27. Wellspring University Universities accepting
150 JAMB score and above 1. Adamawa State University 2. Ajayi Crowther University 3. Al-Hikmah University 4. Benson Idahosa University 5. Bingham University 6. Caritas University 7. Chrisland University 8. Crawford University 9. Hallmark University 10. Mountain Top University 11. Novena University 12. Nigerian Turkish Nile University 13. Precious Cornerstone University 14. Renaissance University 15. Rhema University 16. Salem University 17. Southwestern University 18. Tansian University 19. University of Mkar 20. Veritas University 21. Wellspring University Universities
Accepting 140 JAMB score and above 1. Admiralty University of Nigeria 2. African University of Science and Technology 3. Baze University 4. Chrisland University 5. Delta State University 6. Federal University, Dutse 7. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma 8. Federal University, Gashua 9. Federal University, Gusau 10. Federal University, Kasere 11. Federal University, Otuoke 12. Gombe State University 13. Lead City University 14. Modibbo Adama University of Technology 15. Nile University of Nigeria 16. Northwest University 17. Obong University 18. Oduduwa University 19. PAMO University of Medical Sciences 20. Renaissance University 21. Rhema University 22. Ritman University 23. Samuel Adegboyega University 24. Skyline University Nigeria 25. Summit University 26. University of Africa 27. University of Mkar 28. Veritas University 29. Wellspring University JAMB lists states with most UTME malpractice our source had earlier reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that Anambra and Lagos recorded the most incidents of malpractice during the recently concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking at a media briefing over the weekend, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that 80 individuals have so far been apprehended for various exam-related offences across the country. Anambra led the list with 14 suspects, closely followed by Lagos with nine.
