If you scored 180 in your JAMB UTME, you might be worried about your admission chances. The good news is that a score of 180 is above the general JAMB minimum cut-off mark and qualifies you for admission at many Nigerian universities.
While top federal universities may be out of reach for competitive courses, there are dozens of state and private universities where 180 is a perfectly acceptable score. This guide shows you exactly where you can get in.
Last Updated: January 2025 | Author: Mr. Ibrahim Musa
Is 180 a Good JAMB Score?
Let us be honest: 180 is a below-average to average score. The average JAMB score typically falls between 180 and 220. However, this does not mean your university dreams are over. Many quality universities accept this score, and a strong POST-UTME performance can compensate significantly.
What 180 means for your options:
- Top federal universities (UNILAG, UI, OAU) — Very limited options, mostly Education courses
- Mid-tier federal universities — Some Arts, Education, and Agricultural courses
- Most state universities — Wide range of courses available
- All private universities — All courses available including Medicine at some
Federal Universities That Accept 180 in JAMB
Most federal universities set their general cut-off at 200, meaning 180 will not meet the minimum requirement at universities like UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, and OAU. However, some federal universities still accept 180:
| University | State | General Cut-Off | Accessible Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUTA | Ondo | 180 | Some Science and Technology courses |
| FUTO | Imo | 180 | Some Science and Engineering courses |
| FUOYE | Ekiti | 180 | Most courses except Medicine |
| FUL Lokoja | Kogi | 180 | Most courses |
| FULafia | Nasarawa | 180 | Most courses |
| FUW Wukari | Taraba | 180 | Most courses |
| FUDMA | Katsina | 180 | Most courses |
| FUGASHUA | Yobe | 180 | Most courses |
| FUBirnin Kebbi | Kebbi | 180 | Most courses |
| FUGusau | Zamfara | 180 | Most courses |
| MOUAU | Abia | 180 | Agriculture, Science courses |
Note: Even at these universities, departmental cut-offs for popular courses like Computer Science may be higher than 180. Check individual course requirements.
State Universities That Accept 180 in JAMB
State universities are your best bet with a score of 180. Most state universities have general cut-offs between 160 and 190, making 180 competitive.
| University | State | Cut-Off | Accessible Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| EKSU | Ekiti | 170 | Most courses except Medicine |
| DELSU | Delta | 180 | Most courses except Medicine |
| AAU Ekpoma | Edo | 180 | Most courses except Medicine |
| AAUA | Ondo | 180 | Most courses |
| OOU | Ogun | 180 | Most courses |
| RSU | Rivers | 180 | Most courses |
| KASU | Kaduna | 180 | Most courses |
| ESUT | Enugu | 180 | Most courses |
| IMSU | Imo | 180 | Most courses |
| EBSU | Ebonyi | 170 | Most courses |
| KWASU | Kwara | 170 | Most courses |
| BASU | Bauchi | 170 | Most courses |
| PLASU | Plateau | 170 | Most courses |
| NSUK | Nasarawa | 170 | Most courses |
Private Universities That Accept 180 in JAMB
Almost every private university in Nigeria accepts 180. Many accept scores as low as 140–160. The trade-off is higher tuition fees.
| University | State | Cut-Off | Est. Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ogun | 180 | ₦700K – ₦1.5M |
| Babcock University | Ogun | 160 | ₦600K – ₦1.2M |
| ABUAD | Ekiti | 160 | ₦800K – ₦2M |
| Landmark University | Kwara | 160 | ₦500K – ₦1M |
| Lead City University | Oyo | 140 | ₦400K – ₦800K |
| Bowen University | Osun | 140 | ₦400K – ₦900K |
| Redeemer’s University | Osun | 160 | ₦500K – ₦1M |
| Caleb University | Lagos | 140 | ₦500K – ₦1M |
| Bells University | Ogun | 140 | ₦400K – ₦700K |
Courses You Can Study With 180 in JAMB
| Course Category | Federal Uni | State Uni | Private Uni |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 🔴 No | 🔴 No | 🟡 Some |
| Law | 🔴 No | 🔴 Unlikely | 🟡 Some |
| Engineering | 🔴 Unlikely | 🟡 Some | 🟢 Yes |
| Computer Science | 🟡 Some newer unis | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
| Accounting | 🟡 Some | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
| Economics | 🟢 Newer federal unis | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
| Education | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
| Agriculture | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
| Arts courses | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes | 🟢 Yes |
Tips for Getting Admitted With 180
- Target state universities and newer federal universities — your competition is lower
- Prepare exceptionally well for POST-UTME — a score of 80%+ on POST-UTME can push your aggregate above candidates who scored 220+ in JAMB but performed poorly in POST-UTME
- Ensure your O’Level grades are strong — 5 A’s and B’s significantly boost your aggregate
- Be flexible on course choice — consider related but less competitive courses
- Consider polytechnics — institutions like YABATECH, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and others offer ND/HND programmes with lower entry requirements
- Consider rewriting JAMB — if your dream course requires 230+, an extra year of preparation may be worth it
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get admission with 180 in JAMB?
Yes. Many state universities, newer federal universities, and virtually all private universities accept 180. Your course options may be limited at top federal universities, but you have plenty of viable alternatives.
Should I rewrite JAMB if I scored 180?
It depends on your goals. If you want Medicine, Law, or Engineering at a top federal university, rewriting to aim for 240+ would be advisable. If you are open to state universities and flexible on courses, 180 offers workable options.
What is the lowest JAMB score that can get admission?
The lowest general JAMB cut-off mark is typically 140 (for some private universities and polytechnics). Most universities accept from 160–200 depending on the institution type.
Find universities for your exact score: JAMB Admission Calculator →
Data compiled from JAMB brochure and university admissions portals.