By JKNewsMedia
CANDIDATES WHO scored between 140 and 160 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) still have pathways to secure admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that education stakeholders stated that while competition remains high for sought after courses, thousands of admission slots across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain accessible to candidates within this range if they make informed choices.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets general guidelines annually, while institutions determine their final cut off marks.
For the 2026 academic session, federal universities operate within 150 to 160, state universities from 140 and above, and private universities from 140 and above.
Polytechnics and colleges of education begin from 100.
These benchmarks indicate that a score of 140 remains a qualifying mark for several institutions.
Candidates with scores around 160 may gain admission into selected federal universities, particularly when applying for less competitive programmes.
Institutions listed include the:
▪️Federal University of Technology Owerri
▪️ Federal University Oye Ekiti
▪️Federal University Lokoja
▪️Federal University Lafia
▪️Federal University Otuoke
▪️Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
▪️University of Jos (UNIJOS)
▪️University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
▪️Usmanu Danfodiyo
▪️University and Federal University Wukari … adding that admission into these institutions depends on course demand and post UTME performance.
For candidates within the 140 to 150 range, state and private universities provide broader opportunities due to relatively flexible admission policies.
State universities listed include:
▪️Abia State University
▪️Adekunle Ajasin University
▪️Ambrose Alli University
▪️Benue State University and
▪️Adamawa State University.
Private universities listed include:
▪️Covenant University
▪️Babcock University
▪️Afe Babalola University
▪️Bowen University
▪️Redeemer’s University
▪️Lead City University Ibadan and
▪️Al Hikmah University.
Also, education analysts noted that affordability remains a key factor influencing candidates’ choices.
Polytechnics were also identified as an accessible route for candidates with lower scores.
Institutions listed include:
▪️The Polytechnic Ibadan
▪️Federal Polytechnic Ede
▪️Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
▪️Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech)
▪️Kwara State Polytechnic and
▪️Lagos State Polytechnic . . . with cut off marks starting from 100 in many cases.
Education experts stated that admission chances are influenced more by course competitiveness than UTME score alone.
They also noted that highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Nursing and Engineering typically require scores above 200, while candidates within the 140 to 160 range may consider programmes such as Education, Agricultural Sciences, Sociology, History and Religious Studies.
Also, admission consultants advised candidates with 160 to apply to federal universities with less competitive courses, those with 150 to focus on state universities, and those with 140 to prioritise private universities or polytechnics.
They also advised strong performance in post UTME screenings and consideration of institutions with lower applicant pressure.
The educationists stated that opportunities remain open for candidates within this score range in the 2026 academic session and that it will continue to monitor admission developments.
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