What is the Minimum JAMB Score for Private Universities in 2025?
As the 2025 UTME approaches, many students considering private universities in Nigeria are asking: What is the minimum JAMB score required for admission? Private universities offer quality education, flexible academic calendars, and stable learning environments, but they still maintain specific admission standards.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Official JAMB cut-off mark for private universities in 2025
✅ Do private universities accept 140?
✅ Courses that may accept 140
✅ Additional admission requirements
✅ What to do if you score below 140
JAMB’s Official Minimum Score for Private Universities in 2025
For the 2025 admission cycle, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 140 as the minimum cut-off mark for private universities in Nigeria. This means:
🔹 Below 140? You cannot apply for admission into any private university through JAMB.
🔹 140 or above? You qualify to apply, but some universities may require higher scores.
Do Private Universities Accept 140?
While 140 is JAMB’s minimum, many private universities set higher benchmarks, especially for competitive courses. Here’s how some top institutions operate:
✔ Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Accepts 140 for some courses but requires higher scores for Medicine, Law, etc.
✔ Babcock University – Often sets internal cut-offs above 140
✔ Covenant University – Typically starts from 180+, depending on the course
✔ Bowen, Redeemer’s, Caleb, Lead City – May accept 140–160, but competitive programs demand more
Which Courses May Accept 140 in Private Universities?
If you score 140, you have a better chance in courses like:
📚 Education & Humanities
🗣 Languages & Communication
🌍 Sociology, Political Science, History
📊 Environmental Science, Library & Info Science
✝ Religious Studies
For high-demand courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Law, Computer Science), aim for 160–200+ to boost your chances.
Other Admission Requirements for Private Universities
Besides your JAMB score, you must also meet:
✔ 5 O’level credits (including English & Math)
✔ Correct subject combination for your course
✔ Participation in screening/interviews (if required)
✔ Ability to pay tuition fees
💡 Bonus Tip: Some private universities accept students who did not choose them as first choice and allow direct applications.
What If You Score Below 140?
If your JAMB score is below 140, you cannot secure admission into any Nigerian university (federal, state, or private) via JAMB. However, you still have options:
🔹 Apply to Polytechnics/Colleges of Education (cut-off starts at 100)
🔹 Enroll in JUPEB, IJMB, or Pre-degree programs
🔹 Retake JAMB in 2026 with better preparation
Final Advice for 2025 JAMB Candidates
While 140 is the minimum JAMB score for private universities, aiming for a higher score (160+) improves your chances, especially for competitive courses. Also:
✅ Check your O’level results
✅ Use the correct subject combination
✅ Follow your chosen school’s screening process
Need more guidance? Stay updated with JAMB 2025 news and university-specific requirements to secure your admission smoothly!
