Looking for private universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria? Check out the full list below.
Gaining admission into a Nigerian university can be stressful, especially when the competition is high and cut-off marks keep rising every year.
But the good news is this: not all universities in Nigeria have high cut-off marks.
Many students don’t know that several private universities accept low JAMB scores, yet offer quality education, modern facilities, and flexible admission processes.
In this post, you’ll learn the top best private universities with low cut-off marks in Nigeria, their admission requirements, reasons their cut-off is lower, tuition fees to expect, and tips to boost your chance of getting admitted.
So if you scored between 140 to 160 in JAMB, this article will help you choose the right school and avoid missing admission this year.
Why Do Some Private Universities Have Low Cut-Off Marks?
Before listing the private universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria, let’s understand why their cut-off marks are lower:
1. Less Competitive Admission Process
Public universities receive thousands of applications yearly.
But private universities get fewer applicants, which allows them to reduce cut-off marks and admit more students.
2. More Flexible Policies
Private universities have the freedom to set their own admission standards.
They are not as strict as federal universities.
3. Encouraging Wider Access to Education
Some private universities intentionally reduce their cut-off marks to give more students the chance to enter school without waiting another year.
4. Tuition-Funded System
Since private universities rely on school fees to run their operations, they naturally keep admission open to more students, not only those with the highest scores.
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List of 10 Private Universities With Low Cut-Off Mark in Nigeria (140–160 Accepted)
Below are some of the most reliable private universities that accept low JAMB scores.
Note: Each school may have different departmental requirements.
1. Achievers University, Owo
General Cut-off Mark: 140
Achievers University is one of the most flexible when it comes to admission.
The school accepts students who score 140 and above in JAMB for many programs.
Why consider the school?
- Standard academic environment
- Fast academic calendar
- Affordable tuition compared to many private universities
2. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
General Cut-off Mark: 140
This is one of the private Universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria. It’s known for offering discipline, good accommodation, affordable tuition fees, and outstanding academic programs.
Popular courses:
- Public Health
- Computer Science
- Political Science
3. Lead City University, Ibadan
General Cut-off Mark: 140
Lead City University is one of the most popular choices for students seeking admission with low cut-off marks.
Reasons students choose Lead City:
- Flexible admission process
- Good facilities
- Wide choice of courses
4. Caleb University, Lagos
General Cut-off Mark: 140
Located in Imota, Lagos, Caleb University accepts low JAMB scores but maintains strong academic standards.
Highlights:
- Urban campus in Lagos
- Good ICT facilities
- Stable academic calendar
5. Gregory University, Uturu
General Cut-off Mark: 140
Gregory University offers many courses, including engineering, social sciences, and basic medical sciences, with a low cut-off requirement.
6. Caritas University, Enugu
General Cut-off Mark: 140
This Catholic university is known for discipline, academic excellence, and a conducive student environment.
7. Madonna University, Okija
General Cut-off Mark: 140
One of Nigeria’s oldest private universities. Madonna offers a wide range of accredited programs and accepts lower JAMB scores.
8. Bowen University, Iwo
General Cut-off Mark: 140 to 160
This aalso one of the private Universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria. Bowen sets moderate cut-off marks depending on the course.
Some programs accept 140, while others require 160 and above.
9. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
General Cut-off Mark: 150
While Babcock is a top private university, many people don’t know that it accepts low JAMB scores for many courses.
10. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
General Cut-off Mark: 140
This school is among the best Universities when it comes to accepting students with average JAMB results.
Read Also: Step-by-step WAEC Result Upload on Jamb Portal
Benefits of Attending Private Universities With Low Cut-Off Marks in Nigeria
Choosing a private university with a low cut-off mark comes with great advantages:
1. Higher Admission Chances
No unnecessary competition. Your chances of getting admitted are much higher.
2. Faster Admission Process
Private universities usually release admission lists quickly, there’s no long delays.
3. Stable Academic Calendar
Private institutions rarely go on strike, ensuring you graduate faster.
4. Smaller Class Sizes
Students get more attention from lecturers and learn more effectively.
5. Modern Learning Facilities
Many have better laboratories, hostels, libraries, and ICT centers.
Courses You Can Study With a Low Cut-Off Mark (140–160)
Most private universities allow students with low JAMB scores to study courses such as:
- Mass Communication
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Computer Science
- Education courses
- Accounting
- Criminology
Competitive courses like Law, Medicine, and Nursing usually have higher departmental requirements, even in private universities.
General Admission Requirements for These Universities
To gain admission into private universities with low cut-off marks in Nigeria, you’ll need:
- A JAMB score of 140–160
- At least 5 credit passes in WAEC/NECO/GCE (including Mathematics & English)
- Completed online application form
- Post-UTME screening or interview
- Birth certificate
- Passport photographs
The process is very straightforward for most schools.
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Expected School Fees for Private Universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria
Private universities charge different fees depending on:
- Course of study
- Level of facilities
- State
- Hostel choice
But here’s a general idea:
| School | Estimated Fees Per Session |
|---|---|
| Achievers University | ₦500,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Al-Hikmah University | ₦350,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Bowen University | ₦450,000 – ₦1.2M |
| Lead City University | ₦350,000 – ₦1M |
| Madonna University | ₦400,000 – ₦900,000 |
Please ensure you always check the school’s official website for updated fees.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Admission Quickly
Here are simple strategies that work if you want to gain admission in these private Universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria:
1. Apply Early
Private universities process admissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Prepare for the Screening
Even if the cut-off is low, performing well in the school’s screening helps.
3. Pick Less Competitive Courses
Courses like Mass Communication, Sociology, and Business are easier to enter.
4. Ensure Your O’Level Result Is Strong
Most private universities place high value on WAEC/NECO grades.
5. Contact the Admissions Office Directly
Private universities are easier to reach and provide clear guidance.
See Also: Top Universities That Accept 120 as JAMB Score in Nigeria (2025 Update)
FAQs on Private Universities with low Cut-off marks in Nigeria
1. Can I get admission into a private university with 140 in JAMB?
Yes. Many private universities accept 140.
2. Which private university has the lowest cut-off mark?
Achievers University, Lead City University, Madonna, and Calab University are among the lowest at 140.
3. Do private universities accept 120 in JAMB?
Most do not. The national benchmark is 140 for many institutions.
4. Are private universities expensive?
They are more expensive than public universities, but some offer flexible payment plans and scholarships.
5. Do private universities offer scholarships?
Yes, many offer partial or merit-based scholarships.
Final Thoughts
Getting a low score in JAMB does not mean the end of your academic dreams.
There are many private universities with low cut-off marks in Nigeria offer great learning environments, modern facilities, and easy admission processes.
So instead of waiting for one more year or repeating JAMB, you can begin your academic journey immediately by choosing the right private universities we listed here.
Remember your future is still bright, what matters is taking the next step confidently.
Good luck!
