Many Nigerian students aim to enter universities with a UTME score of 140 or more.
While JAMB sets 140 as the national minimum, universities often raise their own requirements.
Below are answers to show which schools accept the 140 mark and what it means for your application.
What is the national cut-off mark set by JAMB?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has established a minimum UTME score of 140 for university admission in the 2025/2026 session.
This means any candidate scoring 140 or above is eligible to apply to universities, though actual acceptance depends on individual school policies.
Do some federal universities accept 140?
Yes. Certain newer and less competitive federal universities accept 140 as their initial cut-off. These include:
- Federal University, Dutse
- Federal University, Otuoke
- Federal University, Gusau
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
- Federal University, Lafia
- Federal University, Wukari
- University of Calabar
- University of Uyo
These universities use 140 to screen candidates for Post-UTME and consider it sufficient for less competitive courses.
Which state universities accept 140?
Several state-owned universities also admit students with UTME scores of 140, including:
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Taraba State University (TASU)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Plateau State University (PLASU)
- Kogi State University (KSU)
- Kwara State University (KWASU)
- Kebbi State University of Science & Technology (KSUSTA)
- Ondo State University of Science & Technology (OSUSTECH)
- Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)
- Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)
- Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Sokoto State University (SSU)
These schools welcome applicants with 140 for many of their non-competitive programmes.
Can private universities admit students with 140?
Absolutely. Many private Nigerian universities offer admission to students with UTME scores of 140+, including:
- Covenant University
- Babcock University
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Bowen University
- Igbinedion University
- Madonna University
- Bells University
- Redeemer’s University
- Ajayi Crowther University
- Al-Hikmah University
- Caleb University
- Crawford University
- Fountain University
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University
- Lead City University
- Novena University
- Oduduwa University
- Wellspring University
- Achievers University
- Benson Idahosa University
These universities often offer scholarship opportunities and flexible fees.
Why do many courses accept 140 but adjust later?
140 is a general threshold. Universities use it to start Post-UTME eligibility, but individual modes, like merit, catchment or subject-based, may require higher scores .
For competitive courses, schools tend to prefer candidates with higher UTME scores.
Which courses accept 140 UTME scores?
At these institutions, most of the non-competitive programs in arts, education, management, and general sciences may admit candidates with 140 UTME.
However, professional and high-demand courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy usually require considerably higher scores .
Am I guaranteed admission if I score 140?
No. Scoring 140 makes you eligible for Post-UTME at these schools, but final admission depends on:
- Performance in Post-UTME
- O’Level results and subject combinations
- Aggregate ranking and department slots
Simply meeting the UTME cut-off does not guarantee placement.
What should I do with a 140 UTME score?
Apply to eligible federal, state, and private universities using 140 as a baseline.
You should choose less competitive programs to boost chances of admission.
Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME to improve ranking. Retake UTME in subsequent years if aiming for professional courses with higher cut-offs