This guide walks you through how universities accepting 140 in Nigeria work and how to boost your chances.
What is the UTME/JAMB cut-off mark?
A cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a school (and sometimes a department) requires before considering a candidate for admission.
Think of it like the “gate” to screening: meet or beat it, and you’re allowed into the next stage (Post-UTME/online screening).
- Institutional (general) cut-off: the baseline to apply for screening at that university.
- Departmental cut-off: course-by-course thresholds that are often higher than the general mark.
Cut-offs change by year based on national policy meetings and school decisions. In some list of universities that accept 140 cut-off mark sessions, universities set 140 as a minimum “tolerable” score; in others, benchmarks rise.
Schools can and do set different, usually higher, departmental marks for competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing, Law, or Engineering. Always check the current session’s notice before you apply.
Is 140 a good score? Pros and cons
Short answer: 140 can still open doors but mostly to less competitive programmes and schools that explicitly accept it for the session.
Pros
- Eligibility in some schools: Several universities have recently announced screening eligibility at 140, keeping your options alive.
- Room to pivot: You can target courses with lower departmental cut-offs, then explore change-of-course opportunities later (if the school permits).
Cons
- Competition is tighter: Popular courses often demand far above 140 sometimes 180–250+. You’ll need strong O’level results and solid screening performance.
- Policy swings: If the current policy pegs a higher national benchmark, many universities will align upward, shrinking 140-eligible options that year.
- Course limits: Medicine, Nursing, Law, Engineering, and some business/tech programmes usually exceed 140 by a wide margin.
Bottom line: 140 isn’t the end. It’s a signal to be strategic, choose schools that truly accept it this year, focus on fit-for-score courses, and execute your application cleanly.
Types of institutions and typical cut-offs
Federal universities
Federal universities usually attract heavy demand. In some sessions, many set general screening at 140, but individual departments push higher (e.g., 160–250) depending on competitiveness.
Examples often cited include UNICAL, UNIUYO, FUOtuoke, and MOUAU. Always verify the latest session before acting.
State universities
State universities often provide flexible windows, especially for Education, Agriculture, and some Social Science courses.
Akwa Ibom State University and K.O. Mbadiwe University have publicized 140 screening eligibility in recent cycles. Departmental marks can still rise for hot courses.
Private universities
Private universities vary widely. Some accept 140 for many programmes to widen access, while setting higher thresholds for a few competitive programmes. Tuition is higher, but facilities may be modern and class sizes smaller.
Note on yearly changes: Policy meetings influence minimums. Treat last year’s cut-off as a hint, not a promise.
How to find universities accepting 140 this year
Check JAMB brochure/CAPS and official school portals
Start with jambCAPS and each university’s admission/news page. Schools publish Post-UTME notices with eligibility lines (e.g., “minimum of 140”).
Verify departmental vs. general cut-offs
A school may allow 140 for screening but require 160–250 for specific courses. Many universities publish programme-by-programme cut-off grids, read them carefully.
Confirm Post-UTME/Screening formats and dates
Post-UTME can be a test, online screening, or both. Notices specify formats, dates, and portals. Read them carefully and plan ahead.
Watch for public notices and updates
Universities regularly update eligibility and deadlines. Bookmark the school’s portal and check weekly during the admission window.
Cross-check with credible counsellors/admissions offices
If in doubt, call the admissions office listed on the official notice or use recognized student information hubs that cite source links.
List of universities that often consider 140 (by category)
Important: The examples below reflect recent public notices. Policies change yearly; always confirm the latest session on each school’s portal before applying.
Federal universities (positions and notes)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL): Announced Post-UTME/DE screening with 140 minimum eligibility in some recent sessions. Departmental marks for popular courses may be higher.
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO): Advertised 140 minimum for screening in a recent cycle; competitive courses typically demand more.
- Federal University Otuoke (FUOtuoke): Detailed departmental cut-off grids often show Education/Arts/Management programmes closer to 140; health/engineering higher.
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU): Opened screening to candidates who scored 140+ in a recent session; course competitiveness still applies.
- David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu: Cited 140 minimum for general eligibility; many health programmes require higher departmental scores—check specifics.
State universities (positions and notes)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU): Screening eligibility from 140 for first-choice candidates in recent cycles; departmental marks vary.
- K.O. Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Imo: Public notices have stated “ONLY candidates with 140+ are eligible,” including those who switch to first choice.
- University of Delta (UNIDEL): Has posted minimums around 140 in some sessions; confirm the current cycle’s exact figure.
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU): Departmental grids show some courses at 140 while others are higher. Verify your specific programme.
- University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo: Admissions pages indicate 140 minimum in some sessions—reconfirm against current policy outcomes.
Private universities (positions and notes)
- Selected private universities: Some accept 140 for many programmes (with Nursing/Medicine often higher). Compare fees, facilities, and accreditation.
Important caveats: programme-specific thresholds and quotas
- Departmental differences: It’s common to see Education/Agriculture/Social Science programmes at 140–160 while Medicine, Nursing, Law, and Engineering sit much higher.
- Quotas: Even if you meet 140, programme quotas and catchment policies affect final lists.
- Policy shifts: When national benchmarks rise, 140 opportunities can shrink—check the newer policy notice before applying.
Admission requirements beyond UTME score
O’level subject credits and combinations
Five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics within two sittings are standard.
Subject alignment matters (e.g., Physics/Chemistry/Biology for science tracks). In close calls, strong O’level combos can tip the scale.
Age, residency, and documentation
Have a valid birth certificate/age declaration, local government/state of origin certificate, and ID. Make photocopies. Small document gaps delay screening.
Post-UTME/Screening performance
Treat this like extra points on a scoreboard. If the school tests, prepare with past questions.
If it’s an online screening, ensure accurate entries (grades, exam numbers) and upload clear scans. Notices from schools spell out formats, read them fully.
Catchment and educationally-less-developed states (ELDS) policies
Some schools reserve slots for catchment states and ELDS. You can’t control this, but you can use it: shortlist schools where you fall inside catchment, and where your intended course is less competitive. It’s a quiet advantage many ignore.
How to choose the right course and school with 140
Match competitiveness tiers (high/medium/low)
Create a simple 3-tier list. Put Medicine/Nursing/Law/Engineering in High; Pharmacy/Computer Science/Accounting in Medium; Education/Agriculture/Arts in Low (varies by school).
With 140, focus on Low and some Medium in schools that explicitly accept 140 this year.
Consider course flexibility and change-of-course options
Some schools allow internal change of course after year one if you meet CGPA rules.
Picking a related but less competitive programme (e.g., Physics Education instead of pure Physics) can be a smart entry route.
Balance cost, location, and facilities
State and private options may have different fee levels. Consider hostel availability, labs, clinics, and class sizes. For some, paying more now for better facilities saves time and stress later.
Career outcomes and NYSC considerations
Ensure the programme is NUC-approved and leads to a recognized degree for NYSC. For specialized schools (e.g., health sciences), ask about clinical placements, labs, and accreditation status.
If you’re asking, “how to gain admission with 140 in Nigeria,” remember that employability starts with choosing a programme you can finish well, not just one you can enter.
Step-by-step application timeline & checklist
Change of institution/course (when and how)
Once you spot a school accepting 140 in the current session, process a Change of Institution/Course on JAMB portal before the school’s screening deadline.
Create/monitor JAMB CAPS profile
CAPS is where schools request and offer admission. Keep checking your dashboard for “Admission in Progress,” “Recommended,” or an outright Offer.
Upload O’level results and confirm receipt
Visit a JAMB CBT centre to upload WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results. After upload, verify on CAPS. Missing O’level uploads block admission, even with a good score.
Register for Post-UTME/Screening and print slips
Use the school’s official portal. Enter accurate biodata, subjects, and grades; pay the screening fee; print your acknowledgment/slip. Follow the instructions exactly.
Track admission lists and accept/reject offers
Some schools release batches. If you see an offer on CAPS, Accept quickly; if you won’t take it, Reject so the slot can be reassigned and you can pursue another.
Quick checklist: JAMB change ✔ | O’level uploaded ✔ | School form ✔ | Slip printed ✔ | CAPS monitoring ✔ | Documents packed ✔
How to boost your chances after scoring 140
Target less competitive programmes/faculties
Look for Education, Agriculture, some Arts/Social Science options, or new programmes where spaces exist. This is the most reliable path if you’re asking, “can I gain admission with 140?”
Strengthen O’level and subject alignment
Perfect subject combo = fewer red flags. If your UTME subjects don’t align with your course, consider a related course this year or plan a rewrite with correct combinations.
Prepare strategically for Post-UTME/Screening
If there’s a test, practice time-bound drills. If it’s online screening, double-check data entry. Small details (e.g., different name order on certificates) can stall verification.
Consider a UTME rewrite and timing
If 140 isn’t opening doors this session—especially when the national benchmark is higher you can pursue polytechnic/COE routes for now or rewrite UTME while building a stronger profile (mock tests, better subject combos). Either way, keep momentum.
Alternatives if a university offer doesn’t come
Polytechnics (ND → HND → top-up)
Many polytechnics accept 100–120+ and offer solid technical training. You can later do HND or a university top-up/Direct Entry.
Colleges of Education (NCE → Direct Entry)
Earn an NCE, then proceed via DE into a university’s Education faculties. It’s a respected teacher-training route.
Pre-degree/Remedial/Foundation pathways
Some universities run pre-degree or JUPEB/IJMB/Foundation programmes. A strong result can move you into 200 level without UTME, confirm the provider’s accreditation and target course.
Skills, diplomas, and online certificates
Short professional courses (IT, design, health tech, business ops) can build employable skills while you re-strategize. You can apply later with a stronger profile and clearer direction.
Common mistakes to avoid
Ignoring departmental cut-offs
Getting 140 does not guarantee a seat in high-demand courses. Always check course-level requirements.
Wrong subject combinations
UTME and O’level combos must fit the brochure. Mismatch = automatic screening failure.
Missing deadlines and incomplete forms
Late applications, wrong uploads, or missing slips kill chances. Set reminders.
Not uploading/validating O’level on CAPS
Many “no admission” cases trace to missing O’level uploads. Verify after every CBT centre visit.
Falling for admission scams
Only use official portals and published contacts. Cross-check suspicious messages with the school’s site.
Sample decision paths (case studies)
Science candidate aiming for Engineering with 140
Aim for a university that accepts 140 for screening but where Engineering sits at 160+. Apply for a related, less competitive programme (e.g., Physics or Industrial Chemistry) this year.
Build a strong CGPA, then request change of course internally in year two if policy allows.
Business/Arts candidate targeting Management or Social Sciences
Shortlist state or private universities that list 140 for screening. Apply to Economics/Accounting only if departmental marks are realistic; otherwise consider Business Education, Sociology, or Public Administration.
Keep an eye on transfer/supplementary lists and be ready for change-of-course offers.
Education/Science candidate exploring ELDS/catchment options
If you fall within a school’s catchment or ELDS advantage, prioritize that school and apply to Education or Agriculture where thresholds are often friendlier.
Upload O’level early, watch screening dates, and keep CAPS refreshed daily. If you get a related offer (e.g., Biology Education instead of Biology), accept it and progress.
Useful tools and resources
JAMB CAPS and official brochures
Your single source of truth for eligibility, subject combinations, and offer status. Use CAPS for Change of Institution/Course and to accept/reject offers.
University admission portals and hotlines
Every school posts an official notice with eligibility, fees, and deadlines. Bookmark them and call published lines if stuck.
Accredited information hubs and counselling channels
Use credible student platforms that cite official links. Avoid anonymous lists without sources. When in doubt, contact the school admissions office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gain admission with 140, and to which programmes?
Yes, if the school accepts 140 this session and your chosen programme’s departmental mark aligns.
Less competitive programmes (especially in Education/Agriculture/Some Social Sciences) are more realistic.
Do departmental cut-offs differ from the school’s general cut-off?
Yes. A university may screen at 140 but set 160–250 for specific courses. Always check the programme grid before paying.
How do I know if a school truly accepts 140 this year?
Read the current Post-UTME notice on the official portal. Look for the exact wording on minimum UTME scores and eligible courses.
What if my O’level subjects don’t match my chosen course?
Choose a related course that fits your current combo or rewrite to fix the combo. Wrong subjects usually disqualify you during screening.
Is Post-UTME compulsory, and how is it scored?
It depends on the school. Some run tests; others do online screening. Follow each school’s notice for the exact format and scoring.
Will changing institution or course reduce my chances?
No, so long as you meet the new school’s eligibility and submit within the deadline. Many schools explicitly invite qualified switchers.
How do catchment and ELDS policies affect me?
They can raise your chances if you fit the policy window. Prioritize schools where you have this advantage.
Should I wait and rewrite UTME or proceed with 140?
If the current national benchmark is higher, options may narrow. You can pursue alternatives (polytechnic/COE/foundation) now and plan a strategic rewrite.
What documents must I keep ready for screening?
UTME result slip, O’level result(s), birth certificate/age declaration, LGA/state of origin certificate, passport photos, and printouts of payments/slips.
How do I avoid fake admission offers and scams?
Use only school portals and contacts. Cross-check news with official pages; ignore third-party payment links or WhatsApp “agents.”
Final tip
If your main question is “how to gain admission with 140 in Nigeria,” focus on schools that currently accept 140, pick realistic programmes, polish your O’level profile, and execute every step meticulously. That’s how 140 turns into an admission letter.
