As UTME 2025 draws near, many candidates who are considering private universities are asking:
“What is the minimum JAMB score required to gain admission into a private university in 2025?”
This is an important question for students exploring options beyond federal and state universities. Private universities offer flexible academic calendars, stable learning environments, and access to quality education — but there are still admission standards in place.
Here’s the correct JAMB cut-off mark for private universities in 2025, along with helpful advice for candidates.
JAMB’s Official Minimum Score for Private Universities in 2025
For the 2025 admission year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved 140 as the minimum cut-off mark for private universities in Nigeria.
This means that if you score below 140, you will not be eligible to apply for admission into any private university through JAMB. Only candidates who score 140 or above can apply and be considered for admission.
Do Private Universities Accept 140?
Yes, private universities are allowed to accept 140 as the minimum, but many of them may set higher scores for certain courses — especially competitive ones. Some private universities also conduct internal screenings or interviews.
Here are examples of how it works:
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – 140 may be accepted for some courses, but competitive courses like Medicine or Law require higher scores
- Babcock University – typically sets internal benchmarks above JAMB’s minimum
- Covenant University – usually accepts from 180 and above, depending on the course
- Bowen, Redeemer’s, Caleb, and Lead City University – may work with 140–160 range, depending on the department
So, while JAMB says 140 is the minimum, many private schools choose to go higher based on their standards and the popularity of certain courses.
Which Courses May Accept 140?
If you score 140, you’re more likely to be considered for:
- Education courses
- Languages and Communication
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Environmental Science
- Library and Information Science
- Religious Studies
- History and International Relations
For high-demand courses like Nursing, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law, you’ll likely need a score of 160–200 or more, even in private schools.
What Else Is Required Apart from JAMB Score?
To gain admission into a private university, candidates must also meet the following:
- Have at least 5 credits in O’level results, including English and Mathematics
- Use the correct subject combination for their course
- Participate in the school’s screening or interview, if required
- Have the ability to meet the tuition fees and school charges
Most private universities also accept candidates who did not choose them as first choice. Some even allow for direct application and later ask candidates to make them first choice on the JAMB portal after offering provisional admission
What If You Scored Below 140?
If your JAMB score is below 140, you cannot be admitted into any university in Nigeria through JAMB in 2025 — whether federal, state, or private. But you still have options:
- Apply to polytechnics or colleges of education, which accept from 100
- Enroll in a JUPEB, IJMB, or pre-degree programme
- Prepare for JAMB 2026 with better planning
RELATED ARTICLES:
- What Is the JAMB Minimum Score for Admission into Federal Universities in 2025?
- What Is the JAMB Minimum Score for Admission into State Universities in 2025?
Final Advice for 2025 Candidates
The current JAMB cut-off for private universities is 140, but to increase your chances — especially for competitive courses — aim for a higher score. Also ensure your O’level results are strong, your subject combination is correct, and you follow your chosen school’s instructions during the screening process.
You can also read:
- Full List of 2025 JAMB Cut-Off Marks
- JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses
- How to Pass Post-UTME in Private Universities
For more updates on school-specific cut-off marks and admission tips, visit jamb2025.com.