Which university can I go with a 170 jamb score? A Teacher’s Guide to Admission

As an educator who interacts with anxious admission seekers every year, I hear one question constantly: Which university can I go with a 170 jamb score? It is completely normal to feel a bit panicked if you did not cross the highly celebrated 200 mark. But let me assure you, a 170 is far from a dead end. Drawing from my own experience navigating the Nigerian university admission system—including my time dealing with admission processes at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)—I want to break down exactly how you can secure your spot this year. Let’s focus on practical strategy rather than blind luck.

What does a 170 JAMB score mean for your admission chances?

A 170 JAMB score means you have officially crossed the minimum national threshold of 140 to 150 set by the board for university admissions. This score qualifies you to participate in the Post-UTME screening exercises of many state and private universities, though highly competitive federal institutions might require higher marks.

Understanding your score is the first step. Many students mistakenly believe that anything below 200 is an automatic failure. In reality, universities calculate your aggregate score. This aggregate is a combination of your JAMB score, your Post-UTME screening performance, and your O-level grades. A strong showing in your school’s screening can easily compensate for a 170 in JAMB. I have seen students secure admission purely because their WAEC results were flawless and they studied strategically for the aptitude test.

Which university can I go with a 170 jamb score in Nigeria?

If you are asking which university can I go with a 170 jamb score, you have excellent options. Many reputable state institutions, private universities, and a select few federal universities will accept this score for admission into moderately competitive courses like education, agricultural sciences, and some physical sciences.

To make things easier, I have broken down some of the most reliable options into a quick reference table.

University Category	Examples of Institutions Accepting a 170 Score
State Universities	Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Kaduna State University (KASU)
Federal Universities	Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
Private Universities	Babcock University, Covenant University, Bowen University, Bingham University

Are there Federal universities accepting 170 for admission?

Yes, several federal universities accept a 170 JAMB score for admission. Institutions like Federal University Otuoke, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and Federal University Lokoja frequently process candidates with this score. However, you must apply for less competitive departments and perform exceptionally well in your Post-UTME to secure your spot.

Federal universities are incredibly competitive because of their low tuition fees. If you choose a federal route, you must leverage the Catchment Area policy. Federal schools give a specific percentage of admission slots to students native to their surrounding states. Applying to a federal university outside your geopolitical zone with a 170 score is risky.

Will State universities accept my 170 JAMB score?

State universities are usually your best bet with a 170 score. For instance, at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where I have direct experience, a 170 easily qualifies you for courses like Agricultural Engineering and certain science education programs, provided you meet the required O-level subject combinations.

State universities prioritize native applicants but are generally much more flexible with their departmental cut-off marks than federal schools.

Which courses can I study with a 170 JAMB score?

With a 170 JAMB score, you can comfortably study courses like Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, Mathematics, Sociology, and various Education programs. Avoid highly competitive fields like Medicine, Pharmacy, or Law, as their departmental cut-off marks consistently demand scores well above 200 across almost all Nigerian universities.

A brilliant strategy I often recommend to my students is the “backdoor” entry method. If you are passionate about a specific faculty, apply for the least competitive department within that faculty.

1. Secure admission into a course like Plant Science or Education Chemistry.

2. Complete your 100-level year with a very high CGPA.

3. Apply for an inter-departmental transfer in your 200-level to your dream course.

How can I boost my admission chances with a 170 score?

You can drastically improve your admission chances by choosing a less competitive course, performing brilliantly in your Post-UTME screening, and ensuring your O-level results are flawless. Additionally, consider doing a JAMB change of institution to a state or private university that strictly prioritizes its catchment area.

Here are the exact steps you should take right now:

• Verify official cut-offs: Always check the official JAMB portal or the specific university’s website (like OOU’s official site) to confirm their latest approved cut-off marks.

• Process a Change of Course/Institution: Do not wait. If you initially chose Medicine at the University of Ibadan with a 170, go to a CBT center immediately and change your institution and course to align with reality.

• Target your strengths: If you are a science student, look into programs like Statistics, Zoology, or Botany. For arts and commercial students, History, Linguistics, or Business Education are great targets.