Scoring 170 in JAMB may leave many students wondering whether they still have a chance of gaining admission into a Nigerian university. The good news is that a 170 JAMB score is not the end of your academic journey. In fact, many universities in Nigeria accept candidates with a 170 JAMB score for different courses, especially state universities, private universities, and some federal universities offering less competitive programs.
If you have been asking questions like “Which university can I go with a 170 JAMB score?”, “Can I gain admission with 170 in JAMB?”, or “Which courses can I study with 170?”, this detailed guide will answer all your questions.
In this article, we will explore universities that accept 170 JAMB score, courses you can study, admission strategies, change of institution tips, and how to increase your chances of gaining admission in 2026.
Can I Gain Admission With a 170 JAMB Score?
Yes, you can gain admission with a 170 JAMB score in Nigeria. Although some highly competitive universities and courses may require scores above 200, several institutions still accept candidates with 170.
Admission depends on factors such as:
- Your O’Level results
- Catchment area
- Post-UTME performance
- Course competitiveness
- University admission policy
- Number of applicants
A 170 JAMB score may not qualify you for courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, or Law in most federal universities, but it can still secure admission into many other programs.
Which University Can I Go With a 170 JAMB Score?
Below are universities that may accept candidates with a 170 JAMB score depending on the course and admission year.
Federal Universities That May Accept 170
Some federal universities occasionally accept 170 for selected courses.
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti is known for offering admission opportunities to candidates with moderate JAMB scores.
Possible courses:
- Agricultural Science
- Education courses
- Fisheries
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
Official website: FUOYE
Federal University Dutse (FUD)
Federal University Dutse sometimes accepts lower cut-off marks for less competitive departments.
Courses may include:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Official website: FUD
Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
Federal University Birnin Kebbi may consider candidates with a 170 JAMB score.
Courses:
- History
- Political Science
- Demography
- Statistics
- Biology
Official website: FUBK
State Universities That Accept 170 JAMB Score
State universities are among the best options for students asking which university can I go with a 170 JAMB score.
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Ekiti State University accepts 170 for several courses.
Courses available:
- Education
- Theatre Arts
- Religious Studies
- French
- Linguistics
Official website: EKSU
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Osun State University is another good option for candidates with 170.
Possible courses:
- Agricultural Economics
- Fisheries
- Guidance and Counseling
- Yoruba
- Fine Arts
Official website: UNIOSUN
Benue State University (BSU)
Benue State University may offer admission opportunities to students with 170.
Courses:
- Library Science
- Sociology
- Geography
- Education courses
Official website: BSU
Kogi State University
Prince Abubakar Audu University accepts moderate JAMB scores for many departments.
Courses:
- Philosophy
- History
- Education
- Agriculture
Official website: PAAU
Private Universities You Can Attend With 170 JAMB Score
Private universities are among the easiest options for candidates searching for which university can I go with a 170 JAMB score.
Lead City University
Lead City University accepts candidates with 170 and sometimes even lower depending on the course.
Popular courses:
- Computer Science
- Business Administration
- Mass Communication
- Economics
Official website: Lead City University
Adeleke University
Adeleke University is another private university that accepts 170.
Courses include:
- Accounting
- Political Science
- English Language
- Microbiology
Official website: Adeleke University
Crawford University
Crawford University offers opportunities for candidates with moderate JAMB scores.
Official website: Crawford University
Bowen University
Bowen University may accept candidates with a 170 JAMB score for selected courses.
Official website: Bowen University
Courses You Can Study With a 170 JAMB Score
One major factor affecting admission is course competitiveness. Some courses are easier to gain admission into with 170.
Education Courses
Examples:
- Education Biology
- Education Chemistry
- Guidance and Counseling
- Education Mathematics
Agricultural Courses
Examples:
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
- Fisheries
- Forestry
Arts and Humanities
Examples:
- History
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Linguistics
- Yoruba
Social Science Courses
Examples:
- Sociology
- Geography
- Demography
- Library Science
Courses You May Not Get With 170 JAMB Score
If you scored 170, these highly competitive courses may be difficult in most universities:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Law
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Computer Engineering
- Dentistry
These courses usually require scores above 220 in most universities.
How to Increase Your Admission Chances With 170 JAMB Score
Even with a 170 JAMB score, you can still improve your chances significantly.
1. Apply for Less Competitive Courses
This is one of the smartest strategies. Many students focus only on popular courses, increasing competition.
Choosing courses like:
- Education
- Agriculture
- Religious Studies
- Fisheries
- Sociology
can improve your chances.
2. Choose State or Private Universities
If your score is 170, state and private universities are safer options than highly competitive federal institutions.
3. Have Excellent O’Level Results
Strong WAEC or NECO grades can boost your aggregate score.
Five credits in one sitting can increase your chances of admission.
4. Perform Well in Post-UTME
Some universities combine JAMB and Post-UTME scores.
A strong Post-UTME result can compensate for a lower JAMB score.
5. Use Change of Institution
If your original university does not accept 170, you can apply for change of institution through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Official portal: JAMB Portal
Universities That Usually Require More Than 170
Students asking which university can I go with a 170 JAMB score should also know schools where 170 may not be enough.
These universities are usually highly competitive:
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Nigeria
- Ahmadu Bello University
Competitive courses in these schools often require scores above 200–250.
Can Polytechnics and Colleges Accept 170?
Yes. In fact, many polytechnics and colleges of education accept candidates with 170.
Examples include:
- The Polytechnic Ibadan
- Yaba College of Technology
- Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
These institutions offer quality education and can later allow direct entry into universities.
Best Strategies If You Scored Exactly 170
If your score is exactly 170, follow these steps carefully:
Be Flexible With Course Choice
Avoid insisting on highly competitive courses.
Apply Early
Do not wait until admission deadlines are close.
Monitor School Admission Portals
Regularly check school websites for updates.
Consider Pre-Degree or JUPEB
Programs like JUPEB and pre-degree can help you gain admission without relying heavily on JAMB.
Is 170 a Good JAMB Score?
A 170 JAMB score is considered an average score in Nigeria. While it may not secure admission into top competitive courses, it is still enough for many universities and programs.
Your success depends more on:
- Smart school selection
- Course choice
- O’Level grades
- Admission strategy
Many successful graduates today gained admission with scores around 170.
Mistakes Students Make After Scoring 170
Applying for Competitive Courses
This reduces admission chances.
Ignoring Private Universities
Many students overlook private universities that provide quality education.
Failing to Do Change of Institution
This can prevent admission opportunities.
Waiting Too Long
Delays can affect screening and admission chances.
Alternative Admission Options
If you cannot secure admission immediately, consider:
JUPEB
A direct entry program accepted by many universities.
Pre-Degree Programs
Many universities offer one-year preparatory programs.
Part-Time Programs
Flexible admission options with lower competition.
Diploma Programs
Can later lead to direct entry admission.
Conclusion
If you have been worried and asking “Which university can I go with a 170 JAMB score?”, you should now understand that several universities in Nigeria still accept candidates with this score.
Your admission chances depend largely on choosing the right institution and course. State universities, private universities, and less competitive federal universities remain the best options for candidates with 170.
Instead of giving up, focus on:
- Selecting realistic courses
- Applying to suitable schools
- Preparing well for Post-UTME
- Monitoring admission updates
A 170 JAMB score does not define your future. With the right strategy, determination, and smart decisions, you can still gain admission and achieve your academic goals in Nigeria.
Also Read: Can I Study Medicine With 240 in JAMB? Full Admission Guide for Nigerian Students
FAQs
Can I study Nursing with 170 JAMB score?
In most universities, Nursing is highly competitive and may require above 220. However, some private universities may consider candidates with lower scores.
Can I enter federal university with 170?
Yes. Some federal universities accept 170 for less competitive courses, especially in education and agriculture.
What course can I study with 170 in JAMB?
You can study courses like Education, Sociology, Fisheries, Religious Studies, Agriculture, History, and Library Science depending on the university.
+ There are no comments
Add yours