lawrenceobot009@gmail.comAn education in law is a prestigious and highly rewarding career in Nigeria. It can lead to professional practice law, advocacy and, increasingly, public service too. However, as many students have found to their cost, the competitive nature of law programs means that JAMB puts very high cut-off marks on them making it difficult to get in: that is a curse for some candidates of additional JAMB exams for admissions to Nigerian tertiary institutions. Clearly such levels don’t equip you with appropriate qualifications though you may not have managed in your first attempts at JAMB.
Forthwith a look at three Nigerian universities which offer law programs with relatively low cut-off marks (comparatively speaking). These institutions will likely be of interest if you obtained a modest JAMB score but aren’t prepared to give up on your legal aspirations just yet. The cut-off marks and general entrance requirements are also given.
What Is JAMB Cut-Off?
The JAMB cut-off is the minimum score in a candidate’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is required for them to be eligible at all to get into the educational system. For the 2025/2026 session, the general cut-off mark for universities was set at 140 by JAMB. However, being a highly competitive program, law typically has higher departmental cut-off points than that: in most universities it ranges between 200-250. If you didn’t do so well in your JAMB scores for law programs and yet want a degree, leeway offered by universities (particularly state ones and private schools) which set their tick-off marks relatively low is a Bless not to be missed.
General Requirements for Studying Law
Candidates must be at least 16 years old as of October 1st in the year of admission.
Law Schools with Low Minimum Scores
Below is a compiled list of law departments at Nigerian universities where relatively low JAMB cut-off marks can secure admission. We take data from the trend of recent years. Note that generally each year’s cut-off s may vary slightly so you should check latest requirements at the official websites of each school, or on JAMB’s portal if necessary.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Location
Sokoto, Sokoto State
Type
Federal University
Minimum Acceptable Score
About 190-200
Overview
This University was inaugurated in 1975 and is considered one of the more creditworthy federal universities in Northern Nigeria. Its Law Faculty is accredited by both Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). With its low cut-off around 190 UDUS provides a good environment where students can study law starting out with more modest JAMB scores and still receive quality education. The College has well-equipped modern facilities which include among other things an excellent library for legal studies and various moot courts for practical training purposes.
Special Points
The high masses of cut-off competition also mean that one should now be achieving a very strong Post-UTME score.
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Location
Nationwide (University by Correspondence)
Type
Open University
Minimum Acceptable Score
About 180
Overview
Founded in 2002, MOUN is a very flexible choice for students. It is an open, distance-taught Buddhist University which is relatively cheap in terms of tuition fees. It requires JAMB scores as low as 180 for admission to its law programmes. This makes MOUN the most universally obtainable place to go to law school on earth. MOUN’s program of law is tailored to accommodate working students or those unable at present 9 May 2001 to attend a university. The syllabus enjoys both NUC (National University Commission) accreditation and graduates from here are eligible to attend the Nigerian Law School.
Additional Notes
Though students should be prepared for self-directed study, NOUNs flexible preliminary admission process and lower cut-off score make it ideal for those with low JAMB scores.
Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba
Location
Anyigba, Kogi State
Type
State University
Cut-Off Mark
About 180-200
Overview
Now known as Prince Abubakar Audu University, KSU offers a law program with a cut-off mark usually between 180 and 200. Recognised internationally, the schools College of Law provides quality training in law with both theoretical and practical aspects. Now, get ready to live and study in a high-speed data environment. No matter where on earth you are, our experts will be there to help you finish your work quickly and efficiently. For students in yhe North-Central region and beyond, its relatively low cut-off mark means it is a viable choice.
Additional Notes
Candidates should verify the exact cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session, as it may vary based on school policies and the number of appicants themselves.
Bingham University, Karu
Location
Karu, Nasarawa State
Type
Private University
Cut-Off Mark
About 200
Overview
Bingham University was founded by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in 2005 and has a law program with a cut-off mark around 200. The university emphasises both moral and academic education: as such it is a school that runners with character search far and wide for choice in Legal The end fundamentalist preparation little indeed comes close with hilike to mistakes on one’s clothes Its c half affiliated sa online base makes possible remote learning.
Additional Notes
Although private universities tend to have higher tuition fees, Binghamss relatively low cut-off mark means it is within reach of students with moderate JAMB scores.
Yobe State University, Damaturu
Location
Damaturu, Yobe State
Type
State University
Cut-Off Mark
About 180-200
Overview
Yobe State University is a state-run institution that offers a law program with a cut-off mark usually somewhere between 180 and 200. It is located some 10 kilometers west of PO Box 11480 in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. The university is committed to providing quality education in a supportive environment, making it an option for students in northern Nigeria seeking affordable legal education.
Additional Notes
The university’s admission process may prioritize candidates from its catchment area, so applicants should verify eligibility criteria.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a University
While low cut-off marks increase accessibility, prospective law students should consider several factors that are critical to their academic success:
Accreditation
Make sure that the university has obtained accreditation from the National Unversity Commission (NUC) for its law program. You must be able to attend the Nigerian Law School and receive your degree if and only this is satisfied.
Supplements
Prefer institutions which provide for modern law libraries, practice mock courts, and venues such as legal clinics or internships. Learn a student-friendly approach to the law profession.
Municipality
Weigh the university’s location in terms of how nearby facilities are. When considering the cost of living in an area to which 1,000 miles of groceries must be flown every day is not tolerable!
Tuition Fees
Typically, federal universities like UDUS have lower fees than state or private universities like KSU or Bingham does. It is wise to verify what the cost structure entails.
Success Among Alumni
Assess the university on its alumni success ratio, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Nigerian Law School exams’ results and so on.
Post-UTME Requirements
A low JAMB cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. A good Post-UTME score is crucial in order to achieve a competitive aggregate score.
Strategies to Improve Admission Chances
To maximize your chances of gaining admission to a law program with low JAMB score, follow these tips:
Excel in Post-UTME
Since the aggregate score combines JAMB and Post-UTME results, prepare thoroughly for the screening exercise using past questions and study materials.
Applying to Multiple Universities
Get online acceptance by institutions who admit students.
O-Level Results
The minimum requirements for O-Level Results are a crucial factor. Ensure that your results meet this requirement, with excellent grades in key subjects including English and Literature-in-English.
Remain Current
Regularly check the JAMB official portal at jamb.gov.ng or university websites for updates on cut off points and admission procedures.
Alternative Pathways
The JAMB cut-off point for new students isn’t up to your requirement? Many students with SAT or ACT scores below a certain level apply to take pre-degree or diploma courses at universities now. After completing these classes they obtain their own direct entry into a law school in Nigeria.
Conclusion
This is the end. However there is no need for it. In Nigeria, a law degree is something positive.. even if your potential does not reach the high thresholds set by prestigious universities such as UNILAG (University of Lagos) or UNN (University of Nigeria, Nsukka). As long as they achieve the minimum academic requirements, institutions like Usmanu Danfodiyo University and the National Open University of Nigeria, Kogi State University, Bingham University, and Yobe State University all offer courses that can lead people into legal studies — but with cut-off points ranging from 180 to 200 depending upon specific colleges’ internal entrance policies. The key is to meet the required academic standards, diligently prepare for Post-UTME screenings and consider factors such as accreditation and learning environment. In this way, even a student who scores modestly on the JAMB test can still accomplish their dream of becoming a lawyer. Always check the latest cut-off marks and admission criteria directly from each university or JAMB, so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.
lawrenceobot009@gmail.com