Every year, millions of candidates across Nigeria write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) hoping to secure admission into Nigerian universities. However, the 2025 UTME results revealed a significant challenge: over 1.5 million candidates—approximately 78% of the total test takers—scored below 200. For many students, scoring less than 200 may feel discouraging and raise questions about their future educational prospects.
But a low JAMB score is not the end of the road. It can be a pivot point toward alternative, practical pathways that can eventually lead to university admission, skill acquisition, and professional success. In this post, we explore effective options for candidates who scored under 200, highlighting scholarship and training opportunities that can keep your academic dreams alive in 2025 and beyond.
The 2025 JAMB Results: A Snapshot
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About 1.95 million candidates sat for the UTME in 2025.
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More than 1.5 million (78%) scored less than 200 marks, indicating widespread difficulty.
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Only a small fraction scored above 300, with just under 5,000 candidates exceeding 320.
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Additionally, a technical glitch affected about 157 examination centres, impacting nearly 380,000 candidates who were given a chance to retake the exam.
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Security agencies later arrested suspects involved in hacking attempts targeting the exam systems.
This unprecedented outcome has left many candidates wondering about their options moving forward, especially those with sub-200 scores.
Seven Practical Paths Forward After Scoring Below 200
1. Apply for JUPEB or University Diploma Programs
One of the fastest and most reliable ways to enter university without retaking JAMB is through the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) program or diploma courses offered by universities and polytechnics. These programs often allow direct entry into 200-level after successful completion, bypassing the need for a high JAMB score. Several universities offer JUPEB scholarships or subsidized tuition, so keep an eye on those opportunities.
2. Learn Digital Marketing and Social Media Skills
The digital economy in Nigeria is growing rapidly. Skills in digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and social media management are highly sought after. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and free resources on YouTube offer affordable courses that can prepare you for freelance projects or full-time roles. Some organizations and scholarships focus on developing digital skills for youth—consider applying.
3. Pick Up Graphic Design Skills
Graphic design using tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Figma is another valuable skill. With a relatively low barrier to entry and the potential to earn through freelance jobs, learning graphic design can be a game changer. Many creative arts schools and digital hubs offer scholarships or free workshops.
4. Master Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools like Excel and PowerPoint is essential for roles in business, administration, research, and NGOs. These skills can boost your employability in many sectors and are often prerequisites for scholarship programs in business and management.
5. Learn Website Building and E-Commerce
Building websites using platforms such as WordPress or Shopify can open doors to entrepreneurship or digital freelancing. Many tech hubs offer training scholarships or bootcamps that teach website development without requiring coding knowledge.
6. Explore Data Analytics
Data analytics is a growing field globally and within Nigeria’s corporate, government, and NGO sectors. Beginner-friendly courses in Excel, SQL, and Google Analytics can be accessed online or at training centres. Scholarships in tech fields often include data analytics training.
7. Volunteer or Intern
Experience is a great teacher. Volunteering or interning with NGOs, startups, or companies can help build your network, gain hands-on experience, and may even lead to scholarships or direct entry admissions in the future. Many organizations run internship programs specifically targeted at undergraduates or students seeking professional exposure.
Scholarships and Financial Support for Alternative Pathways
While navigating these options, it’s important to seek scholarships and financial aid that support your academic and skill development goals. Here are some tips:
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Check university websites for JUPEB scholarship opportunities.
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Apply for digital skills scholarships from organizations like Andela, Google Africa Developer Scholarship, and Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador programs.
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Look for creative arts scholarships in graphic design from institutions and creative hubs.
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Explore tech bootcamps that offer full or partial scholarships for web development and data analytics.
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Join internship programs with stipends or scholarships linked to work experience.
By combining alternative education pathways with targeted scholarship applications, you can continue your education and build skills that increase your employability—regardless of your JAMB score.
Final Thoughts
A JAMB score below 200 is a setback, but it is far from a full stop. In today’s evolving educational and economic landscape, multiple pathways lead to success. From direct entry via JUPEB to digital skills and volunteering, candidates have many options to stay on track.
Remember, the right scholarship and training opportunities can bridge the gap between your current score and your future aspirations. Stay informed, stay proactive, and keep applying.
If you need help finding scholarships, skill-building programs, or advice on alternative admission routes, our site is here to guide you every step of the way.