Can I Enter Polytechnic with 100, 120, 130 or 140 in JAMB? Yes, and Here’s Where to Apply

So, you’ve checked your JAMB result and scored 120. Now you’re wondering: Is there still a chance for admission into a polytechnic? Maybe friends are already giving up, or you’ve seen scary posts online. But here’s the real deal—you can still gain admission into a polytechnic in Nigeria with 120. In fact, many polytechnics are welcoming students with open arms, especially if you know where to look.

This post shows you practical options, real polytechnic names, and smart tips that can make the difference between staying at home or starting your ND1 this year. Keep reading—you might be closer to admission than you think.

Is 120, 130, 140 or 150 Enough for Polytechnic Admission?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets the general minimum cut-off for polytechnics at 120, but institutions are allowed to set theirs higher or lower. The good news for you? Some polytechnics, especially private ones and new federal/state polytechnics, still accept 120 or even less—some go as low as 100! Now let’s look at actual polytechnics you can consider.

1. Private Polytechnics Will Gladly Admit You with 120 or Even 100

Most private polytechnics in Nigeria do not depend on strict cut-off marks to admit students. Their goal is to fill their classrooms and build their institutions. So if you scored 120 (or even 100), private polytechnics are a realistic and fast option.

These schools accept such scores for a wide range of courses—from engineering to business to tech programs. However, the only major concern with private polytechnics is school fees. They tend to be higher than federal or state-owned institutions. But if you or your sponsor can handle the costs, then it’s a solid option.

Examples of private polytechnics that accept 120 or lower:

• Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos
• Crown Polytechnic, Ekiti
• Interlink Polytechnic, Ijebu-Jesa
• Graceland Polytechnic, Offa
• Eastern Polytechnic, Rivers State

These schools often offer flexible payment plans and fast academic calendars.

2. Northern Polytechnics Accept Low Scores and Are Less Competitive

If you’re open to schooling in the northern region of Nigeria, you’re in luck. Many northern polytechnics accept candidates with 120 and even below, and admission is often faster because the competition is lower compared to the South.

Top Northern Polytechnics that accept 120:

• Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda – Zamfara State
• Federal Polytechnic Damaturu – Yobe State
• Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic – Katsina State
• Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure – Jigawa State
• Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic – Jigawa State
• Kebbi State Polytechnic – Kebbi
• Niger State Polytechnic – Zungeru
• Kano State Polytechnic – Kano

Many of these schools also have lower tuition fees compared to polytechnics in the southern part of the country. So if affordability and low cut-off marks matter to you, this is an area to explore.

3. Newly Established Polytechnics Are Desperate for Students

This is one of the best hacks if your score is low. Newly established polytechnics are still building their reputation, and they’re actively looking for students to fill their classrooms. That means they are flexible with JAMB scores and admission policies.

Here’s the catch: Make sure to select them as your first choice in JAMB. If you didn’t do that earlier, you can still apply for a change of institution on the JAMB portal.

New Polytechnics That Accept 120,130,140,150:

• Federal Polytechnic Ayede – Oyo State
• Federal Polytechnic Daura – Katsina State
• Federal Polytechnic Kabo – Kano State
• Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo – Gombe State
• Federal Polytechnic Orogun – Delta State
• Federal Polytechnic Wannune – Benue State
• Federal Polytechnic Ohodo – Enugu State
• Federal Polytechnic Ugep – Cross River State
• Tinubu Federal Polytechnic Abuja

Before choosing any, make sure they offer the course you’re interested in. If they don’t, you can apply for a change of course within the school during their screening process.

4. South West Polytechnics You Can Enter with 120

The South West has a good number of state polytechnics that accept lower scores and still maintain decent academic standards. With a score of 120, you still have solid chances at these institutions.

Examples include:

• Ekiti State Polytechnic
• Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH)
• The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki (TOPS)
• Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa
• Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade
• DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori
• Federal Polytechnic Ayede – Also mentioned under newly established polytechnics

Some of these institutions conduct internal screening instead of Post-UTME, so your O’level results also matter. Keep them strong.

5. South East Polytechnics You Can Still Consider

For candidates interested in staying within the South East, the options may not be as many, but there are still great choices for a JAMB score of 120.

Top options include:

• Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana – Cut-off is 100; affordable fees; wide range of courses.
• Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo
• Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo

Akanu Ibiam stands out for its low entry requirement and federal status, making it one of the most attractive polytechnics for candidates with lower UTME scores in the East.

Smart Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances with 120

Even with a low score, you can still get admitted faster by doing the following:

1. Make the school your first choice – Many institutions give admission preference to candidates who chose them first in JAMB.
2. Apply for a change of institution or course – If your current first-choice school doesn’t accept 120, switch to one that does.
3. Use correct O’level results – Having five credits including English and Mathematics is non-negotiable.
4. Prepare for Post-UTME/Screening – Some schools may still require a basic screening test or review of documents.
5. Be flexible with your course – Consider alternative courses that are less competitive.

ALSO READ: Top Polytechnics in Northern Nigeria with Low Cut-Off Marks