EDUCATION

Engineering Courses You Can Study in Polytechnic with Low Score

Not everyone scores high in JAMB or post-UTME, and that’s okay. Many students still manage to secure admission into good polytechnics in Nigeria with modest scores. If you’re interested in engineering but your score isn’t high enough for top courses like Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, don’t lose hope. Several engineering programmes accept lower cut-off marks and still offer solid career opportunities.

Polytechnics in Nigeria are more flexible than universities when it comes to admissions, and they offer a wide range of engineering courses. Some of these courses are less competitive, meaning they’re easier to get into even with a low JAMB score.

In this article, we’ll talk about engineering-related ND programmes in polytechnics that are easier to access but still worth studying. These courses can lead to jobs, higher studies, and even entrepreneurship.

Polytechnics are known for their hands-on training approach. While some popular courses have higher cut-off marks, others are often overlooked even though they lead to good career options. Also, federal polytechnics may set higher benchmarks, while state and private polytechnics tend to accept lower scores.

Many schools also give priority to catchment areas, and some run supplementary or part-time admissions that allow students in with even lower scores. Let’s look at engineering courses you can apply for with a low score.

Engineering Courses with Lower Competition

1. Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering

This course is usually offered in most polytechnics but doesn’t attract as many applicants as mechanical or electrical engineering. It involves the use of engineering principles to solve problems related to agriculture, such as irrigation systems, farm machinery, and food processing.

Most polytechnics place it in their engineering department but set a relatively low cut-off score for it. The skills you gain are practical and can lead to roles in agricultural firms, government agencies, or self-employment in the agritech space.

2. Metallurgical Engineering

Not many students apply for this course, so the cut-off is generally low. It focuses on materials and how they behave under different conditions. You’ll learn how metals are produced, processed, and used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects.

Polytechnics like Kogi State Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti offer this programme. It’s a good option for students with a passion for physics and chemistry.

3. Welding and Fabrication Engineering

This is a specialized engineering course that trains students in metal joining, pipe fitting, structural welding, and blueprint reading. The entry score requirement is usually low because it’s not a mainstream course.

Graduates can work in construction sites, shipbuilding companies, or oil and gas firms, especially if they acquire extra certifications. The course is also perfect for those who want to start their own welding or fabrication business.

4. Foundry Engineering Technology

This course is not available in all polytechnics, but where it is offered, it has one of the lowest admission competitions. It involves learning how metal castings are made for industrial use. You’ll be trained in moulding, melting processes, casting methods, and quality control.

Foundry engineers are in demand in automobile parts production, machine manufacturing, and metal industries.

5. Mineral Resources Engineering

This course focuses on the study and management of Nigeria’s natural mineral deposits. You’ll learn how to explore, extract, and process solid minerals like limestone, granite, coal, and others.

It’s less competitive but very practical. Graduates can work in mining companies or become consultants in the natural resources sector.

6. Polymer Technology

Polymer technology teaches how rubber and plastic materials are developed and used in various applications. The course is offered in some state and federal polytechnics, and the cut-off mark is typically lower compared to core engineering courses.

Graduates work in industries producing tyres, pipes, packaging materials, and industrial equipment.

Engineering Courses with Lower Scores in Some Polytechnics

Some well-known engineering courses may still be open to students with lower scores, depending on the polytechnic.

For example:

Civil Engineering may accept scores as low as 120–130 in less competitive state or private polytechnics.
Electrical Engineering might admit students with 130–140 if the course isn’t oversubscribed at the school.
Mechanical Engineering could be accessible at polytechnics in rural areas or less popular locations.

So, even if your score is low, check the specific cut-off marks at different polytechnics, especially:

State Polytechnics (like Delta State Polytechnic, Auchi Polytechnic)
Newly established or less competitive institutions
Private Polytechnics (they often have flexible entry requirements)

How to Boost Your Admission Chances

If your JAMB score is low and you want to study an engineering course, here are steps that can improve your chances:

Choose Less Competitive Polytechnics
Avoid applying to big-name polytechnics that receive thousands of applications. Look for schools in less crowded areas.
Apply for ND Part-Time or Evening Programmes
Most polytechnics offer part-time programmes that do not require JAMB. Once admitted, you get the same certificate as full-time students.
Consider Pre-ND or Preliminary Programmes
Some polytechnics run pre-ND courses to prepare students who do not meet direct entry requirements. After completion, you can move into the main ND programme.
Check for Supplementary Forms
Even after the main admission list is out, many schools release supplementary admission lists for available spaces. Always keep checking the school’s official site.
Switch to Related Courses
If your score can’t get you into Mechanical Engineering, you might be offered Agricultural or Foundry Engineering instead. Accepting this gives you a chance to later cross over or continue in a related HND programme.