In Nigeria, the minimum score required to gain admission into tertiary institutions varies from course to course. The minimum score required to gain admission into law varies depending on the university and the mode of entry. One of the most popular modes of entry into Nigerian universities is through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This article examines whether it is possible to study law with a score of 240 in UTME.
Minimum Score Required to Study Law in Nigeria
The minimum score required to gain admission into Nigerian universities to study law varies from university to university. However, the minimum score required is usually between 200 and 250 in the UTME examination conducted by JAMB. In addition to the UTME score, candidates are also required to possess a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects in their O’level result. The subjects must include Mathematics and English Language.
Some universities may also require candidates to pass a post-UTME examination before they can be offered admission. The post-UTME examination is usually conducted by individual universities and it is used to further screen candidates who have passed the UTME examination. The examination is usually conducted using the same format as the UTME examination.
It is important to note that gaining admission into law in Nigerian universities is highly competitive due to the high number of applicants. As a result, meeting the minimum score requirement does not guarantee admission into the programme.
Is it Possible to Study Law with a Score of 240 in UTME?
It is possible to study law with a score of 240 in UTME in some Nigerian universities. However, the chances of gaining admission into the programme with a score of 240 are relatively low. This is because the competition for admission into law in Nigerian universities is very high, and most universities require a higher score for admission into the programme.
Some universities may offer admission to candidates with a score of 240 in UTME if they perform exceptionally well in the post-UTME examination. However, this is not guaranteed as the post-UTME examination is also highly competitive.
Alternative Routes to Studying Law in Nigeria
Apart from gaining admission into law through the UTME examination, there are alternative routes to studying law in Nigeria. These routes include:
- Direct Entry: Candidates who possess a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a National Diploma (ND) from a recognized polytechnic or college of education can gain admission into Nigerian universities through the Direct Entry programme. The Direct Entry programme allows candidates to gain admission into 200 level or 300 level depending on their qualifications. This route is particularly useful for candidates who did not score high enough in UTME but possess the required qualifications.
- Transfer Programme: Some Nigerian universities also allow students to transfer from one university to another. To transfer, the student must have completed at least one academic session in the current university and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. This route is particularly useful for candidates who did not gain admission into their preferred university to study law but were able to gain admission into another programme in the same university.
- Part-time Programme: Some Nigerian universities also offer part-time programmes in law. The programme is usually designed for working professionals who want to obtain a law degree while working. The programme is usually conducted in the evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the minimum score required to gain admission into Nigerian universities to study law varies from university to university. However, the minimum score required is usually between 200 and 250 in the UTME examination conducted by JAMB. While it is possible to study law with a score of 240 in UTME in some Nigerian universities, the chances of gaining admission into the programme with a score
of 240 are relatively low. Therefore, candidates who want to study law in Nigeria should aim for a higher score in UTME to increase their chances of gaining admission into the programme.
However, candidates who did not score high enough in UTME can still gain admission into law through alternative routes such as Direct Entry, Transfer Programme, and Part-time Programme. These routes provide candidates with the opportunity to obtain a law degree even if they did not meet the minimum score requirement in UTME.
It is important for candidates who want to study law in Nigeria to prepare adequately for the UTME examination and to meet all the admission requirements of the university they are applying to. Candidates should also consider alternative routes to studying law if they did not score high enough in UTME. With proper planning and preparation, candidates can increase their chances of gaining admission into law in Nigerian universities.
