Every year, thousands of students struggle to secure admission into Nigerian universities due to the high competition in certain courses. Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering have thousands of applicants but only a few admission slots.

If you want to increase your chances of admission in JAMB 2025, choosing a less competitive course is a smart strategy. These courses have fewer applicants, which means a higher chance of getting admitted, even with an average JAMB score.

In this post, I will list some of the less competitive courses in Nigerian universities and explain why they are great options for students.

Why Choose a Less Competitive Course?

Here are some key advantages of choosing a less competitive course in JAMB:

1. Higher Admission Chances – With fewer applicants, universities have more room to admit students with lower cut-off marks.
2. Less Stress in JAMB and Post-UTME – You don’t need to score extremely high to gain admission.
3. Opportunity to Switch Courses Later – Many universities allow students to change courses after their first year if they perform well.
4. Job and Career Opportunities – Some less competitive courses still offer good career prospects, especially when combined with skills or additional certifications.

Now, let’s look at some less competitive courses in JAMB 2025 that can guarantee admission.

Less Competitive Courses for Science Students

If you are a science student but don’t want the extreme competition of Medicine, Pharmacy, or Engineering, consider these options:

1. Environmental Science

• This field focuses on studying the environment, pollution control, and conservation.
• Job opportunities in government agencies, NGOs, and environmental consulting firms.
• Less competition but a growing demand due to climate change awareness.

Related Courses:

• Environmental Management & Toxicology
• Forestry and Wildlife Management
• Fisheries and Aquaculture

2. Physics / Industrial Physics

• Physics is a core science discipline but has fewer applicants.
• Industrial Physics graduates can work in telecommunications, oil and gas, and research institutes.
• It can be a stepping stone to Engineering fields.

3. Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry

• Industrial Chemistry has strong applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and oil industries.
• Graduates can work in manufacturing companies, research labs, and chemical industries.

4. Mathematics / Statistics

• A mathematics degree can lead to careers in data analysis, finance, banking, and academia.
• It is a great foundation for further studies in Actuarial Science or Artificial Intelligence.

5. Animal Science / Agricultural Science

• With Nigeria’s focus on food security, careers in agriculture, livestock farming, and agribusiness are in demand.
• Graduates can work in government agricultural agencies, farms, and research institutes.

Less Competitive Courses for Art & Social Science Students

If you are an art or social science student, you can choose these less competitive courses for a better chance of admission:

6. History and International Studies

• This course opens opportunities in diplomacy, journalism, museums, and government agencies.
• Fewer applicants compared to Political Science or Mass Communication.

7. Linguistics / Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa

• Many students overlook Nigerian languages, but there is demand for language translators, teachers, and researchers.
• With additional skills in foreign languages, graduates can work in embassies or international organizations.

8. Philosophy

• Graduates can work in academia, law firms, religious institutions, and think tanks.
• It’s a great pre-law degree for those considering a career in law later.

9. Religious Studies

• Universities admit many students into this program, but few apply.
• Career opportunities include teaching, religious leadership, counseling, and humanitarian work.

Less Competitive Business & Management Courses

If you are interested in business but don’t want the competition in courses like Accounting and Business Administration, consider these:

10. Cooperative and Rural Development

• This course focuses on rural economic development and microfinance.
• Graduates can work in cooperatives, NGOs, and government agencies focused on rural development.

11. Entrepreneurship

• This course prepares students to start and manage businesses.
• Many universities offer practical training and business funding opportunities.

12. Insurance

• Insurance is a high-paying industry, yet few students apply for this course.
• Graduates work in insurance companies, banks, and financial institutions.

Less Competitive Medical & Health-Related Courses

If you want to work in the medical field but don’t want the stress of Medicine, Pharmacy, or Nursing, try these:

13. Anatomy

• This course is less competitive but still allows you to work in the health sector.
• Graduates can work in forensics, medical research, and hospital laboratories.

14. Physiology

• Physiology students study how the human body functions.
• Career paths include health consulting, research, and sports medicine.

15. Health Education

• This course focuses on public health awareness, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Graduates can work in hospitals, NGOs, and health agencies.

Tips for Choosing the Best Less Competitive Course

1. Check the JAMB Brochure – Ensure the course is available in your preferred university.
2. Consider Your Interests – Choose a course that aligns with your strengths and career goals.
3. Research Job Opportunities – Some less competitive courses have hidden job potentials.
4. Look for Alternative Career Paths – Some courses allow you to switch careers with additional skills.