The 2025 JAMB results have sent shockwaves across Nigeria, leaving many students disheartened by surprisingly low scores blamed on “technical glitches.”

While the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has offered a chance to retake the exam, not everyone is eager to relive the experience.

Across the country, countless Nigerians have either overcome JAMB setbacks or skipped university altogether and still built remarkable careers. From tech innovators to thriving entrepreneurs, they’ve proven that academic scores aren’t the sole ticket to success.

If your JAMB result didn’t go as planned, here are five powerful alternative paths to help you build a future filled with purpose, achievement, and financial freedom, no matter your score:

1. Pick up a lucrative skill: Degrees aren’t the only ticket to success. Nigeria’s economy rewards practical skills, and you can start earning while others are still in lecture halls.

– Tech: Learn coding (Python, web development), app creation, or data analysis via Decagon, Udemy, or free platforms like W3Schools.– Creative: Master photography, content creation, or social media marketing with YouTube tutorials or Coursera courses.

– Vocational: Try tailoring, event planning, or culinary arts through local hubs like Lagos State Skill Acquisition Centres.

2. Enrol in a Polytechnic or College of Education: Universities get all the hype, but polytechnics also offer hands-on training in fields like engineering, media, or IT. These programs often have easier entry requirements and equip you with skills employers’ value.

3. Kickstart a business: You don’t need a degree to build wealth, start small and grow big with:

– Online Sales: Sell fashion, electronics, or skincare on Instagram or WhatsApp.

– Agriculture: Venture into snail farming, vegetable cultivation, or poultry with support from the Bank of Agriculture or GroVentures.

– Services: Launch a barbing salon, home cleaning, or logistics business in cities like Port Harcourt or Ibadan.

4. Take a year to reset: A gap year isn’t giving up, it’s strategising. Use it to:

Work part-time in shops, cafes, or as a tutor to save money. Volunteer with NGOs to gain experience and connections. Prep for JAMB with tools like JAMB CBT Practice or local coaching centres. This break can help you discover your strengths and come back stronger.

5. Go for online or overseas education: The world of learning is wide open. Online platforms like edX, Alison, or UNICAF offer certificates and degrees at low costs. Google’s Grow with Google has free courses in digital skills.

Some Nigerian private universities accept direct entry without JAMB. If you can afford it, schools in Benin Republic or Canada offer JAMB-free admission. ( TheNation)