To get admission into a university in Nigeria can be tough, most especially when you consider the stress of writing and passing JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board). But did you know that it’s possible to get into a university without JAMB? Yes, it’s absolutely true! In this guide, I will show you some alternative routes that can help you gain university admission without going through JAMB.
Alternative Ways to Get Admission into University Without JAMB
There are several ways to get into a university in Nigeria without writing JAMB. Here are the most common options:
1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)
JUPEB is one of the best alternatives to get admission into a university in Nigeria without JAMB. It is a one-year programme that allows you to enter 200 level directly in any university that accepts it. With a good JUPEB score, you can apply to most Nigerian universities. Here’s how it works:
Duration: JUPEB lasts for about 9-12 months of studies and preparations.
Requirement: You must have at least 5 O’Level credits in relevant subjects (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
Universities: Most federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria accept JUPEB results.
Read more: How to register for Jupeb
2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
IJMB is another popular alternative that allows students gain admission into universities nationwide without JAMB. Just like JUPEB, IJMB is a one-year programme that ushers you to 200 level in Nigerian universities. IJMB has been around for many years and is well-recognized by many universities. The process is similar to JUPEB:
Duration: IJMB also takes about 9-12 months of studies and preparations.
Requirement: At least 5 O’Level credits in relevant subjects.
Universities: Over 70 universities in Nigeria accept IJMB for direct entry admission.
Read more: How to register for IJMB
3. Diploma (Polytechnic ND or Pre-Degree Programmes)
If you have completed a National Diploma (ND) from a polytechnic or a Pre-Degree from a university, you can apply for direct entry admission into the university. Polytechnic diplomas can be used to apply for 200 level through direct entry, which means you don’t need to write JAMB.
Requirement: You must have completed your ND with a good grade (usually a minimum of Lower Credit).
Universities: Many Nigerian universities accept ND for direct entry admission.
Read more: Affordable pre-degree programs for Nigerian students
Other Pre-degree Programmes:
Some universities offer pre-degree programmes that can be used to get admission into a university in Nigeria.
4. NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
Another way to get into a university without JAMB is by using the NCE. If you attend a College of Education and complete your NCE programme, you can apply for direct entry admission into the university.
Requirement: You must have completed your NCE with a good result.
Universities: Most education-focused universities in Nigeria accept NCE for direct entry.
Read more: Top NCE colleges in Nigeria for education studies
5. Foreign Universities or Distance Learning Programmes
Some Nigerian students choose to study abroad or enroll in distance learning programmes that do not require JAMB. Many foreign universities don’t use JAMB results for admission, and some Nigerian universities offer distance learning programmes where you can study at your own pace.
Requirement: Varies depending on the university, but most require O’Level credits.
Examples: National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), University of South Africa (UNISA), and many universities in the UK, Canada, and the US.
Read more: Scholarships for distance learning students at foreign universities
FAQs
1. Can I enter a university without JAMB?
Yes, you can. There are several alternative routes to gain admission into a university without writing JAMB, such as IJMB, JUPEB, and using a diploma or Pre-Degree from polytechnic or university.
2. What is JUPEB?
JUPEB means Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, it is a programme that gives students the opportunity to gain direct entry admission into 200 level in any Nigerian university.
3. What is IJMB?
IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) is a similar programme to JUPEB that also allows students to gain admission into 200 level directly, without JAMB.
4. Can I gain admission with a polytechnic diploma?
Yes, with an ND (National Diploma) from a polytechnic, you can apply for direct entry into 200 level in universities.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t want to go through the stress of writing JAMB or didn’t pass JAMB, don’t worry—there are still many options available for you to get into a university in Nigeria or even abroad. You can choose one of the alternatives like JUPEB, IJMB, or use your polytechnic diploma to gain direct entry. Whatever route you choose, make sure to plan and work hard so you can achieve your educational dreams.
