Navigating university admissions in Nigeria can be complex, especially with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam often seen as a critical hurdle. Fortunately, some institutions across Nigeria offer alternative admission routes, allowing students to pursue higher education without necessarily taking the JAMB exam. This post categorizes these universities into private, state, and federal institutions, providing a list of options and insights into their admission requirements.
Introduction to Non-JAMB Admissions in Nigeria
Non-JAMB admission pathways are becoming increasingly common as universities adapt to diverse student needs. These pathways often include Direct Entry options, Pre-degree programs, and Diploma-to-Degree (or “Top-Up”) programs, making it possible for students to access higher education without meeting the conventional JAMB score. Some institutions also have affiliation programs with foreign universities or Distance Learning Centres (DLCs) that are flexible with JAMB requirements.
Private Universities That Can Offer Admission Without JAMB
Private universities often have more flexible admission policies, making them a popular choice for students seeking non-JAMB pathways. These institutions frequently offer options such as foundation programs, diploma programs, and other direct admission routes.
List of Private Universities and Admission Criteria
- Covenant University, Ota
- Known for high academic standards, Covenant University offers foundation and diploma programs that bypass JAMB. Admissions are competitive, focusing on academic records and an entrance exam.
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Offers Pre-degree and Diploma programs for students without JAMB. The university is reputable for its diverse academic programs and disciplined environment.
- Madonna University, Okija
- Runs a Pre-degree program allowing students to transition into degree programs without JAMB. Known for its health sciences and engineering faculties.
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Offers Direct Entry admissions for students with A-levels or equivalent. The school is highly regarded for its robust curriculum and values-oriented education.
- Igbinedion University, Okada
- The first private university in Nigeria provides Pre-degree and foundation programs. Particularly strong in law and medical fields.
- American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
- This prestigious university offers foundation programs and is known for its American-style curriculum and liberal arts focus.
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji
- Offers foundation and pre-degree programs. JABU emphasizes entrepreneurial studies and agriculture.
- Renaissance University, Ugbawka
- Provides Pre-degree programs for non-JAMB students. Known for its law and business administration programs.
- Adeleke University, Ede
- Offers foundation programs and is focused on disciplines such as sciences, law, and engineering.
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu
- Known for providing foundation and diploma programs without JAMB. Offers specialized courses in entrepreneurship and technology.
- Achievers University, Owo
- Offers Pre-degree programs for non-JAMB candidates. Known for its rigorous academic standards in health sciences and engineering.
- Caleb University, Imota
- Provides non-JAMB entry programs. Specializes in management sciences, environmental design, and architecture.
State Universities That Can Offer Admission Without JAMB
Some state universities provide flexible entry requirements, including Pre-degree and Direct Entry options, which bypass the JAMB requirement. These universities are often accessible to residents of their states, sometimes with discounted tuition.
List of State Universities and Admission Criteria
- Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo
- Provides Pre-degree Science programs allowing students to gain admission into degree courses without JAMB. Well-regarded in law, engineering, and business studies.
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye
- Offers foundation programs that transition into undergraduate programs. Known for social sciences and humanities faculties.
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
- Runs Pre-degree and diploma programs; admissions emphasize academic records and internal exams. Notable for medical sciences and law.
- Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri
- Offers Direct Entry for A-level students and diploma holders. Renowned for its contributions to social sciences and law.
- Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
- Pre-degree programs are available, especially in science and management courses. Strong reputation in education and agricultural sciences.
- Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu
- Known for its direct entry program for students with diploma qualifications. Popular in law, sciences, and humanities.
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu
- Offers Pre-degree programs. ESUT is respected for engineering, technology, and medical programs.
- Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
- Provides Pre-degree and diploma programs. Known for its strong faculties in education and health sciences.
- Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete
- Offers Pre-degree programs focusing on science and technology. Known for its research emphasis.
- Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba
- Known for its robust foundation programs, especially in social sciences and humanities.
- Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna
- Offers foundation programs in social sciences and sciences. Renowned for strong academic programs.
- Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
- Known for its Pre-degree programs in arts and sciences, making it an accessible choice for students without JAMB.
Federal Universities That Can Offer Admission Without JAMB
Federal universities in Nigeria may provide non-JAMB entry options through specialized programs such as distance learning and affiliate programs. These options allow students more flexibility with their admission paths.
List of Federal Universities and Admission Criteria
- University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka
- Offers Distance Learning Institute (DLI) programs where students do not need to meet JAMB requirements. Popular for business administration and accounting.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
- Offers Pre-degree Science programs that feed directly into degree courses. OAU is highly regarded in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and engineering.
- University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan
- Distance learning programs provide alternative admission pathways, especially in arts, social sciences, and education.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Operates a Distance Learning Centre (DLC), ideal for students in management and social sciences. Strong presence in engineering and medical sciences.
- University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka
- Has affiliate and Pre-degree programs that offer JAMB-exempt admission. UNN is a top choice for law, engineering, and the sciences.
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- Offers Pre-degree programs for science-oriented students. Known for its robust STEM programs.
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM)
- Known for providing Pre-degree programs focused on agriculture, science, and environmental studies.
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Offers open and distance learning programs that do not require JAMB. NOUN is highly flexible and accessible.
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Known for its Pre-degree programs in sciences and social sciences, providing a gateway to degree programs.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka
- Offers Pre-degree programs. Known for a broad curriculum, especially in sciences and humanities.
- University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City
- Provides non-JAMB admission through its Pre-degree programs. Recognized for its medical and engineering programs.
- Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
- Offers Pre-degree programs, particularly in natural sciences. Known for its contributions to science and agriculture.
Conclusion
Nigeria offers diverse options for prospective students to pursue university education even without a JAMB score. With the variety of Pre-degree programs, direct entry, and distance learning options across private, state, and federal universities, students have opportunities to bypass traditional admission routes while still receiving quality education. When considering these options, students should explore individual universities’ application requirements to choose the best fit for their academic and professional goals.
