Direct Entry Admission Updates and Requirements (Updated 2025)

Direct Entry (DE) is the shortcut many candidates use to gain admission into 200-level of Nigerian universities without repeating the 100-level year. For 2025/2026 admissions, DE remains a widely used route for holders of JUPEB, IJMB, NCE, ND/HND, and other approved advanced qualifications. This guide explains who qualifies for DE, which qualifications are accepted, how to register with JAMB for Direct Entry, how universities screen DE candidates, and the exact documents and steps you must complete to maximize your chance of admission. The information below is gathered from official JAMB procedures and recognized A-Level/Pre-degree bodies, and it reflects the situation as of November 2025. Follow each step closely, DE admission is strict about documents, subjects, and timelines.

What Is Direct Entry (DE)?

Direct Entry is an admission stream that allows candidates with approved advanced or university-level qualifications to gain provisional admission into 200-level (or the equivalent) of degree programmes in Nigerian universities. DE bypasses the 100-level introductory year because the candidate already holds knowledge judged equivalent to first-year university content. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) facilitates DE registration and processes, while individual universities set specific departmental requirements and screening procedures.

Who Is Eligible for DE?

A candidate is typically eligible for Direct Entry if they hold one (or more) of the following (and meet university subject/score requirements):

1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) certificate with required subjects and grades.
2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board / A-Level) certificate with acceptable points/grades.
3. NCE (National Certificate in Education) with required subject passes for education courses.
4. ND / HND (National Diploma / Higher National Diploma) for HND holders seeking degree tops-up or ND holders for relevant degree programmes.
5. First Degree / Postgraduate Degree holders applying for another related degree (some universities allow entry into higher levels).

Important: Possessing one of the above does not automatically guarantee admission. The candidate must still register DE with JAMB, apply to the specific university (and sometimes to the faculty/department), and meet departmental cut-offs and subject combination requirements. University acceptance lists and policies differ always check the target university’s admissions page.

Accepted DE Qualifications — Quick Reference

• JUPEB: Widely accepted by over 60–80+ Nigerian universities; often the easiest route to 200L for many courses. JUPEB candidates usually present three subject credits and the JUPEB certificate.
• IJMB / A-Level: Accepted by many federal and state universities; candidates present A-Level grades/points.
• ND / HND: Accepted depending on course relevance ND holders commonly apply for related degree programmes; HND holders may be eligible for conversion/top-up programmes.
• NCE: Accepted mainly for Education courses and where the department allows direct placement.

How DE Admission Works (University + JAMB Roles)

1. Candidate obtains an accepted DE qualification (JUPEB, IJMB, ND/HND, NCE).
2. Candidate registers for Direct Entry with JAMB during the DE registration window and buys the DE e-PIN or completes e-facility steps. JAMB stores DE data for processing.
3. Candidate applies to their chosen university following that university’s DE application instructions some require separate departmental applications or payments to the school portal.
4. University screens and releases DE lists (primary/supplementary lists) based on departmental requirements, available spaces, and verified documents.
5. Candidate accepts admission via the university portal or JAMB CAPS (as advised by the school). Final admission is processed into JAMB CAPS when the university uploads admitted candidates.

Step-By-Step: How to Register for JAMB Direct Entry (2025/2026)

Note: Always confirm current vending fee and dates on the JAMB portal before payment. The following are the standard steps used in 2025:

1. Create / update your JAMB profile (send NIN to JAMB short code or register on e-facility).
2. Purchase Direct Entry e-PIN at an accredited JAMB centre, bank, or through approved online channels. (Fees vary year to year.)
3. Visit an accredited JAMB registration centre to complete biometric capture and fill the DE form, or complete the process via the e-facility if available. Provide correct personal and qualification details (e.g., JUPEB/IJMB/ND results).
4. Select and enter your preferred universities and courses carefully ensure subject matches with your qualification. Some universities allow multiple choices; follow the JAMB brochure for compatibility.
5. Print your DE registration slip and keep the e-receipt; you will need these during school screening and for upload to the university portal when requested.

Documents Required for DE Application (typical list)

• DE registration slip / JAMB e-facility printout.
• Original and photocopy of DE qualification certificate (JUPEB, IJMB, ND, HND, NCE).
• O’Level result(s) (WAEC / NECO / NABTEB).
• Birth certificate / affidavit / national ID (NIN).
• Passport photographs (passport-sized).
• Payment receipts for school acceptance fee (when offered).
• Any additional documents specified by the chosen university (e.g., departmental forms).

Universities often require originals for physical verification bring both originals and photocopies to screening.

Common DE Routes by Qualification (detailed)

JUPEB

• What it is: A one-year A-level equivalent program endorsed by many universities; successful candidates are recommended for 200L admission.
• How accepted: Most universities list JUPEB-eligible courses on their admission pages. To apply, register DE with JAMB, then follow the university’s JUPEB admission procedure (some schools publish separate JUPEB/DE lists).

IJMB

• What it is: Another A-level equivalent program; scoring and admissions follow university guidelines.
• How accepted: Check IJMB accepted courses for each university; candidates must have required subject grades/points.

ND / HND

• What it is: Polytechnic diplomas. ND holders may be admitted into related 200L programmes where the university accepts ND as DE; HND holders may apply for degree conversion/top-up.
• How accepted: Subject relevance is crucial (e.g., ND Business Administration → some management/commerce degrees). Confirm with target university.

NCE

• What it is: Teacher education certificate. Mostly used for DE into Education faculties.
• How accepted: NCE candidates must meet subject combination and university criteria.

Screening, Cut-Offs & Departmental Requirements

• Universities set departmental cut-offs for DE candidates independently. DE cut-offs may differ from UTME cut-offs because DE applicants start in 200L and departments check subject relevance and DE qualification scores. Always check the departmental cut-off list on the university website.
• Some departments require specific subject grades (e.g., Medicine-related courses require A-level Biology and Chemistry; Engineering requires Mathematics and Physics). Ensure your DE qualification includes required subjects.

Conversion from UTME to DE (UTME → DE)

Some candidates who registered UTME in the same year and later obtained an eligible DE qualification can apply for UTME → DE conversion via JAMB e-facility. That process and eligibility windows are announced by JAMB and require compliance with conversion rules. Confirm current policy on the JAMB portal.

Expert Tips to Improve Your DE Admission Chances

1. Confirm accepted DE qualifications for your chosen university and course before registering. University pages and official JUPEB/IJMB lists are authoritative.
2. Match your subject combination strictly to departmental requirements — wrong subjects are a common rejection reason.
3. Register DE early and submit accurate details on the JAMB e-facility; mistakes are hard to correct later.
4. Bring original documents to screening and ensure photocopies are clean legible scans.
5. Keep receipts and proofs of all payments (JAMB, school portals, acceptance fees).
6. Monitor university admission portals and JAMB CAPS for list releases and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which universities accept JUPEB for 200L admission?
A1: Over 60–80 universities accept JUPEB; check JUPEB’s official list and the university’s admissions page for confirmation.

Q2: Can ND holders gain direct entry into 200L?
A2: Yes, ND holders may be admitted into related degree programmes depending on university policy and subject relevance. Check the specific university’s DE policy.

Q3: How much does JAMB DE registration cost?
A3: Fees vary by year and by vending channel. Confirm current vending fee on JAMB’s portal or approved outlets.

Q4: If I miss the JAMB DE window can I still apply?
A4: DE registration is time-bound. Missing the official window usually disqualifies you for that cycle; watch for supplementary windows announced by JAMB.

Q5: Do I accept admission on JAMB CAPS or the university portal?
A5: Follow the university’s instruction. Admissions are confirmed when the university uploads your admission into JAMB CAPS. You may need to accept on both platforms where applicable.

Conclusion

Direct Entry is a fast, legitimate route to degree studies in Nigeria when you hold recognized advanced qualifications (JUPEB, IJMB, ND/HND, NCE, etc.). For the 2025/2026 cycle, register DE with JAMB, confirm your target university’s DE rules, ensure your subject combinations match departmental needs, and prepare all original documents for screening. This guide (Updated November 2025) consolidates JAMB procedures and recognised DE pathways but always cross-check with the official JAMB portal and your chosen university’s admission page before paying or submitting. Good luck.

Sources & References (major sources used for this article)

• JAMB official portal and e-facility (DE registration procedures).
• JUPEB official site and affiliated universities list.
• IJMB official pages and lists of accepting universities.
• University admission notices and DE lists (example: UNN DE/JUPEB admission page).