Schools That Offer Admission Without JAMB. Complete Guide (Updated November 2025)

Not everyone who dreams of university in Nigeria wants or manages to write the UTME (JAMB) or achieve the UTME score they hoped for. Fortunately, there are legitimate, widely accepted routes that allow qualified candidates to enter degree programmes without the UTME. These include A-level programmes such as JUPEB and IJMB, recognized diploma and pre-degree pathways, accredited open/distance universities that admit without UTME, and approved foreign/online degree options that transfer into Nigerian universities. This article explains each route clearly, lists universities and programmes that accept them, shows exact requirements and how to apply, and offers practical tips so you can choose the fastest, safest, and most affordable path to the degree you want. All facts below reflect current policies and university practices as of November 2025. Where applicable, official sources (JUPEB, JAMB, university admission pages) are cited always confirm with the target university before paying fees.

Legal ways to gain admission without JAMB

1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board) A-level programme giving direct entry to 200L in many Nigerian universities.
2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) Another A-level route accepted by several universities for DE admission.
3. Diploma / Pre-degree programmes Some universities admit diploma holders or pre-degree grads into 200L or through conversion.
4. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and licensed open/distance providers Offer degree admission without UTME for certain programmes.
5. Foreign A-level / Cambridge / International Foundation / Recognized online degrees Accepted by some universities for direct entry with verification and clearance.

Route 1 JUPEB: the most common “no-UTME” path

What is JUPEB?

JUPEB is a one-year advanced level programme (A-level) run by the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board. On successful completion candidates are issued a JUPEB certificate that many Nigerian universities accept for Direct Entry into 200 level. JUPEB centres operate nationwide at approved private schools and college centres.

Universities that accept JUPEB

More than half of Nigerian federal, state and private universities accept JUPEB for 200L admission. Examples frequently listed by JUPEB and university guides include UNILAG, UNIBEN, UNILORIN, OAU, UNN, ABU, FUTA and many private universities however acceptance varies by course and campus; always confirm with the specific university admissions office.

• Minimum O’Level (WAEC/NECO) credit passes (usually five, including required subjects).
• Payment and registration at an accredited JUPEB centre.
• Pass JUPEB exams in the required subjects for your chosen university/course (usually three subjects + Use of English).
• Obtain JUPEB aggregate acceptable to the admitting university.

How to apply for JUPEB admission

1. Choose an accredited JUPEB centre (check jupeb.org.ng for centres).
2. Register for the programme and choose your subjects.
3. Complete the year of instruction and sit for JUPEB exams.
4. Apply to target university for Direct Entry with your JUPEB result when released.

Pros & cons

• Pros: Fast (9–12 months), widely accepted, skips UTME stress, direct to 200L.
• Cons: Cost (tuition + exam fees), competition for top courses, not every course available via JUPEB in every university.

Route 2 IJMB & other A-level (Cambridge, WAEC A-level) routes

IJMB is similar to JUPEB: a pre-degree A-level programme accepted by a number of universities for Direct Entry. In addition, international A-level qualifications (Cambridge A-levels) or recognized foundation programmes can be used for DE admission where universities accept them. Requirements are comparable to JUPEB: O’Level credits plus passing relevant A-level subjects.

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Route 3 Diploma, NCE, HND and Pre-Degree pathways

Several universities accept diploma or NCE/HND holders for Direct Entry or conversion programmes. Depending on the institution, a diploma may offer admission into 200 level or into degree conversion programmes. This route typically requires:

• A recognized diploma/NCE/HND certificate with a specified minimum grade.
• Evidence of relevant course content and O’Level requirements.
  Check the admitting university’s DE brochure for exact rules JAMB’s direct entry policy details verification steps for A-level and diploma certificates.

Route 4 National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) & licensed online providers

NOUN and a handful of NUC-licensed degree-awarding open universities sometimes advertise UTME-free admission for specific programmes or admit via distance learning/registration processes that don’t require sitting UTME in the same way as conventional universities. They verify your O’Level, and admissions depend on programme rules. Examples reported by mainstream media and university websites include NOUN and some licensed private open providers. Always confirm on the university’s official admissions page

Route 5 International foundation & transfer options

Some students obtain an international foundation, diploma, or undergraduate credits abroad (or from accredited online universities) and transfer into a Nigerian university or gain department recognition for entry. This requires rigorous verification (vetting by JAMB, NUC, and the admitting school) and is less common, but it is legitimate when handled through proper admissions channels.

Schools often mentioned as admitting without UTME (examples, verify with each school)

Important: Policies change; the lists below are examples referenced in recent authoritative education articles and JUPEB listings. Always confirm directly with the university admission office before paying fees.

• National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) distance learning programmes with flexible admission routes.
• Universities that accept JUPEB/IJMB for DE into 200L UNILAG, UNIBEN, UNILORIN, OAU, UNN, ABU, FUTA, UNIPORT and many private universities accept A-level certificates for direct admission (course–by–course basis). Check JUPEB and each university.
• Licensed private open/unconventional degree providers (example: Miva Open University and similar NUC-licensed initiatives) — verify NUC licensing and exact admission rules on each university’s site.

How to choose the right “no-JAMB” path for you

1. Decide your time horizon: JUPEB/IJMB take ~9–12 months then direct entry; diplomas vary (1–2 years); NOUN and open programmes can be faster depending on intake.
2. Check course availability: Not every course is open to DE/JUPEB at each university medicine, pharmacy and similarly regulated courses are often restricted.
3. Verify recognition: Only enroll in accredited JUPEB centres or NUC-licensed providers. Ask for official affiliation letters and check the JUPEB/NUC websites.
4. Compare costs: JUPEB fees, private centre costs, school acceptance fees, and living costs can add up. Balance speed against price.
5. Confirm transfer/credit policy: If considering foreign or online courses for transfer, confirm JAMB/NUC recognition and the target university’s transfer policy.

Step-by-step checklist (how to apply and avoid scams)

1. Research: Visit JUPEB (jupeb.org.ng), IJMB, NOUN and the target university’s admissions page.
2. Confirm accreditation: Verify JUPEB centre or institute is listed on the official JUPEB page.ctuses or DE guides from the university website.
3. Pay safely: Use official portals (university or JUPEB) avoid random bank transfers to personal accounts.
4. Keep receipts & evidence: Keep screenshots, receipts, official emails, and exam slips.
5. Apply to university when results are out: Use the DE application window; attach JUPEB/IJMB/diploma results and required documents.

Risks & caveats

• Fake centres and scammers: The market has unscrupulous operators. Always confirm accreditation on JUPEB or the university’s official list.
• Course restrictions: Professional medicine, law, and some engineering disciplines may have strict entry rules some universities limit DE entry into specific programmes.
• Changing rules: Admissions policy can change; always confirm deadlines and requirements for the specific academic year on official pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I gain admission directly into 100 level without JAMB?
Most conventional universities require UTME for 100L entry. Routes without UTME usually place candidates directly into 200 level via direct entry (JUPEB/IJMB/diploma). NOUN and some licensed open universities may have different rules for 100L admission check the university website.

Q2. Is JUPEB better than IJMB?
Both lead to DE admission. Acceptance depends on your target university and course. JUPEB is widely adopted and has many affiliate universities; IJMB is older and still accepted by several schools. Compare the admitting universities’ preference lists.

Q3. Do I need JAMB verification for direct entry offers?
Yes. JAMB handles verification and registration for Direct Entry admissions in collaboration with universities. JAMB’s DE procedures include verification of A-level and diploma certificates. Consult JAMB’s DE manual for exact steps.

Q4 . How long does JUPEB take and how much does it cost?
JUPEB typically runs for 9–12 months. Costs vary widely by centre (tuition, hostel, exam fees). Shop for accredited centres and compare fees, but be cautious of extremely low offers verify affiliation.

Q5 . Can I apply to multiple universities using JUPEB results?
Yes once you have an accepted JUPEB result you may apply to any university that recognizes JUPEB and offers your course, following each school’s DE application process.

Conclusion & final advice

Gaining university admission without JAMB is real and legal via established routes such as JUPEB, IJMB, diploma/pre-degree programmes, NOUN/open university routes, and approved international foundation/transfer options. JUPEB is the most popular and fastest route to 200 level at many Nigerian universities, but it requires careful centre selection and verification. Always confirm directly with the target university, use only accredited centres, keep proof of payments and results, and follow JAMB’s Direct Entry verification steps when applying. This guide is (Updated November 2025) policies and lists change, so verify before you act.

Useful official links & resources (verify before use)

• JUPEB official: https://jupeb.org.ng/. jupeb.ng
• List of universities accepting JUPEB: JUPEB affiliate pages and university DE brochures (search the target university).
• NOUN admissions: official NOUN admission portal.
• JAMB policy & DE manual: JAMB official PDFs and e-facility guidance for Direct Entry.