Introduction
If you are a Nigerian student who has written the NABTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board) exam, you might be wondering if you can use your results to gain admission into Nigerian universities. The good news is that many universities in Nigeria accept NABTEB for admission, provided you meet the right requirements.
This article will give you a complete list of Nigerian universities that accept NABTEB, explain how the admission process works, the pros and cons of using NABTEB, and a detailed step-by-step guide to help you secure admission in the 2025/2026 academic session.
By the end of this guide, you will fully understand:
- What NABTEB is all about
- How universities in Nigeria use NABTEB for admission
- A long list of universities that accept NABTEB (federal, state, and private)
- How to combine NABTEB with JAMB, WAEC, or NECO for admission
- The pros and cons of using NABTEB for university admission
- Frequently asked questions from students like you
Let’s dive in!
What is NABTEB?
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) is an examination body in Nigeria established in 1992. Its purpose is to conduct:
- Ordinary Level (O’Level) exams – equivalent to WAEC and NECO.
- Advanced Level (A’Level) exams – equivalent to IJMB or JUPEB, which can be used for direct entry admission.
The O’Level NABTEB is widely accepted for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Key Facts About NABTEB
- It is recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
- NABTEB results are accepted by JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board).
- Students with NABTEB results can apply for admission through UTME (JAMB exam) or Direct Entry (if using A’Level NABTEB).
- NABTEB O’Level can be combined with WAEC or NECO in cases where a candidate is deficient in some subjects.
So, if you wrote NABTEB, you are on the right path to gaining admission into universities in Nigeria.
Does JAMB Accept NABTEB for Admission?
Yes, JAMB accepts NABTEB results. When registering for UTME, you can upload your NABTEB results on the JAMB portal. Once verified, JAMB uses it to process your admission alongside your UTME score.
This means that NABTEB is treated the same way as WAEC and NECO during admission.
List of Nigerian Universities That Accept NABTEB for Admission
Now let’s move into the main focus of this guide. Below is the detailed list of universities in Nigeria that accept NABTEB for admission in the 2025/2026 academic session.
Federal Universities That Accept NABTEB
Most federal universities in Nigeria accept NABTEB, provided you meet the minimum requirements. Here are examples:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
- Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
- Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
- Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE)
- Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI)
- Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS)
State Universities That Accept NABTEB
Most state universities also accept NABTEB for admission. Examples include:
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
- Plateau State University (PLASU)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Taraba State University (TSU)
Private Universities That Accept NABTEB
Private universities in Nigeria are usually more flexible. Almost all of them accept NABTEB. Examples are:
- Covenant University, Ota
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran
- Igbinedion University, Okada
- Caleb University, Lagos
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
- Redeemer’s University, Ede
- Benson Idahosa University (BIU)
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- Novena University, Delta State
- Madonna University
- Achievers University, Owo
- Oduduwa University
How to Use NABTEB for University Admission
Getting admission with NABTEB requires following some important steps:
Step 1: Write JAMB UTME
You must sit for the UTME exam and select your desired university and course.
Step 2: Upload NABTEB Results to JAMB Portal
During JAMB registration, you will upload your NABTEB results (or after the exam if awaiting).
Step 3: Participate in Post-UTME/Screening
Most universities will invite you for a Post-UTME exam or online screening. Your NABTEB grades will play a major role in your admission.
Step 4: Meet Admission Cut-Off Marks
You must meet both JAMB cut-off marks and departmental requirements.
Step 5: Secure Admission Offer
If successful, you will be offered admission, which you can accept on the JAMB CAPS portal.
Can NABTEB Be Combined With WAEC or NECO?
Yes. If you do not have all the required credits in NABTEB, you can combine NABTEB with WAEC or NECO for admission. For example:
- 3 credits in NABTEB + 2 credits in WAEC = 5 credits (minimum requirement).
Pros and Cons of Using NABTEB for University Admission
Pros
- Recognized by all Nigerian universities.
- Can be combined with WAEC or NECO.
- Offers both O’Level and A’Level options.
- Accepted by JAMB for admission processing.
Cons
- Some foreign universities may not accept NABTEB.
- Some employers may prefer WAEC/NECO.
- Fewer centers compared to WAEC/NECO.
Comparison: NABTEB vs WAEC vs NECO
| Feature | NABTEB | WAEC | NECO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition in Nigeria | Very high | Very high | Very high |
| International acceptance | Limited | Widely accepted | Limited |
| Can combine with others? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A’Level option available? | Yes (NABTEB A’Level) | No | No |
| Suitable for JAMB? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Summary Table of Universities That Accept NABTEB
| Category | Examples of Universities |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, UNN, OAU, FUTA, UNILORIN, UNIPORT |
| State Universities | LASU, DELSU, ABSU, IMSU, OOU, EKSU, KASU, UNIOSUN |
| Private Universities | Covenant, Babcock, Bowen, Landmark, ABUAD, Madonna, Lead City |
Conclusion
The NABTEB examination is a valid and recognized pathway to gain admission into Nigerian universities. Whether you are applying to federal, state, or private universities, your NABTEB results will be accepted as long as you meet the admission requirements.
To succeed in the 2025/2026 admission session, ensure you:
- Write JAMB UTME and upload your NABTEB results.
- Participate in Post-UTME or online screening.
- Meet departmental cut-off marks.
If you follow the right steps, NABTEB can open the doors to your dream university in Nigeria.