How to Gain Admission into Nigerian Universities Without JAMB 2025/2026

Introduction
Many students in Nigeria think the only way to enter university is through JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board). But that’s not true. There are legal and approved ways to gain admission without JAMB. This article will explain everything in a simple and easy way.

If you’re looking for how to gain admission into Nigerian universities without JAMB in 2025/2026, this is the perfect guide for you.

What Is JAMB and Why Some Students Avoid It

JAMB is the body in Nigeria that manages university admissions. Every year, millions of students write the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).

However, not all students pass JAMB. Some reasons people want to avoid JAMB include:

• Low JAMB score

• Fear of repeating exams

• Wanting faster university admission

• Limited admission spaces through JAMB

• Looking for cheaper or easier alternatives

The good news is that you can still get into a university in Nigeria without JAMB — through legal and approved programs.

Top Ways to Gain Admission Without JAMB in 2025/2026

Here are 7 approved options you can use to gain university admission in Nigeria without writing JAMB in 2025/2026.

JUPEB Programme

JUPEB means Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board. It is an A-Level program that allows you to gain direct entry into 200 level in many Nigerian universities.

Key Points:

• Duration: 9-12 months

• Subjects: Based on your course (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics for science students)

• Entry: Use WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB

• Certificate is valid for 3 years

• Accepted by many top federal and state universities

Schools that accept JUPEB:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)

IJMB Programme

IJMB stands for Interim Joint Matriculation Board. Like JUPEB, it also gives direct admission into 200 level in many universities.

Key Points:

• Duration: 9-11 months

• Subjects: 3 A-level subjects

• Entry: With WAEC/NECO/NABTEB

• No JAMB needed

• Certificate is valid for 7 years

• Managed by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

Universities that accept IJMB:

• ABU Zaria

• UNN

• UNIJOS

• Bayero University Kano (BUK)

National Open University (NOUN)

NOUN is Nigeria’s official Open and Distance Learning (ODL) university. You don’t need JAMB to gain admission.

Key Points:

• No JAMB required

• No age limit

• Flexible study time

• Study from anywhere in Nigeria

• Courses in Law, Education, Management, IT, etc.

NOUN is government-approved and recognized by NYSC.

Part-Time or Weekend Degree Programmes

Many Nigerian universities offer part-time or weekend degree programmes. These are for people who want to study while working or who missed out on JAMB.

Key Points:

• No JAMB required

• Attend classes on weekends or evenings

• Course duration is longer (5-6 years)

• Available in public and private universities

Examples:

• LASU Part-Time

• UNILAG DLI

• OAU CDL

Private Universities’ Direct Entry

Some private universities offer direct entry or admit students without JAMB through internal screening.

Key Points:

• Some accept ND, JUPEB, IJMB, or even WAEC only

• Admission is based on school screening

• Small class sizes

• Higher fees but faster admission

Examples:

• Babcock University

• Lead City University

• Caleb University

Distance Learning Centres

Many top universities have distance learning centers, like UNILAG, OAU, UI, etc.

Key Points:

• JAMB not required

• Blended learning (online + physical)

• Great for working-class students

• Fully recognized degrees

Diploma to Degree Conversion Programmes

Some students start with a polytechnic diploma, then later convert to a university degree without JAMB.

Key Points:

• Use your ND or HND to apply

• Direct entry to 200 or 300 level

• No JAMB needed

• Accepted in many federal and private universities

• Step-by-Step Guide: How Each Admission Route Works

Let’s break down the process for each option:

JUPEB Admission Steps:

1. Apply to a JUPEB-affiliated university or center

2. Choose 3 subjects related to your course

3. Pay the fees (varies by center)

4. Attend classes for 9-12 months

5. Take final JUPEB exams

6. Use result to apply for direct entry into 200 level

IJMB Admission Steps:

1. Register through a certified IJMB center

2. Select 3 subjects

3. Study for about a year

4. Sit for the IJMB final exams

5. Apply through Direct Entry to partner universities

NOUN Admission Steps:

1. Visit the NOUN websiteChoose your course

2. Fill online form

3. Upload WAEC/NECO/NABTEB

4. Pay admission fee

5. Start learning from anywhere

Part-Time Admission Steps:

1. Go to the school’s part-time portal

2. Apply online

3. Attend internal screening

4. Pay acceptance and school fees

5. Begin weekend classes

Private University Direct Entry:

1. Choose a recognized private university

2. Submit your WAEC + other credentials

3. Attend the school’s screening or test

4. Get admission letter

5. Pay school fees

Pros and Cons of Admission Without JAMB

Pros:

• No UTME stress or waiting

• Easier for second-chance students

• Flexible programs (online, weekend)

• Valid certificates and degrees

• Accepted for NYSC in most cases

 Cons:

• Some options are more expensive

• Not all schools accept IJMB/JUPEB

• You may miss campus life (in ODL)

• May take longer (e.g., part-time)

Comparison Table: JAMB vs Non-JAMB Admission Routes

Real Examples of Students Who Got In Without JAMB

• Blessing (Lagos): Failed JAMB twice. Joined JUPEB at UNILAG and entered 200 level Law.

• Yusuf (Kano): Used IJMB from ABU and got 200 level admission into UNIJOS for Engineering.

• Chioma (Abuja): Applied to NOUN for Education and graduated with good results. Now doing NYSC.

• Emeka (Enugu): Studied part-time at ESUT and completed B.Sc. while working full-time.

Conclusion

You don’t need JAMB to go to a good university in Nigeria. There are many smart, legal, and effective ways to gain admission into Nigerian universities without JAMB in 2025/2026.

Whether it’s JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, part-time study, private universities, or diploma conversion — pick the method that fits your needs, budget, and future plans.

Start early, follow the steps, and stay focused. You can go to university without JAMB, and you can succeed.