How to Gain Admission with IJMB Result in Nigeria (2025 Complete Guide)
1. Understanding the IJMB Program
What is IJMB?
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is a recognized A-Level equivalent program managed by Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria ijmbportal.com. It provides an alternate pathway to gain university admission via Direct Entry, allowing successful candidates to start at 200 level without taking UTME EDUCTECH Nigeriaijmb.org.ng.
Why Choose IJMB?
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Fast-track admission into 200 level, saving a year.
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Alternative for UTME retakers to still enter university on time.
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Wide acceptance—IJMB is recognized by over 75% of Nigerian universities EDUCTECH Nigeriaijmb.org.ng.
2. What Is IJMB & Why It Matters
IJMB Duration & Structure
The IJMB program typically runs for 9–10 months, split across two semesters concluding with exams in February ijmbportal.comijmb.org.ng.
IJMB Grading Scale
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A = 5 points
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B = 4 points
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C = 3 points
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D = 2 points
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E = 1 point
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F = 0 points
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An additional point is awarded if no subject grade is F ijmbportal.com.
For instance, Physics (A), Chemistry (B), Biology (C) yield 12 points + 1 bonus = 13 points.
IJMB’s Role in University Admission
NIUC and JAMB accept IJMB as a valid Direct Entry qualification. It’s listed among acceptable modes of entry in the official JAMB brochure ijmb.org.ngEDUCTECH Nigeria.
3. Universities in Nigeria That Accept IJMB Results
Here’s a well-organized overview of universities accepting IJMB results for 200-level admission as Direct Entry:
3.1 Federal Universities
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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
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Bayero University Kano (BUK)
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
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University of Benin (UNIBEN)
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University of Jos (UNIJOS)
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University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
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Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
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University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
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And many more across Nigeria ijmb.com.ngAcademicfulAJLS – School News and Exams in Nigeriaijmb.org.ng.
3.2 State Universities
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Lagos State University (LASU)
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Ekiti State University (EKSU)
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Anambra State University (ABSU)
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Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
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Delta State University (DELSU)
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Rivers State University (RSU)
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Others across states ijmb.com.ngAJLS – School News and Exams in Nigeria.
3.3 Private Universities
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Covenant University
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Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
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Babcock University
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Madonna University
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Igbinedion University
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And several others in Nigeria’s private sector ijmb.com.ngAJLS – School News and Exams in Nigeria.
Universities That Don’t Accept IJMB
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University of Ibadan (UI) — only accepts IJMB for 100 level ijmbcentres.com.
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University of Lagos (UNILAG) — does not accept IJMB ijmbcentres.comportal.ijmbweb.com.ng.
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — does not accept IJMB ijmbcentres.comportal.ijmbweb.com.ng.
4. IJMB Point System Explained
Schools use IJMB points to assess eligibility:
| Institution | Required Points by Course Type |
|---|---|
| UNILORIN | 13 pts for Medicine; 8+ for Eng; 7+ for Social Sciences; 5+ for Arts alevelsadmissions.comijmbe.org. |
| UNIBEN | 12 pts: Law/Econs; 5+: Sciences/Paramedical; 5–9: Education/Social Sci. ijmbe.orgAJLS – School News and Exams in Nigeria. |
| UNIZIK | 8 pts: Medicine, Eng, Accounting; 4 pts: Education, Languages ijmbe.org. |
| ABU Zaria | 10 pts: Medicine, Law, Eng, Economics; 7 pts: other courses alevelsadmissions.comijmbe.org. |
| UNIJOS | 8 pts: Medicine, Law, Eng, Nursing, etc.; 5+: all other courses alevelsadmissions.comcampusmatter.blogspot.com. |
| UNIABUJA | 10 pts for DE to 200L; below 10 pts go to 100L alevelsadmissions.comcampusmatter.blogspot.com. |
| FUTMINNA | 10 pts: Eng; 8 pts: Food Sci; 5+: Paramedical alevelsadmissions.comcampusmatter.blogspot.com. |
| UNIMAID | Requires around 9 pts (general estimate) Academicful. |
5. How to Apply for Admission Using IJMB
Step‑by‑Step Guide
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Complete IJMB Program — achieve 3 subject passes plus bonus point.
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Obtain Direct Entry form from JAMB and list and score.
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Fill DE form, selecting a university that accepts IJMB and your preferred course.
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Submit IJMB transcript and O’Level results, and apply on the university’s portal.
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Take DE screening or Post-UTME, if required.
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Check admission list and accept offer via JAMB CAPS.
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Complete school clearance and register.
6. Course-Specific Point Requirements
Courses requiring higher IJMB points often include:
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Medicine & Surgery: 12–15 points
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Law, Engineering, Economics: 10+ points
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Social Sciences, Education: 7–9 points
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Arts and Agriculture: 5–7 points Academicfulijmbe.orgalevelsadmissions.com.
7. Advantages & Disadvantages of the IJMB Route
Pros
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Start at 200L
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No need for UTME besides DE registration
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Effective alternative for UTME challenges
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High university recognition across states
Cons
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Requires extra tuition and time (9 months)
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Rigorous point system for competitive courses
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Not all universities accept IJMB
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Limited slots for DE admissions
8. Comparison: IJMB vs UTME vs JUPEB
| Pathway | Duration | Entry Level | Requirements | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IJMB (DE) | 9–10 months | 200L | IJMB + O’Level, DE JAMB | Quick entry, no UTME | Costly, intensive, limited acceptance |
| JAMB (UTME) | Prep time | 100L | O’Level + UTME + Post-UTME | Most common, wider options | Longer path, high competition |
| JUPEB (DE) | ~1 year | 200L | JUPEB + O’Level, DE JAMB | Similar to IJMB | Less recognized vs IJMB by some institutions |
9. Candidate Examples & Case Studies
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Emeka scored 13 points in IJMB (A, B, C grades) and gained admission into Medicine at UNILORIN.
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Aisha used 9 points to enter Engineering at ABU Zaria.
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Chinedu secured Mass Comms at UNIBEN with 7 IJMB points.
10. Best Practices for IJMB Candidates
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Choose accredited centers for IJMB
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Select subjects aligned with your desired course
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Aim for high (A/B) grades
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Apply early and to multiple universities
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Check point requirements widely
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Prepare thoroughly for possible screening
11. Summary Table: Quick Reference
| Section | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| What is IJMB? | 9–10 month A-Level equivalent leading to DE admission |
| Accepted by many institutions | Wide acceptance across Nigeria’s federal, state, private |
| Point thresholds | Vary by course—from 5 pts (Arts) to 15+ pts (Medicine) |
| Application steps | Complete IJMB → DE JAMB → University apply → Screening |
| Pros | Fast-track, acknowledged route, strong DE path |
| Cons | Rigorous, limited slots, cost & time intensive |
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is IJMB?
An A-Level equivalent program enabling DE into 200L. -
How long is the IJMB program?
9–10 months with exams typically in February. -
Which schools accept IJMB?
Numerous federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria (see list above). -
How many points do I need for Medicine?
Typically 12–15 points depending on university. -
Is OAU accepting IJMB?
No, OAU does not currently accept IJMB ijmbcentres.comportal.ijmbweb.com.ng. -
Can I skip IJMB and go through UTME later?
Yes—you may take UTME and follow standard admission process instead. -
Can 400-level transfer use IJMB?
IJMB is primarily for 200L DE admission, not for transfer into senior levels. -
Is IJMB cheaper than university?
It incurs an extra year of tuition but saves one full academic year of degree. -
Which pathway is faster—IJMB or JUPEB?
Both are around 1 year; advantage depends on preferred universities’ acceptance. -
Can I retake IJMB?
Yes—you may register again if you didn’t get desired points. -
Do I still need O’Level results?
Yes—IJMB must be supplemented with at least five O’Level credits.
Conclusion
The IJMB route in Nigeria remains one of the most viable and respected alternatives to the UTME path, especially for ambitious students looking to fast-track their degree programs. With wide recognition among universities and a clear point-based qualification structure, IJMB offers a manageable and effective route into 200L, provided you perform well and choose the right institutions.