1 What is JUPEB & How It Works
1.1 Definition of JUPEB
JUPEB stands for Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board. It is a programme (A‑Level equivalent) in Nigeria that allows students to study advanced level subjects for about 9 to 10 months, then take exams. If you pass, you can use the result to gain Direct Entry into 200 level in many Nigerian universities instead of starting from 100 level. (jupeb.ng)
1.2 Purpose of JUPEB
- To give students a way to enter university without writing UTME (or having lower UTME chances) when they have good A‑Level / JUP‑EB qualifications.
- To prepare students academically for more advanced courses.
- To reduce time spent repeating UTME or doing remedial/pre‑degree by giving a more direct route. (jupeb.ng)
1.3 Duration and Validity of JUPEB
- Duration is about 9 months (some sources say up to 10 months). (jupeb.ng)
- The result is valid for a few years (depending on university policy). Some universities accept JUPEB results for at least 2–3 years. You should check with each university. (jupeb.ng)
2. Can JUPEB be Used for Medicine Admission in Nigeria?
2.1 Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and JUPEB
Yes, many Nigerian universities accept JUPEB for admission into Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). This means you can use your JUPEB result to apply for 200 level (Direct Entry) into medical schools, as long as you meet subject combination requirements, obtain required grades, and satisfy other criteria (like screening and post‑UTME or equivalent). (eductechnigeria.com)
2.2 Official Positions & Acceptance
- The JUPEB official website says that many universities in Nigeria accept its programme for all courses, including Medicine, Law, Engineering etc. (jupeb.ng)
- However, acceptance may vary by university. Some universities have stricter requirements for Medicine (grades, subject combinations, quota, screening) than other courses.
3. Requirements for JUPEB Candidates Seeking Medicine Admission
Here are the common requirements you need if you want to use JUPEB to enter Medicine in Nigeria.
3.1 O’Level / Secondary School Requirements
- Usually, 5 credits in your SSCE / WAEC / NECO / GCE O’Level including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics. These are core science subjects.
- Sometimes additional requirements depending on university: e.g. some schools require English Literature or other subjects.
3.2 JUPEB Subject Combination for Medicine
You must take the right combination of subjects in your JUPEB programme. For Medicine, usually:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Sometimes Mathematics (depending on university)
These subjects must be passed at good grades (usually B or A, depending on the university).
3.3 Minimum Grades / Score
- You need to achieve a high grade in your JUPEB subjects. Some universities require you to be among top scorers or meet specific benchmark scores.
- Some require distinctions / upper credit in the JUPEB examinations, especially for Medicine because the competition is strong.
3.4 Other Conditions
- Meeting age requirements
- Local government or state of origin documents, birth certificate
- Sometimes additional screening or interview
- Payment of programme fees, JUPEB fees, and possibly post‑entry screening fees
4. List of Nigerian Universities That Accept JUPEB for Medicine (2025/2026)
Below is a list of universities that are known to accept JUPEB for Medicine and Surgery admission, or have been reported to accept JUPEB for Medical programmes via Direct Entry / A‑Level route. Because policies can change, you should always confirm with the school’s admission office.
| University | Type (Federal / State / Private) | Notes on Medicine Admission with JUPEB |
|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (Unilag) | Federal | Accepts JUPEB for direct entry into Medicine. Students need excellent JUPEB results. (sunnygist.com.ng) |
| University of Ilorin (Unilorin) | Federal | Listed as one of universities that accept JUPEB for all courses, including Medicine. (jamb.expo2025.net.ng) |
| University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) | Federal | Accepts JUPEB, as per sources, including for Medicine. (eductechnigeria.com) |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Federal | Accepts JUPEB; check subject & grade requirement strictly. (eductechnigeria.com) |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife | Federal | Partner university for JUPEB; accepts JUPEB for medical courses. (Wikipedia) |
| Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | Federal | Accepts JUPEB; Medicine admission possible where established / recognised. Confirm current affiliation and accreditation. (eductechnigeria.com) |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado‑Ekiti | Private | Accepts JUPEB for direct entry, including competitive courses like Medicine. (CampusCybercafe) |
| Babcock University, Ogun State | Private | Known to accept JUPEB; check for Medicine programme and eligibility. (CampusCybercafe) |
| Bowen University, Iwo | Private | Accepts JUPEB; has medical and health‑related courses. (CampusCybercafe) |
4.1 Universities to Confirm Direct Medicine‑JUPEB
- Some universities claim acceptance, but official confirmation from their medical school or admissions office is necessary.
- Also, even if a university accepts JUPEB generally, sometimes Medicine / MBBS may have additional restrictions (quota, grade thresholds) compared to less competitive courses.
5. How to Apply to Medical Schools Using JUPEB
Here is a step‑by‑step guide for a student who wants to use JUPEB to apply for Medicine in a Nigerian university for session 2025/2026.
Step 1: Enroll in a JUPEB Programme
- Choose a study centre (university‑based or private centre) approved by JUPEB.
- Register, pay the necessary fees, and take the required A‑Level subjects (usually Biology, Chemistry, Physics, possibly Maths).
Step 2: Complete O’Level Requirements
- Ensure you have the required O’Level credits (WAEC, NECO etc.) in core science subjects plus English / Math.
Step 3: Sit the JUPEB Exams & Obtain Results
- After the programme period (≈9‑10 months), write your JUPEB exams.
- Achieve grades that meet the minimum required by the university medical faculty.
Step 4: Apply via Direct Entry (DE) with JUPEB
- You will need to apply through JAMB Direct Entry, selecting your preferred universities and using your JUPEB result.
- Some universities might require additional screenings or internal exams.
Step 5: Screening and Interview (if required)
- After submitting your application, wait for screening invitations.
- Attend interview or go through additional requirements of the medical faculty (could be oral or written).
Step 6: Check Admission List & Accept Offer
- Universities publish DE admission lists; check their websites, notice boards, or JAMB portal (if applicable).
- If you are offered admission, accept it, pay acceptance fees, complete registration, etc.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using JUPEB for Medicine Admission
6.1 Advantages (Pros)
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry into 200 Level | You can skip 100 level if your JUPEB result is accepted. This saves time. |
| Lower stress with UTME | For students who struggle with UTME or want an alternative route, JUPEB offers another path. |
| Better preparation academically | The JUPEB programme is rigorous and gives good foundation in subjects you need for medicine. |
| Widely accepted | Many Nigerian universities accept JUPEB, including for competitive courses like Medicine. |
6.2 Disadvantages (Cons)
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| High standards / competition | Medicine is one of the toughest courses; even with JUPEB, requirements are strict. |
| Possible limited quotas | Even DE admissions for medicine are limited; competition remains very high. |
| Extra cost | You must pay for JUPEB programme fees, subject fees, as well as application and screening. |
| Uncertainty / policy changes | University policies can change; what works this year may not work next year. Always confirm. |
7. Comparison: JUPEB vs UTME / Regular Entry for Medicine
7.1 What is UTME / Regular Entry
UTME is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by JAMB. That plus O’Level results is the regular route into 100 level for most Nigerian universities.
7.2 Key Differences
| Feature | UTME (Regular Entry) | JUPEB (Direct Entry for Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 100 level | 200 level (skip 100 level) |
| Requires UTME Score | Yes | No (JUPEB result replaces or supplements UTME for DE) |
| Duration Before Starting University | After SSCE and UTME, immediately | After SSCE + ≈9‑10months≈9‑10 months JUPEB programme |
| Competition | Very high, many take UTME | Also high, but DE candidates may have advantage of better preparation |
| Subjects to pass | UTME subject combination + O’Level | O’Level + JUPEB subject combination |
| Cost | UTME fees + university fees | JUPEB programme fees + DE application + university fees |
7.3 Which is Better?
- If your UTME score is low or if you didn’t make cut‑off, JUPEB offers a powerful alternative.
- If you can perform very well in UTME, regular entry remains good.
- Consider time, cost, and your ability in the science subjects required.
8. Examples / Case Studies: Students Who Used JUPEB for Medicine
Here are hypothetical examples (based on typical patterns) to illustrate how students use JUPEB.
Example 1: Chioma from Lagos
- She had 5 credits in WAEC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, English. Her UTME score was below cut‑off for Medicine at Unilag.
- She enrolled in JUPEB at a study centre, took Biology, Chemistry, Physics, got excellent grades.
- She applied via Direct Entry to Unilag and was accepted into 200 level in Medicine.
Example 2: Musa from Kaduna
- He didn’t write UTME because his previous UTME attempts failed to reach medicine cut‑off.
- He registered for JUPEB, worked hard in science subjects, got the required grades.
- Applied to University of Ilorin Medical School via JUPEB and got accepted.
Example 3: Ada from Port Harcourt
- Ada had UTME but low score. She decided to do JUPEB to strengthen foundation.
- She targeted private university with medicine programme accepting JUPEB, like Afe Babalola University.
- Through DE, she secured admission and is in her second year.
9. Summary Table: Nigerian Universities Accepting JUPEB for Medicine Admission 2025/2026
| University | Federal / State / Private | Medicine / MBBS Admission via JUPEB? | Likely Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Federal | Yes | Excellent JUPEB grades, science subjects, O’Levels credits in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English etc. |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Federal | Yes | Same as above; likely high grades and required subject combinations. |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Federal | Yes | Science subject JUPEB, verify with medical faculty. |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Federal | Yes | Strong JUPEB performance; may include screening. |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Federal | Yes | High benchmarks; likely among top JUPEB results. |
| FUTO (Federal University of Technology, Owerri) | Federal | Yes / To be confirmed | Check if Faculty of Medicine is fully recognized and accepts JUPEB for that year. |
| Afe Babalola University, Ado‑Ekiti | Private | Yes | Private univ requirements, likely higher fees, strict screening. |
| Babcock University | Private | Yes | Strong JUPEB result; subject combination and perhaps interview. |
| Bowen University, Iwo | Private | Yes | Same as above; check availability and accreditation. |
11. Conclusion
Using JUPEB for Medicine admission in Nigeria 2025/2026 is a viable path for many students. When used well, it can help you enter into 200 level directly, avoid weak UTME scores, and prepare you strongly in science subjects. But it requires discipline, high grades, correct subject combinations, and thorough checking of each university’s policy.
If you are considering JUPEB:
- Make sure your O’Level results are strong in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English (and possibly Mathematics).
- Choose a credible JUPEB study centre.
- Find out exact requirements for Medicine in the universities you want (grades, subject combo, screening).
- Work hard and get your JUPEB results as high as possible.
With the right preparation, you can use JUPEB successfully to gain Medicine admission in Nigeria in 2025/2026.
