UNIBEN Direct Entry Admission Requirements: Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious federal universities, celebrated for its academic excellence and wide array of courses. While many applicants go through the traditional UTME route, a considerable number seek Direct Entry (DE) admission—starting directly from 200 level—via qualifications like ND, NCE, HND, A‑Level, JUPEB, or degrees.
This complete guide explores:
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What direct entry means at UNIBEN
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Accepted qualifications and relevant departments
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Document and eligibility checks
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Application procedures
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Advantages and disadvantages of the DE route
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Comparison with UTME path
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Real-life examples
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Summary table and FAQs to resolve your doubts
If you’re a beginner or a professional aiming to apply for UNIBEN DE admission, this guide equips you with everything you need to succeed.
1. What Is Direct Entry Admission at UNIBEN?
Definition & Purpose
Direct Entry admission allows candidates with advanced academic qualifications beyond SSCE to enter UNIBEN at 200 level. This saves a year of study and rewards prior learning.
Who’s Eligible?
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ND (Upper Credit)
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NCE (Merit Pass)
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HND (Lower Credit)
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JUPEB / A‑Level / IJMB
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First Class or Second Class (Upper) degree holders in relevant disciplines uniben.eduJAET – Schools and Exams in NigeriaMy School PortalBscholarlyeng.uniben.eduamasnigeria.com
2. General Requirements for UNIBEN Direct Entry Admission
2.1 O’Level (SSCE/NECO/GCE) Requirements
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Minimum of 5 credits, obtained in not more than two sittings
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Must include English Language, Mathematics, plus three relevant subjects AJLS – School News and Exams in NigeriaBscholarlyMy School Portal
2.2 First Choice Institution
You must select UNIBEN as your first choice during JAMB Direct Entry registration. Second-choice selections are not accepted AJLS – School News and Exams in NigeriaMy School Portal.
3. Qualification-Specific Direct Entry Requirements
Below are the accepted credentials and conditions outlined per qualification type:
3.1 A‑Level / IJMB / JUPEB
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Requires relevant subject combination to course.
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Generally requires two to three passes.
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For Medicine & Surgery: at least three A‑Level passes—biology (or zoology), physics, chemistry, with not more than one C grade or minimum of 12 points medicine.uniben.eduamasnigeria.comJAET – Schools and Exams in Nigeria.
3.2 ND (Ordinary National Diploma)
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Must be from an NBTE-accredited institution.
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Must be at least Upper Credit level eng.uniben.eduBscholarly.
3.3 NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
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Requires at least a Merit pass.
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Must be relevant to intended course of study JAET – Schools and Exams in NigeriaMy School Portal.
3.4 HND (Higher National Diploma)
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From NBTE-recognized institution.
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Minimum of Lower Credit level; Upper Credit often preferred eng.uniben.eduBscholarly.
3.5 First Degree Holders
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Must have Second Class Upper or above.
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Relevant degree field required for chosen course eng.uniben.eduamasnigeria.com.
4. How to Apply for UNIBEN Direct Entry
Follow these steps to register for Direct Entry admission screening at UNIBEN:
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Purchase JAMB Direct Entry Form
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Ensure UNIBEN is selected as first choice AJLS – School News and Exams in NigeriaBscholarly.
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Visit UNIBEN DE Screening Portal
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Go to uniben.edu, navigate to WAEUP Student Portal PrepsNG TutorialsAJLS – School News and Exams in Nigeria.
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Register and Login
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Input your surname and JAMB DE number to generate Application ID and Password PrepsNG Tutorials.
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Complete the Application
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Fill required info, upload 1×1 red-background passport photo (JPEG) PrepsNG Tutorials.
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Pay Screening Fee
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Fee is ₦2,000, payable via Remita; other service charges may apply PrepsNG Tutorials.
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Download Past Questions (Optional)
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Available on portal for practice PrepsNG Tutorials.
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Submit Application & Print Slips
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Confirm details before submission—no changes allowed afterward.
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Print Acknowledgement slip and Screening invitation PrepsNG Tutorials.
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Attend Screening (CBT)
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Arrive at least 1 hour early on screening day.
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Exam held at designated centres on Ugbowo Campus PrepsNG Tutorials.
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5. Pros & Cons of Pursuing Direct Entry at UNIBEN
Pros
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Skip the 100 level—fast-track graduation.
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Builds on prior academic achievements and diplomas.
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Specialized pathways for certain disciplines.
Cons
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Much more competitive, fewer slots are available.
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You must still meet rigorous screening criteria.
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Some programs may restrict DE partially or fully.
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Limited networking opportunities compared to UTME peers.
Examples:
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For Medicine & Surgery, DE requires three A‑Level passes or 2nd Class Upper degree in relevant biological sciences amasnigeria.commedicine.uniben.edu.
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Engineering requires ND OND (Upper Credit), HND (Lower Credit), or two A‑Level passes in Physics, Chemistry, Math eng.uniben.edu.
6. Comparison: Direct Entry vs. UTME Pathways
Criteria | Direct Entry (DE) | UTME Route |
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Entry Level | 200 Level | 100 Level |
Required Qualification | ND / NCE / HND / A‑Level / Degree | SSCE + JAMB Score |
Screening Type | DE Screening (CBT) | UTME + Post-UTME Screening |
Competitive Slots | Limited | More slots |
Study Duration | Shorter (3 years) | Full (4 years) |
Suitable For | Diploma/A‑Level holders | SSCE aspirants |
7. Real-Life Example
Chinyere holds an Upper Credit in ND in Computer Engineering and 5 credits in O’Level. She applied for Direct Entry into UNIBEN’s Computer Engineering program, completed her screening, and was admitted into 200 level—saving a year and utilizing her prior qualification to her advantage.
8. Summary Table: UNIBEN Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Qualification Type | Required Grade/Details | Notes |
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O’Level (SSCE) | 5 credits incl. English & Math, max 2 sittings | Basic matriculation requirement |
A‑Level / JUPEB / IJMB | 2–3 relevant passes; Medicine needs 3 (12 pts) | Must align with chosen course |
ND | Upper Credit | From accredited institution |
NCE | Merit Pass | In related subject |
HND | Lower Credit | From recognized polytechnic |
First Degree | 2nd Class Upper / First Class | Relevant field required |
Application | JAMB DE form; UNIBEN DE portal registration | Photocopy, photo, Remita payment required |
Screening | Computer-based test (CBT) | Center-based on Ugbowo campus |
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I apply DE without meeting O’Level requirements?
No—five credits including English & Math are mandatory. -
Is UNIBEN DE limited to certain courses?
Yes, some competitive courses may restrict DE entries. -
Can HND holders apply?
Yes—with at least Lower Credit and relevant field. -
Are JUPEB qualifications accepted?
Yes, especially for programs like Medicine when paired with O’Level requirements. -
Do I still need JAMB on DE?
Yes—registration for DE via JAMB is mandatory. -
Is NYSC completion required?
Typically necessary at admission or clearance stage. -
How competitive is Medicine via DE?
Very competitive—requires strong A‑Level results or Degree. -
Are international DE students allowed?
Possibly—but must check UNIBEN’s policy on international admissions. -
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes—as long as total sittings don’t exceed two. -
Can I change my course after DE admission?
Possible—but subject to Departmental & Faculty approval. -
Is there a DE cutoff mark?
No numeric cutoff, selection based on DE credentials and screening performance. -
When is the DE screening held?
Usually between September–October; check UNIBEN portal for exact dates.
Conclusion
Applying for Direct Entry admission at UNIBEN offers a strategic, accelerated path to a university degree. Whether you’re coming with an ND, NCE, HND, A‑Level, JUPEB, or a degree, meeting the specific requirements and navigating the application process smartly gives you a competitive edge.
Key steps:
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Confirm UNIBEN is first-choice institution.
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Gather and verify all qualifications.
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Register via JAMB DE and UNIBEN portal promptly.
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Prepare thoroughly for DE screening (CBT).
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Stay up to date via UNIBEN official communications.