List of Universities That Accept IJMB for Admission in Nigeria (2025/2026)

Introduction

Thinking of using IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) to enter university? Great choice! IJMB is an A-level program that lets you skip JAMB UTME and gain direct entry into 200‑level at many Nigerian universities. This guide gives you everything you need to know about:

Which universities accept IJMB for admission
How to apply step by step
The pros and cons of using IJMB
Real examples from students
A handy summary table
10+ FAQs answered simply

Let’s explore your options and help you make smart choices.

What Is IJMB and How Does It Work?

IJMB is an A‑Level program run by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. It lets you study three A‑Level subjects for 9–12 months. If you pass, you can apply for Direct Entry admission into 200‑level at many universities—no JAMB required.

You need at least five O‑Level credits, including subjects you plan to study. Your IJMB results must meet university-specific cut-offs, typically measured in point aggregates.

Federal Universities That Accept IJMB for Direct Entry

Federal universities accepting IJMB for 200‑level admission include:

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA)
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
FUTA, FUTMINNA
FUDMA, FUBK, FUD, FUOTUOKE, FUOYE, FUWUKARI, FULAFIA, FULOKOJA
Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH)
NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria)
UNIZIK, UNIABUJA, UNIBEN, UNICAL, UNILORIN, UNIJOS, UNIMAID, UNIUYO, UDUSOK

State Universities That Accept IJMB

State-owned universities that accept IJMB for direct entry include:

ABSU, ADSU, AAUA, AKSU, BASUG, BSU, BAU, COOU, CRUTECH, DELSU, EBSU, EKSU, ESUT, GSU, IBBU, IAUE, IMSU, KASU, KUST, KSUSTA, KSU, KWASU, LAUTECH, LASU, NSUK, NDU, NWU, OSUSTECH, UNIOSUN, PLASU, RSU, SSU, TASUED, TASU, TECH-U, UMYU

Private Universities That Accept IJMB

Many private Nigerian universities also accept IJMB for direct entry, including:

Achievers University, Adeleke University, ABUAD, African University of Science & Technology, Ajayi Crowther University, Al-Hikmah, AUN, Babcock, Baze, Bells, BIU, Bingham, Bowen, Caleb, Caritas, CETEP, Covenant, Crawford, Crescent, Elizade, Evangel, GOUNI, GUU, Igbinedion, JABU, Landmark, Lead City, Madonna, McPherson, Nile, Novena, Obong, Pan-African University.

Universities That Do Not Accept IJMB

Not all universities accept IJMB:

University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), University of Calabar (UNICAL) accept JUPEB or Cambridge A-Levels, but not IJMB
UNN and UNILAG do not accept IJMB for 200‑level

How to Apply for Direct Entry via IJMB: Easy Steps

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You need five O‑Level credits including relevant subjects.

Step 2: Choose Your IJMB Centre

Apply at ABU or approved study centres like IMAP Lafia.

Step 3: Select Your A-Level Subjects

Pick three that fit your intended degree path.

Step 4: Complete IJMB Program

Attend classes for one academic year and prepare for the exams.

Step 5: Sit for IJMB Exams

Aim for high grades (typically 5 aggregate minimum, more for competitive courses). Universities list point requirements, e.g., ABU requires 7–10 points depending on course.

Step 6: Apply for JAMB Direct Entry

Fill and submit JAMB DE form, upload results, and pay fees.

Step 7: Attend University Screening

Pass post-JAMB screening or interview.

Step 8: Monitor and Accept Admission

Watch your JAMB CAPS dashboard; accept when offer appears.

Pros and Cons of Using IJMB

Pros	Cons
Skip JAMB UTME entirely	Requires year of study and fees
Gain direct entry into 200-level	Must score well to compete
Widely accepted across Nigerian universities	Limited to three subjects
Flexible timeline if offered by private centres	Dual costs: programme + DE registration

Real-Life Example

As a student on Reddit noted, “IJMB and JUPEB have been lifesavers… You can enter 200L unlike UTME.”

Summary

University Type	Examples
Federal Institutions	ABU, FUTA, UNILORIN, UNIBEN, UNIJOS, UNICAL, NOUN
State Institutions	DELSU, EBSU, EKSU, COOU, LASU, RSU, etc.
Private Institutions	Covenant, Babcock, Madonna, Landmark, ABUAD, etc.
Excluded Institutions	UI, OAU, UNILAG, UNIPORT, UNICAL (some cases), UNN

Frequently Asked Questions (10+)

What is IJMB?
An A-Level alternative for direct entry into 200-level.
Which schools accept IJMB?
Many federal, state, and private universities—see list above.
Is UI or OAU on the list?
No—they accept JUPEB or Cambridge A-Levels—but not IJMB.
How many points needed?
Typically 5–10 points minimum; varies by course and university.
Can I use IJMB to study medicine?
Yes—but you need high points (e.g., 10+) for medicine.
How long is IJMB?
About 9–12 months.
Do I still pay JAMB fees?
Yes—there’s a Direct Entry application fee.
Is NYSC available to IJMB students?
Yes—graduates are eligible if from accredited schools.
Is IJMB cheaper than JUPEB?
Costs vary—some centres are cheaper or more flexible than others.
Can I do IJMB abroad?
Some nearby countries accept IJMB—check with universities outside Nigeria.
Can private school paths via IJMB be quick?
Often yes—private schools process faster but cost more.

Conclusion

IJMB is a powerful route for students aiming to bypass JAMB and enter 200-level directly in 2025/2026. From federal to state to private universities, many schools across Nigeria accept IJMB—provided you meet their point requirements.

Choose your route wisely, aim high in your A-Level subjects, and stay on top of deadlines. Your university journey doesn’t have to wait—it starts now.