List of Universities That Accept Pre‑Degree for Admission in Nigeria (2025/2026)

What Is a Pre‑Degree Program?

A pre‑degree program—also called remedial or foundation studies—is a one‑year academic program run by universities. It teaches important subjects and helps students meet the requirements for gaining admission into the 100‑level of degree programs. After passing the pre‑degree exams, successful candidates may be admitted directly into the university that offered the program.

. Why Choose Pre‑Degree Admission?

Choosing a pre‑degree program offers several advantages:

It’s ideal for students whose O‑Level results are not sufficient for direct admission.
Many universities accept awaiting results, making it flexible.
Students study at the university and become familiar with campus life before starting degree studies.
Pre‑degree programs often focus on key subjects tailored to desired courses.
It provides a guided path into university, often a valuable head-start.

. How to Apply Through a Pre‑Degree Program – Step by Step

Step 1: Check Eligibility

You generally need five O‑Level credits, including English and Maths. Some programmes accept awaiting results.

Step 2: Identify Eligible Universities

Research universities that offer pre‑degree programs you qualify for. Many federal and state universities offer them.

Step 3: Apply For the Program

Submit your application online or physically to the specified portal or admission office.

For example:

OAU’s Pre‑Degree offers subject combinations and is aimed at preparing students for university courses.
FUPRE offers pre‑degree and foundation options with a qualifying exam and fees of ₦10,000 acceptance and ₦25,000 school fee.

Step 4: Complete the Program

Attend lectures, sit internal exams for one year. Performance determines your chances to further admission.

Step 5: Apply Via JAMB or Direct Entry (if available)

Submit results to JAMB or apply directly through the university portal, depending on their process.

Step 6: Begin 100‑Level Studies

If admitted, you begin your university degree course at the start of a new session.

. Universities That Accept Pre‑Degree for Admission

Federal Universities

OAU, Ile‑Ife – Pre‑Degree program offered and leads to 100‑level admission.
ABU, Zaria – Pre‑Degree offered via the School of Basic and Remedial Studies.
UNILAG – Offers Foundation programme that leads to 200-level with JUPEB, but also accepts pre‑degree for 100-level.
UNILORIN – Offers Remedial programme for students to gain admission.
UNIJOS – Offers Pre‑Degree (remedial) that allows admission to 100-level.
UniPort, LASU, OOU, NSUK, AAUA, AUN, DELSU, UNZIK, UNILAG, UNIUYO, UNIOSUN, UNICAL, FUNSUK, AKSU, and others.

State Universities

From multiple sources including UI and campus references:

DELSU, OOU, EKSU, COOU, ESUT, BSU, IMSU
offer pre‑degree and remedial studies

Private Universities

Babcock University, Madonna University, Igbinedion University, Bowen University, Pan‑Atlantic University, Redeemer’s University, BIU, etc., accept Pre‑Degree, Foundation, or JUPEB for admission.

. Comparison: Pre‑Degree vs Other Admission Pathways

Pathway	Entry Level	Duration	Use Case
Pre‑Degree (1 year)	100 Level	~1 year	For O‑Level holders needing prep
JUPEB/Foundation	200 Level	~1 year	A‑Level route bypassing JAMB UTME
Diploma → DE	200/300 Level	2–4 years	Polytechnic diploma pathway
NOUN or Part–Time	100 Level	Flexible	Distant learners or remediational

. Pros and Cons of Pre‑Degree Admission

Pros

Prepares students academically and socially for university life
Widely available across public and private institutions
Accepts awaiting results in many cases
Improves chances when O‑Levels are just below cut‑off

Cons

Doesn’t guarantee admission; performance still matters
Only relevant at the offering institution
Still requires a following stage via UTME or admission portal depending on school

. Real Student Example

Enrolled in OAU’s Pre‑Degree in Sciences, after passing, I applied and got into 100-level Biochemistry. It gave me confidence, skills, and an academic foundation I needed.

. Summary Table of Pre‑Degree Admissions

University Type	Examples	Pre‑Degree Process
Federal Universities	OAU, UNILAG, UNILORIN, ABU, UniPort	1 year internal exam, admission to 100L
State Universities	DELSU, OOU, EKSU	Similar internal foundation programs
Private Universities	Babcock, Bowen, Madonna	Foundation or Pre‑Degree for admission

. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is pre‑degree admission?
A one-year university prep program for 100-level admission.
Can I apply if I’m awaiting results?
Yes—many universities allow awaiting O‑Level results.
Which universities offer pre‑degree?
OAU, ABU, UNILAG, UNILORIN, UniPort, and more.
Do I need JAMB after pre‑degree?
Depends—some require UTME after pre‑degree; others accept direct foundation.
Is pre‑degree guaranteed admission?
Not always—must perform in internal exams.
How long is pre‑degree?
About 9–12 months (one academic year).
Does private foundation count like pre‑degree?
Yes—if recognized and accepted by the target institution.
What are typical fees?
Vary by institution—e.g., OAU around ₦200K inclusive; FUPRE’s acceptance ₦10K + ₦25K.
Can I study campus life during pre‑degree?
Yes—most pre‑degree students live and learn on campus.
Is it better than retaking UTME?
For many, yes—gets you into degree faster and builds readiness.
Which route is quickest?
Pre‑degree gives 100-level in ~1 year; JUPEB gives 200-level in same time.
Can I switch university after pre‑degree?
Usually not—pre‑degree is for the offering institution only.

. Conclusion

If your O‑Level results are not strong enough or you want a structured entry into university, a pre‑degree program can provide an excellent path. With many universities—federal, state, and private—offering pre‑degree admission for 2025/2026, you have a real chance to start your degree journey confidently.