The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam has long been a gatekeeper for gaining university admission in Nigeria. But what if you didn’t write JAMB or your score was too low? Are you locked out of the university system forever?
Absolutely not.
In 2025, there are now multiple legitimate ways to gain admission into accredited Nigerian universities without sitting for JAMB or without depending solely on your JAMB score. These alternative routes are 100% legal, widely recognized, and used by thousands of students every year.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to gain admission into a university in Nigeria without JAMB, including the best programs, schools, and strategies to follow.
Who Is This Guide For?
This article is perfect and useful to you if you’re among the following:
- Students who didn’t register for JAMB
- Students who scored below 140 in UTME
- Students tired of rewriting JAMB every year
- Adults or working professionals seeking a university degree
- Parents looking for alternatives for their children
Let’s get started with the proven options to consider.
1. JUPEB – Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board
The JUPEB programme is one of the most popular and reliable ways to gain Direct Entry (DE) admission into 200 level in many Nigerian universities without writing JAMB.
Key Facts:
- Duration: 9–12 months (full-time)
- Admission: Directly into 200 level of any partner university
- No UTME required
- Recognized by over 70 universities in Nigeria
How It Works:
You register for JUPEB at an accredited study center, take 3 A-Level subjects relevant to your intended course, and pass the exams. Your result is then used to apply for Direct Entry (DE) admission into a university of your choice.
Universities That Accept JUPEB:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- And many others
2. IJMB – Interim Joint Matriculation Board
IJMB is another advanced-level program that allows candidates to gain admission into 200-level in Nigerian universities without UTME.
Highlights:
- Duration: 9–11 months
- DE admission into 200 level
- Available in many northern and southern universities
- No UTME/JAMB required
IJMB is especially popular in Northern Nigeria and is widely accepted across the country.
Examples of Universities Accepting IJMB:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Kwara State University (KWASU)
Like JUPEB, you must register through accredited centers and pass the final exams.
3. Pre-degree or Remedial Programmes
Many federal and state universities offer Pre-degree (Remedial) programmes that allow students to prepare for 100-level admission without JAMB.
How It Works:
- You enroll in a 1-year academic preparation program
- Take internal exams set by the university
- If you pass and meet the conditions, you are offered 100-level admission the next academic year
This is perfect for students with weak O’Level results or those who want to boost their academic standing before full admission.
Universities Offering Pre-degree Programmes:
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
Some schools may require you to still register for JAMB eventually, but your admission doesn’t depend on your JAMB score.
4. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
If flexibility is what you need, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is your best option. NOUN does not require JAMB and accepts students of all ages and backgrounds.
Key Benefits:
- No Post-UTME
- No JAMB needed
- Open to working professionals, adult learners, and fresh school leavers
- Distance learning with physical study centers across Nigeria
NOUN is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
5. Private Universities with Direct Entry or Internal Screening
Now, there are several private universities in Nigeria that allow students to apply without JAMB. Instead of relying on UTME scores, they use:
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
- Internal screening or exams
- Foundation or diploma entry
Some Private Universities That Admit Without JAMB:
Q: Can I go for NYSC without writing JAMB?
Absolutely. If your university and program are accredited and your admission was legitimate, you will be eligible for NYSC after graduation.
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
- Caleb University
- Oduduwa University
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University
These institutions are NUC-approved and offer full BSc and BA degree programs.
Note: Tuition fees at private universities are higher, but many offer scholarships, installment payments, and flexible study options.
6. Foreign Universities in West Africa That Accept WAEC Only
Many students in Nigeria now attend universities in Benin Republic, Ghana, Togo, and other nearby countries without JAMB.
These schools accept just WAEC or NECO results and offer affordable tuition and fast admission processing.
The Advantages of this is:
- No JAMB required
- Admission within 1–3 weeks
- Some programs allow 2-year or 3-year fast-track
- English-taught programs
Popular Options to consider:
- ISCG University, Cotonou
- Houdegbe North American University, Benin
- ESGT University, Cotonou
- Ghana Technology University College
Please NOTE: Always ensure that the school is listed and recognized by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education to avoid issues with NYSC or employment later.
7. Top-Up or Conversion Programmes
If you already have a diploma, ND, HND, or NCE, you can apply for a top-up program (also called a conversion program) in many Nigerian universities.
These allow you to obtain a full university degree without sitting for JAMB again.
You simply apply with your existing result and resume into a 2- or 3-year degree completion program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it legal to enter university without JAMB?
Yes. JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, and Pre-degree are recognized by the Ministry of Education and JAMB for admission purposes.
Q: Which is better between JUPEB and IJMB?
Both are great. JUPEB is more popular in southern Nigeria while IJMB is widely accepted in the north. Choose based on your preferred university.
Q: How much do these programmes cost?
Fees vary:
- JUPEB/IJMB: ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 (for the entire program)
- NOUN: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per semester
- Private universities: ₦250,000 – ₦1 million per session
Q: Can I study Medicine without JAMB?
Yes — through JUPEB or IJMB. Once you pass and meet the requirements, you can enter 200-level Medicine in a university that accepts Direct Entry.
Summary: Your Future is Still in Your Hands
Not passing or writing JAMB doesn’t mean your academic dreams are over. Today, there are multiple, legal, and respected ways to become a graduate in Nigeria without JAMB.
Whether you choose JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, or even a private university, what matters is your determination to succeed and your willingness to take action.
Thousands of students are already pursuing their degrees through these channels. So, instead of waiting another year to rewrite JAMB, you can take a smarter route and start your academic journey now.