AbdulLet’s be honest — JAMB can be stressful.
The forms, the exams, the endless waiting for results, and then the uncertainty of getting admitted. It’s enough to make anyone wonder: “Is there another way to get into a university without JAMB?”
Well, the short answer is yes, it’s absolutely possible to gain admission into a university in Nigeria without writing JAMB.
But (and there’s always a “but”) — it depends on how and where you plan to study. Let’s break this down step by step so you can see every possible route.
First, What Is JAMB and Why Does It Matter?
JAMB stands for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It’s the official body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Every student who wants to study in a university, polytechnic, or college of education is generally expected to pass through JAMB’s admission process.
Through JAMB, you:
- Register for UTME
- Choose your preferred institutions
- Write the exam
- Get a score
- Wait for your chosen school to offer admission through the JAMB CAPS portal
That’s the traditional route.
But the truth is, it’s not the only route.
Read Also: University of Ilorin Admission Requirements (2025 Guide)
So, Can You Really Get Admission Without JAMB?
Yes. In fact, there are several legitimate ways to gain admission into Nigerian universities without writing JAMB.
Some are quite popular, others are lesser-known. The key is understanding how each works, their requirements, and what kind of certificate you’ll end up with.
Here’s the breakdown of the major options available:
1. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I got 200 level admission without JAMB,” they were probably talking about JUPEB.
How JUPEB Works
JUPEB is an advanced level program that runs for about 9 to 12 months. It’s designed to prepare students for direct entry admission into 200 level in Nigerian universities.
You take courses related to your intended degree — for example, a student aiming for Medicine might take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
After the program, you sit for JUPEB exams.
If you score well, you can apply to any university that accepts JUPEB for direct entry admission.
That means you skip the 100 level and go straight to 200 level, no JAMB required.
Benefits
- No need for JAMB UTME
- Direct entry to 200 level
- Accepted by many top universities (like UNILAG, UNN, UI, OAU, UNIBEN, etc.)
- You can use the certificate for life — it doesn’t expire
Downsides
- It can be expensive (₦200,000 – ₦600,000 depending on the center and university)
- Requires discipline because it’s intensive
- Not every school accepts JUPEB
Verdict: If you can afford it and you’re serious about academics, JUPEB is one of the best alternatives to JAMB.
2. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
Similar to JUPEB, IJMB is an advanced-level program that also leads to direct entry admission into 200 level.
It’s been around longer than JUPEB and was originally created by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
How IJMB Works
You register at an accredited study center, take lectures for 9–12 months, then sit for the IJMB final exam.
Your performance determines your points, which universities use to consider you for Direct Entry Admission.
For example:
- 10–12 points: Medicine, Law, Engineering
- 7–9 points: Management or Social Sciences
- 5–6 points: Arts or Education
Benefits
- No JAMB UTME required
- Direct entry into 200 level
- Accepted by over 80 universities in Nigeria
- Result doesn’t expire
Downsides
- You’ll still need to apply through JAMB Direct Entry (not UTME though)
- Not all universities accept it
- Cost varies (₦150,000 – ₦500,000)
Verdict: IJMB is very popular in Northern Nigeria but also recognized nationwide.
If you missed JAMB or didn’t perform well, it’s a reliable second chance.
3. Diploma and Pre-degree Programs
Diploma Programs
Many universities offer Diploma programs as a two-year course that qualifies you for Direct Entry into 200 level after completion.
You don’t need JAMB to enroll — admission is handled internally by the university.
For example:
- UNILAG Diploma Program
- UNIPORT Diploma
- LASU Diploma
After two years, if you pass well, you can move to 200 level in the same or related course.
Pre-degree Programs
A Pre-degree program is a one-year course designed to prepare you for 100-level admission into the university.
While you don’t need JAMB to enroll, you’ll still need to write JAMB later to fully secure admission.
So, Pre-degree is more like a bridge between secondary school and university life.
Verdict: Diploma gets you into 200 level without JAMB.
Pre-degree can help you strengthen your foundation before rewriting JAMB.
4. Part-time, Weekend, or Distance Learning Programs
Here’s one of the easiest and most flexible routes.
Most universities now run part-time or distance learning programs that don’t require JAMB.
These programs are designed for working-class individuals or students who want to study at their own pace.
Examples
- UNILAG Distance Learning Institute (DLI)
- LAUTECH Part-Time Programme
- UNIPORT Continuing Education Programme
- NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria)
Benefits
- No JAMB
- You can work while studying
- Flexible schedule
- Same degree as full-time students
Downsides
- Usually more expensive
- Takes longer to complete
- Not all programs are accredited
Verdict: If you’re working or can’t go through the full-time admission stress, this is your best option.
5. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
This deserves its own spotlight.
NOUN is the most popular open and distance learning institution in Nigeria. And yes — it doesn’t require JAMB.
You simply buy the form, choose your course, and get admitted once you meet the O’level requirements.
Benefits
- No JAMB, no post-UTME
- Study from anywhere
- Flexible academic calendar
- Recognized degree by NUC
Downsides
- You can’t currently go for NYSC (except for some courses)
- You need strong self-discipline
Verdict: NOUN is perfect if you value flexibility and just want to earn a recognized degree without the traditional campus setup.
6. Private Universities Admission Without JAMB
Many private universities in Nigeria also admit students without JAMB, through their internal exams or screening.
Some schools will only ask for your:
- O’level results (WAEC/NECO)
- Birth certificate
- Application form
Then you’ll take a short entrance test or screening interview.
Examples
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Caleb University
- Afe Babalola University
- Lead City University
Benefits
- No JAMB stress
- Small class size, more attention
- Smooth admission process
Downsides
- Tuition is expensive
- Not all private universities are accredited
- Fewer scholarships available
Verdict: If finances aren’t a problem, private universities can be a faster and easier route.
7. Foreign and Affiliated Universities
If you’re open to studying abroad or at a Nigerian university affiliated with a foreign institution, you can also bypass JAMB completely.
Examples:
- Nile University of Nigeria (affiliated with Turkish institutions)
- Pan-Atlantic University (connected to foreign academic standards)
- IGCSE or A-Level Pathways for UK or Canada universities
These programs don’t require JAMB but may ask for:
- WAEC/NECO results
- Passport and transcript
- English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL in some cases)
Verdict: This route can be costly but offers international exposure and globally recognized degrees.
8. Schools of Nursing, Health, and Professional Colleges
If your interest is in health-related fields like nursing, midwifery, or medical lab tech, you can gain admission directlyinto most schools of nursing or health technology without JAMB.
Requirements
- Five credits in WAEC/NECO including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Pass the school’s entrance exam and interview
After completion, you can:
- Work as a certified nurse or technologist
- Later apply for university via direct entry
Verdict: A solid route for healthcare aspirants who want to skip JAMB and still build a medical career.
9. Polytechnic ND Programs
Many polytechnics allow students to gain admission into National Diploma (ND) programs through their internal screening, even without JAMB.
Later, after ND, you can proceed to a university for HND or Direct Entry admission into 200 level.
Verdict: A practical route if you’re more skill-oriented and prefer hands-on learning.
Key Takeaway: You Have Options
Let’s summarize the paths to admission without JAMB:
| Option | Duration | JAMB Required? | Entry Level | Best For |
| JUPEB | 1 year | No | 200 level | Ambitious students |
| IJMB | 1 year | No | 200 level | Students in the North |
| Diploma | 2 years | No | 200 level | Students seeking flexible paths |
| Pre-degree | 1 year | Yes (later) | 100 level | Students preparing for JAMB |
| Part-time / DLI | 4–5 years | No | 100 level | Working-class students |
| NOUN | Flexible | No | 100 level | Distance learners |
| Private Universities | 4–5 years | No | 100 level | Students with financial capacity |
| School of Nursing | 3 years | No | N/A | Health-focused students |
Final Thoughts
So yes, you can get admission without JAMB. The question isn’t whether it’s possible — it’s which path best fits your goals and situation.
If you want to graduate fast and don’t mind intensive study, go for JUPEB or IJMB.
If you want flexibility, choose NOUN or part-time programs.
If you prefer structure and resources, private universities or foreign affiliations might suit you better.
The beauty is, Nigeria’s education system has evolved beyond one single gatekeeper.
You just need to be strategic, do your research, and understand the long-term implications of the path you choose.
So let me ask:
Which matters most to you right now — getting in quickly, saving money, or studying in a more flexible way?
Your answer will decide the path that truly fits.
Abdul
