Over 17 Nigerian universities—including federal, state, and private institutions—grant admission without JAMB. Find out how you can secure your spot for the 2025/2026 session
For many students in Nigeria, gaining admission into higher institutions traditionally requires passing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. However, some universities offer alternative pathways for admission without JAMB, catering to students who may not have taken the exam or are seeking direct entry options.
In the 2025/2026 academic session, several universities—including private, state, and even some federal institutions—provide admission through direct entry, pre-degree programs, JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board), IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board), or other foundational courses. These alternatives allow candidates to secure admission based on their O'Level results, diploma qualifications, or performance in preparatory programs.
This guide explores the list of universities in Nigeria that may grant admission without JAMB for the 2025/2026 session, their requirements, and the application processes involved. Whether you missed JAMB, prefer a different entry route, or are an international student, this information will help you identify the right institution for your academic goals.
JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) is the official body responsible for conducting Nigeria’s standardized university entrance examination, known as the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).
Key Facts About JAMB:
Purpose: JAMB regulates admissions into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Exam Format: UTME is a computer-based test (CBT) covering subjects like English, Mathematics, and three others relevant to the student’s course of study.
Cut-off Mark: Each school sets a minimum JAMB score (usually between 140-250) for admission eligibility.
Post-UTME: Many schools also conduct their own screening tests after JAMB.
Private Universities Offering Admission Without JAMB (2025/2026)
Several reputable private universities in Nigeria provide alternative admission pathways for students who haven't taken or passed JAMB. These institutions are located across different states and offer various entry programs:
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) - Lagos State
Benson Idahosa University (BIU) - Edo State
Redeemer's University (RUN) - Osun State
Bowen University - Oyo State
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) - Oyo State
Caleb University - Lagos State
Babcock University - Ogun State
Al-Hikmah University - Kwara State
Al-Qalam University - Katsina State
Covenant University - Ogun State
Bells University of Technology - Ogun State
Lead City University - Oyo State
Crawford University - Ogun State
These universities typically accept students through alternative routes such as:
Direct Entry (for diploma/NCE holders)
JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)
IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
Foundation or Remedial programs
Pre-degree courses
Important Notes:
Admission requirements vary by institution
O'Level credits (including English and Mathematics) are still mandatory
Some programs may require additional screening
Always verify current admission policies directly with the university
Medical Universities That May Offer Admission Without JAMB (2025/2026)
While most medical programs in Nigeria require JAMB, some universities offer alternative pathways into medical fields through:
Direct Entry (for diploma/NCE holders)
JUPEB/IJMB programs
Remedial/Pre-medical programs
Transfer options from related science courses
Universities with Potential Medical Admission Without JAMB:
Babcock University (Ogun State)
Offers Medicine & Surgery
Accepts JUPEB/IJMB for 200-Level entry
Requires strong science background (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Bingham University (Nasarawa State)
MBBS program available
May accept JUPEB with high grades (A/B in science subjects)
Requires minimum of 5 O'Level credits
Madonna University (Anambra State)
Offers Medicine
Accepts direct entry from medical-related diplomas
Strong Catholic affiliation with strict rules
Bowen University (Oyo State)
Medicine program available
Pre-degree science program can lead to 100-Level admission
Requires excellent O'Level results
Important Notes:
All medical programs still require:
5 O'Level credits (including English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Minimum of B grades in science subjects for JUPEB/IJMB
Post-admission screening (interview, exams)
Alternative Pathways:
JUPEB/IJMB: 1-year advanced program (A-Level equivalent)
Pre-Medical: 1-year foundation program
Direct Entry: For medical lab science/related diploma holders
1. Can I really get university admission in Nigeria without JAMB?
Answer:
Yes! Many universities now offer alternative admission routes such as Direct Entry (DE), JUPEB, IJMB, or Remedial/Pre-degree programs for students without JAMB.
Example:
Babcock University accepts students into Medicine via IJMB if they score well in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Covenant University admits students through JUPEB for courses like Accounting or Engineering.
2. Which universities offer Medicine without JAMB?
Answer:
A few private universities offer Medicine (MBBS) without JAMB through JUPEB, IJMB, or Direct Entry (for diploma holders).
Example:
Bingham University (Nasarawa) accepts JUPEB for 200-Level Medicine if you have 5 O’Level credits (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and strong JUPEB grades (A/B in sciences).
Madonna University (Anambra) admits Direct Entry students with a Medical Lab Science diploma into 200-Level MBBS.
3. What is the difference between JUPEB and IJMB?
Answer:
Both are 1-year advanced programs that replace JAMB, but:
✅ JUPEB – Accepted mostly by its affiliate universities (e.g., UNILAG, OAU, Covenant).
✅ IJMB – More widely accepted (over 50 universities, including federal schools).
Example:
If you take JUPEB at UNILAG, you can only use it for UNILAG and partner schools.
If you take IJMB, you can apply to ABU, UNIBEN, BUK, and private universities.
4. Do I still need O’Level credits for admission without JAMB?
Answer:
Yes! All alternative routes require at least 5 credits (including English & Maths). Some courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering) need specific science subjects.
Example:
To study Law at Benson Idahosa University (BIU) via IJMB, you need:
5 O’Level credits (English, Maths, Lit/Government, etc.)
Good IJMB grades (A-C in Law-related subjects)
5. Can I switch to a federal university after IJMB/JUPEB?
Answer:
Yes, but not all federal universities accept it. Some (like UNILAG, OAU) only take JUPEB from their own program. Others (like ABU, UNIBEN) accept IJMB.
Example:
If you complete IJMB at an accredited center, you can apply to ABU Zaria for 200-Level Social Sciences.
If you do JUPEB at UNILAG, you can only use it for UNILAG-related admissions.
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