Failed three Times: I’ve Now Discovered 4 Ways to Gain Admission Without JAMB.
I have witnessed thousands of UTME candidates struggling to get admission into the university every year for the past five years of my career as an academic consultant. Not because these candidates are not brilliant enough, but they usually get stuck in the endless academic eligibility requirements by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and their universities.
This trend has continuously become a nightmare for candidates, especially those who want to pursue a degree in a competitive program such as Medicine, Nursing, Law, and Engineering. Unknowingly to these candidates, there are often neglected routes that can help them gain admission seamlessly, without or with just a one-time JAMB.
The secret route is Direct Entry (DE). Gaining Direct Entry admission into a Nigerian university is straightforward. With the right guidance, any student can bypass the JAMB hassle and secure admission directly into 200 level.
This article will cover the three most reliable routes to gain admission without JAMB into any Nigerian university, how they work, registration procedures, and best practices to follow for success.
What is Direct Entry Admission?
Direct Entry (DE) admission is a university admission process that allows candidates with higher qualifications, such as ND, HND, JUPEB, or IJMB, to gain admission into a university from 200 Level. This category of candidates is often referred to as A’Level applicants.
Who can apply for Direct Entry Admission?
This admission route is perfect for:
- Polytechnic Graduates: Students who have obtained OND/ND or HND in a Nigerian-recognized polytechnic or college of education, and wish to further their education for a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc).
- A’Level Certificate Candidates: Candidates who choose this route have obtained certificates such as NABTEB, JUPEB, or IJMB.
- Candidates who struggle to pass JAMB: If you have attempted JAMB for several years and always end up scoring below average, consider the Direct Entry route as a perfect alternative.
4 Ways to Gain Admission without JAMB
Currently, there are three proven ways candidates can gain admission into their chosen universities in Nigeria without JAMB or with a low JAMB score.
1. Gain Admission Through JAMB DE for ND, OND, or HND
The JAMB Direct Entry Admission process is the most popular in our list. This method is applicable only to candidates who have completed two years of study and obtained either a National Diploma (ND), Ordinary National Diploma (OND), or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized polytechnic in Nigeria.
Candidates who pass through this route are given admission into the 200-level at their university of choice without undergoing any screening examination conducted by either JAMB or the institution.
Application and Eligibility for JAMB Direct Entry
If you’re already thinking of considering this route for your DE admission, there are best practices you must follow and eligibility requirements you must meet to be successful. They include:
How to Apply
- Obtain the Direct application form from an accredited JAMB registration center. Registration forms are often sold from January to April alongside the JAMB UTME form.
- Provide your academic details by completing the online registration and biometrics capture.
- Choose your preferred university and course.
- Upload supporting documents (O’level, OND, ND, HND certificate, birth certificate, LGA identity certificate, and National Identity certificate). Ensure you enter your certificate numbers correctly.
Eligibility requirements
Requirements for DE admission could be different depending on the course and university. But here are the average requirements for admission through DE.
- Candidates must have a minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 2.5 to be eligible for admission.
- Course/Program: Candidates must choose a course similar to what they studied to be eligible.
- Candidates must pass all certificate verification processes before being considered for admission.
Why Choose JAMB Direct Entry
- Initial Academic Experience: Candidates tend to navigate the university system with a better sense of balance than freshers.
- Employability Advantage: As a Direct Entry student, you graduate with dual academic qualifications and valuable practical experience, giving you a significant edge over your peers in the job market.
2. Gain DE through NABTEB Advanced A’level
Another proven path to securing a direct entry admission is through the NABTEB Advanced level certificate. Though often overlooked, over 52,000 candidates have secured admissions through this government-backed program.
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What is NABTEB Advanced A’level
NABTEB stands for the National Business and Technical Examination Board. It is an A’level examination similar to Cambridge or WAEC GCE A’level. This advanced NABTEB qualifies a successful candidate for direct entry admission into the universities in Nigeria.
Application Process
- Enroll for a one-year NABTEB A-level program in any of your chosen fields (Art, Science, or Commercial).
- Obtain an A’level certificate on completion. This certificate is acceptable in many Nigerian universities.
- Apply for a Direct Entry Admission through JAMB using your NABTEB advanced level certificate.
Why Choose NABTEB for DE Admission
There are several benefits of choosing the NABTEB route for direct entry admission, such as:
- NABTEB is a government-backed program. It’s recognized by many universities in Nigeria.
- You get admitted directly into 200 level.
Important Notice
Not all Nigerian universities accept NABTEB for direct entry admission. Before applying, ensure your chosen university accepts NABTEB.
3. Enroll in the JUPEP Program
The Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB) is one of the proven and certified ways to secure a direct entry admission into its affiliated universities in Nigeria. The JUPEP nine-month program is approved by the government of Nigeria and moderated by the Lagos State University (UNILAG).
How JUPEP Works
The JUPEP program runs for a period of 9 months, where students are taught, trained, and examined on subjects related to their course of study.
JUPEP DE Admission Process
- Enrol for a JUPEP course in an approved study center.
- Sit and pass the JUPEP examination.
- Obtain your JUPEB A’level certificate/result and use it for JAMB direct entry admission.
Why Choose JUPEP
- Many top Nigerian Universities accept JUPEB advanced-level results for direct entry.
- No JAMB UTME required to study a JUPEP program. You gain admission without JAMB.
- You get admitted into 200 level.
- JUPEP results don’t expire like UTME. You apply and reapply for admission next year using the same JUPEB results.
4. IJMB DE Admission Route
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB)is also one of the proven routes to secure a direct entry admission into some Nigerian universities.
The IJMB is similar to the JUPEB program mentioned earlier. Unlike the JUPEB, the IJMB is moderated by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
How IJMB Works
- Register and attend lectures at any IJMB-accredited study center.
- Sit and pass the final examination for an A’level certificate.
- Apply for direct entry admission using the IJMB results.
Benefits of Choosing IJMB
- You don’t need to write JAMB.
- Many Northern Nigerian universities accept IJMB for direct entry admission.
- No certificate expiration.
Important Tips for Successful DE Admission
- Early registration: Since every admission into Nigerian higher institutions is regulated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). It is important to pick the JAMB direct entry form early.
- Verify your document before registration: unverified documents may lead to disqualification.
- Apply for Related Course: Apply for direct entry admission within your area of study. For instance,if you obtain an HND certificate in Biochemistry, your application must
Important Tips for Successful Direct Entry Admission
- Register for the JAMB Direct Entry Form Early:
You must still register through JAMB, even if you don’t write UTME. - Ensure Your Certificate or Result Is Authentic:
Fake or unverified results can get your admission cancelled. - Choose Related Courses:
If your ND was in Electrical Engineering, don’t apply for Accounting. Universities prefer related disciplines. - Make Proper research on Universities before applying: Unlike the ND/OND/HND methods, which are accepted by all universities in Nigeria,the NABTEB, JUPEB, and IJMB are only used by selected universities.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve been struggling to pass JAMB or a fresh candidate looking for alternative means to secure admission into Nigerian universities, by following these four proven routes, OND/ND/HND, NABTEB, JUPEB, and IJMB, you can gain admission into the university of your choice and start from 200L through Direct Entry.
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