If you didn’t score high in JAMB this year or you didn’t even register at all, don’t panic. Many students in Nigeria successfully gain admission without JAMB every year.
Yes, you read that right. There are legitimate, government-approved ways to enter universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education without JAMB.
In this detailed post, we’ll show you:
- All the ways to gain admission without JAMB (2025/2026)
- List of schools that accept such admissions
- Step-by-step process to apply
- Requirements and how to avoid scams
- FAQs and much more.
Let’s get started as you learn all.
What Is JAMB and Why Students Want to Avoid It
JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) is Nigeria’s official body that conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It’s the standard test used by universities and polytechnics to admit students.
However, many students find JAMB stressful.
Some reasons why include:
- Difficulty in passing despite preparation.
- Delays and technical errors during registration or exams.
- Limited admission slots in public universities.
- Missing admission deadlines.
That’s why thousands of candidates now prefer alternative admission routes, all of which are approved by the Nigerian education system.
Check Also: Courses you can study with Low Jamb Score in Nigeria
Ways You Can Gain Admission Without JAMB in 2025/2026
There are five(5) major legal ways to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions without writing JAMB:
- JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board)
- IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)
- NABTEB A’Level Programme
- Pre-Degree/Remedial Programmes
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Let’s explain each in detail.
JUPEB Programme
What Is JUPEB?
JUPEB is an advanced-level program approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria and coordinated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
It’s a one-year course that allows successful candidates to gain direct entry admission into 200 level of any JUPEB-affiliated university.
How It Works
- You don’t need to write JAMB.
- After completing the JUPEB programme, you’ll be given a certificate.
- That certificate is used to apply for Direct Entry into 200 level at any participating university.
JUPEB Entry Requirements
- At least five O’Level credits (including English and Mathematics).
- You can even use awaiting results to apply.
JUPEB-Approved Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
JUPEB Duration
- 9 to 12 months
JUPEB Benefits
- No JAMB required.
- Admission directly into 200 level.
- Accepted by both federal and private universities.
Official JUPEB website: https://www.jupeb.edu.ng
IJMB Programme
What Is IJMB?
Here’s another way you can gain admission without jamb in Nigeria. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) is another A’level programme established by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Like JUPEB, it allows you to gain direct entry admission into 200 level without writing JAMB.
IJMB Requirements
- Five O’Level credits in relevant subjects.
- You can use awaiting results.
How IJMB Works
You register at an accredited IJMB center, take lectures for 9 to 12 months, then sit for the final exam. Your score is then used to apply to universities through Direct Entry (DE) on JAMB’s portal, no UTME needed.
Benefits of IJMB
- No JAMB required.
- Recognized nationwide.
- Affordable compared to private universities.
Visit: https://ijmb.com.ng
NABTEB A’Level Programme
NABTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board) also offers an A’Level Advanced Programme that helps students gain admission into 200 level.
This option is best for students who have strong interest in technical, business, or vocational fields.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 O’Level credits.
- NABTEB A’Level certificate can be used for Direct Entry admissions.
Please for more info about this program, just click to learn more: https://nabteb.gov.ng
Pre-Degree or Remedial Programmes
Most federal and state universities offer Pre-Degree programmes for candidates without JAMB.
After the program (usually 6 to 9 months), successful students gain admission into 100 level. If you’re a student trying to gain admission without jamb into the university, then you should consider this program.
How It Works
- You apply directly to the university (no JAMB required).
- Attend classes and pass internal exams.
- The school admits you into 100 level afterward.
Examples of Schools Offering Pre-Degree:
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
NOUN is Nigeria’s largest open-distance learning university. It doesn’t require JAMB or post-UTME for admission.
Benefits of NOUN
- 100% online or part-time flexible learning.
- Approved by NUC (National Universities Commission).
- You can study while working.
Feel free to visit the official NOUN Website: https://nou.edu.ng
Part-Time and Weekend Programmes
Here’s the last on our list of ways to gain admission without jamb in Nigeria this 2025/2026 academic session. Most universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria offer part-time and weekend courses that don’t require JAMB.
Popular Institutions Offering Part-Time Admission
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
You only need to apply directly to the school through their part-time or distance learning portal.
Study at Private Universities Without JAMB
Many private universities in Nigeria also offer admission without JAMB. They conduct their own entrance exams or use your O’Level results.
Examples Include:
- Babcock University
- Madonna University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
- Redeemer’s University
While the tuition may be higher, they provide smooth admission and quality education.
Read Also: How to Get Admission with Awaiting Result in Nigeria
List of Schools That Accept Admission Without JAMB (2025/2026)
Below are the list of Universities you can gain admission without jamb in Nigeria:
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
- Madonna University
- Redeemer’s University
- Obafemi Awolowo University (Pre-degree)
- UNILORIN (Remedial Programme)
- UNIBEN (JUPEB Programme)
- UNN (JUPEB Programme)
Steps to Gain Admission Without JAMB (2025/2026)
- Choose your preferred route (JUPEB, IJMB, Pre-degree, etc.).
- Visit the official website of your chosen institution.
- Check admission requirements carefully.
- Apply directly on their admission portal.
- Attend lectures and complete all assessments.
- Proceed to 100 or 200 level depending on your program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning to Gain Admission without JAMB
- Falling for fake admission agents.
- Paying money to unaccredited centers.
- Failing to verify admission before payment.
- Ignoring O’Level requirements.
So ensure you always confirm from official websites of the university or program you want to apply to before paying any fees.
How to Verify a School or Program Is Approved
Visit the National Universities Commission (NUC) official site to check approved institutions:Â https://www.nuc.edu.ng
FAQs On How to Gain Admission without JAMB in Nigeria
Q1. Can I gain admission without JAMB in 2025?
Yes, you can legitimately gain admission without jamb in Nigeria through JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, or Pre-Degree programs.
Q2. Will I still graduate like normal students?
Yes. Your certificate will be valid and recognized by NYSC and NUC.
Q3. Which is better? JUPEB or IJMB?
Both are excellent. JUPEB is coordinated by UNILAG, while IJMB is by ABU Zaria. Choose based on your preferred university.
Q4. Can I use awaiting results?
Yes. Most programs accept awaiting results, provided you submit before the end of the session. See how to get admission with awaiting result in Nigeria
Q5. Do I need to write Post-UTME?
No. Most of these programs admit directly without Post-UTME.
Final Words
Getting admission in Nigeria without JAMB is 100% possible if you follow our guide here. Whether through JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, or Pre-degree, you can achieve your dream of becoming a university student in 2025/2026.
The key is to follow official channels listed above, avoid fake agents, and plan your finances.
Overall, education is a journey, not a competition and your path is still valid, with or without writing JAMB.
Hope you find this helpful.
Good luck! And don’t forget to share this insightful post with your family and friends.
