How to Gain Admission Without JAMB UTME

Admission to a university in Nigeria has always been associated with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. UTME has been the entrance door to higher institutions over the decades and this one pre-requisite has led to anxiety, delays and disappointments among thousands of students who despite being bright and motivated find it difficult to grapple with the process. What most students and parents are unaware of is the following: admission to universities in Nigeria is possible without JAMB and not only is it legal, it is accepted by the leading universities.

This is a complete roadmap to explain all the actual, accredited, university authorized ways into the higher institution- without UTME. You want to go into 100 or 200, you want to go full-time or part-time, or even go into a foreign country, there are undoubted, honest paths of going by JAMB altogether.

This paper will take you step-by-step through all the options with program information, admission criteria, time commitment, cost expectations, admissions rate, benefits, drawbacks, and the rightness of the program to your academic aspirations. It is not just an article, but it is your guide to the university system in Nigeria without the UTME anxiety.

Table of Contents

Understanding Why Many Students Seek Admission Without JAMB

Every year, nearly two million students register for JAMB UTME. Meanwhile, university spaces are extremely limited. Not even 40% of candidates secure admission annually. This means more than half of JAMB candidates often end up repeating the exam the following year or switching to alternative education paths. The pressure increases yearly because UTME is a competitive exam, not an intelligence test. Many smart students still fail because:

They panic during the exam.
They have poor computer skills.
They have poor time management.
They get unlucky with questions.
They score high but still don’t get admitted because of departmental cut-offs.
They fail post-UTME even after passing UTME.

For many others, the reason is not failure. Some simply:

Missed registration deadlines.
Could not afford UTME at a certain time.
Were sick or unavailable during the exam.
Prefer direct entry into 200-level instead of starting from 100-level.
Want to avoid the stress of competition.

Whatever your reason is, it’s important to know this: Nigeria’s educational system provides multiple official alternatives to JAMB, each created to give students flexibility, accessibility, and a second chance at higher education.

1. IJMB: One of the Most Popular Ways to Gain 200-Level Admission Without JAMB

If there is any program that consistently gives students access to university education without UTME, it is IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board). Established by Ahmadu Bello University, IJMB has existed for more than 40 years and is recognized by most federal, state, and private universities.

How IJMB Works

IJMB is a one-year A-Level programme. Students attend lectures for about 9 to 12 months, study three subjects related to their intended university course, and then write an A-Level exam. The exam result is graded using points, and students with good grades apply directly to universities through Direct Entry (DE).

No JAMB Needed

The biggest advantage of IJMB is this:
You do not need JAMB to enroll, and after completing the programme, you also do not need JAMB to gain admission.

Your IJMB result replaces JAMB UTME entirely and qualifies you for Direct Entry admission into 200-level.

Universities That Accept IJMB

More than 70 universities accept IJMB for Direct Entry. Examples include:

University of Ilorin
ABU Zaria
University of Lagos
University of Ibadan
UNIJOS
UNIPORT
Bayero University
Federal Universities of Technology
Many state and private universities

Why Students Choose IJMB

Fast-track admission into 200-level
Lifetime validity of results
No UTME required
High success rate with good preparation
Flexible study centres across Nigeria

Who IJMB Is Best For

IJMB is ideal for students who want to enter 200-level quickly, avoid UTME entirely, or want to increase their chances of securing competitive courses.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: How to Pass JAMB in One Sitting

2. JUPEB: A Premium Alternative for Gaining 200-Level Admission Without JAMB

JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board) is similar to IJMB but is more prestigious because it is coordinated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It is a one-year A-Level programme designed to prepare candidates for university education and direct entry into 200-level.

Why JUPEB Is Popular

JUPEB is accepted by almost all major universities in Nigeria. Many schools even run their own JUPEB centres.

How JUPEB Works

Students register for the programme, attend classes for 10–12 months, and then write a national examination. With good grades, they can secure admission into 200-level through Direct Entry.

No JAMB Requirement

Like IJMB, JUPEB does not require UTME at any stage. Students are admitted using JUPEB points, not UTME scores.

Who JUPEB Is For

Students seeking admission into top universities like UNILAG, UI, UNN, UNILORIN, OAU, FUTA, etc.
Students aiming for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Pharmacy.
Students who want a highly recognized A-Level certificate with nationwide acceptance.

3. Polytechnic ND Programmes: Gain Admission Without JAMB and Still Proceed to University

Polytechnics offer one of the most flexible and accessible admission routes for students who do not want to write JAMB. Many Nigerian polytechnics admit students into ND (National Diploma) programmes without UTME, especially through:

Part-time programmes
Regular programmes without JAMB
Weekend programmes
Evening/online programmes

How It Works

Students are admitted for a two-year ND program. After completing the ND, they can apply to any Nigerian university through Direct Entry and begin at 200-level.

Advantages of Polytechnics for Students Without JAMB

Instant admission without UTME
More practical, hands-on training
Ability to proceed to university through Direct Entry
Flexible schedules for students who work or run businesses

Who This Route Is Best For

This option is perfect for students who want to:

Avoid the yearly UTME competition
Start school immediately
Gain technical skills
Still end up in a university after two years

4. NCE Programmes: College of Education Admission Without JAMB

NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) programmes offered by Colleges of Education admit students directly without UTME, especially through their part-time or regular admission streams.

Why Consider an NCE First?

NCE is a respected qualification in Nigeria, especially for education-related careers. Once completed, students can apply for Direct Entry into 200-level in a university and study courses like:

Education
Language Studies
Social Sciences
Sciences
Arts & Humanities

Benefits of NCE Route

No JAMB is required
Affordable tuition
Quick admission process
Several universities accept NCE for Direct Entry

5. Pre-Degree/Remedial Programmes: A Pathway That Often Bypasses JAMB

Many universities offer pre-degree, foundation, or remedial programmes designed to prepare students academically for 100-level admission.

How Pre-Degree Works

Duration: 9–12 months
Students receive intensive lectures
After completion, they qualify for 100-level admission

Some universities require a mild JAMB score (not necessarily passing UTME), while others admit solely based on pre-degree performance.

Why Students Choose Pre-Degree

Direct connection to the university
Better preparation for university academics
Increased chances of admission since competition is lower than UTME

6. Part-Time University Programmes: No JAMB Required for Admission

Many Nigerian universities run part-time degree programmes that do not require JAMB. Examples include:

UNILAG Distance Learning
LASU Part-Time
NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria)
UI Distance Learning Centre
ABU Distance Learning
UNN Part-time
State university weekend programmes

Benefits of Part-Time University Programmes

No UTME required
Flexible schedules
High success rates
Suitable for working-class students

Who Should Choose This Route?

This is ideal for individuals who want to:

Study and work simultaneously
Avoid the pressure of UTME
Earn a recognized degree
Take courses at their own pace

7. Schools of Nursing: A Direct Path to a Medical Career Without Writing JAMB

Most schools of nursing in Nigeria have their own entrance exams, which means they do not rely on JAMB.

Why Nursing Schools Don’t Require JAMB

They operate under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which sets its own admission criteria independent of JAMB.

Admission Requirements

5 O’level credits
Age limit (varies by school)
Successful completion of entrance exams and interviews

Benefits of School of Nursing

No UTME requirement
High employability
Pathway to higher nursing degrees
Option to later enter university via Direct Entry

8. Study Abroad: 100% JAMB-Free Admission

Studying abroad is a major route for students who want to bypass UTME and gain international-quality education. Universities in North America, Europe, and parts of Africa do not require JAMB for admission.

Countries That Offer No-JAMB Admission

United Kingdom
Canada
United States
Cyprus
Ghana
Togo
Benin Republic
Ireland
Germany
Poland
UAE

Entry Requirements

O’level results
International passport
Application fee
Recommendation letters (sometimes)
English proficiency test (not always)

This route gives students opportunities for global exposure, better learning environments, and international work experience.

How to Choose the Best Admission Alternative Without JAMB

With multiple pathways available, students must choose based on:

1. Their Target Course

Some programmes are better for certain courses. For example:

JUPEB and IJMB are good for Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
ND is great for technical and business courses.
NCE is ideal for education-related courses.
Nursing schools are perfect for students interested in healthcare.

2. Budget

Some routes are more expensive, especially JUPEB, study abroad, or certain part-time programmes. ND, NCE, and pre-degree are more budget-friendly.

3. Time

Students who want to resume immediately should choose:

ND without JAMB
Part-time university
School of nursing
Pre-degree programmes

Students willing to invest one year to gain 200-level admission should choose:

IJMB
JUPEB

4. Academic Strength

Some students perform better with continuous coursework than a single high-pressure exam like UTME.

The Truth About Gaining Admission Without JAMB

Many people believe JAMB is the only way into Nigerian universities. But in reality, the Nigerian educational system is structured with multiple legal entry points, especially Direct Entry and remedial pathways. The secret is knowing which one suits your goals.

Key Takeaways

You can enter 100-level or 200-level without JAMB.
Government-approved alternatives like IJMB, JUPEB, ND, and NCE are valid.
Part-time and distance learning programmes do not require UTME.
Schools of nursing use their own exams.
Foreign universities do not recognize JAMB, so they don’t require it.

Final Thoughts

UTME has been depriving thousands of students to access university education every year. The thing is that JAMB is not the only entry, and probably it is not the best entry, which may be taken by many students. You would like to pursue Medicine, Law, Engineering, Education, Nursing, Business or any other course, there are several pathways, which would enable you to begin your university career right now, not another UTME cycle.

Your studies are too serious to be entrusted to one yearly test. Investigating is better, deciding is better, and then follow the way that will satisfy your desire, our money, and our schedule. Necessary and with the correct option, it is not only possible, but practical to enter without JAMB and it is accepted and fully acknowledged.