Nigerian Universities That Admit Students Without JAMB UTME

Nigerian Universities That Admit Students Without JAMB UTME in 2025

Many students across Nigeria face challenges in securing admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), popularly known as JAMB. Whether due to repeated low scores, technical issues, or other barriers, not all qualified students find success through this traditional route. However, there is good news — several accredited Nigerian universities now offer alternative admission options that do not require JAMB.

If you’ve been asking, “Can I gain admission into a Nigerian university without JAMB?” — the answer is a definite yes.

This article highlights a comprehensive list of top Nigerian universities that accept students without JAMB, as well as the available pathways, admission requirements, and how to take advantage of these alternatives to begin your academic journey.

Summary: Universities in Nigeria That Admit Without JAMB (2025)

• Fully accredited institutions by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
• Entry through O’Level results, JUPEB, IJMB, Diploma, or Pre-degree
• Most programs lead to Direct Entry admission into the 100 or 200 Level
• Both online and traditional campus-based programs available
• No need for UTME score or cut-off marks

List of Universities in Nigeria That Offer Admission Without JAMB

The following institutions have created inclusive admission models for students who did not sit for JAMB or did not attain the required score. These universities provide legitimate and accredited pathways that allow applicants to begin or resume their higher education seamlessly.

1. Miva Open University

• Mode of Study: 100% Online
• Admission Requirement: Minimum of 5 O’Level credits including English and Mathematics (not more than two sittings)
• JAMB Requirement: Not required
• Portal: https://miva.university/

As one of Nigeria’s first fully digital universities, Miva Open University offers flexible online degrees accessible from anywhere in the country. Students learn through video lectures, interactive PDFs, and digital assessments. Miva’s model supports distance learning in Nigeria and eliminates the need for UTME.

2. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

• Type: Federal Open University
• JAMB Requirement: Not required for admission; may be needed later for formal documentation
• Eligibility: Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
• Portal: https://www.nou.edu.ng

NOUN is Nigeria’s largest open and distance learning institution. It provides admission without JAMB, allowing thousands of students annually to study from home or study centres nationwide. Although candidates may need to register with JAMB for record purposes, no examination is needed to secure admission.

3. Lead City University, Ibadan

• Mode: On-Campus & Part-Time
• Alternative Entry Routes: IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, OND, GCE A’Levels
• JAMB: Optional
• Portal: https://www.lcu.edu.ng

This private university in Oyo State allows students to enroll without UTME through Direct Entry programs. Lead City University also offers part-time and weekend classes, making it ideal for working professionals and mature students.

4. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan

• • Mode: Open & Distance Learning
  • Admission: Based on O’Level results and internal screening
  • JAMB: Not required
  • Portal: https://westmidlandsuniversity.edu.ng

The West Midlands Open University is another flexible institution that accepts students without UTME. It offers various online courses with accessible tuition rates and standard academic curricula approved by NUC.

5. Madonna University, Okija

• • Type: Faith-Based Private University
  • Requirement: Minimum of five O’Level credits
  • JAMB: Not necessary
  • Portal: https://www.madonnauniversity.edu.ng

Madonna University provides admission opportunities without requiring JAMB. The university conducts an internal screening exercise, and successful candidates can enroll in undergraduate programs across its campuses in Eastern Nigeria.

6. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja

• Mode: Online Learning
• Eligibility: O-Level result only
• JAMB: Not required
• Portal: https://aou.edu.ng

Based in Abuja, this open university offers remote learning in disciplines like business, technology, and social sciences. With a strong focus on personalized learning, Al-Muhibbah caters to students who prefer an independent academic journey.

7. Iconic Open University

• Mode: Online
• JAMB Requirement: Not required
• Application: Online with valid O’Level credentials
• Portal: https://iconicopenuniversity.edu.ng

As one of Nigeria’s newest tech-driven universities, Iconic Open University offers cutting-edge academic delivery. Students are not required to write JAMB, but they must submit valid academic records and complete a documentation process for admission.

Other Legitimate Ways to Gain University Admission in Nigeria Without JAMB

Even outside these universities, several programs offer indirect pathways into top federal and state universities without requiring a UTME score.

A. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)

• Duration: 9–12 months
• Result Validity: 7 years
• Outcome: Direct Entry into 200 Level
• Official site: https://ijmb.abu.edu.ng

IJMB is a well-established A-Level program that enables students to gain Direct Entry admission into universities in Nigeria without JAMB. It is accepted by over 70 institutions, including UNILORIN, ABU, UNN, and many others.

B. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)

• Duration: 9–12 months
• Entry Level: 200 Level through Direct Entry
• Official Site: https://foundation.unilag.edu.ng

JUPEB functions similarly to IJMB and is offered by several federal and state universities. After completing the program and passing the final exam, students can apply for 200-level admission into participating institutions.

C. Pre-degree/Foundation/Diploma Programs

• Duration: One academic session
• Entry Level: 100 Level after program completion

These programs serve as university prep courses for students who want to enter without JAMB. After successful completion and internal screening, students are admitted into full-time undergraduate programs.

Top Public Universities in Nigeria That Accept Non-JAMB Entry Through Programs

Below are renowned public institutions that allow Direct Entry admission into 100 or 200 Level through IJMB, JUPEB, or pre-degree programs:

1. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• Pathway: IJMB / JUPEB
• Admission Level: 200 Level
• Official Site: https://uiljupeb.unilorin.edu.ng

UNILORIN is widely recognized for accepting students through the IJMB or JUPEB programs into their second-year undergraduate programs.

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Pathway: JUPEB / Foundation Programme
• Admission Level: 200 Level
• Official Site: https://foundation.unilag.edu.ng

Through the School of Foundation Studies, UNILAG runs a JUPEB program that admits qualified students directly into 200 level without requiring UTME.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Programmes: Pre-Degree (100 Level) and JUPEB (200 Level)
• Special Feature: Dedicated campus for pre-degree students
• Pre-degree Admission Link: https://www.oaucdl.edu.ng/predegree
• JUPEB Portal: https://jupeb.oaucdl.edu.ng

OAU offers both 100-level and 200-level entry without JAMB, depending on whether the student chooses Pre-degree or JUPEB.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

• Pathway: IJMB
• Entry: Direct Entry into 200 Level
• Official IJMB Link: https://ijmb.abu.edu.ng

ABU Zaria manages one of Nigeria’s most recognized IJMB centers, and many students use this option to bypass UTME and gain university admission.

5. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

• Program: Remedial/Pre-degree
• JAMB: Not required initially
• Remedial Programme Info: https://unijos.edu.ng/remedial-programme

UNIJOS offers a remedial program that allows students to enter 100-level programs after successful completion and internal examination.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve missed JAMB, failed it repeatedly, or simply prefer a different academic route, you can still gain admission into a Nigerian university without JAMB. Numerous institutions and programs now offer accredited, flexible, and UTME-free pathways to higher education.

Your next step should be to:

• Identify your preferred university or program
• Gather and organize your O-Level results
• Apply early to meet all internal deadlines

Higher education in Nigeria is evolving, and there are now multiple routes to success. Choose the one that aligns with your goals, schedule, and academic strengths.

Explore More Scholarship Opportunities

If you are actively seeking fully funded scholarships, you may also want to explore Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships 2025. Check the Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships 2025