In a significant development for Nigerian students seeking alternative admission routes, several universities across the country have officially recognized programs like JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) and IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) as valid pathways to gain direct entry into 200-level, bypassing the traditional JAMB examination process.
For years, thousands of young Nigerians have found their dreams of higher education delayed by repeated failures or poor outcomes in the highly competitive Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Many candidates with scores over 200 still miss out due to limited admission slots, tough cut-offs, and lack of proper guidance.
Now, growing awareness of JAMB alternatives like JUPEB and IJMB is changing the conversation.
Alternative Admission Routes Gain Popularity
According to recent reports, JUPEB and IJMB are fast becoming the preferred options for students who wish to skip the stress of UTME and gain direct entry into Nigerian universities. These programs are approved by the Federal Government and are structured to span 9 to 12 months, after which students can apply to partner universities for admission into 200-level.
Education analysts say these routes are particularly helpful for students who have spent years at home without gaining admission through JAMB.
Universities Accepting JUPEB for Admission
The following universities have officially confirmed their acceptance of JUPEB results for direct entry admissions:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- Caleb University, Imota
- Bowen University, Iwo
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Universities That Accept IJMB Without JAMB
For students pursuing admission through IJMB, several respected institutions also recognize this program:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Abuja
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Nasarawa State University
These institutions allow students who have completed the IJMB program to be admitted directly into their second-year programs.
It is also important to note that almost all private universities in Nigeria accept JUPEB certificates for direct admission.
Pre-Degree and Other Options Also Available
Apart from JUPEB and IJMB, other options like pre-degree programs, diploma programs, and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) also provide alternative access to university education, especially for students not willing to rely solely on JAMB.
Amid UTME Controversy, Focus Shifts to Alternatives
This development comes as concerns grow over the 2025 UTME results, which left many candidates disappointed due to lower-than-expected scores. With only 12,400 candidates scoring 300 and above out of nearly two million applicants, more students and parents are beginning to explore alternative admission solutions.
Education experts have welcomed this shift, calling on the government and universities to improve awareness campaigns around JUPEB and IJMB as sustainable options to widen access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
