Can I Get JAMB Admission Without Writing JAMB in 2025/2026?

Many students in Nigeria ask if it is possible to get admission into a university, polytechnic, or college without writing the JAMB exam. If you’re wondering the same thing for 2025/2026, this article will explain what you need to know.

In Nigeria, JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) is the body responsible for giving students admission into higher institutions. JAMB organizes the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination), which students take to qualify for admission. But can you still get into school without writing this exam? Let’s look at the possible answers.

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What Is JAMB Admission?

JAMB admission is the process of getting admitted into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges through the JAMB exam. After writing the JAMB exam, your score is used to determine if you qualify for admission. If you meet the school’s cut-off mark and other requirements, JAMB will offer you admission.

But some students want to know if there is another way to gain admission without writing JAMB.

Can You Get Admission Without Writing JAMB?

Yes, it is possible to get admission into some schools in Nigeria without writing JAMB. However, this is only for certain programs and not for regular full-time university courses. Here are some ways you can gain admission without writing JAMB.

1. Direct Entry (DE)

Direct Entry is a program for students who already have a qualification like ND (National Diploma), NCE (National Certificate in Education), or IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board). If you have completed any of these programs, you can apply for Direct Entry into a university to start from 200 level.

This means you don’t need to write JAMB UTME, but you still have to go through the JAMB Direct Entry process.

2. Pre-degree Programs

Some universities in Nigeria offer pre-degree programs. These programs are like preparatory courses that last for about a year. After completing the pre-degree program and passing the exams, you can be given admission into 100 level without writing JAMB. But, not all schools have pre-degree programs, so you will need to check with the university you are interested in.

3. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)

JUPEB is another option if you don’t want to write JAMB. JUPEB is a one-year program that allows students to gain admission into 200 level in a university. The JUPEB program is available in many universities across Nigeria. After completing the JUPEB program and passing the exams, you can be admitted into 200 level without writing JAMB.

4. Part-Time Programs

Some universities and polytechnics offer part-time programs for students. Part-time programs do not require JAMB UTME. Students who apply for part-time programs usually take weekend or evening classes, and the admission process is handled by the school itself, not JAMB. However, part-time students may not have the same privileges as full-time students, and the program duration is usually longer.

5. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a distance learning institution where students can study from home or anywhere. NOUN does not require students to write JAMB UTME to gain admission. You can apply directly to the school, and if you meet the requirements, you will be admitted.

NOUN offers many courses and is a good option for people who cannot attend regular classes due to work or other reasons. But it’s important to know that NOUN graduates are not allowed to take part in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program for now.

6. Diploma Programs

Some universities and polytechnics offer diploma programs that don’t require JAMB. These programs usually last for 1 to 2 years, and after completing the diploma, you can apply for direct entry into a university. This means you can start from 200 level in a degree program without writing JAMB.

7. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)

The IJMB program is another way to gain admission without writing JAMB. IJMB is a one-year program that prepares students for admission into 200 level in a university. The program is available in many universities and IJMB study centers in Nigeria. After completing the IJMB program, you can apply for direct entry into 200 level in a university.

Benefits of Gaining Admission Without Writing JAMB

Some students prefer to gain admission without writing JAMB for different reasons. Here are a few benefits:

Less Stress: Writing the JAMB exam can be stressful for some students, especially those who don’t score high enough to meet the cut-off mark. Programs like IJMB, JUPEB, and pre-degree can give students another chance.
No Competition: JAMB UTME is highly competitive, with millions of students writing the exam every year. But programs like JUPEB, IJMB, and part-time courses are less competitive.
Direct Entry to 200 Level: Programs like Direct Entry, JUPEB, and IJMB allow you to start from 200 level in the university, saving you one year of study.

Downsides of Gaining Admission Without Writing JAMB

While it is possible to get admission without writing JAMB, there are some downsides you should know:

Limited Options: Not all schools and courses accept students without JAMB. Some schools may only admit students who wrote the JAMB UTME.
Extra Costs: Programs like JUPEB, IJMB, and pre-degree may be more expensive than writing JAMB UTME because they are like preparatory programs.
Not Available for NYSC: Graduates of some programs, like NOUN, are not currently allowed to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which may be a disadvantage for some students.

Conclusion

In 2025, you can still get admission into some Nigerian universities and polytechnics without writing JAMB. Programs like Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB, pre-degree, and part-time courses are available for students who don’t want to go through the JAMB UTME. However, each option has its benefits and challenges, so you should choose the one that best fits your situation. Make sure to check with the school of your choice to confirm the requirements and details of these programs.