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

Can I Get JAMB Admission Without Writing JAMB in 2025/2026? Every year, millions of Nigerian students write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam in hopes of securing admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, there are many students who may wonder, “Can I get JAMB admission without writing JAMB in 2025/2026?” This is a common question among students who either missed the JAMB exam or prefer not to write it.

While JAMB is the main examination for securing admission into Nigerian higher institutions, there are some circumstances where you may be able to gain admission without writing the exam. In this article, we will discuss how you can potentially get admission into a Nigerian institution without writing the JAMB exam.

1. Admission Through Direct Entry (DE)

What is Direct Entry?

Direct Entry (DE) is a popular route for gaining admission into universities in Nigeria without having to write JAMB. This option is open to candidates who meet certain qualifications. With Direct Entry, you can gain admission into a higher level (usually 200 level) without starting from 100 level, as long as you meet the necessary requirements.

Requirements for Direct Entry

To apply for Direct Entry, you must meet the following conditions:

A-levels or equivalent qualifications: If you have passed A-level exams like the National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or an equivalent qualification, you may be eligible for Direct Entry.
Degree or Diploma Holders: If you have a degree from a recognized institution or a professional diploma, you may be able to use this qualification to gain admission through Direct Entry.
Post-Secondary School Qualifications: Other qualifications such as the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), Cambridge Advanced Level, or the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) can also serve as qualifications for Direct Entry.

How to Apply for Direct Entry

Visit the JAMB portal: You will need to register for the JAMB Direct Entry examination on the official JAMB website.
Submit your documents: You will be required to submit your academic qualifications, such as your ND, HND, or A-level results, for verification.
Wait for the admission offer: If your application is successful, you will receive an admission offer from your chosen institution.

Direct Entry is a good option for those who have already completed a higher level of education, and it can allow you to bypass the regular JAMB exam entirely.

2. Admission Through Pre-Degree Programs

What is a Pre-Degree Program?

Many Nigerian universities offer pre-degree programs as an alternative route to gaining admission without taking JAMB. Pre-degree programs are designed for students who want to prepare for a specific course of study but didn’t qualify to enter directly through JAMB.

Pre-degree programs usually last for one year and are designed to help students improve their academic qualifications, especially in subjects like mathematics, English, and other core subjects related to their intended course.

How Does Pre-Degree Work?

Register for Pre-Degree: After completing your secondary education, you can apply for a pre-degree program in a university that offers it.
Complete the Program: After successfully completing the program, which often includes passing exams and meeting specific criteria, students are admitted into the university to start their degree courses.
No JAMB Required: Some universities allow students to gain admission directly into the undergraduate program after completing the pre-degree program, without needing to write JAMB.

Pre-degree programs can be a good option for students who want to gain admission into Nigerian universities without writing JAMB, but they may require extra time and money.

3. Admission Through IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board)

What is IJMB?

The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is another route that allows students to gain admission into universities without writing JAMB. It is a one-year program designed to prepare students for university education and is recognized by many Nigerian universities.

How Does IJMB Work?

Take the IJMB Exams: To participate in IJMB, students must enroll in an accredited IJMB center and pass the required exams.
Admission to 200 Level: Successful students who pass the IJMB exams can gain admission into Nigerian universities at 200 level, skipping the 100 level (which is usually where JAMB candidates start).

This route is especially useful for students who were unable to secure admission through JAMB but want to continue their education in a Nigerian university.

Key Benefits of IJMB

No Need for JAMB: Students who complete IJMB can gain direct admission into 200 level of their chosen institution without having to write JAMB.
Broad University Options: IJMB is accepted by many universities across Nigeria, offering a variety of choices for students.

4. Admission Through Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)

What is NCE?

The Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) is a teaching qualification in Nigeria. Students who have completed the NCE program at any accredited institution can gain admission into universities directly into 200 level through Direct Entry.

How to Use NCE for Admission

Complete the NCE Program: You must successfully complete the NCE program, which typically takes three years.
Apply for Direct Entry: After obtaining your NCE certificate, you can apply for Direct Entry admission into any university offering your course of interest.

This route is often used by students who want to pursue teaching careers but can also be used by those who want to switch fields after obtaining their NCE qualification.

5. Admission Through Special Programs

Specialized Programs

Some institutions offer special programs where students can gain admission without writing JAMB. These programs are often for specific courses or under special circumstances. For example:

Foundation Programs: Some universities offer foundation programs for students with low JAMB scores or those who missed the exam. These programs help students meet the academic requirements for admission.
Special Scholarships and Admissions: Certain universities offer admission through specific scholarships or special programs that may not require JAMB.

Requirements for Special Programs

Specific Qualification: These programs often have their own unique requirements, such as specific subject qualifications or meeting a particular grade point average (GPA).
Application Process: You will need to apply directly to the institution offering the special program and follow the instructions carefully.

6. Admission Through Foreign Qualifications

What Are Foreign Qualifications?

If you have completed foreign qualifications like the General Certificate of Education (GCE), Advanced Level (A-Level) exams, or the International Baccalaureate (IB), you may be able to gain admission into Nigerian universities without writing JAMB.

How to Use Foreign Qualifications for Admission

Submit Your Results: You will need to submit your foreign examination results to the institution you are applying to.
Direct Entry Admission: Most universities in Nigeria accept foreign qualifications for Direct Entry admission into 200 level, especially for students who want to study courses related to their field of qualification.

Conclusion

In summary, while JAMB is the main route for gaining admission into Nigerian higher institutions, there are several other options available for students who may want to avoid taking the JAMB exam in 2025/2026. Options like Direct Entry, Pre-degree programs, IJMB, NCE, and special programs offer alternatives for those looking to gain admission without writing JAMB.

Each of these routes has its own requirements and processes, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best suits your academic goals. If you missed the JAMB exam or don’t want to write it, these alternatives can help you continue your educational journey in Nigeria.