Inside HigherEd: Alternative Pathways To University Admission In Nigeria – JUPEB and IJMB

Welcome to a new series called “Inside HigherEd” where I’ll be sharing details about the workings of the higher education system in Nigeria. This series also serves as a learning opportunity for me. As I earned my post-secondary education outside of Nigeria, there are aspects of the university landscape here that I never had to interact with. Now, as COO at the uLesson Group and particularly at Miva Open University, this is at the heart of my day-to-day job. 

In this article, we’ll explore two alternate pathways to university admissions in Nigeria – JUPEB and IJMB.

1. Introduction

The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) and the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) are Advanced Level (A-Level) programs in Nigeria designed to provide students with an alternative pathway to gain direct entry admission into 200-level in Nigerian universities without taking the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

This article shares an analysis of both programs, including their structure, requirements, partnering universities, study centers, application processes, and examination schedules for 2025.

2. Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB)

JUPEB is a national examination body approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria and coordinated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It was established to ease the admission process into Nigerian universities.

2.1 Key Features

• • Duration: 9–12 months

• • Eligibility: O’Level graduates (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)

• • Subjects: Students are required to take three subjects and a General Studies (GST) course relevant to their intended field of study.

• • Admission Process: Candidates who successfully complete the program are eligible for direct entry admission into 200-level in JUPEB-affiliated universities.

• • Examination Format: Graded on a point system (A-F), with a cumulative score determining university admission.

2.2 List of Some Affiliated Universities

• • University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• • University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• • Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• • Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

• • University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• • Delta State University (DELSU)

You can find a full list of affiliated universities on the JUPEB website. 

2.3 Study Centers

JUPEB operates accredited study centers across Nigeria, including:

• • UNILAG JUPEB Study Centre, Lagos

• • UNIBEN JUPEB Centre, Edo

• • OAU JUPEB Centre, Ile-Ife

• • Private accredited JUPEB study centers in major cities

2.4 Examination and Application Information

• • Application Period: January – July 2025

• • Examination Dates: August – September 2025

• • Result Validity: JUPEB results are valid for three years

• • Fees: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000, depending on the institution and study center

• • Application Fee is N15,000 while acceptance fee is N30,750

2.5 JUPEB Grading System

The JUPEB grading system follows a point-based system (A to F), similar to IJMB. Here’s the breakdown:

A (5 Points) – 70% and above

B (4 Points) – 60-69%

C (3 Points) – 50-59%

D (2 Points) – 45-49%

E (1 Point) – 40-44%

F (0 Points) – Below 40% (Fail)

Total Point Calculation for Admission

JUPEB students take three subjects related to their course of study. The total score is calculated based on the grades in those subjects. For example:

A, B, C → 5+4+3 = 12 Points

B, C, D → 4+3+2 = 9 Points

Universities typically set minimum point requirements for direct entry admission, with competitive courses (e.g., Medicine, Law) requiring higher points.

3. Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB)

IJMB is an Advanced Level (A-Level) program moderated by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Established in 1976, it is one of the oldest direct entry programs in Nigeria.

3.1 Key Features

• • Duration: 9–12 months

• • Eligibility: O’Level graduates (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)

• • Subjects: Students must register for three subjects relevant to their course of study.

• • Admission Process: Candidates who pass the examination can apply for direct entry admission into 200-level in Nigerian universities.

• • Examination Format: Uses a point grading system (A-F), with scores influencing admission.

3.2 List of Some Partnering Universities

• • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

• • University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• • Bayero University Kano (BUK)

• • Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

• • University of Jos (UNIJOS)

You can find a full list of affiliated universities on the IJMB website. 

3.3 Study Centers

IJMB has accredited centers across Nigeria, including:

• • ABU Zaria Study Centre, Kaduna

• • UNIJOS IJMB Centre, Plateau

• • Private accredited study centers in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt

3.4 Examination and Application Information

• • Application Period: November 2024 – February 2025

• • Examination Dates: March 2025

• • Result Validity: IJMB results are valid for seven years

• • Application Fee for 2025: N8,500 and Acceptance Fee N20,750

• • Fees: ₦238,000 – ₦288,000, depending on the institution and study center for 2025

3.5 IJMB Grading System

The IJMB grading system follows a point system from A to F. Here’s the breakdown:

A (5 Points) – 70% and above

B (4 Points) – 60-69%

C (3 Points) – 50-59%

D (2 Points) – 45-49%

E (1 Point) – 40-44%

F (0 Points) – Below 40% (Fail)

4. Comparison:

JUPEB and IJMB are both direct entry programs in Nigeria that allow students to gain admission into 200-level at affiliated universities. JUPEB is moderated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), while the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is overseen by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. Both programs have a duration of 9 to 12 months. JUPEB has over 70 partnering universities, whereas IJMB collaborates with more than 80 institutions. One key difference is the validity of results—JUPEB results remain valid for three years, whereas IJMB results are valid for seven years. In terms of cost, JUPEB is more expensive, ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000, while IJMB is relatively cheaper, costing between ₦238,000 and ₦300,000. Both JUPEB and IJMB are widely accepted across universities in Nigeria.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

Both JUPEB and IJMB provide excellent alternatives to JAMB for gaining direct admission into 200-level Nigerian universities. JUPEB is more widely accepted, while IJMB is more affordable and has a longer validity period.

Who Should Choose JUPEB?

• • Students who want to study in Southern Nigerian universities

• • Those who can afford a higher tuition fee

• • Candidates who want a shorter result validity period (three years)

Who Should Choose IJMB?

• • Students who want to study in Northern Nigerian universities

• • Those looking for a cheaper option

• • Candidates who prefer a longer result validity period (seven years)

Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements of their preferred universities before selecting a program.

6. References

• • Official websites of JUPEB and IJMB-affiliated universities

• • Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines on direct entry programs

• • Examination bodies’ official press releases (2025)

For further details you can visit www.jupeb.edu.ng or www.ijmb.org.ng.

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch with me via LinkedIn to be informed when there’s a new article published. And feel free to contact me for speaking and other partnerships.

Aniekeme