The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is the biggest hurdle for many Nigerian students hoping to gain admission into a university.

With many universities placing their cut-off marks from 200 and above the pressure to perform well can be overwhelming. However, you can still get into the university if you score 140 or below.

There are several alternative pathways available if you don’t meet the UTME cut-off marks or didn’t write JAMB at all this year:

1. Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination (IJMB)

The IJMB program is an intensive preparation program that allows candidates to gain direct entry admission into the 200-level undergraduate programs in Nigerian and foreign universities.

Candidates must study three A-Level subjects (with English being compulsory) based on the IJMB syllabus which covers the 100-level university curriculum for 9-12 months.

Successful candidates can use their IJMB certificate to secure direct entry admission into the 200 level of their preferred course and university through JAMB’s Direct Entry platform, bypassing the UTME.

IJMB is recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and its certificate is accepted by over 80% of federal, state, and private universities in the country for direct entry admission into the second year of undergraduate studies.

2. Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB)

JUPEB is a national examination body approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria in December 2013.

It provides an alternative pathway for candidates to gain direct entry admission into the 200-level undergraduate programs in Nigerian universities and some foreign universities without taking the UTME

JUPEB offers a one-year advanced-level program with a curriculum equivalent to A-level GCE and IB programs.

The entry requirements include a minimum of 5 credits in relevant O-Level subjects from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Candidates awaiting their O-Level results can also apply.

JUPEB Certificate is equivalent to IJMB, A-Level GCE, OND, NCE, and other advanced level qualifications.

JUPEB certificate is currently accepted by more than 40% of federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria.

3. Diploma Programs

Several universities in Nigeria offer diploma programs as alternative pathways to degree courses without requiring JAMB scores.

These programs typically last between one to two years, depending on the field of study, and cover various degrees.

For example, Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers diploma programs in fields like Law, Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Political Science. Also, the University of Calabar provides diploma programs in areas such as Economics, Accounting, and Business Management.

Upon successful completion, students can use the diploma as a stepping stone to gain admission into related degree programs at the same university.

5. Pre-Degree Programs

Many universities in Nigeria have introduced pre-degree programs specifically tailored to prepare students for degree-level studies.

These programs typically last for one year and are intended to bridge the gap between secondary school and university education.

Students who complete a pre-degree program successfully can transition directly into the first year of their desired degree program at the same university, without having to take the JAMB UTME.

6. Distance Learning

Distance Learning allows students to pursue university education without the constraints of physical attendance on campus.

The National Universities Commission approved several conventional universities in Nigeria to operate DL centers and offer degree programs.

Some of the major universities with ODL programs include the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello University, Lagos State University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

These universities offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through distance learning mode.

For example, the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute offers B.Sc. degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Public Administration.

The distance learning programs are delivered primarily through remote learning methods, with limited face-to-face contact required for activities like examinations, facilitation, and practicals.

The duration of distance learning programs varies, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years for undergraduate degrees, depending on the program and the candidate’s entry qualifications.

7. Cambridge A-Levels

Cambridge A-Levels is an internationally recognized advanced-level qualifications that serve as an excellent alternative to the UTME for gaining direct entry admission into the 200-level undergraduate programs in numerous Nigerian universities.

The exam which is recognized worldwide is offered by Cambridge International Examinations and is accepted by all universities in Nigeria, both public and private.

Students need to study 3 to 4 subjects over one to two years, with examinations taken at the end.

8. NABTEB A-Levels

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board conducts advanced level examinations, known as NABTEB A-Levels, which are accepted by many universities in Nigeria as an alternative to UTME for direct entry admission into the 200 level.

NABTEB A-Levels are equivalent to other advanced-level programs like IJMB, JUPEB, and Cambridge A-Levels.

The entry requirement for NABTEB A-Levels is a minimum of 5 credits in relevant O-Level subjects from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB in not more than two sittings. Candidates awaiting O-Level results can also apply.

NABTEB A-Levels are accepted by many federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria, including institutions like the University of Benin, University of Ilorin, and others.

9. Private Universities

Private universities although come with a higher price tag accept students who score below 140 or did not gain admission to their choice schools to enter the university system successfully.

These institutions have autonomy in setting their admission criteria and processes, which can be more flexible than public universities.

Getting a low JAMB UTME score is not the end; you can always explore other routes to gaining admission into the university.