For thousands of students in Nigeria, JAMB Direct Entry (DE) is the perfect pathway to gain admission into 200-level without writing UTME. This option is ideal for candidates with advanced qualifications such as ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, or JUPEB, providing a shortcut into the university system.
However, not everyone is eligible for Direct Entry, and mistakes during registration can lead to disqualification. To avoid errors, you must fully understand JAMB’s requirements for Direct Entry 2025/2026 before applying.
Who Can Apply for JAMB Direct Entry 2025/2026?
JAMB has specified that only candidates with higher academic qualifications beyond O’Level results can apply. To be eligible, you must have at least one of the following:
- National Diploma (ND) – Upper Credit or Lower Credit
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) – Merit or Distinction
- IJMB, JUPEB, or other recognized A-Level certificates
- Bachelor’s Degree (for students transferring to another university or course)
If you do not have any of these qualifications, you cannot apply for JAMB Direct Entry.
Required Documents for JAMB Direct Entry Registration 2025/2026
During registration, you must provide the following documents to prove eligibility. Missing any of these will lead to automatic disqualification:
✅ O’Level Results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE) – Minimum of five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
✅ A-Level Certificates (ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent) – Must be from a recognized institution. Awaiting Results are NOT accepted.
✅ JAMB Registration Profile Code & e-PIN – Obtained by sending “NIN” + your National Identification Number (NIN) to 55019 or 66019.
✅ JAMB Direct Entry Registration Slip – Issued after completing registration at an accredited JAMB Professional Registration Centre (PRC).
✅ Institutional Transcript (For Some Universities) – Some schools require Direct Entry candidates to submit academic transcripts.
✅ Birth Certificate or Age Declaration – Confirms you meet the age requirement for university admission.
✅ Local Government Identification Certificate – Needed for state of origin verification, especially for state universities.
What Grades Are Required for Direct Entry Admission?
Your chances of securing admission depend on your A-Level grades. Here’s the general grading system used by most universities:
- ND (National Diploma) – Upper Credit or Lower Credit (some schools accept Pass)
- HND (Higher National Diploma) – Distinction or Upper Credit
- NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) – Merit or Distinction
- IJMB/JUPEB – Minimum of 6 points (higher points increase admission chances)
Competitive courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering often require higher grades for Direct Entry. Always check your preferred university’s requirements before applying.
Additional Requirements Set by Universities
While JAMB sets the general Direct Entry requirements, each university may have additional conditions, such as:
- Minimum CGPA for ND, NCE, or HND holders
- Entrance exams or interviews
- Submission of transcripts before admission
To avoid surprises, visit your preferred university’s official website or check JAMB’s Brochure for specific admission guidelines.
Why Is JAMB Introducing Stricter Direct Entry Requirements?
Due to increasing cases of fake A-Level certificates, JAMB has introduced stricter verification measures, including:
🔍 Screening of all Direct Entry applications before admission approval
🚫 Automatic disqualification and prosecution for fake certificates
📤 Mandatory upload of credentials on JAMB’s portal
Universities will now cross-check certificates before offering admission.
What If You Don’t Meet the Direct Entry Requirements?
If you’re not eligible, consider these options:
1️⃣ Apply for UTME Instead – Register for JAMB UTME and apply as a 100-level student.
2️⃣ Upgrade Your Qualifications – Retake exams (e.g., IJMB, JUPEB) to improve your grades.
Final Thoughts: Avoid Common Mistakes!
JAMB Direct Entry is a golden opportunity, but only for those who meet the requirements. To avoid disqualification:
✔ Confirm your eligibility before applying.
✔ Check your university’s specific admission requirements.
✔ Upload all required documents on JAMB CAPS.
By following the correct process, you’ll be one step closer to securing admission into your dream university!
