Get into university without Jamb

Sept. 6, 2024, 1:05 p.m.
- admin

Unlocking University Access: How to Get into University Without JAMB 🎓🚪

 

 

Each year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the JAMB UTME exam, a stepping stone to tertiary education. However, for many, the result is less than satisfactory. In fact, it’s clear that not all 1.95 million candidates who sat for JAMB in 2024 will score above 200, a critical cut-off for gaining admission into Nigeria’s competitive university system. But here’s the good news: there are ways to bypass JAMB altogether and still secure admission to reputable institutions.

 

 

Understanding JAMB and Its Role in University Admissions

JAMB is the body responsible for managing admissions into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Since its inception, it has aimed to create a standardized entry process, ensuring fairness for all applicants. However, the exam’s high stakes and challenges such as limited centers and technical issues have made it a stressful experience for many students.

 

This guide will show you how to navigate alternative paths to university admission, including Miva University, a fully online school that doesn’t require JAMB. 📚✨

 

 


 

 

Why JAMB Isn’t Always the Answer 🚫

 

JAMB was designed to standardize admissions and give all students a fair shot at university entrance. But it has its challenges:

 

  • High Competition: For highly sought-after courses like Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Mass Communication, scoring over 250 in JAMB is almost a must. If you didn’t hit that mark, you’re already at a disadvantage.

 

  • Post-UTME Stress: Even after passing JAMB, the struggle continues with post-UTME screenings, which many students don’t pass.

 

  • Unstable Academic Calendar: Strikes and disruptions from government university staff often delay academic progress, causing students to spend extra years completing their degrees.

 

This uncertainty makes many students anxious and concerned about their future, but don’t worry—there are alternative pathways to university that bypass these challenges entirely.

 

 

 

IJMB and JUPEB: Direct Entry to 200 Level 🌟

 

 

If your UTME result isn’t strong enough for the course you want, don't despair. Instead, consider applying for IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) or JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board), both of which provide an opportunity to gain admission into the 200-level of your chosen university without taking JAMB.

 

Two of the most reliable alternative routes into Nigerian universities are IJMB and JUPEB. Both programs allow students to secure admission into 200-level without sitting for JAMB. Here’s a breakdown:

 

 

IJMB Program 📘

 

The  Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is a 9-12 month program designed to help students gain direct entry into Nigerian universities. It is an A-Level course that prepares you for direct entry into any university. It is equivalent to being in 100-level at a university and allows you to apply directly to 200-level after successful completion. Here’s why IJMB is an excellent alternative:

 

  • Direct Entry: Upon completion, students can apply to universities using Direct Entry (DE), skipping JAMB.

 

  • Acceptance Nationwide: Over 80% of Nigerian universities accept IJMB for admission.

 

  • Flexible Requirements: If you’re lacking credit in certain O-level subjects like English or Math, IJMB allows you to re-sit and pass them during the program.

 

For example, at Divine Help Academy in Mowe, Ogun State, students are offered the chance to retake their O-levels during their IJMB or JUPEB studies. By the time they complete the program, they'll have everything they need to jump into 200-level courses by September 2025—just like their peers who gained admission via JAMB this year.

 

 

JUPEB Program 📕

 

Similar to IJMB, JUPEB is another 9–12 month A-Level program designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and university. Like IJMB, JUPEB allows direct entry into 200-level without needing JAMB. Some benefits of JUPEB include:

 

  • Standard Curriculum: The syllabus covers university-level subjects, preparing students for rigorous university education.

 

  • Eligibility for Competitive Courses: Courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering are within your reach with a good JUPEB score, even if your JAMB results fell short.

 

🎯 Why Choose IJMB or JUPEB? If you’re aiming for competitive courses but missed the high JAMB cut-off or simply want to bypass the stress, these programs offer a direct route to fulfilling your academic dreams.

 

 

 

 

Miva University: Your Fully Online University Option 🌍

 

 

Enter Miva Open University, one of the most exciting developments in Nigerian higher education. Miva was established in 2023 by uLesson, a leading ed-tech company in West Africa. The school offers a wide variety of 100% online programs without the hassle of JAMB. Here’s why Miva is a fantastic option:

 

  • No JAMB Needed: Just use your O-level results to apply. No UTME, no post-UTME stress.

 

  • Flexible Learning: You can study from the comfort of your home and at your own pace.

 

  • NUC Accreditation: Miva received accreditation from the National Universities Commission in 2023, making it a fully recognized and legitimate university.

 

  • Courses Offered: Miva offers degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Nursing Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and more.

 

In 2024, Miva even launched an MBA program, making it ideal for students who want to pursue higher education or specialize in business.

 

 

 

Why Choose Miva Over Traditional Universities?

 

  • No Strikes: Since Miva is fully online, students are not affected by government strikes or disruptions, meaning a stable academic calendar.

 

  • Study at Your Own Pace: Miva allows flexibility, meaning you can balance other commitments while earning your degree.

 

  • Modern Learning Methods: Miva uses the latest in online education technologies, ensuring students have access to high-quality, interactive learning experiences.

 

 

 


 

 

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN): The Distance Learning Option 🖥️

 

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is another alternative for students who want to bypass JAMB and study via distance learning. Established in 2002, NOUN offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

 

What NOUN Offers:

  • Distance Learning: Like Miva, NOUN allows you to study remotely. However, NOUN has more physical study centers across Nigeria.

 

  • Wide Range of Courses: NOUN offers programs in Law, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, and more.

 

  • Flexible Academic Calendar: NOUN allows students to progress at their own pace, though some students have complained about delays in grading and logistical challenges.

 

Challenges with NOUN:

 

  • Limited Recognition: NOUN degrees, while accredited, don’t always carry the same weight as those from traditional universities. Many employers and even some institutions still have biases against NOUN degrees.

 

  • Grading Delays: Some students have reported delays in their grades, causing frustration in planning their academic progress.

 

  • Less Interaction: The student-to-student and student-to-lecturer interaction is minimal compared to in-person or even modern online universities like Miva, which offer more integrated learning tools and live sessions.

 


 

 

Miva University vs. National Open University: Which Should You Choose? 🤔

 

 

While both Miva and NOUN are distance learning institutions, Miva Open University offers a more modern, flexible, and globally competitive education. Here’s why Miva is a better option:

 

 

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Miva uses advanced e-learning platforms, while NOUN's system can be outdated and slower to adapt.

 

  • Faster Learning Progress: Miva’s system allows for smoother grading and faster academic progress compared to NOUN’s frequent delays.

 

  • No Bias: Miva is new and well-regarded as an innovative online university, whereas NOUN still faces biases in the Nigerian labor market.

 

In summary, Miva Open University stands out as a modern, efficient, and credible alternative for anyone looking to skip JAMB and fast-track their way to a university degree.

 

 

 


 

 

Conclusion 🎯

 

Whether you’re looking to bypass JAMB or just want a more flexible and modern educational experience, there are numerous options available:

 

  • IJMB and JUPEB offer you direct entry into 200-level university without the stress of JAMB.

 

  • Miva Open University provides a cutting-edge, fully online degree program with no JAMB required and a wide range of courses.

 

  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers distance learning, though it comes with challenges like delays and limited recognition.

 

No matter your choice, you’re not limited to the traditional paths to university—take control of your future and explore these alternative options! 🌟