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.
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. 📚✨
JAMB was designed to standardize admissions and give all students a fair shot at university entrance. But it has its challenges:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
🎯 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.
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:
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?
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.
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:
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.
Whether you’re looking to bypass JAMB or just want a more flexible and modern educational experience, there are numerous options available:
No matter your choice, you’re not limited to the traditional paths to university—take control of your future and explore these alternative options! 🌟