In Nigeria, many students who have written examinations like WAEC, NECO, or GCE, and further obtained qualifications such as IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, ND, or HND, are looking for admission opportunities that do not require writing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME. Private universities play a key role in offering such flexible admission pathways. Most of these universities accept Direct Entry candidates, meaning that students can begin from 200 level or proceed through internal foundation and diploma programs without taking JAMB UTME. This article provides a comprehensive list of private universities in Nigeria that accept Direct Entry, their unique admission policies, and how students can apply.
Meaning of Direct Entry in Private Universities
Direct Entry is an admission process that allows students who already hold advanced qualifications like IJMB, JUPEB, ND, HND, or NCE, along with their O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or GCE), to gain admission into 200 level of a degree program. Unlike the JAMB UTME process, Direct Entry does not require sitting for the standard JAMB examination. Private universities in Nigeria often provide flexible Direct Entry opportunities, including internal foundation programs, pre-degree courses, and transfer admissions for eligible candidates.
List of Private Universities in Nigeria That Accept Direct Entry
Covenant University, Ota
One of Nigeria’s most prestigious private universities, Covenant University admits Direct Entry candidates with ND, HND, JUPEB, or NCE qualifications. The university is highly competitive, requiring strong academic records and participation in internal screening exercises.
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Babcock University provides Direct Entry admission for candidates with JUPEB, ND, NCE, or HND, especially in its diverse faculties such as Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Management. It also offers a pre-degree program for students seeking an alternative pathway.
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti
ABUAD accepts Direct Entry candidates into 200 level through IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or NCE qualifications. With a strong reputation in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Sciences, the university attracts students nationwide.
Bowen University, Iwo
This faith-based institution offers Direct Entry admissions via ND, JUPEB, NCE, or HND into a wide range of courses. It also operates foundation programs that enable students without JAMB UTME to gain entry.
Lead City University, Ibadan
Lead City University is one of the most flexible institutions for Direct Entry. It accepts JUPEB, IJMB, ND, NCE, and HND holders into 200 level across its programs in Business, Arts, and Sciences.
Igbinedion University, Okada
The first licensed private university in Nigeria, Igbinedion University admits Direct Entry candidates with ND, HND, JUPEB, or NCE qualifications. It also has a foundation program to help students who do not have JAMB UTME.
Redeemer’s University, Ede
This university provides admission opportunities for Direct Entry candidates holding ND, JUPEB, NCE, or IJMB. Redeemer’s is well-known for its research and academic excellence in sciences and social sciences.
Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo
Ajayi Crowther University accepts Direct Entry applicants with ND, NCE, or JUPEB results. It also has an internal pre-degree program that qualifies students for entry without JAMB UTME.
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
This Islamic faith-based private university provides Direct Entry opportunities through ND, NCE, JUPEB, or HND qualifications. It also has diploma programs that serve as alternative entry routes.
Mountain Top University, Ogun State
Mountain Top University admits candidates via Direct Entry through IJMB, ND, JUPEB, or equivalent qualifications. The university emphasizes both spiritual and academic development.
Elizade University, Ondo
Elizade University offers admission via Direct Entry for candidates with JUPEB, IJMB, ND, or HND. Its strong academic faculties include Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Nile University is popular for its flexible admission pathways. Direct Entry applicants with JUPEB, ND, or HND can secure admission into 200 level in many programs, including Engineering, Management, and Sciences.
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos
Caleb University admits Direct Entry applicants through ND, JUPEB, and NCE qualifications. It also has foundation programs for those seeking admission without UTME.
Madonna University, Okija
One of Nigeria’s oldest private universities, Madonna accepts candidates with JUPEB, IJMB, or ND qualifications for Direct Entry admission. The university is also known for its diploma and pre-degree pathways.
Khadija University, Majia
This relatively new private university in Jigawa State provides Direct Entry admission for students with IJMB, ND, NCE, or JUPEB, provided they meet the O’Level requirements.
Caritas University, Enugu
Caritas University accepts Direct Entry applications through JUPEB, ND, or NCE. It also operates pre-degree and foundation programs that serve as an entry route for students without JAMB UTME.
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Pan-Atlantic University allows Direct Entry candidates with JUPEB, ND, or NCE to join 200 level programs. Its foundation programs also make admission possible for candidates without JAMB UTME.
Chrisland University, Abeokuta
Chrisland University provides Direct Entry admission for ND, JUPEB, or NCE holders. It also admits foundation program graduates into degree courses.
Skyline University, Kano
Skyline University is a modern private institution that accepts JUPEB, ND, or HND holders through Direct Entry into 200 level. It is gaining recognition for its innovative teaching style.
Anchor University, Lagos
This faith-based institution accepts Direct Entry candidates with IJMB, JUPEB, or ND qualifications. Anchor University also runs foundation programs for students without JAMB UTME.
American University of Nigeria, Yola
AUN, founded by Atiku Abubakar, offers flexible Direct Entry opportunities for ND, JUPEB, and HND holders. It also operates pre-degree and diploma programs for those without JAMB UTME.
Summary Table of Private Universities that Accept Direct Entry
| # | Private University | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Ogun |
| 2 | Babcock University | Ogun |
| 3 | Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) | Ekiti |
| 4 | Bowen University | Osun |
| 5 | Lead City University | Oyo |
| 6 | Igbinedion University | Edo |
| 7 | Redeemer’s University | Osun |
| 8 | Ajayi Crowther University | Oyo |
| 9 | Al-Hikmah University | Kwara |
| 10 | Mountain Top University | Ogun |
| 11 | Elizade University | Ondo |
| 12 | Nile University of Nigeria | FCT Abuja |
| 13 | Caleb University | Lagos |
| 14 | Madonna University | Anambra |
| 15 | Khadija University | Jigawa |
| 16 | Caritas University | Enugu |
| 17 | Pan-Atlantic University | Lagos |
| 18 | Chrisland University | Ogun |
| 19 | Skyline University | Kano |
| 20 | Anchor University | Lagos |
| 21 | American University of Nigeria | Adamawa |
How to Apply for Direct Entry into Private Universities
- Choose Your Preferred University – Decide which private university suits your program and check the official requirements.
- Obtain JAMB Direct Entry Form – Even though you will not write UTME, all DE applicants must purchase the JAMB Direct Entry form.
- Apply on the University Portal – Visit the school’s official admission portal and fill in your Direct Entry application.
- Upload Documents – Provide WAEC/NECO/GCE results, ND/NCE/HND/IJMB/JUPEB certificate, birth certificate, and passport photo.
- Pay Application Fees – Each private university charges a fee for application or screening.
- Screening Exercise – Some institutions conduct an online or physical screening process.
- Check Admission Status – Monitor JAMB CAPS and the university portal for updates.
- Accept and Register – Once offered admission, accept it on JAMB CAPS and complete registration at the school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I enter a private university without JAMB UTME?
Yes. Many private universities in Nigeria accept Direct Entry candidates with IJMB, JUPEB, ND, NCE, or HND, meaning you do not need to write UTME.
2. Do I still need the JAMB Direct Entry form for private universities?
Yes. All Direct Entry applicants, whether to federal, state, or private universities, must register through JAMB.
3. Can WAEC, NECO, or GCE alone get me Direct Entry admission?
No. While O’Level is compulsory, you also need an additional qualification like IJMB, JUPEB, ND, NCE, or HND.
4. What level will I start from with Direct Entry?
Private universities admit Direct Entry candidates into 200 level, provided they meet requirements.
5. Are private universities easier to enter through Direct Entry than public universities?
Yes. Private universities usually have more flexible policies and faster processing compared to state or federal universities.
Conclusion
Private universities in Nigeria provide flexible opportunities for students seeking Direct Entry admission without JAMB UTME. With qualifications like IJMB, JUPEB, ND, NCE, HND, and strong O’Level results, candidates can secure admission into 200 level in these institutions. By following the application steps and preparing the required documents, students can easily start their academic journey in any of the listed private universities.