Many candidates miss the UTME cut-off, skip the exam or simply want a quicker route into school, and they ask which private institutions admit students without JAMB. This guide lists the top 20 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB in the sense that matters most: private universities known for alternative entry routes such as Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB, A-Level, diploma programmes and open and distance learning.
Before the list, one fact needs to be clear. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) requires admissions into regular degree programmes to pass through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and it has repeatedly warned that admission given outside CAPS is illegal. For this reason, the top 20 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB below do not skip the system. They offer routes where a UTME score is not the main entry document, and each school decides the details. Always confirm the current policy with the admissions office before paying any fee.
Can You Get Into a Private University Without JAMB?
A candidate can enter a private university without a UTME score only through a recognised alternative route. A student who sits for no entry examination at all and pays for a “direct” place is at risk of receiving an admission that JAMB, the NUC and NYSC will not recognise later.
The recognised alternatives are:
- Direct Entry with JUPEB, IJMB, A-Level, ND, HND or a NCE result, where the candidate enters at 200 level.
- Pre-degree, foundation or remedial programmes run by the university, which lead to 100 level.
- Transfer from another university into 200 level.
- Open and distance learning programmes, which do not use the UTME.
- Special entry schemes, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and NUCEE for candidates with foreign qualifications.
Even in these cases, many schools still ask the candidate to be registered on the JAMB portal so the admission appears on CAPS. Direct Entry candidates register with JAMB for Direct Entry, which is different from writing the UTME.
Top 20 Private Universities in Nigeria Without JAMB (Alternative Entry Routes)
The universities below are private institutions frequently named for flexible entry. The routes listed are the commonly reported ones. Programmes, intakes and rules change each session, so treat the list as a starting point for research.
1. Covenant University, Ota (Ogun State)
Covenant admits Direct Entry candidates with JUPEB, A-Level and other approved qualifications. It also operates a JUPEB centre, and strong JUPEB results lead into its degree programmes.
2. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo (Ogun State)
Babcock offers Direct Entry into 200 level for holders of A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND and HND qualifications, and it considers transfer candidates.
3. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti State)
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) admits Direct Entry and transfer students and is regularly named among private schools with alternative admission routes. Medical and law courses are highly competitive.
4. Lead City University, Ibadan (Oyo State)
Lead City takes Direct Entry candidates with JUPEB, ND or HND, and it also runs pre-degree style options for candidates who need to improve their results.
5. Achievers University, Owo (Ondo State)
Achievers University is named in many lists of private schools with flexible entry, including Direct Entry and transfer admission.
6. Adeleke University, Ede (Osun State)
Adeleke University offers Direct Entry and transfer routes alongside regular admission, and it runs a pre-degree programme for candidates who need extra preparation.
7. Landmark University, Omu-Aran (Kwara State)
Landmark considers Direct Entry applicants with approved advanced-level qualifications and has pathways for transfer students.
8. Madonna University, Okija (Anambra State)
Madonna University receives Direct Entry and transfer candidates and is among the schools named in alternative-entry lists.
9. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Nile University is reported to accept the National Universities Commission’s NUCEE and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates through its own admissions board, in addition to Direct Entry.
10. Bowen University, Iwo (Osun State)
Bowen University admits Direct Entry candidates with JUPEB, IJMB, A-Level and diploma qualifications.
11. Redeemer’s University, Ede (Osun State)
Redeemer’s University considers Direct Entry applicants with relevant advanced-level results into 200 level.
12. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Pan-Atlantic University accepts qualified Direct Entry candidates, and it also reviews applications from holders of foreign qualifications.
13. Bells University of Technology, Ota (Ogun State)
Bells University offers Direct Entry for candidates with ND, HND, JUPEB or IJMB results in related fields.
14. Caleb University, Imota (Lagos State)
Caleb University admits Direct Entry and transfer candidates, and it publishes its requirements each admission cycle.
15. Crawford University, Igbesa (Ogun State)
Crawford University gives Direct Entry places to holders of recognised advanced-level and diploma qualifications.
16. Veritas University, Abuja
Veritas University considers Direct Entry candidates and transfers into the relevant levels of its programmes.
17. Baze University, Abuja
Baze University receives Direct Entry applicants and holders of foreign certificates, including A-Level and IB results.
18. American University of Nigeria, Yola (Adamawa State)
The American University of Nigeria uses its own screening and also accepts international qualifications such as SAT, A-Level and IB, which makes it a common choice for candidates with foreign results.
19. Miva Open University, Abuja
Miva Open University is a private open and distance learning institution. It does not ask for a UTME score. The commonly reported minimum is five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
20. Iconic Open University, Sokoto
Iconic Open University is another private open and distance learning institution that is listed as not requiring a UTME score for its online degree programmes.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is also often mentioned for admission without UTME, but it is a federal institution and does not belong on a list of private schools.
Summary Table: Private Universities and Typical Alternative Routes
| University | State / Location | Commonly Reported Route |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | Ogun | Direct Entry, JUPEB |
| Babcock University | Ogun | Direct Entry, transfer |
| Afe Babalola University | Ekiti | Direct Entry, transfer |
| Lead City University | Oyo | Direct Entry, JUPEB, ND, HND |
| Nile University | Abuja | NUCEE, IB, Direct Entry |
| Bowen University | Osun | Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB |
| American University of Nigeria | Adamawa | Own screening, SAT, A-Level, IB |
| Miva Open University | Abuja (online) | O’Level based, no UTME |
| Iconic Open University | Sokoto (online) | Open and distance learning |
Alternative Entry Routes Explained
JUPEB
The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) runs a one-year programme that prepares students for 200 level in partner universities. A student who passes the required subject combination for the chosen course is eligible for Direct Entry.
IJMB and A-Level
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme and the Cambridge A-Level are advanced-level routes. Both lead to Direct Entry into 200 level when the results match the course requirement.
Diploma, ND and HND
Holders of a National Diploma or Higher National Diploma, usually at upper credit level, apply for Direct Entry into related degree courses. A university diploma programme can also lead into the same university’s degree.
Pre-degree and foundation programmes
These are one-year programmes run by the university for candidates who miss the UTME or lack the required grades. A successful pre-degree student proceeds to 100 level, although the school still needs to register the student with JAMB for the admission to be valid.
Open and distance learning
Online universities rely on O’Level results and, for some programmes, previous qualifications. They remove the UTME barrier, but the student still needs to confirm that the programme is NUC-approved.
General Requirements to Expect
Whatever route a candidate chooses, a private university usually asks for the following:
- Five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO or NABTEC.
- Subject combinations that match the course. Medicine, nursing, engineering and law have stricter subject needs.
- For Direct Entry, at least two A-Level or equivalent passes in relevant subjects, or a diploma with a good grade.
- A completed application form, passport photograph and birth certificate or declaration of age.
- A post-admission screening or aptitude test, which many private schools run.
The Risk of Admission Outside CAPS
JAMB has stated that every admission to a regular degree programme must pass through CAPS and carry an official admission letter from JAMB. It has also warned that admission outside this system is illegal and that it will not recognise it. A student admitted outside the system can face a refusal at NYSC mobilisation, trouble with certificate verification and difficulty with postgraduate applications.
For this reason, candidates should do three things before paying. First, check that the university is on the NUC list of approved private universities. Second, confirm that the school will upload the admission on CAPS or direct the candidate to register for Direct Entry. Third, make all payments through the school’s official account and keep the receipts.
How to Apply to a Private University Without a UTME Score
- Choose the entry route that matches the available qualifications: Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB, pre-degree, transfer or open learning.
- Visit the official website of the university and read the current requirements for the 2026/2027 session.
- Create an account on the school portal and pay the application fee through the official channel.
- Upload the O’Level results, advanced-level results and other documents.
- Attend the screening or aptitude test when the school invites the candidate.
- Accept the admission offer, register with JAMB where the school requires it, and pay the acceptance and tuition fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get into a private university without writing JAMB? Yes, through recognised routes such as Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB, pre-degree programmes, transfer and open learning. Admission to a regular programme must still be recorded through JAMB CAPS.
2. Which private university does not need JAMB at all? Private open and distance learning schools such as Miva Open University and Iconic Open University do not ask for a UTME score. Conventional private universities generally use alternative routes instead.
3. Is admission without JAMB valid for NYSC? It is valid when the admission is processed through the proper channels and the school is NUC-approved. An admission outside the system can be rejected at NYSC.
4. Do I need JAMB for Direct Entry? Direct Entry candidates register for JAMB Direct Entry, which does not require sitting the UTME.
5. How can I confirm that a private university is genuine? Check the NUC list of approved private universities and confirm payment details with the official admissions office.
Final Thoughts
The top 20 private universities in Nigeria without JAMB above show that a student has several legitimate ways into a private university without depending on a UTME score. Direct Entry, JUPEB, IJMB, A-Level, diploma, transfer and online degree routes all work when the school is NUC-approved and the admission is properly recorded. A candidate searching for private universities in Nigeria without JAMB should avoid any place that promises admission with no process at all. Confirm the current requirements, fees and intake dates on the official website of the chosen university before applying for the 2026/2027 session.