IJMB vs JUPEB vs Direct Entry: Alternative University Pathways in Nigeria 2026

Students who don't gain immediate university admission through JAMB often consider alternative pathways. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board), JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board), and direct entry through ND or NCE are the most common options, each with distinct advantages, costs, and timelines.

Updated for 2026: This guide includes current registration information, fees, and important warnings about fake portals.

2026 Registration Update

IJMB 2026 registration opened on January 5, 2026. If you are considering this pathway, register early as spaces at quality centres fill quickly. Always register through verified centres and official channels.

Warning: Beware of fake IJMB and JUPEB registration websites. Only register through centres affiliated with ABU Zaria (for IJMB) or UNILAG (for JUPEB). Confirm authenticity before making any payment.

Understanding IJMB

IJMB is a one-year intensive A-Level equivalent programme that qualifies successful students for direct entry into 200-level university programmes. You study three or four subjects related to your intended university course, sit for examinations coordinated by Ahmadu Bello University, and apply for admission using your IJMB results.

Numerous institutions across Nigeria offer IJMB programmes, including some universities, polytechnics, and specialized IJMB centers. The programme requires full-time commitment for approximately nine to twelve months.

IJMB 2026 Costs

Current IJMB fees range from ₦238,000 to ₦300,000 depending on institution and location. This typically includes tuition, examination fees, and study materials. Additional costs include accommodation (if studying away from home), textbooks, and living expenses.

Total IJMB investment ranges from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 for the complete programme including living costs.

IJMB Validity Period

IJMB results are valid for 7 years from the date of examination. This extended validity period gives you multiple admission cycles to secure university placement.

IJMB Advantages

• One-year programme gets you to 200-level, saving a year compared to 100-level entry
• Widely recognized by most Nigerian universities
• 7-year result validity allows multiple admission attempts
• Bypasses the highly competitive 100-level JAMB admission
• Coordinated by ABU Zaria with standardized examinations

IJMB Challenges

• Intensive programme requires strong academic foundation
• Fast pace allows little time for catching up if you fall behind
• IJMB alone doesn't guarantee university admission - you still compete for direct entry spaces
• Limited value as standalone qualification if university admission fails

Understanding JUPEB

JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) is an alternative A-Level programme coordinated by the University of Lagos. Like IJMB, it qualifies successful candidates for direct entry into 200-level university programmes.

JUPEB 2026 Costs

JUPEB fees range from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 depending on the study centre and location. Lagos-based centres typically charge higher fees due to cost of living. Total costs including accommodation and living expenses can reach ₦400,000 to ₦700,000.

JUPEB Validity Period

JUPEB results are valid for 3 years from examination date. This shorter validity compared to IJMB means you have fewer admission cycles to secure placement.

JUPEB Advantages

• Coordinated by UNILAG with strong academic standards
• Recognized by many federal and state universities
• One-year programme leading to 200-level entry
• Strong presence in Lagos and South-West Nigeria

JUPEB Challenges

• Shorter 3-year validity limits admission attempts
• Generally higher fees than IJMB programmes
• Not all universities accept JUPEB (check your target institution)
• Some universities prefer IJMB over JUPEB for certain courses

IJMB vs JUPEB: Head-to-Head Comparison

Universities Accepting IJMB and JUPEB

Most federal universities accept both IJMB and JUPEB, but policies vary. Before registering, confirm your target university accepts your chosen programme for your intended course.

Universities widely accepting IJMB: University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, OAU, UNIPORT, and most other federal universities.

Universities accepting JUPEB: University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, LASU, OAU, and several other federal and state universities. Some universities in the North may prefer IJMB.

Always verify current admission policies directly with your target institution before committing to either programme.

Understanding Direct Entry via ND/NCE

Direct entry through National Diploma (ND) or Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) requires completing a two-year programme first. ND comes from polytechnics, while NCE is obtained from colleges of education. Both qualify holders for direct entry into 200-level university programmes in related fields.

ND/NCE Advantages

• Qualifications have independent employment value
• ND holders can work in industries or pursue HND
• NCE holders qualify for teaching positions
• Two-year programmes allow deeper subject mastery
• Practical training and industrial attachments included
• Less competitive admission than universities

ND/NCE Challenges

• Two years plus three years university totals five years minimum
• Costs accumulate over longer timeline
• Not all universities accept ND/NCE for all courses

ND/NCE Costs

Government polytechnics and colleges of education charge ₦30,000-₦100,000 annually. Private institutions charge ₦150,000-₦400,000+ annually. Over two years, total costs range from ₦60,000 to ₦800,000+ depending on institution type.

Which Pathway Suits You in 2026?

Choose IJMB If:

• You have strong academic foundations and can handle intensive study
• You want the fastest route to university 200-level
• You value longer result validity (7 years)
• Your target universities accept IJMB
• You can afford ₦238,000-₦300,000 programme costs

Choose JUPEB If:

• Your target university is UNILAG or strongly accepts JUPEB
• You are based in Lagos or South-West Nigeria
• You can afford higher fees (up to ₦500,000)
• You are confident of gaining admission within 3 years

Choose ND/NCE If:

• You need more time to master content
• You want a qualification with independent employment value
• You prefer practical learning over purely theoretical study
• You may need to work after qualification before continuing to university

How to Prepare with Ulearngo

Regardless of which pathway you choose, strong subject mastery is essential. Ulearngo offers comprehensive study materials and practice questions for IJMB, JUPEB, and university preparation. Practice with past questions and track your progress to identify weak areas before examinations.

Application Process for 2026

IJMB Registration

1. Identify a verified IJMB centre (affiliated with ABU)
2. Submit O'Level results (WAEC/NECO with required credits)
3. Pay registration and tuition fees
4. Commence studies (sessions typically begin in March/April)
5. Write IJMB examinations the following year

JUPEB Registration

1. Find an accredited JUPEB centre (verify with UNILAG)
2. Submit O'Level qualifications
3. Pay programme fees
4. Complete one-year intensive programme
5. Write JUPEB examinations

From IJMB/JUPEB to University

After completing IJMB or JUPEB, apply for university admission through JAMB's direct entry portal. You need your IJMB/JUPEB certificate, original O'Level results, and must meet specific university requirements for your chosen course.

Making Your Decision

Research both pathways thoroughly before deciding. Consider these questions:

• Does your target university accept IJMB, JUPEB, or both?
• Can you handle intensive one-year study?
• What is your budget for the programme?
• Do you need longer result validity (favours IJMB)?
• Are you based in the South-West (JUPEB may be more accessible)?

No pathway is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific situation, target university, resources, and abilities. Make informed decisions based on your circumstances, verify all information with official sources, and commit fully to your chosen path.