Last updated on October 24th, 2024 at 01:21 pm

Direct Entry (DE) is one of the most popular alternatives to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam in Nigeria, allowing students to gain admission into the 200 level of university programs without going through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). DE has become a crucial pathway for students who have completed diploma programs, IJMB, or other qualifications and want to advance their education at the university level.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Direct Entry, from registration and eligibility requirements to subject combinations and universities that accept DE.

What Is Direct Entry (DE)?

Direct Entry (DE) is a tertiary admission process that allows qualified candidates to gain admission into the second year (200 level) of university undergraduate programs. Unlike JAMB’s UTME, which grants admission to the 100 level, DE candidates are typically students who have already completed advanced level qualifications such as:

• National Diploma (ND)
• Higher National Diploma (HND)
• Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) certificate
• JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board)
• NCE (National Certificate of Education)

The Direct Entry pathway was designed for students who have completed relevant academic or professional qualifications and are looking to bypass the typical JAMB process.

Eligibility Requirements for Direct Entry

Before applying for Direct Entry, it’s essential to meet certain eligibility requirements. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mandates the following qualifications for DE applicants:

1. National Diploma (ND): Candidates must have completed a National Diploma from an accredited polytechnic or monotechnic with at least a lower credit.
2. Higher National Diploma (HND): HND holders with lower credit can apply for DE.
3. Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB): Candidates who have completed the IJMB program with minimum 5-8 points can apply for DE admission into 200-level courses.
4. JUPEB: Candidates who have obtained a JUPEB result with the required points (similar to IJMB) are eligible for DE.
5. NCE: Applicants with an NCE qualification and a minimum merit pass can apply for Direct Entry.
6. Other Advanced Level Qualifications: Any equivalent qualification from a recognized institution that is accepted by the university for direct entry admission.

Additionally, candidates must possess a minimum of five O’Level credits (including Mathematics and English) in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings. These subjects must align with the requirements of the course you intend to study.

How to Register for Direct Entry (DE)

The Direct Entry registration process is straightforward and similar to UTME registration, but with some variations due to the different qualifications involved. Here’s how to register:

1. Create a JAMB Profile

The first step is to create a JAMB profile. This is done through the official JAMB portal. Simply:

• Visit the JAMB e-facility portal at www.jamb.gov.ng
• Click on the “Create e-facility account” button and fill in your details such as name, email address, phone number, and date of birth.

2. Purchase a DE Registration Form

After creating your JAMB profile, you need to purchase a DE form, which is typically available at JAMB offices and accredited banks across Nigeria. The cost for the DE form is ₦4,700.

Alternatively, you can also purchase the form online using JAMB’s Quickteller or Remita payment services.

3. Complete the Registration Process

Once you have purchased the form, log in to your JAMB profile to complete the registration process. You will need to upload the following documents:

• Advanced level qualification certificate (ND, IJMB, NCE, HND, etc.)
• O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB)
• Personal details (such as contact information, state of origin, local government, etc.)
• Passport photograph (JAMB requires a clear passport photo for your profile)

After completing the registration, make sure to print out the Direct Entry registration slip as proof of your application.

4. Choose Your Preferred Institutions

During the registration process, you will be required to select up to four universities as your preferred institutions. Ensure that you research the schools and confirm that they accept DE for the course you intend to study.

Direct Entry Admission Requirements

After registration, the next step is to meet the specific admission requirements set by the universities you’re applying to. These vary depending on the institution and course, but typically include:

1. Advanced Level Qualification: You must provide proof of your advanced level qualification with the required grades or points.
2. O’Level Credits: At least five O’Level credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
3. Screening or Interview: Some universities conduct screening tests or interviews for DE applicants to evaluate their eligibility further.
4. Direct Entry Points: Certain courses require a minimum number of points from your DE qualification. For example, a university might require an IJMB candidate to have 12 points to study Medicine, while other courses might accept as low as 5-8 points.

DE Subject Combinations and Courses

The subject combinations for Direct Entry depend on the advanced qualification and course of study. Here’s a breakdown of popular subject combinations for DE:

• Engineering Courses:
  • ND, HND in Engineering or related fields
  • Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry for IJMB or JUPEB
• Medical Courses:
  • IJMB or JUPEB subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Law:
  • NCE in Law-related courses or relevant advanced qualifications
  • IJMB or JUPEB in Literature, Government, CRS
• Social Sciences (Economics, Accounting, Business Admin):
  • ND in Social Sciences or related fields
  • IJMB or JUPEB in Economics, Government, Mathematics
• Education Courses:
  • NCE in relevant education courses
  • IJMB or JUPEB in Education, CRS/IRS, Literature

Universities often have specific requirements regarding subject combinations for Direct Entry applicants. It’s important to research the university and course requirements before selecting your subjects.

Universities That Accept Direct Entry (DE)

One of the biggest advantages of Direct Entry is its wide acceptance across Nigerian universities. Here’s a list of some major universities that accept DE:

Federal Universities:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

State Universities:

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Kwara State University (KWASU)
• Delta State University (DELSU)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

Private Universities:

• Babcock University
• Covenant University
• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
• Igbinedion University
• Crescent University

How to Gain Admission via Direct Entry

Once you’ve registered for Direct Entry and selected your preferred institutions, the next step is to gain admission. Here’s how the process works:

1. Wait for Admission Updates: After submitting your application, universities will review your credentials, including your advanced qualification, O’Level results, and other details. Some schools may invite you for screening or interviews.
2. Check JAMB CAPS Portal: Admission statuses are often updated on the JAMB CAPS portal. Ensure you regularly log in to check for any updates.
3. Accept or Reject Admission: If you receive an admission offer, you must accept or reject the offer on JAMB CAPS. Failure to accept the offer may result in the forfeiture of the admission.
4. Proceed to Your University: Once you accept your offer, you’ll need to complete the necessary documentation with your university, including paying acceptance fees, submitting documents, and registering for courses.

Conclusion: Is Direct Entry Right for You?

Direct Entry offers a fantastic opportunity for students who have already completed relevant qualifications to skip the 100 level and proceed directly to the 200 level at Nigerian universities. It’s a flexible option for those with diplomas, IJMB, HND, or similar qualifications who want to fast-track their academic progress.

With a wide range of universities accepting DE and the possibility to study virtually any course, Direct Entry remains a popular and valuable alternative to JAMB. Ensure you meet the requirements, register early, and follow through with the admission process to secure your spot in a Nigerian university.