If you already hold an advanced qualification like NCE, ND, HND, IJMB, JUPEB or A-Levels, Direct Entry (DE) is your fast track into 200-level or 300-level in many Nigerian universities. This article shows you how to apply for Direct Entry through JAMB, including eligibility requirements, the profile code process, registration fees, timelines, and the documents you must upload at an accredited CBT/Professional Registration Centre (PRC). All key facts are verified from JAMB’s official website and bulletins so you can apply with confidence.
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| How to Apply for Direct Entry in Nigerian Universities: Requirements, JAMB Profile Code, Fees & Step-by-Step Process |
What is JAMB Direct Entry?
Direct Entry is a centralized admission route overseen by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for candidates with higher or advanced post-secondary qualifications who wish to enter university beyond 100 level. Registration and subsequent admission processing happen on the JAMB portal and at accredited CBT centres, not at random cafes or unapproved agents.
Who Is Eligible? (Accepted Qualifications)
JAMB recognizes a wide range of A-Level and equivalent qualifications for DE. In addition to at least five (5) O’Level credit passes in not more than two sittings, candidates must present principal/advanced level passes or accepted equivalents. Recognized qualifications include (non-exhaustive):
First degree or University Diploma
NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
ND/NID (National/Innovation Diploma)
HND
A-Level certificates (ANBC/ANTC/GCE A-Level specific years as stipulated)
Cambridge A-Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) (for foreign certificates, as specified)
Some programmes (e.g., Law, many Science and Social Science courses) require O’Level Mathematics even for DE. Always cross-check the specific subject combinations and departmental requirements of your chosen university.
When Does Direct Entry Registration Happen?
For the 2025 admission cycle, JAMB’s official bulletin indicated Direct Entry application opened Monday, March 10, 2025 and closed Monday, April 7, 2025, with ongoing status updates shared in later bulletins. For future cycles, JAMB typically announces the window via its website/bulletins, check early and apply within the official dates.
How Much Does Direct Entry Registration Cost?
On JAMB’s official Payment & Services page, the DE registration fee is listed as ₦3,500 plus a ₦700 service charge (fees can be updated by JAMB; verify the current session’s rate before paying). Other post-registration services such as data corrections carry separate fees.
Documents & Information You’ll Need
Before you begin, assemble the following:
1. NIN (National Identification Number) tied to the phone number you’ll use.
2. Personal details: full name (as on government records), date of birth, email.
4. A-Level/DE qualification evidence (e.g., NCE/ND/HND/IJMB/JUPEB transcripts or certificates).
5. Previous JAMB number (if applicable) and regularization documents if your earlier tertiary admission wasn’t through JAMB.
6. Preferred universities and courses (research specific DE requirements for each).
7. Payment method for e-PIN and service charges.
JAMB requires uploading your qualifications at the registration point, bring originals for sighting and ensure clear, correct data entry during capture at the CBT/PRC centre.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for JAMB Direct Entry (DE)
Step 1: Generate Your JAMB Profile Code (via NIN)
On your phone, send an SMS in this exact format:
NIN 12345678901 (that’s the word NIN, a space, then your 11-digit NIN)
Send to 55019 or 66019. You should receive a 10-digit Profile Code by SMS.
This profile code is mandatory for purchasing your DE e-PIN and tying your application to your identity.
If SMS fails due to NIN SIM link issues or demographic mismatches, resolve them with NIMC before retrying. JAMB and its partners also share occasional tips for profile code troubleshooting; follow official guidance.
Step 2: Purchase Your DE e-PIN
With your Profile Code, pay the DE registration fee (and service charge) through JAMB-approved channels (banks, online payment gateways, or vendors as announced for the session). Keep your e-PIN safe.
Step 3: Register at an Accredited CBT/Professional Registration Centre
Visit an accredited JAMB CBT/PRC centre to complete registration.
At the centre, provide your e-PIN, Profile Code, and all required documents.
The centre will capture your biometrics, passport photo, and personal data, and help you upload O’Level and A-Level/DE qualification(s).
Review every field carefully before submission and print your registration slip.
Step 4: Choose Institutions & Courses Strategically
Select first choice and additional choices according to your qualification and target programme.
Confirm each university’s DE subject/grade mix, minimum points/CGPA, and whether it admits DE into 200-level or higher for your pathway (e.g., ND vs HND vs NCE). Use each school’s official portal for programme-specific rules.
Step 5: Monitor CAPS & School Portals
After registration, monitor JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) for admission status updates and regularly check your chosen universities’ admissions pages for DE screening dates, document verification, and clearance instructions.
Step 6: Upload/Update Results Promptly
If you registered with awaiting results for A-Level or O’Level, return to an accredited centre to upload them as soon as they’re available. Missing uploads can delay or block admission.
Step 7: Corrections (If Needed)
If you make a mistake in name, date of birth, state/LGA, or need change of institution/course, JAMB provides Correction of Data services for a fee. Access them through your e-Facility account on the JAMB portal and follow the instructions.
Commonly Accepted DE Pathways (What Typically Gets You 200-Level)
While each university decides placement level, these are frequent patterns:
NCE with strong grades → Education and related programmes (often 200-level).
ND (Upper/Lower Credit as specified) → Relevant faculties (Engineering, Science, Management, etc.) at 200-level.
HND → In some cases, advanced standing; policies vary by school.
IJMB/JUPEB/A-Levels with required points → 200-level across many departments.
First degree holders → Transfer or second-degree admissions depending on school policy.
Check course-by-course requirements on your target universities’ official pages; JAMB only defines the baseline eligibility, while schools set departmental rules.
Direct Entry Timeline & What to Expect (2025 Example)
Registration Window: Mar 10–Apr 7, 2025 (per JAMB bulletin; future sessions will have their own dates).
Ongoing Updates: JAMB publishes weekly bulletins and reminders; keep an eye on the website and your email/SMS for alerts.
Admission Processing: Universities run their DE screening schedules, then upload decisions to JAMB CAPS.
Always work with official timelines for the current session.
Fees You Might Encounter (Beyond Registration)
Direct Entry Registration: ₦3,500 + ₦700 service (JAMB page).
Data Corrections / Change of Institution or Course: fee varies by service on the JAMB portal.
School-specific DE Screening Fees: set by each university.
Check current rates on JAMB’s Payment & Services and the relevant university portal before paying.
Pro Tips to Secure Your Admission
1. Use the same, valid phone number for profile code and keep your SIM active throughout the cycle so you don’t miss codes and notifications.
2. Name consistency matters. Your names across NIN, O’Level, A-Level, and JAMB profile should align. Where they don’t, use Correction of Data options with supporting documents.
3. Upload all credentials during registration and re-upload if you update results later. Admissions can stall if your A-Level/DE documents aren’t on the system.
4. Target realistic programmes. Your A-Level subjects and grades must match your intended course; e.g., Engineering typically expects strong Mathematics and Physics at advanced level.
5. Verify centre accreditation. Register only at JAMB-accredited CBT/PRC centres to avoid invalid registrations or data issues.
6. Keep copies of every slip, receipt, profile code SMS, e-PIN, registration slip, and any correction acknowledgements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Can I apply for DE without O’Level credits?
No. JAMB’s baseline requires at least five (5) O’Level credits in not more than two sittings, plus acceptable A-Level/DE qualifications. Some programmes have extra subject prerequisites.
2) How do I get my profile code if I changed phone numbers?
The official method is still NIN by SMS to 55019 or 66019. If your NIN is not linked to your new SIM, visit NIMC to resolve link/mismatch issues, then retry.
3) Do I need to visit a CBT centre, or can I register at home?
Visit an accredited CBT/PRC centre to complete DE registration, capture biometrics, and upload credentials.
4) What if my previous tertiary admission wasn’t through JAMB?
Use the relevant JAMB e-Facility services (e.g., condonement/regularization where applicable) as guided on the portal before or during DE processing. Fees and steps are listed on JAMB’s Payment & Services and specific service pages.
5) Can I change my course or institution after submitting DE?
Yes, JAMB provides Correction of Data services (including change of institution/course) for a fee. Complete it through your e-Facility account and follow the instructions carefully.
6) Which A-Level pathways does JAMB accept for DE?
Among others: IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, ND/NID, HND, University Diploma/Degree, Cambridge A-Level, NABTEB A-Level, and IB (foreign)—subject to each year’s bulletin details. Always confirm the current session’s list.
Step-by-Step Checklist (Print or Save)
1. Confirm you’re eligible (O’Level + accepted A-Level/DE qualification).
2. Generate Profile Code: text NIN [space] your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019.
3. Pay for DE e-PIN (use official channels).
4. Visit accredited CBT/PRC centre with documents.
5. Capture biometrics; upload O’Level + A-Level credentials.
6. Select universities & courses that match your qualification mix.
7. Print registration slip and keep receipts.
8. Track JAMB CAPS and university portals for DE screening and admission updates.
9. Use Correction of Data if you must fix names, DoB, LGA, or change course/institution.
Conclusion
Applying for Direct Entry in Nigerian universities is straightforward once you know the steps and stick to official procedures. Start by confirming your eligibility, generate your profile code correctly, register only at accredited centres, upload every required credential, and keep watching JAMB CAPS and your chosen universities’ portals. With the right documents and timely action, you’ll position yourself for a smooth admission into 200-level (or the level your target university approves) in the 2025/2026 academic session.
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