Difference Between JAMB, Post-UTME, and Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria. Do the terms JAMB, Post-UTME, and Direct Entry confuse you?
You’re not alone, and there’s no need to worry. This post will explain everything clearly.
These are the main admission routes used in Nigeria, and knowing how each one works can help you decide the best option for gaining admission into a university or polytechnic.
Below, we’ll explain the differences between the three in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Keep reading to learn more.
What is JAMB?
JAMB stands for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It is the main agency responsible for entrance examinations into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria.
Each year, JAMB conducts the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).
To gain admission into 100 level, most students are required to:
1. Enroll for JAMB
2. Write the UTME exam
3. Select their preferred schools and courses
4. Score the minimum cut-off mark
In general, your JAMB score is the first step toward getting admitted to a higher institution in Nigeria. With that being said, let’s see what the next term on the list means.
What is Post UTME?
After writing JAMB, most schools conduct another test or screening. This is called Post UTME, which simply means Post-JAMB exam.
Post UTME is done by the school you chose in your JAMB form. It helps them decide who to admit.
Some schools write an actual exam, while others just check your:
1. JAMB score
2. O’Level (WAEC/NECO) results
3. Other personal information
Also, Post UTME is the second step in the admission process after JAMB.
Here’s the 3 term we’ll be discussing next, which is Direct Entry(DE).
What is Direct Entry?
Direct Entry (DE) is another way to gain admission, but it’s not for everyone.
This method is for students who already have qualifications like:
1. ND (National Diploma)
2. NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
3. IJMB, JUPEB, or A’Level certificates
Meanwhile with Direct Entry, you don’t go through 100 level like UTME students. Instead, you start from 200 level.
You don’t need to write the JAMB UTME exam, but you must:
1. Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal.
2. Submit your credentials
3. Possibly go through school screening or interviews
Now, let’s explain the Main Differences between these 3 terms.
The Difference Between JAMB, Post UTME, and Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria
Now let’s look at how these three admission routes are different from each other:
1. JAMB (UTME)
This is the national exam you write after secondary school. It is required for admission into 100 level.
You must write the exam and meet the cut-off mark. All students must go through JAMB unless they qualify for Direct Entry.
2. Post UTME
This comes after JAMB.
It is organized by each school.
It may be a written test, online screening, or physical document verification.
Even if you pass JAMB, you still need to pass Post UTME to get admitted.
3. Direct Entry
This exam is for students with higher certificates (ND, NCE, JUPEB, etc.).
No need to write the UTME exam.
You apply directly through the JAMB DE portal.
Admission starts from 200 level, not 100 level.
I know the question many parents and students ask is – which One Should You Choose?
How to Choose the Best for You
a. If you are fresh out of secondary school, you should take the JAMB UTME.
b. If you already have a diploma or NCE, you can go through Direct Entry.
c. If you wrote JAMB and chose a school, prepare for their Post UTME or screening.
Note that the one you choose should depend on your qualifications and your current academic level.
That being said, below are other questions parents and students ask and their answers.
Is JAMB the same as Post UTME?
No. JAMB is a national exam, while Post UTME is a separate screening done by individual schools.
Can I skip Post UTME after JAMB?
No, unless your chosen school doesn’t conduct a Post UTME. Most schools do either a test or screening.
Is Direct Entry better than JAMB?
It depends. If you have an ND, NCE, or IJMB certificate, Direct Entry helps you enter from 200 level, which saves time. But if you’re fresh from secondary school, JAMB is your best option.
FAQs for Difference Between JAMB, Post UTME, and Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria
Q1. Can I apply for both JAMB and Direct Entry in the same year?
No, you can only choose one route per year. You either go for UTME or Direct Entry.
Q2. Do I need JAMB to apply for Direct Entry?
Yes, but you don’t write the UTME exam. You apply through JAMB’s Direct Entry portal.
Q3. Is Post UTME compulsory for all schools?
No, not all. Some Universities just screen your results, while others give you a test.
Q4. What level will I start with with Direct Entry?
You’ll start from 200 level, while JAMB UTME students start from 100 level.
Q5. Can I gain admission without JAMB?
Yes, through Direct Entry, part-time, pre-degree, or JUPEB routes. But for regular full-time programs, JAMB is the standard.
Summary
The option you choose between JAMB, Post-UTME, and Direct Entry depends on your educational background.
Now that you’ve seen how JAMB, Post-UTME, and Direct Entry differ in Nigeria:
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JAMB is designed for students coming straight from secondary school.
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Post-UTME serves as an extra screening stage after JAMB.
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Direct Entry is for candidates with ND, NCE, or A’Level qualifications who want to begin from 200 level.
No matter the path you take, ensure you meet all the requirements and follow the proper admission steps.
