JAMB 2025 registration has ended, and for many students, this is a heartbreaking moment. You may have tried everything to register, but one problem or another stopped you. Maybe it was an issue with your National Identification Number (NIN), a delay in getting your profile code, or even financial struggles that made it impossible to buy the e-PIN on time.
Now that the deadline has passed, it might feel like your dream of going to school this year is over. But that is not true. There is still hope. Missing JAMB does not mean you must stay at home for another year. Many students have found their way into higher institutions without JAMB, and you can too.
There are still opportunities available for you to gain admission in 2025. The important thing is to act quickly and choose the path that works best for you.
Apply for a Part-Time or Evening Program
Many universities, polytechnics, and colleges have part-time programs that do not require JAMB. These programs allow students to study for a degree or diploma while attending classes in the evening or weekends.
The admission process is different from regular programs. Instead of using JAMB, schools conduct their own internal screening or entrance exam. Once admitted, you will study the same course as full-time students and graduate with a recognized certificate.
If you are interested in this option, check universities and polytechnics that offer part-time programs and find out when their forms will be available.
Consider a Pre-Degree or Remedial Program
Many universities offer pre-degree or remedial programs for students who could not register for JAMB. These programs usually last for one year, after which successful students are given admission into 100 level without needing JAMB.
Some schools may require you to write JAMB the following year but with a much lower cutoff mark. This means that even if you missed JAMB now, you will still have a chance to enter the university through this program.
Pre-degree programs are available in many schools, including federal, state, and private universities. Visit the school’s website or their campus to ask about their pre-degree admission process.
Enroll in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
If you want to study in a university without JAMB, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is one of the best options. NOUN does not require JAMB for admission, and their certificates are fully recognized in Nigeria.
Unlike regular universities, NOUN allows students to learn at their own pace. You can study from anywhere in the country and complete your degree without worrying about JAMB or university strikes.
To apply, visit the NOUN official website or go to any of their study centers across Nigeria to get more details.
Go for a Diploma Program and Gain Admission Through Direct Entry
If you missed JAMB, another smart option is to apply for a diploma program. Many universities and polytechnics offer diploma courses, and after completing the program, students can gain direct admission into 200 level in a university through Direct Entry.
This means that instead of waiting another year for JAMB, you can start your diploma now and move into a degree program later. Some universities that offer diploma programs include the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Apply to Private Universities That Accept Students Without JAMB
Many private universities in Nigeria accept students without JAMB. These schools conduct their own entrance exams or screening processes for admission.
While private universities can be more expensive than public schools, they offer quality education and do not experience issues like ASUU strikes. Some of them even provide scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students who cannot afford the full fees.
If you are considering this option, check the websites of private universities or visit their admissions office for details on their requirements.
Join a Polytechnic or College of Education and Later Upgrade to a University
If your goal is to get a university degree, you can start at a polytechnic or college of education and later use Direct Entry to transfer to a university.
Many polytechnics and colleges accept students without JAMB through their Pre-ND (National Diploma) or NCE (National Certificate of Education) programs. After completing your ND or NCE, you can move into a university through Direct Entry and start from 200 level instead of 100 level.
This path may take a little longer, but it ensures that you don’t waste a whole year doing nothing.
Final Words
It is painful to miss JAMB, especially after preparing for it. But this does not mean you have failed. Many students have missed JAMB in the past, yet they still gained admission through other means.
The most important thing is to take action now. Instead of feeling discouraged or waiting for another year, explore the options available and choose the one that fits you best.
You still have a chance to start school this year. The journey may not be exactly as you planned, but as long as you keep moving forward, you will reach your goal. Do not give up. Your dream of getting a higher education is still very much alive.
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