How to Use JUPEB for Direct Entry into Nigerian Universities

Worried about your JAMB score? Or maybe you just want a faster and more reliable route to university?

Good news — JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) might be your golden ticket.

JUPEB is a 1-year advanced-level programme that allows you to gain direct entry admission into 200 level in top Nigerian universities — no UTME required. If you’re tired of rewriting JAMB every year, this could be the smartest move for you.

This guide covers:

What JUPEB is and how it works
Subject combinations for different courses
Universities that accept JUPEB in Nigeria
Fees and admission requirements
Benefits of JUPEB vs JAMB
Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s dive in.

What is JUPEB?

JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) is an advanced-level programme moderated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It was established to give students an alternative to JAMB UTME when seeking university admission.

With JUPEB, you spend 9–12 months studying 3 subjects related to your desired course. After passing the JUPEB exams, you can apply for Direct Entry admission into 200 level at participating universities.

Quick facts about JUPEB:

• Duration: 1 academic year (9–12 months)
• Mode: Classroom lectures + final examination
• Acceptance: Over 80 universities in Nigeria (federal, state, and private)
• Validity: JUPEB results never expire (unlike JAMB UTME which is valid for 1 year only).

Examples of top universities accepting JUPEB: UNILAG, OAU, UNN, UI, UNIBEN, LASU, Babcock, Caleb, and many more.

How Does JUPEB Work?

Here’s the step-by-step process of how JUPEB leads to direct university admission:

1. Enroll in a JUPEB-accredited university or study centre
   – Registration typically begins around April–June yearly.
2. Take classes for 9–12 months
   – You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers in your 3 chosen subject combinations.
3. Sit for the JUPEB examination
   – Conducted annually (usually around June/July).
4. Apply for Direct Entry (DE) via JAMB
   – You must purchase the JAMB Direct Entry form to process your admission.
5. Gain admission into 200 level
   – If you meet the cut-off points required by your chosen university, you’re admitted into 200 level directly.

Important: JUPEB is not “automatic admission.” You must study seriously and pass the exams to qualify.

JUPEB Subject Combinations

Your subject combination in JUPEB must align with your intended university course. Here are some examples:

• Medicine & Health Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
• Law: Literature, CRS/IRS, Government
• Social Sciences: Economics, Government, Mathematics
• Management Sciences: Accounting, Economics, Business Studies
• Arts: CRS/IRS, Literature, Government

Pro Tip: Before registering, confirm your subject combination matches your desired university’s admission requirements.

Universities That Accept JUPEB in Nigeria (2025)

JUPEB is widely accepted across federal, state, and private universities. Here are some notable examples:

See the full list of JUPEB-affiliated universities on the JUPEB Official Website.

How Much Does JUPEB Cost in Nigeria?

JUPEB is not free, but compared to private university tuition, it’s relatively affordable.

• Average JUPEB fees (2025): ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
• Covers: tuition, registration, textbooks, lab use, and examination fees
• Payment: Some centres allow installment payment plans

Note: Fees vary depending on whether you enroll directly at a university or through a private accredited study centre.

JUPEB Admission Requirements

To be eligible for JUPEB, you must have:

•  At least 5 credit passes in O’Level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB), including English and Mathematics
•  Results obtained in not more than 2 sittings
•  Completed SSCE (secondary school)
•  Recent passport photographs and a valid ID

You do not need to write JAMB UTME to register for JUPEB.

Benefits of JUPEB

So, why should you consider JUPEB over JAMB?

• Skip UTME entirely — go straight into 200 level.
• Accepted by top universities across Nigeria.
• Valid for life — unlike JAMB scores that expire yearly.
• Multiple subject combinations available to suit your career choice.
• High success rate for dedicated students.

Things to Watch Out For

While JUPEB is a legit and powerful admission route, be careful:

• Only register at accredited JUPEB centres — many fake “miracle centres” exist.
• Avoid agents who promise guaranteed admission. Your performance in exams still matters.
• Stay disciplined — JUPEB is intense; treat it seriously to get good grades.

FAQs on JUPEB in Nigeria (2025)

1. Can I use JUPEB to study abroad?
Yes. Some universities abroad accept JUPEB for direct entry, but confirm with your chosen institution first.

2. Is JUPEB better than JAMB?
Both are admission routes. JAMB is faster but riskier, while JUPEB is longer (1 year) but offers higher admission chances.

3. Can I combine JUPEB with JAMB?
Yes. Some students register for both to increase their admission options.

4. What happens if I fail JUPEB exams?
Unfortunately, you cannot use the result. You’ll need to re-register the following year or try JAMB.

5. Does UNILAG accept JUPEB?
Yes. UNILAG is not only a participating university but also the moderator of JUPEB nationwide.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of the uncertainty that comes with JAMB UTME, JUPEB is one of the most reliable admission pathways into Nigerian universities.

By investing 9–12 months, you can skip 100 level entirely and start from 200 level in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, or any course of your choice.

Just make sure you:

• Register at an accredited JUPEB centre,
• Choose the right subject combination,
• Stay committed throughout the programme.

With JUPEB, your dream of becoming a university graduate doesn’t have to be delayed by UTME failures or cut-off marks.