How to Gain Admission into 200 Level at the University of Lagos with JUPEB or IJMB (2025)

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of Nigeria’s top universities, well known for its high academic standards and fierce competition during admission. Each year, tens of thousands of students apply through JAMB UTME, but only a fraction are admitted.

What many don’t know is that there are alternative pathways to gain admission into UNILAG — specifically through JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) or IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board). These programmes allow successful students to skip JAMB UTME and enter directly into 200 level.

If you’re planning to secure admission into UNILAG in 2025 using JUPEB or IJMB, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

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Understanding JUPEB and IJMB

JUPEB at a glance

• JUPEB was established in 2014 by a consortium of universities led by UNILAG itself.

• It is a one-year foundation programme.

• Students register for three subjects related to their intended degree course.

• At the end of the programme, candidates sit for the JUPEB exam, coordinated by the JUPEB headquarters in Lagos.

• With good grades, students can apply to UNILAG (and other JUPEB-accepting universities) through JAMB Direct Entry into 200 level.

👉 Important: Because UNILAG is the founding university of JUPEB, it is considered the most reliable and reputable school to run JUPEB in Nigeria.

IJMB at a glance

• IJMB was established in 1976 by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

• Like JUPEB, it is a one-year A-Level programme.

• Students sit for exams moderated by ABU.

• The result can be used for Direct Entry admission into many universities across Nigeria, including UNILAG.

• Though IJMB is more popular in the North, UNILAG still recognizes and accepts it.

👉 Key difference: JUPEB is directly tied to UNILAG, while IJMB is external but still accepted for Direct Entry.

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Why Choose JUPEB or IJMB for UNILAG Admission?

1. No UTME stress → You don’t have to compete with 70,000+ JAMB applicants for UNILAG.

2. Direct 200 level entry → You save one year, starting straight from 200 level.

3. High success rate → JUPEB/IJMB candidates often have a better chance of securing admission compared to UTME candidates.

4. Flexibility → Even if UNILAG doesn’t admit you, JUPEB/IJMB results are valid in other universities.

5. Prestige → Entering UNILAG with JUPEB or IJMB shows academic strength and determination.

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Step-by-Step Process: How to Gain Admission with JUPEB or IJMB

Step 1: Choose the Right Programme

• If you want a UNILAG-affiliated programme, go for JUPEB.

• If you already have access to an IJMB centre near you, you can use that result as well.

Step 2: Register for the Programme

• For JUPEB: Apply directly through UNILAG’s School of Foundation Studies. The official portal usually opens around May–August each year.

• For IJMB: Register through an approved IJMB centre (or directly at ABU Zaria).

👉 Warning: Avoid fake websites or agents. Always confirm through official school portals.

Step 3: Pick the Correct Subject Combination

Your subject combination must match your intended course at UNILAG. For example:

👉 Tip: If your subject combination is wrong, UNILAG won’t admit you — even with high grades.

Step 4: Attend Classes & Write Exams

• Both JUPEB and IJMB last 9–12 months.

• Classes are intensive — Monday to Friday like university.

• At the end, you’ll sit for the JUPEB/IJMB exam.

Step 5: Calculate Your Points

Results are graded in points:

• A = 5 points

• B = 4 points

• C = 3 points

👉 Example: If you score A, B, B in three subjects, that’s 13 points.

• Medicine & Law at UNILAG may require 13–15 points.

• Engineering may require 10–12 points.

• Less competitive courses may accept 8–10 points.

Step 6: Apply Through JAMB Direct Entry

• Buy the JAMB Direct Entry (DE) form.

• Select University of Lagos (UNILAG) as your first choice.

• Enter your JUPEB/IJMB grades.

• Submit and print your DE slip.

Step 7: UNILAG Post-Direct Entry Screening

• After JAMB DE registration, UNILAG announces its Direct Entry screening.

• You will upload:

  • JUPEB/IJMB result

  • O’Level result (WAEC/NECO)

  • Passport photograph

  • Other required documents

• Pay the screening fee and wait for the admission list.

Step 8: Gain Admission into 200 Level

• If your result meets the cut-off for your department, UNILAG will offer you admission.

• You’ll resume as a 200-level student in your chosen faculty.

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Admission Points Requirement at UNILAG

UNILAG is highly competitive. Here’s a guide to the average points needed:

👉 Aim for 12+ points to stand a strong chance at UNILAG.

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Advantages of Using JUPEB/IJMB at UNILAG

1. Higher success rate: Many DE candidates get admitted compared to UTME.

2. Time saver: You skip 100 level and start from 200 level.

3. Multiple options: Even if UNILAG doesn’t take you, other schools will.

4. Better preparation: The foundation year equips you for university challenges.

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Challenges You Should Expect

• Cost: Tuition ranges from ₦200,000–₦400,000 at UNILAG (JUPEB), while IJMB centres cost ₦150,000–₦300,000.

• High competition: UNILAG sets tough cut-offs, especially for professional courses.

• Fake centres: Some centres sell fake forms. Always verify before paying.

• Workload: The programme is as tough as a full university year.

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Tips for Success at UNILAG with JUPEB/IJMB

1. Register only through UNILAG’s official portal (for JUPEB).

2. Choose correct subjects for your intended course.

3. Aim for A’s and B’s in all three subjects.

4. Follow UNILAG’s website for Direct Entry updates.

5. Have a backup university in case you miss UNILAG’s cut-off.

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FAQs

1. Does UNILAG accept both JUPEB and IJMB?
Yes. UNILAG accepts both certificates for Direct Entry into 200 level.

2. Which is better for UNILAG?
JUPEB is the better option because UNILAG is its founding university.

3. What is the minimum point I need for UNILAG?
At least 10 points, but for competitive courses, aim for 13–15 points.

4. Can I apply with a low JUPEB/IJMB score?
UNILAG is strict. A low score may not get you in, but you can use it for less competitive universities.

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Conclusion

Getting into the University of Lagos through JUPEB or IJMB in 2025 is a golden opportunity to skip UTME and start directly at 200 level.

Here’s the path in summary:

1. Register for JUPEB (best at UNILAG) or IJMB.

2. Choose the correct subject combination.

3. Work hard and score at least 12–15 points.

4. Apply to UNILAG via JAMB Direct Entry.

5. Complete UNILAG’s Post-DE screening.

6. Resume proudly as a 200-level student at UNILAG.

If you’re serious, committed, and focused, this route can make your UNILAG dream come true in 2025.