Schools Offering IJMB & JUPEB Programmes in Nigeria (2025): The Complete Guide

September 13, 2025 Olaitan A Level 0

For many Nigerian students, gaining admission into a university through JAMB UTME can feel like a tough battle. But there are alternatives — IJMB and JUPEB. These A-Level programmes give students a direct entry (200-level) admission opportunity into Nigerian universities.

In this guide, we’ll explain IJMB and JUPEB in simple terms, compare the two programmes, and list the schools in Nigeria offering them in 2025. By the end, you’ll know which programme suits you best and where you can register without stress.

What is IJMB?

IJMB stands for Interim Joint Matriculation Board. It is:

  • Established in 1976 by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

  • A one-year intensive A-Level programme.

  • Designed to prepare students for university courses through advanced subject teaching.

  • Accepted by many universities across Nigeria for Direct Entry (200-level).

After the programme, students write the IJMB exam coordinated by ABU. If they pass, they apply to universities using the result through JAMB Direct Entry.

What is JUPEB?

JUPEB stands for Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board. It is:

  • Established in 2014 by a group of universities led by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

  • A one-year foundation programme.

  • Organised and moderated by JUPEB headquarters in Lagos.

  • Also used for Direct Entry (200-level) admission into many Nigerian universities.

Students take courses related to their chosen field, write JUPEB exams, and then apply to universities using the result.

IJMB vs JUPEB: Which is Better?

Both programmes serve the same purpose — helping students enter 200-level in Nigerian universities. But here’s a simple comparison:

Feature IJMB JUPEB
Established by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Duration 9–12 months 9–12 months
Exam body ABU IJMB Directorate JUPEB Board (Lagos)
Universities that accept Many federal, state, and private universities Partner, affiliate, and other universities nationwide
Recognition Long-standing (over 40 years) Modern and expanding quickly
Locations More popular in the North & nationwide centres More popular in the South-West & nationwide centres

👉 Tip: Your choice depends on your location, target university, and convenience. If you live in the North, IJMB might be cheaper and closer. If you live in the South-West, JUPEB may be easier to access.

Entry Requirements for Both

To apply for IJMB or JUPEB, you must:

  • Have at least 5 O’Level credits (including English and Mathematics).

  • Choose the right subject combination for your intended course (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology for Medicine).

  • Be ready for intensive classes — usually daily lectures, just like university.

Duration of Programmes

  • Both IJMB and JUPEB run for 9–12 months.

  • After classes, students write final exams.

  • With good results, they gain admission into 200-level through JAMB Direct Entry.

Universities Offering IJMB in 2025

Some universities run their own IJMB centres, while others only accept IJMB results. Here are schools that offer IJMB directly in 2025:

  1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

    • Founder and moderator of IJMB.

    • Runs the programme through its Institute of Education.

    • The most trusted IJMB option.

  2. Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo

    • Offers IJMB at its mini-campus.

    • Admission is open for the 2025/2026 session.

  3. Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete

    • Runs both IJMB and JUPEB through its Centre for Advanced Basic Studies (CABS).

    • Official application forms are out for 2025/2026.

👉 Note: Many other universities don’t teach IJMB but accept the result for 200-level admission. Popular ones include:

  • Bayero University Kano (BUK)

  • University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

  • Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

  • University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

  • University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Universities Offering JUPEB in 2025

Unlike IJMB, JUPEB has an official list of Partner and Affiliate Universities. These schools teach the programme through their Foundation Studies centres. Here are some major ones in 2025:

  1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

    • Founder of JUPEB.

    • Runs it under the School of Foundation Studies.

    • Official admission for 2025/2026 is ongoing.

  2. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

    • Has a JUPEB programme with its own portal.

    • Students apply directly through the university.

  3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife

    • Recognised JUPEB affiliate.

    • Popular choice for students in the South-West.

  4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

    • Offers JUPEB Foundation Programmes.

    • Well respected in the South-South.

  5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

    • Runs JUPEB under its School of Foundation.

    • Good choice for South-East students.

  6. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

    • Actively runs JUPEB for foundation admission.

  7. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

    • JUPEB partner in the South-South.

  8. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

    • Runs JUPEB for science and tech students.

  9. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

    • JUPEB affiliate, strong in agricultural sciences.

  10. Delta State University (DELSU)

    • Runs JUPEB foundation admission.

👉 Many private universities also run JUPEB, including Bowen, Crawford, Lead City, Ajayi Crowther, and Al-Hikmah.

Universities that Accept Both IJMB & JUPEB

Even if your chosen school does not offer these programmes, it may still accept the results for admission. Some of these include:

  • University of Jos (UNIJOS)

  • Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

  • Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

  • Lagos State University (LASU)

  • Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

Always check your preferred university’s Direct Entry brochure for subject and grade requirements.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Decide between IJMB or JUPEB.

  2. Visit the official website of a university offering the programme (e.g., UNILAG for JUPEB, ABU for IJMB).

  3. Register online by filling out the application form.

  4. Pay the required fee directly through the school’s portal (beware of fake agents).

  5. Prepare for intensive classes for 9–12 months.

  6. Write the final IJMB or JUPEB exam.

  7. Apply to universities through JAMB Direct Entry with your result.

Fees & Budgeting

  • Application forms: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 (varies by school).

  • Tuition: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 (depending on the university and location).

  • Accommodation & living costs: ₦100,000+ yearly, depending on city.

👉 Always budget carefully, especially if you’re moving to a new city.

Common Mistakes Students Make

  • Registering through fake websites or agents.

  • Choosing the wrong subject combination for their intended course.

  • Ignoring cut-off marks for their chosen department.

  • Not confirming whether their preferred university accepts IJMB/JUPEB.

Tips for Success

  • Start classes early and attend lectures regularly.

  • Treat the programme like your first year in university.

  • Revise past questions and follow the exam syllabus closely.

  • Aim for good grades (A/B) to secure competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

Conclusion

In 2025, both IJMB and JUPEB remain excellent alternatives for students who want to secure Direct Entry into Nigerian universities.

  • If you live in the North, schools like ABU Zaria, TSU Jalingo, and KWASU Malete are strong IJMB choices.

  • If you live in the South-West or South-South, schools like UNILAG, UNILORIN, OAU, UNIBEN, UNN, UNIUYO, and UNIPORT offer trusted JUPEB programmes.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on:

  1. Location and cost

  2. Target university

  3. Preferred programme (science, arts, social science)

Choose wisely, apply through official channels, and you’ll be on your way to 200-level admission in 2025/2026.

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