Prospective candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities are always faced with the challenge of scaling through the gulf of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The burden to perform well can be enormous; however, there are alternative pathways to a university degree in Nigeria.

Here are four universities offering admission to candidates with or without JAMB 2025/2026:

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

A candidate is not required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to enter the National Open University (NOUN).

Although recent updates state that applicants may need to register with JAMB to formalise their admission process and comply with national education requirements, they do not need to take the JAMB exam itself.

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a federal university that offers distance learning programmes. It was established in 1983 to provide access to higher education for Nigerians who can’t attend traditional universities.

Madonna University, Okija

Madonna University does not require UTME results or cut-off marks for admission. Candidates who wish to apply for Madonna must have at least five O’level credits in relevant subjects, register and pay the fees for the admission screening exercise, and pass the screening test or interview.

The university is the first Catholic university in Nigeria. The campuses have different Faculties with Departments. The Okija campus in Anambra state has the following Faculties: Management and Social Sciences; Arts and Education, and Law.

The Elele campus has Faculties of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacology. The Akpugo campus has a Faculty of Engineering. These campuses have their main libraries as well as libraries attached to Faculties and Departments.

Lead City University

Lead City University does not necessarily require candidates to sit UTME. Prospective students can gain admission with GCE ‘A’ Levels, IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, and OND. JAMB examination results are not required.

Lead City University offers various programmes suitable for both the young adolescents and adult working class. It indeed recognises the need to accommodate the time constraints of individuals and therefore provides flexibility by allowing for a choice between part-time and full-time study schemes.

Programmes are offered by specialized faculties in Social Sciences & Entrepreneurial Studies, Information Technology and Applied Sciences and Law.

The university remains at the forefront of the latest developments in the field of Information Technology and Management education.

Bowen University, Iwo

Bowen is a private Baptist university that offers various programmes at undergraduate,Post graduate, and diploma levels.

Bowen does not require JAMB results or cutoff marks for admission.

Candidates who wish to apply for Bowen must have at least five O’ level credits in relevant subjects,

Register and pay the fees for the admission screening exercise, and pass the screening test or interview.

Bowen has a beautiful and peaceful campus and operates a quality and holistic academic programme. (BusinessDay)