Can I Use NABTEB Result to Enter University Without JAMB 2025?

Nigerian students who take NABTEB exams often ask, Can I use NABTEB result to enter university without JAMB? Here is a guide for you.

In this article, we will explore what NABTEB is, whether it’s accepted for admission, and the alternative university admission routes that do not require JAMB. We will also examine which schools accept NABTEB results and how you can leverage this certificate for your academic journey.

Can I Use NABTEB Result to Enter University Without JAMB

What Is NABTEB?

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) is a federal examination body in Nigeria responsible for conducting technical and business examinations at the secondary school level. Established in 1992 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, NABTEB was introduced to centralize and streamline the assessment of technical and vocational education in the country.

Prior to its establishment, technical and business exams in Nigeria were conducted by multiple foreign and regional bodies such as the City and Guilds of London, Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and technical departments of other examination boards. These systems were fragmented, expensive, and not tailored to the Nigerian environment, leading to the need for a home-grown solution. NABTEB was thus created to take over and domesticate these assessments, ensuring that Nigerian students could get nationally recognized qualifications relevant to the local job market and educational system.

NABTEB is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education and plays a vital role in Nigeria’s quest to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and technical manpower development.

Major Examinations Conducted by NABTEB:

Ordinary Level (O-Level) Examinations
This is equivalent to WAEC or NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). It covers core subjects such as:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Civic Education
- Trade-related subjects like Electrical Installation, Catering Craft Practice, Welding and Fabrication, Auto Mechanics, and more.

Is NABTEB Equivalent to WAEC or NECO?

Yes. NABTEB O-Level results are considered equivalent to WAEC and NECO in terms of admission requirements. As long as the student meets the specific subject combination for the intended course, most Nigerian universities and polytechnics accept NABTEB for admission.

For example:

If you’re applying for Engineering, NABTEB should include credits in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and a relevant trade subject.
If it’s for Social Sciences, then English, Mathematics, Economics, Government, etc., should be covered.

Can I Use NABTEB to Enter University Without JAMB?

Short Answer: YES — But Through Alternative Admission Routes Only

While JAMB UTME remains the main gateway for university admission into 100 Level, there are legitimate and recognized ways to gain admission into Nigerian universities without writing JAMB, using your NABTEB result.

Let’s explore these alternatives in detail.

Direct Entry Through JUPEB or IJMB

JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) and IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) are two of the most reliable alternatives to JAMB. These programs allow you to gain direct entry admission into 200 Level in many Nigerian universities.

How it Works:

You apply for JUPEB or IJMB using your NABTEB O-Level result.
The program typically lasts 9 to 12 months.
You study relevant subjects and take exams.
After passing, you apply to universities that accept JUPEB/IJMB for Direct Entry admission.
No need for JAMB UTME.

Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credit passes in NABTEB (including English and Mathematics).
Commitment to study for 1 year.
Completion of the direct entry form through JAMB (Direct Entry route — no UTME required).

Popular Universities that Accept JUPEB/IJMB:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Admission Into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

NOUN offers a flexible education system with open and distance learning. One of its biggest benefits is that it does not require JAMB for admission.

Admission Requirements:

A minimum of 5 O-Level credit passes (NABTEB, WAEC, or NECO).
Application through the official NOUN portal.
No age or JAMB barrier.

Courses Offered:

B.Sc. in Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, etc.
B.A. in English, Mass Communication, and more.
Postgraduate programs (PGD, MBA, M.Ed., etc.).

Can I Use NABTEB Result to Enter University Without JAMB

Private Universities That Accept NABTEB Without JAMB

Many private universities in Nigeria offer admission opportunities to students without JAMB — especially for their foundation, part-time, and diploma programs.

These universities often conduct internal screening or accept direct application forms.

Notable Private Universities:

Lead City University, Ibadan
Babcock University, Ogun State
Achievers University, Owo
Rhema University, Aba
Madonna University, Okija

Diploma and Pre-Degree Programs

If you’re unable to gain direct admission, another route is via a pre-degree or diploma program. These programs typically last 1–2 years and serve as a pathway into full undergraduate courses.

How it Works:

You apply with your NABTEB O-Level result.
You undergo academic training in relevant subjects.
After successful completion, you may be admitted into 100 or 200 Level.
Some programs may later require JAMB registration for regularization.

Institutions Offering Pre-Degree Programs:

University of Ibadan (UI)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Lagos State University (LASU)

When You MUST Write JAMB

While there are alternatives, there are also cases where you must take JAMB UTME, even with NABTEB:

For admission into 100 Level in most public universities.
For highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy.
If you’re applying through the regular UTME admission process.

Key Differences Between Admission Pathways

Admission Route	NABTEB Accepted	JAMB Required	Admission Level
JUPEB / IJMB	Yes	No	200 Level
NOUN	Yes	No	100 Level
Private Universities	Yes	Optional	100 Level
Diploma / Pre-degree	Yes	Depends	100/200 Level
UTME Admission	Yes	Yes	100 Level

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NABTEB recognized by universities in Nigeria?

Yes. NABTEB is officially recognized by the Nigerian Ministry of Education and accepted by universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Can I study abroad with NABTEB?

Some international institutions may accept NABTEB, but it’s more limited compared to WAEC. You may need to provide additional qualifications or take international exams like SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL.

Does NABTEB give A-Level results?

Yes. NABTEB conducts A-Level exams (NABTEB Advanced), which can be used for Direct Entry admission into 200 Level — though this still requires JAMB Direct Entry registration.

Can I combine NABTEB with WAEC or NECO?

Yes, universities in Nigeria accept a combination of results (e.g., NABTEB + WAEC or NABTEB + NECO), provided they’re from not more than two sittings.

What You Should Do Next

If you’re holding a NABTEB certificate and want to avoid writing JAMB, follow these steps:

Research universities or programs that accept NABTEB without JAMB (e.g., JUPEB centres, NOUN).
Ensure your subject combinations align with your chosen course of study.
Prepare for internal exams or screening (if applicable).
Apply early, as many alternative programs fill up fast.
Verify institutions’ accreditation to avoid scams.

Final Verdict: Can I Use NABTEB Result to Enter University Without JAMB

Yes, you can use NABTEB to gain university admission without writing JAMB, but it depends on the route you take. With options like JUPEB, IJMB, NOUN, private universities, and pre-degree programs, you can bypass the stress of JAMB and still pursue your academic goals.

Whether you’re a technical student, vocational learner, or simply exploring alternatives, your NABTEB certificate is valid, accepted, and useful.

Can I Use NABTEB Result to Enter University Without JAMB? (2025 Full Guide)