JAMB UTME Conversion to Direct Entry 2024/2025 is Ongoing

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had earlier announced on X formerly know as Twitter that conversion of UTME to DE has commenced.

Upgrading your JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) to Direct Entry (DE) is a process that allows candidates who have completed the UTME and have obtained additional qualifications, such as a diploma or A-levels, to apply directly for admission into the 200-level of their desired course at a university.

This option is particularly useful for candidates who want to skip the first year of university studies, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

What is Direct Entry?

Direct Entry is a mode of admission into Nigerian universities for candidates who possess qualifications higher than the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), such as:

1. National Diploma (ND)
2. Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)
3. Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB)
4. Advanced Level (A-level) certificates
5. Higher National Diploma (HND)

Unlike UTME candidates who start from the 100-level, Direct Entry students typically begin their studies from the 200-level in their chosen university courses.

Eligibility Criteria for Converting UTME to Direct Entry

To upgrade your UTME to Direct Entry, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:

1. You must have written the UTME examination and have a valid UTME result.

2. You should possess a higher qualification such as an ND, NCE, IJMB, A-level, or any other equivalent qualification that is recognized by JAMB.

3. The specific grade or CGPA requirements may vary depending on the university and course you are applying for. Typically, a minimum of Upper Credit (for ND and HND holders) or Merit (for NCE holders) is required.

4. Your higher qualification must be in a field related to the course you intend to study. For example, if you have an NCE in Biology Education, you can apply for Direct Entry into a Biology-related course.

5. You must have the required O’Level credits (usually 5) in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English Language, depending on your desired course.

How to Convert Your JAMB UTME to Direct Entry

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed to upgrade your JAMB UTME to Direct Entry by following these steps:

1. Obtain the JAMB Direct Entry Form

The first step is to purchase the JAMB Direct Entry form. This can be done at any accredited JAMB registration center or online through the JAMB e-facility portal.

• Cost: The cost of the Direct Entry form is usually the same as the UTME form. The price may vary slightly depending on the year, so check the official JAMB website for the latest fee.
• Mode of Payment: Payment can be made through banks, online payment platforms, or JAMB-approved ePin vendors.

2. Visit an Accredited JAMB Registration Center

After purchasing the Direct Entry form, visit any JAMB accredited registration center to complete your Direct Entry registration. At the center, you will be required to:

1. Provide your UTME registration number.
2. Present your additional qualifications (ND, NCE, etc.) for verification.
3. Upload your O’Level and additional qualification results to the JAMB portal.
4. Capture your biometrics and photograph as part of the registration process.
5. Collect your JAMB Direct Entry registration slip as evidence of registration.

3. Submit the Required Documents

Ensure that you have the following documents ready for submission during your registration:

• UTME Result Slip: A printout of your UTME result.
• O’Level Result: A photocopy and original of your O’Level result (WAEC, NECO, etc.).
• Additional Qualification Certificates: A copy and original of your ND, NCE, IJMB, A-level, or other relevant certificates.
• JAMB Direct Entry Registration Slip: A copy of the slip generated after completing your Direct Entry registration.
• Recent Passport Photographs: Have several copies of your recent passport photograph ready for submission.

4. Apply to Your Desired University

Once you have completed your Direct Entry registration with JAMB, the next step is to apply directly to the universities of your choice. Most universities have their own Direct Entry application procedures, which may include:

1. Purchasing the university’s Direct Entry admission form (usually available online).
2. Submitting your academic transcripts from your previous institution (ND, NCE, etc.).
3. Participating in any post-Direct Entry screening or interview that the university may require.

5. Participate in the University’s Screening Process

Many universities in Nigeria require Direct Entry candidates to participate in a screening process, which may include:

1. Document Verification: Checking the authenticity of your submitted documents and qualifications.
2. Screening Test/Interview: Some universities may conduct a test or interview to assess your eligibility further.

Ensure you keep up with the specific requirements and deadlines for each university you apply to.

6. Monitor Your Admission Status

After completing the application and screening process, monitor your admission status regularly on the JAMB CAPS portal and the university’s admission portal.

• JAMB CAPS Portal: The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) portal is where JAMB tracks and processes admissions for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
• University Admission Portal: Universities often have their own portals where candidates can check their admission status.

If you are offered admission, accept it promptly on the JAMB CAPS portal and follow the university’s instructions for registration and payment of acceptance fees.