List of Part-Time Universities Without JAMB in Nigeria
JAMB is not the only gate into a Nigerian university. Thousands of Nigerians qualify for degree programmes every year without sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination — and many of them do it through part-time study while holding down full-time jobs. The list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria is longer than most people expect, and the opportunities within it are real, accredited, and career-changing.
Whether you are a working professional with an OND or HND looking to convert to a full degree, a mature applicant who cannot sit JAMB due to age or circumstance, or simply someone exploring every available route into university education — this guide is built for you. Read it carefully, because what you find here could redirect your entire academic future.
Why Some Part-Time Universities in Nigeria Do Not Require JAMB
To understand the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria, you first need to know why this option exists. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) primarily governs undergraduate full-time admissions in Nigeria. However, the National Universities Commission (NUC) recognizes alternative pathways to university admission — most notably the Direct Entry route.
Direct Entry allows applicants who already hold post-secondary qualifications to gain university admission without JAMB UTME. These qualifications include an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Higher National Diploma (HND), National Certificate in Education (NCE), Cambridge A-Levels, and in some cases, professional certifications recognized by the university. When students apply through this route into part-time programmes, JAMB is either bypassed entirely or handled through a separate Direct Entry registration process that does not involve the standard UTME.
Beyond Direct Entry, some universities run entirely self-governed part-time or continuing education programmes that operate outside the standard JAMB framework. These schools set their own admission criteria, conduct their own internal screening, and admit students based on O’Level results, interviews, and existing qualifications.
Who Qualifies for Part-Time University Admission Without JAMB?
Not every applicant qualifies to skip JAMB. Before reviewing the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria, confirm that you fall into at least one of the following eligible categories:
- OND Holders: An Ordinary National Diploma from a recognized polytechnic, with a minimum of Lower Credit, qualifies you for Direct Entry into 200 Level in many part-time programmes.
- HND Holders: A Higher National Diploma with at least a Lower Credit class is the strongest non-JAMB qualification. Many universities admit HND holders directly into 200 or even 300 Level, depending on the course and institution.
- NCE Holders: The National Certificate in Education is a recognized Direct Entry qualification, particularly for Education-related degree programmes.
- A-Level / Cambridge Advanced Level Holders: Two or more A-Level passes in relevant subjects qualify you for Direct Entry into most Nigerian universities.
- IJMB and JUPEB Certificate Holders: Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) certificates are recognized Direct Entry qualifications at many institutions.
- Mature Entry Applicants: Some universities accept mature applicants — typically 30 years and above — based on work experience and O’Level results alone, with an internal screening process replacing JAMB.
List of Part-Time Universities Without JAMB in Nigeria
Below is a detailed and reliable list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria. Each institution accepts qualified applicants through Direct Entry or internal admission processes that do not require a UTME score.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Continuing Education Centre
UNILAG’s Continuing Education programme accepts OND and HND holders into its part-time degree programme through Direct Entry. Applicants bypass UTME and instead go through an internal aptitude test and document screening. Courses available include Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Law, and Mass Communication.
- Minimum qualification: OND (Lower Credit) or HND
- Entry level: 200 Level (OND) or 200–300 Level (HND, depending on course)
- Admission process: Application form, document review, aptitude test
2. University of Ibadan (UI) — Distance Learning Centre
UI’s Distance Learning Centre operates a structured admission process for non-UTME applicants. NCE holders, OND graduates, and A-Level students can gain entry through the Direct Entry route into UI’s flexible degree programmes in Education, Arts, Social Sciences, and Management Sciences.
- Minimum qualification: NCE, OND, or two A-Level passes
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Admission process: Application form, JAMB Direct Entry registration, internal screening
3. Lagos State University (LASU) — Part-Time Faculty
LASU actively admits OND and HND holders into its part-time degree programme without requiring a UTME score. The school conducts its own Post-Entry Screening to assess applicants. LASU’s part-time faculty covers Law, Mass Communication, Accounting, Public Administration, and Computer Science.
- Minimum qualification: OND (Lower Credit) or HND (Lower Credit)
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Admission process: Online application, screening exercise, document verification
4. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye
OOU accepts Direct Entry applicants into its part-time programme, making it one of the most accessible schools on the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria for students in the South-West. OND and HND holders in relevant disciplines apply directly and go through the school’s internal admission process.
- Minimum qualification: OND or HND with Lower Credit and above
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses available: Social Sciences, Arts, Business, Sciences, Education
5. Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
DELSU runs one of the most open part-time admission systems in Nigeria. Its part-time unit accepts both UTME and non-UTME applicants, with Direct Entry candidates admitted based on OND or HND results and an internal screening test. This makes DELSU a strong and affordable option for South-South applicants.
- Minimum qualification: OND or HND (Lower Credit)
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: Arts, Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, Education
6. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
AAU in Edo State accepts OND and HND holders into its part-time programme through a Direct Entry route. The university is known for its straightforward admission process and affordable fees. For applicants in Edo and neighbouring states, AAU regularly features on the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria for good reason.
- Minimum qualification: OND or HND (Lower Credit and above)
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: Education, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Law
7. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
ESUT accepts Direct Entry applicants with OND, HND, or NCE qualifications into its part-time degree programmes. The application process is online and relatively straightforward. ESUT is a growing institution with expanding course offerings for part-time students across the South-East.
- Minimum qualification: OND, HND, or NCE
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, Management Sciences
8. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
EKSU runs a part-time programme open to Direct Entry applicants in selected courses. OND and HND holders in relevant fields can apply without UTME and go through EKSU’s internal screening exercise. The university is a solid option for applicants in Ekiti, Ondo, and neighbouring states.
- Minimum qualification: OND or HND (Lower Credit)
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Management Sciences
9. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko
AAUA accepts non-UTME applicants into specific part-time and continuing education programmes. The institution is particularly popular among working teachers in Ondo State seeking degree upgrades through the NCE-to-degree pathway.
- Minimum qualification: NCE or OND (Lower Credit)
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: Education, Arts, Social Sciences
10. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode
TASUED is a specialist education university in Ogun State that admits NCE holders into its degree programmes without JAMB UTME. Teachers seeking a degree upgrade find TASUED especially relevant. The institution runs part-time and full-time options specifically designed for education professionals.
- Minimum qualification: NCE with Credit passes
- Entry level: 200 Level
- Courses: All Education-based degree programmes
Quick Reference Table — Part-Time Universities Without JAMB in Nigeria
| University | State | Accepted Qualification | Entry Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNILAG | Lagos | OND, HND | 200 / 300 Level |
| UI (Distance Learning) | Oyo | NCE, OND, A-Levels | 200 Level |
| LASU | Lagos | OND, HND | 200 Level |
| OOU | Ogun | OND, HND | 200 Level |
| DELSU | Delta | OND, HND | 200 Level |
| AAU | Edo | OND, HND | 200 Level |
| ESUT | Enugu | OND, HND, NCE | 200 Level |
| EKSU | Ekiti | OND, HND | 200 Level |
| AAUA | Ondo | NCE, OND | 200 Level |
| TASUED | Ogun | NCE | 200 Level |
How to Apply to Part-Time Universities Without JAMB in Nigeria
Applying through the non-JAMB route is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is how the process typically works across institutions on the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria:
- Confirm your eligibility: Verify that your qualification (OND, HND, NCE, or A-Levels) meets the minimum requirement for your chosen course and institution.
- Register for JAMB Direct Entry (where required): Some universities still require a JAMB Direct Entry registration — even without UTME. This is different from UTME and is done at jamb.gov.ng under the Direct Entry portal. The fee is separate and lower than UTME registration.
- Purchase and complete the university’s application form: Visit the institution’s official portal, pay the application fee, and fill in your details carefully.
- Upload your documents: This includes your OND/HND certificate or statement of results, O’Level results, birth certificate, passport photographs, and LGA certificate.
- Attend the internal screening: Most schools conduct an aptitude test or oral interview for non-UTME applicants. Prepare by revising your course-relevant subjects.
- Check admission status and accept your offer: Monitor the university portal and JAMB CAPS. Once admitted, accept promptly and proceed to registration and fee payment.
Documents You Need for Non-JAMB Part-Time Admission
Preparing your documents in advance puts you ahead of most applicants. For any institution on the list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria, you will typically need:
- OND, HND, or NCE certificate (or statement of result if awaiting certificate)
- Official transcript from your polytechnic or college of education
- Five O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics (WAEC, NECO, or GCE)
- Birth certificate or sworn age declaration
- Local Government of Origin certificate (signed and stamped)
- Recent passport photographs (white background)
- JAMB Direct Entry registration slip (where required by the institution)
- Letter of employment or business evidence (required by some schools)
- Medical certificate of fitness from a recognized hospital
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I really gain university admission in Nigeria without writing JAMB?
Yes. Through the Direct Entry route or through universities’ internal mature entry programmes, you can gain admission into accredited Nigerian universities without writing the UTME. The list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria confirms this is a legitimate and widely practised option.
2. Is JAMB Direct Entry the same as writing JAMB UTME?
No. JAMB Direct Entry is a separate registration process for applicants with post-secondary qualifications like OND, HND, or NCE. You do not write the UTME examination. You simply register on the JAMB portal under the Direct Entry category and submit your existing qualifications.
3. What is the minimum OND grade required for part-time Direct Entry in Nigeria?
Most universities require a minimum of Lower Credit (LC) for OND holders seeking Direct Entry. Some competitive programmes — like Law or Accounting at UNILAG — may require Upper Credit. Always confirm the specific grade requirement for your target course.
4. Can an HND holder enter at 300 Level through part-time Direct Entry?
In some universities and for certain courses, HND holders with strong grades gain entry into 300 Level, effectively reducing the duration of their part-time programme. However, this is not universal — many schools admit all Direct Entry applicants into 200 Level regardless of HND status. Confirm with your target institution.
5. Does skipping JAMB affect the value of my degree?
Not at all. Your degree certificate from an NUC-accredited Nigerian university does not state how you gained admission. Whether you enter through UTME or Direct Entry, the degree you earn carries the same title, value, and recognition with employers and professional bodies.
6. Are there part-time universities without JAMB in Northern Nigeria?
The institutions most consistently offering structured part-time programmes without JAMB currently cluster in the South-West, South-South, and South-East zones. However, some state universities in the North — such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) through its part-time or continuing education units — may have relevant entry pathways. Confirm directly with the institution as availability varies.
7. How long does a part-time degree take for a Direct Entry student?
Direct Entry students typically spend 4 to 5 years in a part-time programme, compared to 5 to 6 years for those who enter at 100 Level through UTME. Entering at 200 Level saves you at least one academic year.
Is the Non-JAMB Route the Right Choice for You?
The list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria exists because the Nigerian education system recognizes that experience and prior learning have value. If you hold an OND, HND, or NCE, you have already proven your academic ability. Writing JAMB from scratch when you already have a diploma is not just unnecessary in many cases — it is a detour you do not need to take.
The non-JAMB route is particularly powerful for working professionals who left school after their diploma and spent years building work experience. You come into a part-time degree programme with real-world knowledge, a diploma credential, and now — with this guide — a clear path to your degree without the stress of JAMB preparation.
The list of part-time universities without JAMB in Nigeria is your proof that the path to a university degree is more open than the system sometimes makes it appear. With the right qualification, the right preparation, and the right institution, your degree is entirely within reach — no UTME required