Are You Searching for Nigerian Universities That Accept Upper Credit, Lower Credit & Pass for Direct Entry? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerians with National Diploma (ND), NCE, HND, JUPEB or IJMB certificates apply for Direct Entry into universities. But most candidates face one big issue not knowing which universities accept their grade level.
If you’re asking any of the following questions:
Can I use Lower Credit for Direct Entry in Nigeria?
Will any university accept a Pass grade in ND for Direct Entry?
Which universities accept Upper Credit for Direct Entry admission?
Then this 2025 guide is exactly what you need.
In this complete breakdown, we’ll show you the Nigerian universities that accept Upper Credit, Lower Credit, and even Pass for Direct Entry admission into 200 level including federal, state, and private schools. Whether you're applying with an ND, HND, or NCE certificate, you’ll find the schools that match your grade and how to apply successfully.
What Is Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria?
Direct Entry (DE) is a JAMB-regulated admission process that allows candidates with higher qualifications like ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or a First Degree to gain admission directly into 200 level (sometimes 300 level) without writing UTME.
DE applications are done through the official JAMB portal, and each university has its own screening criteria including the minimum acceptable grade (Upper Credit, Lower Credit, or Pass).
Understanding Direct Entry Grades in Nigeria
Here’s a simple breakdown of common grades used for Direct Entry:
| Grade Type | CGPA Range | Commonly Accepted By |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 3.50 – 4.00+ | Top universities |
| Upper Credit | 3.00 – 3.49 | Most universities |
| Lower Credit | 2.50 – 2.99 | Some federal/state schools |
| Pass | 2.00 – 2.49 | Few private/state schools |
Nigerian Universities That Accept Upper Credit for Direct Entry (2025)
Most universities in Nigeria accept Upper Credit as the minimum for DE admission. This is the safest grade to apply with, especially for competitive courses.
Universities That Accept Upper Credit for DE:
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Lagos State University (LASU)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
Babcock University
Covenant University
Afe Babalola University
Pro Tip: If your CGPA is 3.00 and above, your Direct Entry chances are high, especially for science, business, and education-related courses.
Nigerian Universities That Accept Lower Credit for Direct Entry in 2025
While not all schools accept Lower Credit (2.50 – 2.99), there are several DE-friendly universities that do — especially for less competitive courses.
Universities That Accept Lower Credit:
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Kaduna State University (KASU)
Gombe State University (GSU)
Benue State University (BSU)
Lead City University
Igbinedion University
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
Crescent University
Fountain University
Federal University, Lafia
Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)
Bingham University
Caritas University
Courses that accept Lower Credit DE include:
Education
Sociology
Political Science
Religious Studies
Business Admin (non-competitive schools)
Universities That Accept Pass for Direct Entry Admission in 2025
Pass grade (2.00 – 2.49) is the lowest accepted for Direct Entry. It is rarely accepted, and only a few schools — mostly private or less competitive state universities — may consider it.
Universities That Accept Pass:
Lead City University
Oduduwa University
Achievers University
Novena University
Wellspring University
Salem University
Rhema University
Gregory University
Western Delta University
Evangel University
Wesley University
Kings University
Important: Admission with a Pass grade is not guaranteed. Always confirm from the school’s admission office before applying.
Summary Table: Universities That Accept DE by Grade
| Grade Type | Sample Universities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Credit | UNILAG, UI, ABU, UNN, OAU, FUTA, UNIBEN, LASU | Accepted in almost all schools |
| Lower Credit | AAU, EKSU, UNICAL, FUOYE, KASU, Lead City, Igbinedion | Accepted for non-competitive courses |
| Pass | Lead City, Oduduwa, Wellspring, Novena, Evangel, Rhema | Mostly private universities only |
DE Admission Requirements in 2025 (All Grades)
To be eligible for Direct Entry, you must have:
At least 5 O’Level credits (including English and Math)
ND, HND, NCE, JUPEB, or IJMB result
Valid JAMB Direct Entry registration
Submission of transcript to the university
Minimum CGPA of 2.00 (Pass) or higher depending on school
How to Apply for Direct Entry Admission in 2025
Visit JAMB Portal and register for DE
Select your preferred university and course
Upload your O’Level and A’Level results
Submit your transcript to the school
Complete the university’s Direct Entry screening
Wait for admission updates on JAMB CAPS and school portal
Pro Tips to Get Admitted Easily (Regardless of Grade)
Apply to less competitive schools if you have Pass or Lower Credit
Choose less saturated courses (like Education, Agriculture, Religious Studies)
Use JUPEB/IJMB for better chances instead of ND with low CGPA
Apply early before DE deadlines
Follow up with the admission office for transcript and screening confirmation
FAQs – Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria 2025
Q: Can I use Lower Credit for Direct Entry in UNILAG?
No. UNILAG requires Upper Credit and above for Direct Entry.
Q: Which universities accept Pass for Direct Entry?
Mostly private universities like Lead City, Oduduwa, and Novena.
Q: Is Upper Credit good for DE?
Yes. Upper Credit is widely accepted across federal, state, and private universities.
Q: Can I gain admission into Law with Lower Credit?
Highly unlikely. Law is very competitive and requires Upper Credit or Distinction.
Q: Do I need to write Post-UTME for Direct Entry?
No. But some schools conduct Direct Entry screening or oral interview.
Final Thoughts – Direct Entry Universities That Accept Upper Credit, Lower Credit, and Pass in Nigeria 2025
Getting admission through Direct Entry is possible regardless of your grade — as long as you target the right schools.
If you have Upper Credit, aim for top federal and state universities.
With Lower Credit, go for DE-friendly state or private schools.
If you only have a Pass, stick to private universities with flexible admission policies.
Remember, the key is to apply early, confirm school requirements, and follow up with transcripts.