Are You Searching for Federal Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025? If you’ve completed a diploma (ND, NCE, HND) or passed A-Level exams like JUPEB or IJMB and want to skip 100 level, then Direct Entry admission is for you. But one of the biggest problems students face is knowing which federal universities accept direct entry and what is required to apply.
This guide is created to help you solve that. We’ll walk you through the complete list of federal universities in Nigeria that accept Direct Entry in 2025, their requirements, how to apply, and helpful tips to boost your admission chances.
What Is Direct Entry Admission?
Direct Entry (DE) is an admission method that allows candidates with advanced qualifications (like ND, NCE, JUPEB, IJMB, or HND) to enter into 200 level (and in some cases 300 level) of a university, skipping 100 level.
You must apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal, and you don’t write UTME, but your admission still depends on screening, transcripts, and qualification relevance.
Qualifications Accepted for Direct Entry
To apply for Direct Entry admission into federal universities in Nigeria, you must possess one of the following:
National Diploma (ND)
Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)
Higher National Diploma (HND)
JUPEB / IJMB A-level results
First Degree or BSc qualification
Most universities require a minimum Upper Credit (2.50 CGPA) for ND/NCE/HND holders and at least 5 O’Level credits including English and Maths.
Full List of Federal Universities That Accept Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria (2025)
Here are the top federal universities in Nigeria that are Direct Entry friendly. Most of them allow admission into 200 level across several faculties.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Accepts JUPEB, HND, and ND
Competitive screening process
Best for Law, Medicine, Engineering, etc.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Accepts ND, JUPEB, HND, and NCE
Admission into 200 level
Transcript and department relevance matter
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Accepts IJMB, ND, NCE
Direct Entry into science, education, arts, etc.
You must submit transcript
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Accepts JUPEB and ND with upper credit
DE admission is merit-based
Popular for science and engineering courses
5. University of Ibadan (UI)
Accepts JUPEB and A-Level qualifications
Does not accept ND or NCE in many courses
Strict on academic standards
6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Accepts ND and HND in tech-based courses
Admission into 200 level in engineering and sciences
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Screening is conducted
One of the most applied-to federal universities
8. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
Accepts ND, HND, and JUPEB
DE into tech and science departments
Ensure course relevancy
9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Accepts ND, HND, NCE, JUPEB
200 level admission via screening
Medical and Law-related programs are strict
10. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Accepts HND, ND, and JUPEB
Popular in medical and engineering fields
Transcript must be submitted to the school
11. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Accepts DE into all faculties
ND, NCE, and JUPEB recognized
Online registration and screening apply
12. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Direct Entry supported in most courses
Accepts ND, HND, and JUPEB
Fast-growing university with simple processes
13. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
DE into education, science, and arts
Accepts ND and JUPEB
Transcript and screening mandatory
14. Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Fast admissions for science courses
One of the newer DE-friendly institutions
15. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
DE into 200 level
Accepts JUPEB, ND, NCE
Competitive in social science and education courses
16. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Accepts HND, ND, JUPEB
DE into all faculties with available space
Transcript and credential upload required
17. Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
200 level admission into select courses
Screening and documentation must be completed
18. Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE)
DE-friendly
Offers flexible requirements for ND and NCE holders
19. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU)
Direct Entry for agriculture, tech, and education courses
Accepts ND and HND
20. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
Tech-focused
Accepts ND and JUPEB into engineering and science-based courses
How to Apply for Direct Entry Admission in 2025
Here are the exact steps to apply for Direct Entry admission into a federal university:
Buy JAMB Direct Entry form on JAMB portal
Select your preferred university
Upload your A-Level or diploma results
Submit your transcript to the school directly
Wait for post-DE screening or merit list
Track admission on JAMB CAPS
Direct Entry Admission Tips for Federal Universities
To increase your chances of getting admitted:
Start the application process early
Ensure your course aligns with your previous qualification
Maintain a good CGPA (minimum of Upper Credit or 2.50 for ND/HND)
Avoid applying to oversaturated departments
Use JUPEB or IJMB if you want to avoid transcript delays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do federal universities accept Direct Entry in Nigeria?
Yes, many top federal universities accept DE applicants into 200 level, provided you meet the requirements.
Q: What is the CGPA requirement for Direct Entry?
Most schools require a minimum of 2.50 CGPA (Upper Credit) for ND or NCE applicants.
Q: Is JUPEB better than ND for DE admission?
JUPEB is highly accepted and sometimes faster, especially in competitive schools like UNILAG and UI.
Q: Will I gain admission without transcript?
No. Your previous school transcript must be submitted to your chosen university for DE admission to be processed.
Q: Can I change institution after submitting DE application?
Yes, through JAMB Change of Institution on the DE portal — but do it early.
Final Thoughts – Federal Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria (2025)
Gaining admission through Direct Entry in 2025 is one of the smartest ways to skip 100 level and save time. Whether you're coming from a polytechnic, college of education, or A-level program, these federal universities in Nigeria offer you a great opportunity to continue your education smoothly.
Just make sure your qualifications are complete, your transcript is ready, and your course selection aligns with your previous program.