Are You Searching for Private Universities That Accept Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria 2025? If you’re looking for faster, more flexible admission into 200 level without writing JAMB UTME, private universities are a great option. Most Nigerian private universities accept Direct Entry candidates, but not all of them are well-known, and some require special procedures.
This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know from the list of top private universities that accept Direct Entry in Nigeria, to how to apply, requirements, and pro tips to boost your chances of getting admitted.
What Is Direct Entry Admission?
Direct Entry (DE) allows candidates with higher qualifications like ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or a first degree to gain admission into 200 level (and in some rare cases 300 level) without taking the JAMB UTME exam.
You apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal, upload your credentials, and wait for your school of choice to process your admission.
Who Can Apply for Direct Entry?
To apply for Direct Entry in any Nigerian private university, you must have any of the following:
National Diploma (ND)
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)
JUPEB or IJMB A-Level result
BSc or equivalent qualification
At least 5 O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
Top Private Universities That Accept Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria (2025)
Below is the updated list of the top private universities in Nigeria that allow Direct Entry admission. Most of these schools offer flexible screening, fast admission processes, and direct entry into competitive courses.
1. Covenant University (Ota, Ogun State)
Accepts JUPEB, ND, and HND
Very competitive admission
Known for Engineering, Business, and ICT
Must meet spiritual and academic screening
2. Babcock University (Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State)
Accepts ND, HND, JUPEB, NCE
Medical and Law programs available
Post-DE screening and transcript required
3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD, Ado-Ekiti)
Accepts Direct Entry into Medicine, Engineering, Law
ND, HND, JUPEB holders welcome
Requires minimum Upper Credit or Merit
4. Bowen University (Iwo, Osun State)
Accepts ND, JUPEB, and NCE
Offers DE into Nursing, Law, and other competitive courses
Requires transcript and interview
5. Lead City University (Ibadan, Oyo State)
One of the most DE-friendly private universities
Accepts ND, HND, JUPEB, NCE, BSc
Allows flexible and fast-track entry
6. Igbinedion University (Okada, Edo State)
Accepts ND, JUPEB, NCE
First private university in Nigeria
Known for Medicine, Law, and Management courses
7. Redeemer’s University (Ede, Osun State)
Accepts JUPEB and ND holders
Fast admission with strong Christian foundation
Offers DE into ICT, Law, and Social Sciences
8. Ajayi Crowther University (Oyo State)
Accepts NCE, ND, JUPEB
Offers DE into Arts, Sciences, and Social Science departments
Requires valid transcript and screening
9. Bells University of Technology (Ota, Ogun State)
Technology-focused institution
Accepts ND, HND, JUPEB
Best for Engineering, ICT, and Architecture
10. Veritas University (Abuja)
Catholic private university
Accepts Direct Entry into various courses
DE-friendly with low competition
11. Caleb University (Lagos)
Accepts ND and JUPEB
Popular for Mass Communication and Social Sciences
DE applicants undergo internal assessment
12. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
Accepts NCE, ND, JUPEB
Offers DE into Business, Agriculture, Law
Christian faith-based screening required
13. Baze University (Abuja)
Elite private university with high tuition
Accepts JUPEB, ND, NCE, HND
Known for Law, Medicine, and Tech programs
14. Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos)
Business and communication-focused
Accepts JUPEB and other advanced certificates
DE into 200 level for media, business, and IT
15. Al-Hikmah University (Ilorin, Kwara State)
Muslim-faith university
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Offers wide range of DE courses
16. Mountain Top University (Ogun State)
Faith-based institution
Accepts JUPEB and ND holders
Fast and flexible admission
17. Elizade University (Ondo State)
Accepts ND and JUPEB
Engineering, ICT, and Management programs available
18. Chrisland University (Abeokuta, Ogun State)
Accepts DE for Nursing, Social Sciences
ND and JUPEB required with upper credit
19. Skyline University (Kano)
Fast-growing private university in Northern Nigeria
Accepts JUPEB, ND, and HND
20. Nile University of Nigeria (Abuja)
DE-friendly with strong international outlook
Accepts ND, JUPEB, and other equivalents
Offers programs in Medicine, Law, Engineering
Requirements for Direct Entry into Private Universities in 2025
To be eligible for DE in private universities:
You must have 5 credit passes in O’Level (WASSCE, NECO, or NABTEB)
A valid advanced certificate (ND, NCE, JUPEB, HND, BSc)
Minimum of Merit or Upper Credit
JAMB DE registration slip and number
Official transcript (submitted to the university)
How to Apply for Direct Entry Admission in Private Universities (2025)
Follow these steps:
Register for JAMB Direct Entry on the official portal
Choose your preferred private university
Upload your ND, NCE, or JUPEB results
Submit transcripts to the university
Complete internal university DE form (most are online)
Attend post-DE screening or interview if required
Wait for admission on JAMB CAPS and university portal
Pro Tips to Get Admitted Easily into a Private University via DE
Choose universities with fast academic calendars
Submit your transcript early
Apply for less competitive courses if possible
Use JUPEB for highly competitive programs like Medicine and Law
Confirm if your course requires professional licensing (like Nursing)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do private universities in Nigeria accept Direct Entry?
Yes. Most private universities in Nigeria accept Direct Entry candidates into 200 level.
Q: Which private university is best for Direct Entry?
Covenant University, Afe Babalola, and Babcock are top choices for high-demand courses.
Q: Can I use ND for Direct Entry in private university?
Yes. ND with at least Upper Credit is accepted in most private institutions.
Q: Do I need to apply through JAMB for Direct Entry in private schools?
Yes. You must register your Direct Entry through the official JAMB portal.
Q: Is JUPEB accepted in private universities?
Yes. JUPEB is widely accepted and in some cases preferred.
Final Thoughts – Private Universities That Accept Direct Entry Admission in Nigeria (2025)
Whether you hold a JUPEB, ND, HND, or NCE, gaining admission into 200 level through Direct Entry is now easier, especially in private universities. From Covenant University to Babcock and Lead City, these schools provide fast-track options, flexible entry requirements, and lower competition compared to federal institutions.
If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey, apply early, ensure your transcript is ready, and choose the school that aligns with your course and career goals.