Are You Searching for State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students holding ND, NCE, HND, JUPEB, or IJMB certificates apply for Direct Entry (DE) into state universities to gain admission directly into 200 level without writing UTME.
But the challenge many face is finding out which state universities in Nigeria actually accept Direct Entry, and which ones have more flexible admission policies.
This 2025 guide solves that completely. You’ll get the full list of state universities that accept Direct Entry, their entry requirements, how to apply, and bonus tips to increase your admission chances this year.
What Is Direct Entry Admission?
Direct Entry (DE) is a mode of university admission in Nigeria that allows candidates with higher qualifications to enter 200 level (or sometimes 300 level) in a university without writing JAMB UTME.
You must register for Direct Entry through JAMB, submit relevant credentials, and undergo university screening or transcript verification.
Who Can Apply for Direct Entry Admission?
To be eligible for Direct Entry into any Nigerian state university, you must have one of the following:
National Diploma (ND)
Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)
Higher National Diploma (HND)
JUPEB / IJMB / A-Level certificate
First Degree (BSc, BA, etc.)
Most schools require a minimum of Upper Credit (2.50 CGPA) or Merit pass and at least 5 O’Level credits including Mathematics and English.
Full List of Top 30 State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025
Below are the most DE-friendly and accredited state universities in Nigeria where you can gain admission directly into 200 level in 2025.
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Accepts JUPEB, ND, NCE
Highly competitive
Best for Law, Education, and Business
2. Abia State University (ABSU)
Accepts ND, JUPEB, and NCE
Flexible DE policy
Fast academic calendar
3. Rivers State University (RSU)
Formerly RSUST
Accepts ND, HND, JUPEB
Ideal for Engineering and Management
4. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
ND and JUPEB accepted
Offers DE into almost all departments
5. Benue State University (BSU)
DE into science, arts, and education faculties
Accepts ND, NCE, and JUPEB
6. Delta State University (DELSU)
Competitive DE admissions
JUPEB and ND supported
Screening required
7. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Offers DE into Law, Medicine, Sciences
8. Imo State University (IMSU)
Accepts NCE, ND, JUPEB
Direct Entry screening is conducted online
9. Enugu State University of Science & Tech (ESUT)
Accepts ND, JUPEB
Best for science and tech-related courses
10. Anambra State University (COOU)
Also known as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
DE into various departments
Transcript submission mandatory
11. Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
Accepts DE applicants with JUPEB, ND, NCE
Flexible and quick admissions
12. Kogi State University (KSU, now Prince Abubakar Audu University)
JUPEB, ND, HND accepted
Direct Entry into most departments
13. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Accepts Direct Entry for all programs
ND and JUPEB are valid credentials
14. Taraba State University (TSU)
Accepts ND, NCE
Offers 200 level admission through DE
15. Gombe State University (GSU)
Accepts JUPEB and ND
Friendly DE admission process
16. Kaduna State University (KASU)
Direct Entry available
Accepts ND, NCE, HND with good CGPA
17. Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)
Tech-based DE admission
Accepts ND and JUPEB
18. Yobe State University (YSU)
Accepts ND, NCE
200 level entry across major faculties
19. Zamfara State University (ZSU)
Young but DE-friendly
JUPEB and ND holders welcomed
20. Sokoto State University (SSU)
Direct Entry policy is active
Easy admission for ND and NCE holders
21. Kwara State University (KWASU)
Accepts JUPEB, ND, and NCE
Known for innovation and fast calendar
22. Plateau State University (PLASU)
ND and JUPEB accepted
Moderate competition
23. Bauchi State University (BASUG)
Direct Entry applicants accepted into 200 level
Must provide transcript
24. Adamawa State University (ADSU)
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Offers a wide range of DE opportunities
25. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
ND and JUPEB supported
Competitive admission for medical and law courses
26. Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)
Accepts JUPEB and ND in health science courses
27. Taraba State University
Direct Entry into science and education courses
28. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
Accepts ND, JUPEB
Offers DE for all faculties
29. Edo State University (EDSU)
Fast-growing state university
Accepts JUPEB, ND
30. Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro (DSUST)
Formerly Delta State Polytechnic
Accepts DE with ND/HND/JUPEB
General Requirements for DE Admission into State Universities (2025)
To gain Direct Entry into any of these state universities, ensure you have:
5 credits in O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
A valid A-Level qualification (ND, NCE, JUPEB, HND, or BSc)
Transcript submitted to the university
Upper Credit (ND/NCE) or better
JAMB Direct Entry registration slip
How to Apply for Direct Entry to State Universities in Nigeria
Visit the JAMB Portaland register for DE
Choose your preferred state university
Upload your ND/NCE/JUPEB/A-Level results
Submit your transcript directly to the school
Complete school-specific DE screening form
Monitor admission status on JAMB CAPS
Pro Tips for Successful State University Direct Entry in 2025
Apply early (many state universities use first-come-first-serve system)
Submit transcript quickly
Pick less competitive courses if your grade is low
Use JUPEB/IJMB for higher chances in competitive schools
Track application status regularly on both JAMB and university portals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ND to get Direct Entry into a state university?
Yes. Most state universities in Nigeria accept ND with Upper Credit.
Q: Which state university accepts JUPEB for Direct Entry?
LASU, DELSU, EKSU, and RSU are top JUPEB-friendly schools.
Q: Do I need to take a screening exam for Direct Entry?
Some universities conduct screenings, while others only require document verification.
Q: Can I use two sittings for O’Level?
Yes, most state universities allow two sittings.
Q: When is the deadline for Direct Entry application in 2025?
This depends on JAMB and individual university calendars — apply early to avoid missing out.
Final Thoughts – State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025
Getting admitted into 200 level through Direct Entry is one of the most effective ways to continue your education in Nigeria without starting from scratch. These 30 state universities in Nigeria offer fair, flexible Direct Entry opportunities across various fields.
From LASU to EKSU and DELSU, you can find a school that fits your academic background and career goals.
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