Are You Searching for State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria 2025? If you're a graduate of a Polytechnic (ND, HND), NCE program, JUPEB, or IJMB, and you’re looking to continue your studies at 200 level, then you’re in the right place.
Direct Entry admission is one of the fastest ways to gain admission into a university without starting from year one, and many state-owned universities in Nigeria are DE-friendly. However, not all of them are widely known, and the application process can be confusing without proper guidance.
This detailed 2025 guide reveals the top 30 state universities in Nigeria that accept Direct Entry, the requirements you must meet, and tips to secure your admission smoothly.
What Is Direct Entry in Nigerian Universities?
Direct Entry (DE) is a JAMB-approved mode of admission that allows candidates with higher qualifications (ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, etc.) to gain admission directly into 200 level (or sometimes 300 level) without writing the JAMB UTME exam.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for Direct Entry in 2025 if you hold any of these:
ND (Ordinary National Diploma)
NCE (Nigerian Certificate in Education)
HND (Higher National Diploma)
JUPEB / IJMB A-Level certificate
BSc or equivalent diploma
Top 30 State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria (2025)
These are the most recognized and DE-friendly state universities in Nigeria as of 2025. They accept students into 200 level in various courses after submitting required credentials.
1. Lagos State University (LASU)
Located in Lagos, LASU is one of the most competitive and DE-friendly state universities.
Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB
Screening required
Very strict on course relevancy
2. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Highly popular for part-time and DE programs.
ND and NCE accepted
Also offers conversion programs
Accepts JUPEB and IJMB
3. Delta State University (DELSU)
Located in Abraka, Delta State.
DE candidates admitted to 200 level
Accepts ND, HND, NCE, JUPEB
Transcript must be submitted
4. Rivers State University (RSU)
Known for science and engineering programs.
ND, JUPEB, NCE accepted
Internal screening conducted
5. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Accepts DE candidates in science, engineering, and management
Transcript and DE form required
6. Abia State University (ABSU)
DE entry into 200 level
Accepts ND, JUPEB, and HND
7. Benue State University (BSU)
Makurdi-based institution with friendly DE policies.
Accepts NCE, HND, ND
Very open to education-related courses
8. Imo State University (IMSU)
Accepts Direct Entry into all major departments
Transcript and O'Level must be complete
9. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Located in Ogun State.
Accepts ND and JUPEB
Strong screening for competitive courses
10. Kogi State University (KSU)
Now called Prince Abubakar Audu University.
Accepts ND and HND
Departmental cutoffs may apply
11. Taraba State University (TASU)
Direct Entry allowed for most courses
Accepts IJMB, ND, NCE
12. Gombe State University (GSU)
JUPEB and NCE accepted
Science and education courses favored
13. Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
ND, NCE, HND holders accepted
JUPEB entries also welcome
14. Kano State University of Science & Technology (KUST)
Popular among science students
Accepts ND and JUPEB
15. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Although tech-focused, it accepts JUPEB and ND for DE into engineering, sciences, and management.
16. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
Accepts DE in agriculture, science, and education
Minimal competition
17. Borno State University (BOSU)
Relatively new and DE-friendly
Admission mostly into education and social sciences
18. Adamawa State University (ADSU)
Accepts ND, NCE, and JUPEB
Less competitive for admission
19. Bauchi State University (BASUG)
Accepts JUPEB, NCE, ND
Requires DE JAMB registration
20. Yobe State University (YSU)
DE friendly for education and social sciences
21. Sokoto State University (SSU)
Accepts NCE and ND for education, arts, and science courses
22. Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
DE entry available into science and education departments
23. Cross River State University (CRUTECH)
Accepts DE for tech, engineering, education courses
24. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
Very DE-friendly especially for NCE and JUPEB holders
25. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
Best known for admitting NCE holders into 200 level
26. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Accepts JUPEB and ND
Internal screening test required
27. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
DE accepted for most programs
CGPA requirement applies
28. Ondo State University of Science & Technology (OSUSTECH)
DE into science, technology, and engineering
29. Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)
Accepts JUPEB for medicine-related DE entries
30. University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT)
Accepts ND and NCE into 200 level
Less competitive with simplified admission process
Requirements for Direct Entry in State Universities (2025)
To apply successfully, you must:
Register through JAMB Direct Entry portal
Have at least 5 O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
Hold a valid A-Level certificate: ND, NCE, JUPEB, or HND
Upload your credentials to JAMB CAPS
Submit transcript to your university of choice
Pro Tips to Get Direct Entry Admission Faster in State Universities
Apply early on JAMB DE portal
Prepare and submit your transcript immediately
Choose less competitive courses if needed
Follow school admission deadlines and screening schedules
Ensure your ND/NCE/HND qualification aligns with your chosen course
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I gain Direct Entry into state universities in Nigeria in 2025?
Yes. Many state universities in Nigeria accept ND, NCE, HND, JUPEB, and IJMB for Direct Entry into 200 level.
Q: What CGPA is required for Direct Entry into state universities?
Most universities require at least a 2.5 CGPA for ND or NCE holders.
Q: Must I write JAMB to get Direct Entry admission?
You must register on the JAMB DE portal and obtain a registration number but you won’t write the UTME exam.
Q: Is JUPEB better than ND for Direct Entry?
In some competitive universities like UNILAG or OAU, JUPEB is preferred. But ND is widely accepted in state universities.
Final Thoughts – Top 30 State Universities That Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria (2025)
If you’re planning to continue your education through Direct Entry in 2025, these top 30 state universities in Nigeria are your best options. They are known for accepting ND, JUPEB, NCE, and HND qualifications and offering smooth admission processes into 200 level.
The key is to apply early, choose your university wisely, and make sure your documents are complete. Whether you're aiming for science, education, social sciences, or engineering — there's a state university ready to welcome you.