List of Universities That Accept NABTEB Result in Nigeria (2025)

Many Nigerian students who sit for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) O’level exam often wonder: “Can I use NABTEB to gain admission into Nigerian universities?” The answer is YES.

In fact, most federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria accept NABTEB results for admission. NABTEB is fully recognized by the Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as an equivalent to WAEC and NECO.

In this article, we will cover:

• What NABTEB is and why it is recognized by universities

• Complete list of universities that accept NABTEB in Nigeria

• Admission requirements when using NABTEB result

• Comparison of NABTEB with WAEC and NECO

• Benefits and challenges of using NABTEB for university admission

• Step-by-step guide to gain admission with NABTEB

• Common mistakes students make with NABTEB results

• Summary table of top universities that accept NABTEB

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

By the end, you will have complete clarity on using NABTEB for your 2025 university admission.

Understanding NABTEB and Its Role in University Admission

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) was established in 1992 to conduct O’level examinations in business and technical subjects. Over the years, it has grown into a fully recognized alternative to WAEC and NECO.

Why Universities Accept NABTEB Results

1. Official Recognition: NABTEB is approved by law and recognized by JAMB.

2. Equal Standing: Nigerian universities accept it as equivalent to WAEC/NECO.

3. Technical Relevance: NABTEB’s vocational emphasis aligns with many courses in universities.

This means with five credit passes (including Mathematics and English Language) in NABTEB, you qualify for university admission in Nigeria.

Full List of Universities That Accept NABTEB in Nigeria (2025)

Here is a categorized list:

1. Federal Universities That Accept NABTEB

All federal universities accept NABTEB. Examples include:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State

• University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State

• University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu State

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State

• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

• University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State

2. State Universities That Accept NABTEB

Most state-owned universities also accept NABTEB. Examples include:

• Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State

• Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka

• Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

• Ekiti State University (EKSU)

• Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt

• Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu

• Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi

• Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri

• Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna

• Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete

3. Private Universities That Accept NABTEB

Private universities widely accept NABTEB as well. Examples include:

• Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State

• Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

• Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State

• Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

• Lead City University, Ibadan

• Caleb University, Lagos State

• Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State

• Benson Idahosa University, Benin City

• American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola

Conclusion: All categories of universities in Nigeria — federal, state, and private — accept NABTEB results for admission.

Admission Requirements for Universities Using NABTEB

To gain admission into a Nigerian university with NABTEB, you must:

1. Have Five Credits in NABTEB O’level: Must include English Language, Mathematics, and relevant subjects.

2. Register for JAMB UTME: Select your preferred university and course.

3. Meet the Cut-Off Mark: Federal universities usually require higher UTME scores (200+), while state/private may require less.

4. Pass Post-UTME/Screening: Each university conducts its own admission screening.

5. Right Subject Combination: Ensure your NABTEB subjects match your chosen course requirements.

NABTEB vs WAEC vs NECO: Which Is Better for University Admission?

Summary: In Nigeria, all three are equal. The only difference is NABTEB’s limited recognition abroad.

Benefits of Using NABTEB for University Admission

• Equal to WAEC and NECO in Nigeria

• Strong technical subjects beneficial for engineering, sciences, and vocational courses

• Can be combined with WAEC or NECO results

• Fewer exam clashes since many students focus on WAEC, giving NABTEB candidates a second chance

Challenges of Using NABTEB for University Admission

• Limited international recognition compared to WAEC

• Less popular, which creates misinformation

• Some admission officers uninformed about NABTEB acceptance (though it is officially recognized)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Gain Admission with NABTEB

1. Check Your NABTEB Result — Ensure you have 5 credits including English and Maths.

2. Register for JAMB UTME — Choose your preferred universities and courses.

3. Write JAMB UTME — Score above the general cut-off mark.

4. Apply for Post-UTME/Screening — Follow your university’s admission process.

5. Check Admission Status on JAMB CAPS — Accept or reject your offer.

6. Complete University Registration — Pay acceptance fees and start your academic journey.

Common Mistakes NABTEB Candidates Make

• Believing NABTEB is not accepted by universities

• Ignoring subject combinations when applying for courses

• Failing to combine NABTEB with WAEC/NECO when needed

• Missing JAMB deadlines

• Listening to misinformation instead of checking JAMB guidelines

Summary Table of Universities That Accept NABTEB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do universities in Nigeria accept NABTEB?
Yes, all federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria accept NABTEB results.

2. Can I use NABTEB without JAMB to enter university?
No, you must pass JAMB UTME except for direct entry, JUPEB, or pre-degree programmes.

3. Can I combine NABTEB with WAEC?
Yes, universities accept a combination of NABTEB with WAEC or NECO.

4. Is NABTEB accepted in UNILAG?
Yes, University of Lagos accepts NABTEB results.

5. Is NABTEB accepted in UNILORIN?
Yes, University of Ilorin accepts NABTEB.

6. Can I study medicine with NABTEB?
Yes, provided you have the required subject combination (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English).

7. Is NABTEB accepted for NYSC?
Yes, as long as your admission is through JAMB, NABTEB is valid for NYSC mobilization.

8. Do private universities accept NABTEB?
Yes, most private universities accept NABTEB O’level results.

9. Is NABTEB accepted abroad?
Mostly no, unlike WAEC. It is primarily accepted within Nigeria.

10. Can I use NABTEB for law or engineering courses?
Yes, NABTEB is valid for all courses in Nigerian universities, provided the subject requirements are met.

Conclusion

The list of universities that accept NABTEB results in Nigeria includes all federal, state, and private universities. NABTEB is legally recognized and fully valid for gaining admission into any course, from engineering to medicine, law, and business.

For 2025 admission, NABTEB is a strong alternative to WAEC and NECO. As long as you meet the subject requirements, pass JAMB UTME, and succeed in your university’s screening, you can use NABTEB to gain admission without any limitation.

Final Advice: Do not be discouraged by misinformation. Your NABTEB result is powerful enough to take you into any Nigerian university.