Universities That Accept Two Sittings for JAMB and Direct Entry Admission

In Nigeria, gaining admission into a university is one of the most important steps in a student’s educational and career journey. Every year, millions of candidates register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and Direct Entry (DE) programs, hoping to secure admission into their dream universities.

However, one major challenge students face is whether or not their chosen university will accept two sittings for admission. By "two sittings," we mean using two different O’Level results (for example, combining WAEC and NECO, or WAEC and WAEC GCE) to meet the required subject credits for admission.

In 2025, this concern remains one of the most frequently asked questions by Nigerian students, parents, and guardians:

• Which universities accept two sittings for JAMB and Direct Entry admission?

• Does it affect competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering?

• What are the benefits and disadvantages of using two sittings?

• What are the steps and requirements for applying with combined results?

This detailed guide provides everything you need to know, including:

• The meaning and importance of two sittings.

• Universities that accept two sittings for JAMB and Direct Entry in Nigeria.

• Eligibility rules and restrictions for courses.

• Benefits and disadvantages of two sittings.

• Application steps and practical tips.

• A summary table for quick reference.

• Over 10 frequently asked questions with clear answers.

By the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of the admission process for students using two sittings in Nigeria.

What Does Two Sittings Mean in Nigerian University Admission?

When universities require candidates to present O’Level results, they typically expect:

• A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects.

• Credits in English Language and Mathematics.

• All results to be from either WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE.

If a student fails to get all required credits in one examination sitting, they can combine two results from different years or exam bodies. This is called two sittings. For example:

• A student might have 4 credits in WAEC 2023 and 3 credits in NECO 2024. Combining them gives 7 credits.

• Another student might combine WAEC May/June with WAEC GCE (Nov/Dec).

Why Do Students Use Two Sittings?

Many Nigerian students rely on two sittings because of these reasons:

1. Failure in a Key Subject: If a student fails Mathematics or English in the first sitting.

2. Low Grades in Science Subjects: Needed for Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, etc.

3. Limited Preparation: Some students write exams under pressure and then do better in their second attempt.

4. Flexibility in Admission: Universities allow it for most courses, reducing the risk of admission denial.

Do All Nigerian Universities Accept Two Sittings?

No, not all. Some universities accept two sittings for most programs, while others restrict it, especially for highly competitive courses such as:

• Medicine and Surgery

• Dentistry

• Law

• Pharmacy

• Nursing Science

• Engineering

For these professional programs, many universities prefer one sitting only to ensure academic consistency.

Universities in Nigeria That Accept Two Sittings for JAMB and Direct Entry

Below is a detailed breakdown of universities that accept two sittings in Nigeria. This includes both federal, state, and private universities.

1. Federal Universities That Accept Two Sittings

Most federal universities in Nigeria accept two sittings except for some restrictions in Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy. Examples include:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – accepts two sittings for many courses but not Medicine and Law.

• University of Ibadan (UI) – strict for Medicine and Dentistry but accepts for other courses.

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – accepts two sittings for most faculties.

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) – accepts for majority of courses.

• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) – accepts for many faculties but restricts some health-related programs.

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – accepts for all courses except Medicine and Law.

2. State Universities That Accept Two Sittings

Many state universities are more flexible and widely accept two sittings. Examples:

• Lagos State University (LASU)

• Ekiti State University (EKSU)

• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

• Delta State University (DELSU)

• Rivers State University (RSU)

• Ambrose Alli University (AAU)

• Kaduna State University (KASU)

3. Private Universities That Accept Two Sittings

Most private universities in Nigeria are very flexible with admission requirements, including two sittings. Examples include:

• Covenant University

• Babcock University

• Bowen University

• Redeemer’s University

• Madonna University

• Igbinedion University

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

Courses Where Two Sittings Are Accepted

Two sittings are widely accepted in:

• Arts and Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Management Sciences

• Agriculture

• Education

• Some Engineering and Science programs

Courses Where Two Sittings Are NOT Commonly Accepted

• Medicine and Surgery

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Nursing Science

• Law (in some universities)

• Physiotherapy

• Medical Laboratory Science

Benefits of Using Two Sittings

• Increases admission chances for students who struggled in one sitting.

• Saves time instead of rewriting a full set of exams.

• Flexibility in meeting subject requirements.

• Accepted widely in many universities.

Disadvantages of Two Sittings

• Not accepted for some professional courses.

• Some employers prefer one sitting only (though rare today).

• Competitive disadvantage if others are applying with one sitting.

How to Apply for JAMB or Direct Entry with Two Sittings

1. Register for JAMB or DE using your first result.

2. During registration, select the option for “Two Sittings.”

3. Provide details of both results (exam type, year, and number).

4. Ensure the combination covers all required subjects.

5. Submit during post-UTME or DE screening.

Summary Table of Universities and Acceptance Policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all universities in Nigeria accept two sittings?
No. Most universities do, but competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy may require one sitting.

2. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for admission?
Yes. Many universities in Nigeria allow WAEC + NECO combination.

3. Can I combine WAEC and NABTEB results?
Some universities accept it, but not all. Always check the school’s specific policy.

4. Is two sittings accepted for Medicine and Surgery?
In most universities, no. They require one sitting only.

5. What about Law?
Some universities accept two sittings for Law, while others do not.

6. Can I use WAEC GCE with WAEC May/June?
Yes. That is a common two-sittings combination.

7. Is two sittings accepted in UNILAG?
Yes, for many courses, but not for Medicine, Dentistry, or Law.

8. Does using two sittings reduce my admission chances?
Not always, but one sitting gives you an advantage for competitive courses.

9. Do polytechnics and colleges of education accept two sittings?
Yes. Most polytechnics and colleges are very flexible.

10. Is two sittings allowed in Direct Entry admission?
Yes. Direct Entry candidates can also use two sittings if the chosen university allows it.

Conclusion

Using two sittings for JAMB or Direct Entry admission in Nigeria is widely accepted across most universities. Federal, state, and private universities provide opportunities for students who combine WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE results.

However, students aiming for Medicine, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, and other professional courses should prepare to meet the requirements in one sitting, since these programs often have stricter rules.

In 2025, the smartest approach is to confirm the policy of your chosen university and course before applying. This ensures you do not waste time or miss admission opportunities.

If you are planning to apply with two sittings, carefully combine your results to cover all compulsory subjects, and always double-check admission requirements for your desired program.