For many Nigerians, the dream of going to university often stalls at one major hurdle: JAMB UTME. Each year, students miss out on admission; some don?t meet the cut-off, others never get in despite passing, and a growing number are simply tired of the uncertainty. But there?s good news. A new generation of universities licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) are offering a different route, one that skips the JAMB UTME bottleneck.

These five NUC-approved institutions are changing the game by making university education more accessible, flexible, and aligned with real-world goals.

1. Miva Open University

Miva Open University is Nigeria?s first operational private open university that offers direct admission without JAMB UTME. Applicants need only five O?Level credits, including English and Mathematics, obtained in no more than two sittings. Miva is tech-driven, and courses are delivered via pre-recorded videos and PDFs via a learning management system online.

With a flexible, remote learning model, Miva allows students to study from anywhere and at their own pace, ideal for those juggling work, family, or other commitments. Tuition fee starts at N150,000 per semester with no any additional cost; the tuition is affordable, and students graduate with career-ready skills in fields like tech, business, and management.

2. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

The National Open University of Nigeria is the country?s first open and distance learning institution. While JAMB UTME isn?t required, candidates must meet standard O?Level requirements and apply through the NOUN portal.

With a self-paced system and wide national reach, NOUN is a choice for those seeking flexibility.

3. Iconic Open University

Iconic Open University is a new entrant in Nigeria?s open education space, offering flexible learning through a technology-driven model. Admission does not require JAMB UTME, though applicants must present valid O?Level results and meet other documentation requirements.

Designed for students seeking an alternative to traditional schooling, Iconic Open University provides a more personalised approach to higher education.

4. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan

Also licensed by the NUC, West Midlands Open University operates primarily online and accepts students without requiring JAMB UTME. With a focus on quality distance education, the institution allows students to complete their degree programmes remotely and on schedule.

Applicants must still meet O?Level standards and go through the school?s internal admission process.

5. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja

Licensed in 2023, Al-Muhibbah Open University provides remote learning opportunities for a range of undergraduate courses. It offers admission without UTME, relying instead on O?Level performance and other standard entry requirements.

The university?s distance learning model offers flexibility and access, especially for students unable to attend traditional campus-based programmes.

What About JUPEB and IJMB?

Programmes like JUPEB and IJMB are well-known pathways to 200-level admission in some universities without JAMB. However, they often require 9 to 12 months of pre-university study, can be expensive, and do not guarantee automatic entry. Final admission still depends on performance and the university?s discretion.

The Road Ahead

The pressure to pass JAMB can leave many feeling stuck, but that no longer needs to be the case. These universities are offering students a chance to:

Begin their studies immediately

Learn flexibly and remotely

Graduate on time

Enter the workforce with confidence

Whether you?re trying again or just starting out, your university journey can begin without JAMB UTME. All you need is your O?Level result and the will to move forward. (The PUNCH)

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