What Do I Need To Know About Direct Entry and its Programmes
So let’s dive right in, It is really important that I answer this particular question posed by one of our passionate readers because I feel there are other people out there who might also have same lingering questions and doubts concerning this subject.
The guy asked “Is it easier to get direct entry admission through a polytechnic program compared to IJMB?”
He wanted to know if it’s easier to secure direct entry admission using A’levels like IJMB, JUPEB, Cambridge, or NABTEB rather than National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
This post will cover a lot. Kindly read to the end.
JUPEB, IJMB, and Other A’level Exams Will Be Easier For Direct Entry Admission Into Universities currently running these programs
These A’level programs or qualifications are widely recognized and accepted by many universities, whether those universities offer the same programs or not. However, it’s been observed that universities offering these programs tend to prefer them more than those that don’t offer them at all.
Similarly, universities offering IJMB, JUPEB, and other advanced programs often prioritize advanced-level applicants over those seeking admission to the same 200-level courses, which can be disappointing for the latter group (i.e. those with National Diploma (ND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)
Let’s look at UNILORIN as an example. They allow JUPEB, ND, and NCE applicants for Direct Entry admission. However, they give preference to well-qualified JUPEB and IJMB candidates over ND/NCE applicants. This preference is because the university has its own JUPEB programme/candidates to favour.
NCE and OND Will Be Easier For Direct Entry Admission into Universities Not Running A’level Courses
Based on what we talked about earlier, if a university doesn’t offer any advanced programs like IJMB, JUPEB, Cambridge, NABTEB, or similar diplomas, applicants with National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificates in Education (NCE) should have an equal, if not better, chance of being admitted through direct entry compared to those with A’level qualifications.
Also, experience has shown that ND and NCE applicants for Direct Entry will have edges over A’level applicants if the proposed universities have associations with the polytechnics and colleges of education in question.
Polytechnics and colleges of education within the same state or nearby areas face a similar situation. To illustrate this, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is known for giving preferences to Direct Entry applicants from Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, over applicants from other schools, regardless of their qualifications or grades.
The University of Ibadan, which has connections with the Federal College of Education Abeokuta, Federal College of Education Oyo, Osun State College of Education Ilesa, and others, all located in Oyo State along with the Federal College of Agriculture Moore Plantation Ibadan, Oyo State, is recognized for favoring Direct Entry applicants for those affiliated institutions and other polytechnics/colleges in the same state.
The Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta often favours Direct Entry candidates who come from within Ogun State, including polytechnics and colleges like Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Federal College of Education Abeokuta, and others.
Candidates from the universities themselves will be given special attention in both situations.
Whether you’re using IJMB or other advanced qualifications or you’re using ND or NCE to seek admisssion, Keep in mind that the university will prioritize its own graduates over external applicants.
It might seem like universities are more concerned about money than education, but that’s the reality. A university will naturally consider its candidates who have completed their IJMB, JUPEB, Cambridge, ND, or NCE programs compared to candidates from other schools or study centers.
Conclusion
If you’re just considering which one to go for, make sure to check with the university you’re interested in. This way, you can find out if the state or its surrounding area will support your program or if enrolling directly with the university is the better option for you.
If you already have one of these qualifications and you understand what was said in this post, I’m sure you will know what steps to take and which university will be the best choice for you to pursue your goals.
