How to Convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry 2025/2026 Steps

Learn how to convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry 2025/2026. For students who have taken the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the thought of switching to Direct Entry (DE) may seem confusing or unfamiliar.

However, it is an option that could lead to better opportunities if you want to gain direct admission into a Nigerian university.  This guide will assist you through the move to convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry, the steps involved, as well as the pros and cons.

What is UTME?

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a standardized test conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. This exam is for students who wish to study a variety of undergraduate courses across the country.

What is Direct Entry (DE)?

Direct Entry (DE) is an alternative way to gain admission into Nigerian universities. It allows you to enter a degree program without going through the conventional four-year undergraduate route.

DE is primarily designed for students who have already completed an advanced level of education, such as a National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), or A-level qualifications.

Structure of UTME

UTME is divided into four subjects, which are selected based on the student’s chosen course of study. These subjects typically include English Language (which is compulsory for all candidates) and three other subjects related to the student’s course.

The exam is conducted on a computer and features multiple-choice questions. . The score from the UTME determines whether a candidate is eligible for admission based on the cut-off marks set by the institutions.

Direct Entry Structure

Direct Entry is structured to admit students directly into the second year of a degree program, bypassing the first year typically reserved for UTME candidates. DE candidates still need to meet the academic requirements of their chosen institution, and may need to sit for a Post-UTME.

What Does It Mean to Convert from UTME to DE?

Converting from UTME to Direct Entry means shifting from the traditional entry route (100 level) to the Direct Entry way (200 level).

This conversion is often pursued by candidates who initially applied for UTME but later attained an advanced qualification that makes them eligible for DE.

Instead of repeating the first year, they move straight into the second year of their university program.

Who Should Convert JAMB UTME to DE?

Candidates who have acquired post-secondary qualifications like an ND, NCE, or HND and are looking for a faster route to a university degree should consider converting from UTME to DE. It’s also ideal for those who feel they are academically ready to jump straight into the 200 level.

Requirement to Convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry

To be eligible to convert JAMB UTME to  DE, candidates must have:

• A valid email address
• O’level results
• Matriculation number,
• The month and year of graduation from the National Diploma of its equivalent
• The number of examination sittings
• Your first-choice university and chosen course,
• The second-choice university and chosen course,
• The grade obtained (Distinction, Upper Credit, Lower Credit, or Pass).

How to Convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry 2025 Steps

1.  Before you can convert JAMB UTME to Direct Entry, you need to have a qualification such as an ND, NCE, or A-level certificate.
2. Purchase a Direct Entry form from JAMB, either online or from any JAMB-accredited registration center.
3. Fill in your details and complete the form with accurate information regarding your advanced qualification and O’level results.
4. Submit all necessary documents, including your O’level and post-secondary qualifications.
5. Register on the JAMB portal and complete your registration on the JAMB portal, paying the required fees.
6.  After submission, monitor the admission process through the JAMB CAPS platform and the university’s admission portal.

UTME Eligibility

To be eligible for JAMB UTME, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a minimum of five credits in O’level exams, including English and Mathematics.
• Be 16 years old or above by the time of admission.
• Select a combination of subjects that align with the course they wish to pursue.

Key Differences Between UTME and DE

UTME and Direct Entry have several differences, the most significant being the point of entry into the university system:

1. While UTME candidates need only O’Level results, DE candidates must have advanced qualifications like A-Levels, ND, or NCE.
2. UTME requires candidates to sit for an entrance examination, whereas DE applicants use their higher qualifications to apply directly.
3. UTME is primarily for secondary school graduates, while DE is for students who have further education and want to skip the first year of university.
4. UTME students are admitted into 100 level, Direct Entry candidates are admitted into the 200 level reducing the years of study

Benefits of Converting from UTME to DE

• DE can fast-track your university admission by letting you skip the first year, focusing on more advanced studies.
• Since you bypass the introductory courses, you can dive straight into the core subjects of your field.
•  With DE, you get admitted directly into the second year, saving time.

Challenges of Converting JAMB UTME to Direct Entry 2025/2026

•  Not all courses or institutions accept DE candidates, so your options might be narrower.
• The verification of DE qualifications can sometimes take longer than expected, potentially causing delays in admission.
• Since DE students start in the second year, they may find it harder to adjust, especially in courses that build on first-year knowledge.
• DE candidates often face stiffer competition for available slots, as the number of DE admissions is typically lower than UTME admissions.

Conclusion

Converting from UTME to Direct Entry can open doors to faster academic progress and career advancement. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are prepared for the challenges, the DE pathway could be the right choice for you.