The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) program is one of the most powerful but underused pathways to Nigerian university admission. It offers candidates the ability to gain direct 200-level entry into over 100 Nigerian universities — without sitting JAMB at all. If you failed JAMB, scored below your target, or simply want to bypass UTME entirely, the IJMB program in 2026 could be your perfect route.
What Is the IJMB Program?
The IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) is an Advanced Level (A-level) equivalent programme run by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. It was established in 1977 to provide an alternative route to university admission for candidates who could not gain admission through JAMB. Upon completing the IJMB programme with acceptable scores, candidates qualify for admission into 200 level (second year) at accepting universities through JAMB Direct Entry.
The programme lasts 9 months, roughly from October to July. It is academic and intensive — students study three A-level subjects plus General Studies, with a final examination in July. Results are graded from A to E, with a maximum total of 15 points across the three subjects.
How Does the IJMB Scoring System Work?
Each IJMB subject is graded from A (5 points) to E (1 point). With three subjects, the maximum score is 15 points. Most universities require a minimum of 6–8 points for admission, with competitive courses requiring 12–15 points. Here is the grading breakdown:
- A: 5 points — Distinction
- B: 4 points — Credit (Upper)
- C: 3 points — Credit (Lower)
- D: 2 points — Pass
- E: 1 point — Minimum pass
- F: 0 points — Fail (not eligible for university consideration)
Which Universities Accept IJMB in Nigeria?
Over 100 Nigerian universities accept IJMB results for Direct Entry admission into 200 level. Some of the major accepting universities include:
Federal Universities That Accept IJMB
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — the host institution; high priority
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — accepts IJMB for many courses
- University of Abuja
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- University of Jos
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Universities That Do NOT Accept IJMB
Critically, several of Nigeria’s most competitive universities do not accept IJMB for Direct Entry. These include:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) — does not accept IJMB
- University of Ibadan (UI) — does not accept IJMB
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — does not accept IJMB
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) — verify directly; acceptance is subject-specific
Always verify IJMB acceptance directly with your target university’s admissions office before enrolling in the programme, as policies can change year to year.
IJMB vs JUPEB: What Is the Difference?
Both IJMB and JUPEB are 9-month A-level-equivalent programmes that lead to Direct Entry university admission without JAMB. The key differences are:
- IJMB is accredited by Ahmadu Bello University and examined by ABU. It is most commonly accepted in northern Nigeria universities.
- JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) is a University of Lagos initiative and is accepted by more southern universities, including some that do not accept IJMB.
- Both lead to JAMB Direct Entry — you still register for Direct Entry through JAMB’s portal, but you use your IJMB or JUPEB certificate instead of UTME scores.
You can read our full guide on JUPEB 2026 to compare both programmes and decide which is better for your target university.
IJMB 2026 Registration: How to Enrol
Step 1: Choose an IJMB Study Centre
IJMB programmes are run at approved centres — typically affiliated with the host institution (ABU) or accredited private study centres. Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Enugu, and other major cities have IJMB study centres. Research centres in your area and verify their affiliation and track record before enrolling.
Step 2: Pay the Registration Fee
The IJMB registration fee is approximately ₦8,750 (2025 rate) payable to ABU. This covers your examination registration and result processing. Study centre fees are separate and vary — expect ₦80,000 to ₦250,000 depending on location and accommodation options.
Step 3: Choose Three A-Level Subjects
Select three subjects that align with your intended university course. Subject combinations should mirror what your target university requires for Direct Entry. Examples:
- Medicine/Pharmacy: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
- Law: Government/Politics, Literature or History, Economics
- Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Further Mathematics
- Accounting/Business: Economics, Mathematics, Accounting or Government
Step 4: Study, Write Exams, and Apply via Direct Entry
The programme runs from October/November to July. Final examinations are conducted by ABU. Results are typically released August–September. Once you have your IJMB result, register for JAMB Direct Entry at jamb.gov.ng and apply to your chosen university with your IJMB certificate as your qualification.
IJMB Subjects Available in 2026
IJMB offers A-level courses in:
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics
- Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Business Studies
- Government, History, Geography
- Literature in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa
- French, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies
Advantages of the IJMB Programme
- No JAMB required: You bypass the UTME process entirely for your target university
- 200-level entry: You enter university as a second-year student, saving you one full academic year
- Widely accepted: Over 100 universities — including many state and federal universities — accept IJMB results
- Academic rigour builds university readiness: IJMB’s intensive curriculum prepares you better for university-level academic demands than simply re-sitting JAMB
Disadvantages and Risks
- Not accepted everywhere: If your dream university does not accept IJMB, the programme may not achieve your goal
- Intensive coursework: The nine-month programme is demanding — students who are not disciplined may struggle
- Study centre quality varies: Some IJMB centres are better resourced than others. Poor centres may leave you underprepared for exams
- Cost: Total study centre fees plus registration and living expenses can add up to ₦200,000–₦500,000 depending on location
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I do IJMB without JAMB?
Yes. You can enrol in IJMB without having taken JAMB at all. However, to use your IJMB result for university admission, you must register for JAMB Direct Entry — a separate, simpler process than UTME that does not require a UTME score.
How long is the IJMB programme?
The IJMB programme lasts 9 months, typically from October to July.
What is the IJMB maximum score?
The maximum total score is 15 points (5 points per subject × 3 subjects). Top universities may require 12–15 points for competitive courses.
Does UNILAG accept IJMB?
No. UNILAG (University of Lagos) does not accept IJMB. If you are targeting UNILAG, consider the JUPEB programme instead, which UNILAG accepts.
What is the IJMB registration fee in 2026?
Based on 2025 rates, the IJMB examination registration fee is approximately ₦8,750 payable to ABU. Study centre tuition fees are additional and vary by centre.
Final Thoughts
The IJMB program remains one of Nigeria’s most effective alternative routes to university admission. If JAMB has not worked out for you — or if you want to enter university at 200 level and save a year — IJMB is worth serious consideration. Just make sure your target university accepts IJMB before enrolling. For related guidance, read our articles on JUPEB 2026, best universities in Nigeria 2026, and how to check your JAMB result.
