University of Lagos JUPEB Programme – Are you dreaming of securing Direct Entry admission into the 200 level at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) without going through JAMB UTME route? Then the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme at UNILAG might be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
The JUPEB initiative, handled by UNILAG’s School of Foundation Studies, runs for one academic year. At the end of the programme, successful candidates are awarded JUPEB certificates that grant them access to 200-level admission at UNILAG or other recognized partner universities in Nigeria and abroad.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the University of Lagos JUPEB Programme 2025/2026, from subject combinations to requirements, partner institutions, application steps, exam details, deadlines, and important tips to increase your chances of admission.
An Overview of UNILAG JUPEB Programme
JUPEB, short for the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, is an advanced-level programme designed to prepare secondary school graduates for direct entry admission into universities.
Unlike JAMB, which requires sitting for a national exam and competing with hundreds of thousands of applicants, JUPEB gives students a smoother path to 200-level admission. At UNILAG, the School of Foundation Studies manages the programme.
For one academic year, candidates undergo intensive lectures, tutorials, and assessments. Upon successful completion and passing the JUPEB final exam, students can apply to study their desired course at UNILAG or transfer their certificate to any partner institution.
The beauty of JUPEB lies in its wide acceptance. Your JUPEB result isn’t just valid in Nigeria, it is also recognized by reputable universities in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and even China.
Partner Universities that Accept UNILAG JUPEB
One of the biggest advantages of enrolling in the UNILAG JUPEB programme is the number of institutions that recognize the certificate. Students who complete the foundation programme can gain admission into:
- University of Bedfordshire (UK)
- University of Central Lancashire (UK)
- University of the West of England (UK)
- De Montfort University, Leicester (UK)
- University of Birmingham (UK)
- University of Nottingham (UK)
- University of Surrey (UK)
- University of Salford (UK)
- University of Aberdeen (Scotland)
- University of Dundee (Scotland)
- Soochow University (China)
Apart from these, JUPEB certificates are accepted by many Nigerian universities, making it one of the most reliable pathways for admission.
UNILAG JUPEB Subject Options for Admission Seekers
When applying for JUPEB, choosing the right subject combination is crucial because it determines the courses you can study later. UNILAG has arranged subject combinations to suit students across Arts, Social Sciences, Management, and Sciences. Some of them include:
- Arts and Humanities: CRS/IRS – Government – Literature in English; History – Literature in English – Visual Arts; French – Government – Literature in English.
- Social Sciences & Management: Accounting – Economics – Geography; Business Studies – Economics – Government; Economics – Government – CRS/IRS.
- Sciences: Biology – Chemistry – Physics; Chemistry – Physics – Mathematics; Mathematics – Physics – Economics.
Before registering, ensure the subject blend matches your intended university course. For instance, a candidate aiming for Medicine must pick core science subjects, while someone targeting Law should go for Government and Literature-based combinations.
Eligibility Criteria for UNILAG JUPEB Admission
Before applying, candidates must meet certain basic requirements. You are eligible if you:
- Possess at least five credit passes in relevant O’level subjects (including English Language and Mathematics) at no more than one sitting.
- Present results from WAEC, NECO, or GCE examinations.
- Have your results ready before registration begins (awaiting results are not accepted).
It’s important to double-check your O’level subjects against the JUPEB combination you want to choose. Wrong subject selection could affect your future course options.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for the UNILAG JUPEB programme is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure:
- Visit the official portal at applications.unilag.edu.ng and click on “School of Foundation Studies.”
- Provide your details in the pre-application form as they appear on your NIN or O’level results. This generates a Payment Reference Number (PRN).
- Proceed to any commercial bank in Nigeria and deposit ₦35,000 (excluding charges) using your PRN.
- Go back to the portal, sign in using your PRN and surname in lowercase, then finalize the registration.
- Ensure you print out two copies of your finalized form for your records.
- A week before the exam, an examination pass will be sent to your registered email. Print it out as it will be required for entry into the test hall.
JUPEB Entrance Examination Information
The JUPEB entrance exam at UNILAG is a computer-based test designed to evaluate your preparedness for the programme. Here’s what you need to know:
- Exam Date: Saturday, 20th September 2025
- Venue: Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos
- Format: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Number of Questions: 85 in total
- 20 questions in English Language
- 20 questions in Mathematics
- 15 questions each from your chosen three subjects
- Exam Duration: 45 minutes
- Special Note: If your subject combination includes Mathematics, you will be tested in Further Mathematics.
Important Dates to Remember
To avoid missing out, keep the following timeline in mind:
- Application begins: Monday, 26th May 2025
- Deadline for submission: Friday, 12th September 2025
- Entrance exam date: Saturday, 20th September 2025
- Release of results: Shortly after the exam on unilag.edu.ng and foundation.unilag.edu.ng
Always apply early to avoid last-minute issues such as network failures or missed deadlines.
Additional Guidelines and Reminders
- Scoring high in JUPEB does not automatically guarantee admission into your chosen course. Admission is competitive and depends on available slots.
- UNILAG may apply additional screening measures if there are too many qualified applicants.
- The programme is non-residential, students are expected to arrange their own accommodation.
- It is not open to candidates who are visually impaired.
- The university maintains a strict disciplinary policy. Offences such as exam malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and indecent dressing are not tolerated.
Why Choose JUPEB at UNILAG?
UNILAG remains one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria, and its JUPEB programme has consistently produced thousands of successful direct entry students. The advantages include:
- Access to multiple local and foreign universities.
- A strong academic structure with qualified lecturers.
- A shorter, more direct pathway to 200-level admission.
- Flexibility in choosing from various subject combinations.
If your goal is to secure admission without retaking JAMB repeatedly, this programme is an excellent investment.
Conclusion
The UNILAG JUPEB programme is a doorway to fulfilling your academic ambitions. Whether you want to study Law, Medicine, Engineering, Business, or Arts, JUPEB gives you the chance to skip the fierce UTME competition and move directly into 200 level.
Take the process seriously, prepare adequately for the entrance exam, and ensure you meet all requirements. With dedication, this could be your ticket into UNILAG or one of its partner universities abroad.
