Private universities in Nigeria have become a popular choice for students seeking higher education due to their quality of teaching, modern facilities, and stable academic calendar.
However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) process for private universities can be slightly different from public universities, leading to confusion for some students.
Do Private Universities Require JAMB?
Yes, private universities in Nigeria require candidates to sit for the JAMB examination.
Like public universities, private institutions follow the same guidelines set by JAMB for undergraduate admissions.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a compulsory step for all candidates aiming to gain admission into any Nigerian university, including private ones.
However, the competition in private universities may not be as intense as in public institutions, which means scoring the minimum JAMB cut-off mark could increase your chances of securing a spot.
What is the JAMB Cut-off Mark for Private Universities?
The JAMB cut-off mark for private universities varies from one institution to another.
Typically, the general JAMB cut-off mark for universities in Nigeria is set by the board, but each private university may have the freedom to set its own minimum cut-off.
Most private universities set their cut-off marks around 140-180, depending on the course you wish to study.
Ensure you check the specific requirements of your chosen university before applying.
Can You Gain Admission Into a Private University Without JAMB?
While JAMB is the standard path for university admissions, some private universities offer alternative routes, such as a direct entry or foundation program.
For instance, if you’ve completed a diploma or are transferring from another university, you may be eligible for direct entry, which bypasses the UTME process.
Some universities also have foundation programs that allow students to enter without JAMB.
However, these pathways are subject to specific requirements and may not apply to every course.
What is the Admission Process for Private Universities After JAMB?
Once you’ve successfully passed your JAMB examination and met the cut-off mark, the next step is to apply directly to the private university of your choice.
Most private institutions have their own internal screening processes.
This may involve submitting your JAMB results, O’Level results, and other relevant documents.
Some private universities conduct post-UTME exams or interviews to assess candidates further, while others simply review academic records.
Be sure to follow each university’s unique application process for the best chances of admission.
How Much Do Private Universities in Nigeria Charge for JAMB Admission?
The fees for applying to private universities can vary significantly.
The cost of applying through JAMB is usually standard across the board, but private universities often have additional charges for their screening or admission processes.
Application fees typically range from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000, depending on the institution.
You should check the financial requirements of your preferred university and budget accordingly.
Do Private Universities Accept Lower JAMB Scores?
One of the advantages of applying to private universities is that they tend to be more lenient with JAMB scores compared to public universities.
While some private universities maintain relatively high cut-off marks for competitive courses, many are open to considering candidates with lower scores, especially for less competitive courses.
This flexibility makes private universities an attractive option for students who may not meet the cut-off marks for federal or state institutions.
How Do Private Universities Handle JAMB Change of Institution?
If you initially applied to a federal or state university but later decided to switch to a private institution, you can use the JAMB Change of Institution process.
This allows you to transfer your application to the private university of your choice, provided they are still accepting candidates for the year.
The process involves logging into your JAMB portal, selecting the change of institution option, and paying a small fee to complete the switch.
Ensure that your new university accepts JAMB transfers before initiating the process.