How to Gain Admission into Any Nigerian Private University - Southwestern University

There are over 50 accredited private universities in Nigeria, and thousands of students sit for the entrance examination into these universities every year. The sad truth is that not everyone who sits for the exams gets admitted into the University.

How to Gain Admission into Any Nigerian Private University

The most important requirement in gaining admission into a private University is an O level or A level certificate with the right subject combination of the desired course of study. This article is going to discuss the requirements and steps to take for an easy admission into the private university of your choice.

Different institutions will require some specific documents but the general primary requirements have been listed below. These requirements apply to most Nigerian private universities and they include:

A minimum of 5 credits in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE/GCE) O’ Level in a maximum of 2 sittings.

A minimum mark of 180 in the Unified Tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) out of a maximum of 400 marks.

For alternative entry without UTME

A minimum of Merit Pass in the National Certificate of Education (NCE), National Diploma (ND), and other Advanced Level Certificates.

What you need to know about the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is assigned with the responsibility of organizing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities.

Candidates are required to buy the JAMB form and filled with correct details. (You will be required to choose two universities, two polytechnics and two colleges of education of your choice, with the first and second choice courses of the candidate’s choice). This procedure of admission applies to both public and private higher institutions in Nigeria. The minimum cut-off point for all universities is 180. Different schools could fix their preferred cut-off marks.

University Admission Screening

After the release of UTME results, universities advertise for post UTME screening of qualified candidates. There are two types of admission screening, Post UTME and matriculation screening (departmental and faculty screening). Matriculation screening will only happen after you have been given full admission to the University of your Choice.

The admission process is not usually the same in all schools but in spite of a few variations, the major aim of the admission screening process is to ensure candidates are qualified to embark on a course of study. All private universities put this screening in place to ensure that only qualified students are admitted. Students are screened according to the entry requirement of their chosen course.

Required documents for Online Post UTME (Pre Screening)

Before you can proceed with Online Post UTME registration/screening, you have to purchase an application form from your university of choice.

After the filling and submission of form, screening exercises are always conducted at the university. Here students’ knowledge would be tested on the 5 major courses they wrote in their UTME exams. Endeavor to go to your desired institution’s website for the right information regarding your exams before the screening date.

Screening Requirements

The following requirements are always needed either before screening or on screening day

JAMB Data: Your jamb details such as the JAMB Registration number, JAMB score, UTME Subject combination would be required for an online or offline screening.

Passport Photograph: Different universities have their specifications for passport photograph. Try to find out this information from your university of choice.

Online Admission screening registration printout: This is the print out given after filling and submission of Post-UTME form. It is always required on the day of screening.

Guardian/sponsor’s Letter: Some schools require a letter from guardian or sponsor before or on the day of Matriculation screening.  It’s a letter from your guardian or sponsor indicating that they will be responsible for your general welfare including your fees.

O’ level Result: Your WAEC, NECO, or GCE is your O level (ordinary level) result which you must take along to the screening centre. This certificate could be an original copy, a statement of result, or computer print out. Based on some university’s policy, you can combine results.  Candidates awaiting SSCE results can also apply provided the results will be available before resumption.

Proper Subject Combination: To gain admission into a private university in Nigeria, you must pass the required secondary school subjects in your O level examination and also the required secondary school subjects in JAMB UTME. During your departmental screening exercise, these combinations will be checked thoroughly. Use the search box below to check your preferred course O level and JAMB subject combinations.

Admission Requirements For Transfer/Direct Entry Students

To apply for admission, a direct entry candidate will need

A level (Advanced level) Certificate, (JUBEB, CAMBRIDGE, HND, NABTEB and NCE)

Photocopy of previous admission letter from former school.

JAMB Admission Letter: You will also present your Admission Letter or original JAMB result during screening. You can get JAMB original results at a cyber cafe.

Birth Certificate (DOB): All candidates including UTME candidates are often expected to come to screening with their birth certificate. If you don’t have a birth certificate, an Affidavit sworn in a Magistrate Court could be used in place of that.  Make sure the name on your birth certificate corresponds with the one in your O level / A level results

The Local Government of Origin Certificate: This Certificate is very important for screening especially in a State University because it gives you an identity and other benefits such as Scholarship. You can get the Certificate in your State Local Government

Evidence of payment: The receipt is always required before you’re allowed access to the screening.

Letter of Attestation: You may be required to submit a letter of attestation, depending on the school’s policy.

On a Final Note

Southwestern University is a private university approved by the federal government of Nigeria. SUN offers conversion programs for holders of University degrees, HND, and other equivalent qualifications.

In the SUN admission process, candidates who did not choose SUN in their UTME application are always considered for admission. Candidates who did not write UTME are always advised to apply for JUPEB a pre-degree program as it does not require JAMB scores. Successful completion of this program grants students admission to continue from their second year in the University through the direct entry programme. The JUPEB certificates are recognized by JAMB for its direct entry admission into any university.