The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the conversion process for 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates who wish to switch to Direct Entry (DE) applications.
The announcement was made via JAMB’s official X (formerly Twitter) page on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, confirming that the service is now available at all Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) across Nigeria.
“This is to notify all interested candidates that the UTME to DE conversion has commenced. The service is available at our Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) nationwide. All 2025 UTME candidates with higher qualifications suitable for Direct Entry (DE) should please take note,” the Board stated.
Who Can Apply for the Conversion?
The UTME-to-DE conversion is designed for candidates who initially registered for UTME but have since obtained higher academic qualifications—such as a National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), or Advanced Level (A-Level) results—that qualify them for Direct Entry admission into Nigerian universities.
Direct Entry applicants typically skip 100 level and begin from 200 level in participating institutions, making this conversion a strategic route for qualified candidates seeking to fast-track their degree programs.
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
Based on procedures from previous admission cycles, the conversion process usually involves:
- Visiting an authorised JAMB centre: Applicants must visit a JAMB office or an approved Professional Registration Centre (PRC). Cybercafes and non-designated outlets are not permitted to handle the process.
- Presenting relevant documents: Required documents may include the UTME result slip, ND/NCE certificate, A-Level results, or other recognised qualifications.
- Completing the application: JAMB officials will guide candidates through updating their details and filling out the necessary forms on the JAMB portal.
- Paying the processing fee: A non-refundable fee is required for the conversion and must be paid at the registration centre during the application.
Additional 2025 Admission Guidelines
Nairametrics reports that JAMB has introduced stricter rules for the 2025 admission cycle, particularly regarding age eligibility.
The minimum age for university admission remains 16 years. However, underage candidates, those younger than 16 may be considered if they meet exceptional academic and psychological readiness standards.
According to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, such candidates must:
- Score at least 320 in UTME
- Achieve 80% or above in post-UTME
- Attain a minimum of 80% in one sitting of WAEC or NECO, without mixing results from different exam bodies
For science students, top grades in Mathematics are required, while arts candidates must excel in English. Even in universities where post-UTME is suspended, underage applicants will still undergo a mandatory screening process.
To implement this policy, JAMB has set up a 23-member National Committee on Underage Admission. Screenings will take place in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri, with assessments covering not only academic performance but also emotional and psychological preparedness.
The new framework will be led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports, as part of JAMB’s renewed approach to ensuring that all admitted candidates especially those below the age threshold are fully ready for the rigours of university education.
