Are you tired of waiting on JAMB and Post-UTME, and looking for a faster way into 200 level? If yes, the Claretian University IJMB programme might be exactly what you need.
Claretian University of Nigeria, Maryland Nekede, Owerri, has opened admission into its Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme for the 2026/2027 academic session. This guide walks you through what the programme is, who can apply, what it costs, and how to submit your application.
What is the IJMB programme?
IJMB stands for Interim Joint Matriculation Board. It’s a nine-month, NUC-approved A-Level programme moderated by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Instead of writing JAMB and going through Post-UTME screening, IJMB students study three A-Level subjects related to the course they want to study, sit a final examination, and use their result to gain Direct Entry into 200 level.
That means if everything goes well, you skip 100 level entirely and start your degree programme a year ahead of your JAMB-track mates.
At Claretian University, the IJMB certificate is accepted by more than 95% of Nigerian universities, according to the university. That’s a strong number, but it still means you should confirm that your specific target university and course accept IJMB Direct Entry before you commit.
How the programme is structured
Here’s what the Claretian University IJMB programme actually looks like, based on details published on the university’s official admissions page.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 months |
| Session period | Around October/November to June/July |
| Subject combination | 3 A-Level subjects matched to your intended course |
| Final examination | Held annually in February/March |
| Result release | Usually within 90–120 days after the exam |
| Moderating body | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria |
| Certificate validity | 7 years |
| Outcome | Direct Entry admission into 200 level |
Because your three subjects are chosen based on the course you eventually want to study, it’s worth deciding on your intended degree programme before you register, not after. If you’re aiming for Engineering, for instance, your subject combination will look very different from someone aiming for Accounting or Public Health.
Who can apply
Claretian University lists the following entry requirements for its IJMB programme:
- A minimum of five credits in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Candidates still awaiting their O’Level results can apply — you don’t have to wait for your results before starting the process.
- Candidates with a single subject deficiency in a relevant subject may still be considered eligible.
If you’re unsure whether your particular result combination qualifies, it’s worth reaching out to the admissions unit directly before you pay any fees.
Cost of the Claretian University IJMB form 2026/2027
Based on the university’s official figures, here’s what to budget for:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application form | ₦5,000 |
| Total tuition and fees | ₦190,000 – ₦300,000 |
The tuition range depends on factors such as subject combination and payment structure, and the university states that a flexible payment plan is available. Since fees can be reviewed between sessions, always confirm the exact current figure directly with the admissions office or the official application portal before making any payment.
Where the programme is offered
Claretian University’s IJMB page lists accredited study centres in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, and Enugu, in addition to the main university location in Nekede, Owerri, Imo State. If a particular centre matters to you — for example, because you want to study close to home — confirm with the admissions unit which centre your application will be assigned to, since this detail isn’t broken down course-by-course on the university’s website.
How to apply: step by step
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check your O’Level results (or your provisional status if you’re still awaiting them) against the requirements above.
Step 2: Decide on your intended degree course
This determines your subject combination, so settle this before you start filling out the form.
Step 3: Visit the official application portal
Go to the Claretian University IJMB application page and fill in your personal details, including your name, date of birth, contact information, and NIN.
Step 4: Upload your documents
You’ll be asked to provide your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB or A-Level result, birth certificate, LGA identification letter, and passport photograph, along with your parent or guardian’s details.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Complete payment of the ₦5,000 application form fee through the portal.
Step 6: Submit and monitor your application
After submission, keep checking your email and the application status page on the portal for updates on your admission process.
If you start an application but don’t complete payment, the portal allows you to return and finish a pending application rather than starting over — so there’s no need to panic if you get interrupted halfway.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Registering before deciding on a course. Your subject combination depends on your intended degree, so sort this out first.
- Assuming every university accepts IJMB the same way. Confirm your target university’s Direct Entry policy for IJMB candidates before you commit months of study to a particular subject combination.
- Ignoring outstanding fees from a previous session. Claretian University has stated that returning students must clear any outstanding balance before making new payments.
- Paying through unofficial contacts. Only pay application and tuition fees through the official Claretian University portal or verified university accounts.
Real talk: IJMB is a serious commitment, not a shortcut
It’s easy to hear “skip JAMB, go straight to 200 level” and assume IJMB is the easy road. It isn’t. You’re compressing what would normally be spread across JAMB prep and 100 level into nine intense months, with a final exam that determines whether the whole investment pays off. If you’re not ready to study consistently for nine months, IJMB won’t feel like a shortcut — it’ll feel like pressure. Go in with that expectation, and you’ll handle it far better.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Claretian University IJMB form still open for 2026/2027?
The university’s official page confirms that admission for the 2026/2027 session has commenced. No specific closing date is currently published, so apply as early as you can and confirm the current status with the admissions unit.
Do I need to have finished my O’Level before applying?
No. Candidates still awaiting their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results can register.
Will every Nigerian university accept my IJMB result?
Most will, since the certificate is moderated by ABU Zaria and widely recognised. But “most” isn’t “all,” so confirm with your specific target university before relying entirely on IJMB.
How long is the IJMB certificate valid?
Seven years, according to the university.
Final thoughts
The Claretian University IJMB programme gives you a genuine alternative to the standard JAMB and Post-UTME route, with a clear path into 200 level if you complete the nine months and pass your final exam. Before you register, confirm your intended course, check that your target university accepts IJMB Direct Entry, and reach out to the admissions unit to verify the current fees and application timeline.
Official contact for Claretian University IJMB admissions:
Phone/WhatsApp: 08063388863, 08069565855, 08033266398, 07038705545
Email: admissions@claretianuniversity.edu.ng
Application portal: portal.claretianuniversity.edu.ng
Got a question about the Claretian University IJMB form, or something you’re unsure about? Feel free to drop it in the comment section — we’ll be happy to assist you!
