UI Direct Entry Requirements 2026/2027 (All Courses)

Are you planning to gain admission into the University of Ibadan (UI) through Direct Entry? If yes, then this article is for you. We have put together everything you need to know about the UI Direct Entry requirements for the 2026/2027 academic session — explained clearly and simply so you do not get confused.

Whether you finished from a College of Education with an NCE, a Polytechnic with an OND or HND, or you sat for your A-Level exams, this guide will show you exactly what UI expects from you before you can be admitted through Direct Entry.

Read everything carefully. Missing even one requirement can cost you your admission.

What Is Direct Entry Admission?

Direct Entry (DE) is a type of university admission that allows candidates who already have a post-secondary qualification — such as A-Level results, NCE, OND, or HND — to gain admission directly into 200 Level (or 300 Level in some cases) of a degree programme, instead of starting from 100 Level.

This means you skip the first year of university. It is a great opportunity for people who already have some form of higher education and want to continue with a degree.

At the University of Ibadan, Direct Entry admission is offered across many faculties and departments. However, you must meet specific requirements depending on the course you want to study.

General UI Direct Entry Requirements 2026/2027

Before we look at individual courses, here are the general requirements that apply to all Direct Entry candidates at UI:

1. O’Level Result (WAEC/NECO/GCE)

You must have at least five (5) credit passes in five subjects at O’Level in one sitting.
If you could not get five credits in one sitting, you may present six (6) credits from two sittings — but this applies only to certain programmes. Medical-related programmes do not accept two sittings at all.
English Language is compulsory for every candidate in every course.
Mathematics is compulsory for all Science-based courses, Engineering, and Economics-related programmes.

2. Higher-Level Qualification (A-Level, NCE, OND, or HND)

You must present at least one of the following:

Two A-Level passes in relevant subjects (this is the most common requirement across all faculties).
NCE (National Certificate of Education) — at Credit or Merit level depending on the course.
OND (Ordinary National Diploma) — at Upper Credit level from a recognised Polytechnic.
HND (Higher National Diploma) — at Upper Credit level, which may qualify you for 300 Level in some courses.
A first degree in a relevant field (accepted for a few courses like Medicine and Law).

3. JAMB Direct Entry Registration

Even though you are not writing JAMB UTME, you must still register for JAMB Direct Entry and choose the University of Ibadan as your first-choice institution. UI does not accept second-choice applicants.

4. Important Notes

UI does NOT accept IJMB or JUPEB results for Direct Entry. Only WAEC, NECO, Cambridge A-Level, NCE, OND, HND, and recognised degree certificates are accepted.
Two O’Level sittings are not accepted for Medicine, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Human Nutrition.
Agricultural Science is not accepted as a Science subject in most Science and Technology-based courses.

UI Direct Entry Requirements by Faculty and Course

Below is a breakdown of the Direct Entry requirements for each faculty at UI. This information is taken directly from the official UI Admissions Regulations document.

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Courses: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, Crop & Horticulture Sciences, Soil Resources Management, Animal Science, Crop Protection & Environmental Biology

Direct Entry Requirement: Two A-Level passes in Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agricultural Science, Economics, Physics, Geography, or Mathematics.

UI also accepts NCE, OND, or HND in related agricultural fields.

O’Level: English Language, Biology/Agric Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, and any one or two of Geography, Physics, and Economics.

Faculty of Renewable and Natural Resources

Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Two A-Level passes in Chemistry and one from Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agric Science, Economics, Physics, Geography, or Mathematics. UI accepts OND or NCE in Fisheries and Agriculture.

Forest Production and Products / Social and Environmental Forest Two A-Level passes in Chemistry and Biology or Botany or Zoology or Agric Science. UI accepts OND or NCE in Forestry.

Wildlife & Ecotourism Management Two A-Level passes in Chemistry and one from Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agric Science, Economics, Physics, Geography, or Mathematics. UI accepts OND or NCE in Wildlife Management, Fisheries, Tourism, Agriculture, or related fields.

Faculty of Arts

Linguistics & African Languages Two A-Level passes to include any language (preferably an African Language) and another Arts or Social Science subject. UI accepts NCE in any language and another Arts or Social Science subject at Credit level.

Yoruba / Igbo A-Level pass of at least D grade in Yoruba or Igbo, plus one Arts/Social Science subject. NCE in Yoruba or Igbo with at least Merit is also accepted.

Anthropology Two A-Level passes or NCE with Credit pass in Arts subjects like Geography or Economics. UI accepts OND with Upper Credit in Social Work, Theatre Arts, Mass Communication, Journalism, Tourism, or related fields.

Arabic Studies Two A-Level passes in Arabic and any other Arts or Social Science subject. NCE with at least Credit in Arabic is also accepted.

Archaeology (Arts) Two A-Level passes or NCE with Credit in Geography or Economics. OND with Upper Credit in Tourism or Museum Management is accepted.

Classics Two A-Level passes including Literature in English or History. NCE in relevant Arts subjects is accepted.

Communication & Language Arts Two A-Level passes including Literature in English and one other Arts or Social Science subject. OND in Mass Communication with Upper Credit is accepted.

English Language Two A-Level subjects including Literature in English. NCE with Credit pass in English Literature (not General English) is accepted.

European Studies (French / Russian / German) Two A-Level passes in the relevant language and any other Arts or Social Science subject. NCE at Credit level including French is accepted for French. Candidates without O’Level in French are also acceptable for the French programme.

History Two A-Level or NCE passes in History and any other related subject.

Islamic Studies Two A-Level passes in Islamic Studies and any other Arts or Social Science subject. NCE with Merit in I.R.K. is accepted.

Music An A-Level pass in Music plus two other A-Level subjects. NCE with Credit in Music, or a good degree with Grade VI ABRSM or MUSON Certificate is also accepted.

Philosophy Two A-Level passes in one Arts subject and any other Arts, Social Science, or Science subject.

Religious Studies Two A-Level passes including Religious Studies or CRK and one other subject. NCE with at least Credit in Religious Studies is accepted.

Theatre Arts Two A-Level passes in Arts, Social Science, or Science subjects.

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education has many degree options, often combining teaching subjects with education. Here is a summary:

Adult Education Two A-Level passes or NCE with passes in two relevant teaching subjects available at UI (at Merit level).

Educational Management Two A-Level passes from Arts, Science, or Social Sciences, or NCE (Merit/Credit) in relevant teaching subjects.

Business Education NCE in Business Education, Business Administration, Accountancy, Commerce, Banking and Finance, or Insurance. HND with Lower Credit in related fields is also accepted.

Guidance & Counselling A-Level passes or NCE in two subjects (in teaching subjects available at UI).

Human Kinetics / Health Education NCE in Biology and Health Education, or registration as a Nurse.

Education/Arabic Studies, Education/Communication & Language Arts, Education/English, Education/French, Education/History, Education/Islamic Studies, Education/Religious Studies, Education/Yoruba Requirements are similar to their pure Arts equivalents listed above, but candidates must also meet the O’Level requirements for Education programmes.

Education/Chemistry, Education/Physics, Education/Mathematics (B.Sc Ed) Two A-Level subjects including the relevant Science subject. NCE with minimum Credit or Merit in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Geography is accepted. All candidates must have a Credit pass in Mathematics at O’Level.

Education/Economics Two A-Level passes in Economics and any one of Mathematics, Statistics, Geography, Physics, Government, History, Chemistry, or Agricultural Science.

Education/Geography (Social Science) Two A-Level passes in Geography and any one of Economics, Government, or History.

Early Childhood Education Two A-Level passes or NCE at Merit level in Pre-Primary/Primary Education plus one UI-approved teaching subject.

Special Education Two A-Level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects, or NCE at Merit level.

Library Studies Two A-Level passes in relevant subjects, or NCE with Merit passes in relevant subjects.

College of Medicine

Medical courses at UI have very strict requirements. Two O’Level sittings are not accepted for any medical course.

Medicine & Surgery Three A-Level passes in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Zoology. A B.Sc degree in a relevant field is also accepted. O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — at one sitting only.

Dentistry Same as Medicine & Surgery.

Pharmacy A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics. B.Sc degree in relevant fields is also accepted. O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at one sitting.

Nursing Two A-Level passes from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Candidates must also possess professional qualifications and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at one sitting.

Biochemistry / Physiology Two A-Level subjects from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, or Botany. O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Medical Laboratory Science Three A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology, and one other Science subject. HND with Upper Credit in related fields is accepted. O’Level must be from one sitting only.

Physiotherapy Three A-Level passes in Physics, Biology/Zoology, and one other Science subject. O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at one sitting.

Human Nutrition Two A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. OND in Nutrition, Dietetics, or Food Science with Upper Credit is accepted. Registered Nurses are also given preference. O’Level must be at one sitting.

Environmental Health Sciences (B.EHS) Two A-Level passes in Chemistry, Physics, and one other Science subject. OND/HND in Environmental Health with Upper Credit is accepted. O’Level must be at one sitting.

Faculty of Science

Botany Two A-Level subjects in Botany or Biology and Chemistry.

Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry Two A-Level subjects including Chemistry and one of Physics, Mathematics, or Biology.

Computer Science Two A-Level subjects in Mathematics (Pure or Applied) and Physics. OND/HND in Computer Science or any Mathematics-based course with Upper Credit is also accepted.

Geography Two A-Level subjects including Geography and any other Science subject.

Geology Two A-Level subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, or any other Science subject. OND in Geology with Upper Credit is also accepted.

Mathematics Two A-Level subjects including Mathematics and any Science subject. NCE with at least Merit in Mathematics and one approved Science subject is accepted.

Microbiology A-Level passes in Botany/Biology and Chemistry. HND in Microbiology or Microbiology & Virology with Upper Credit is also admissible to 200 Level.

Physics A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics. NCE and OND holders are also eligible.

Statistics Two A-Level subjects including Mathematics, or UI’s Professional Diploma in Statistics. OND with Upper Credit from a recognised institution may also be considered.

Zoology Two A-Level Science subjects including Biology/Zoology.

Archaeology (Science) / Anthropology (Science) Two A-Level passes or NCE with at least Credit in Biology and any of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Geography. OND with minimum Upper Credit in Tourism or Museum Management is also considered.

Faculty of Environmental Design and Management

Architecture Two A-Level Science subjects including Mathematics and Physics. OND in Architectural Technology or equivalent is accepted. Preference is given to candidates with Credit in Fine Arts or Technical Drawing and Upper Credit in OND. HND in Architectural Technology with Lower Credit is accepted to 200 Level.

Urban and Regional Planning A-Level passes in Mathematics and any of Physics, Chemistry, or Geography. OND with Upper Credit in Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning (URP), or Building Technology is accepted. HND with Upper Credit in URP, Architecture, or Building Technology is also accepted to 300 Level.

Estate Management Two A-Level subjects including Mathematics, Economics, and any of Physics, Chemistry, or Geography. OND in Estate Management, Architecture, or Building Technology with Upper Credit is accepted to 200 Level. HND in Estate Management with Upper Credit is accepted to 300 Level.

Faculty of Technology (Engineering)

For all Engineering courses at UI, the following generally applies:

Courses: Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Industrial & Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Wood Products Engineering

Direct Entry Requirement: Two A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics. OND with Upper Credit (65%) is accepted to 200 Level. HND with Upper Credit is accepted to 300 Level. Knowledge of Further Mathematics is an added advantage for all Engineering courses.

Food Technology Two A-Level passes in Physics and Biology or Mathematics. O’Level: English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Political Science Two A-Level passes including Government or History. UI requires 5/6 O’Level credits in any subject plus at least a Pass in Mathematics. Note: UI does not offer International Relations.

Psychology Two A-Level passes including Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, Government, Geography, Economics, or Mathematics. NRN (Registered Nurse) certificate is also accepted alongside UTME requirements.

Geography (Social Science) Two A-Level passes in Geography and any one of Economics, Government, or History.

Sociology Two A-Level passes from Arts, Science, or Social Science subjects.

Faculty of Economics

Economics Two A-Level passes in Economics and any one of Mathematics or Statistics, Geography, History, Government, Physics, Chemistry, or Agricultural Science. O’Level credits must include both Mathematics and Economics.

Faculty of Law

Law Two A-Level papers plus Credit in 5/6 O’Level subjects including English Language and Literature in English. A good first degree is also accepted, provided you have Credit in English Language and Literature at O’Level. Note: Literature in English is compulsory at O’Level for Law candidates. This is not negotiable.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine Three A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology, and Physics/Mathematics. OND/HND in Animal Health and Husbandry is accepted with the following conditions: at least one year of practical experience, five O’Level credits in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and English, and OND at Distinction or Upper Credit level.

How to Apply for UI Direct Entry 2026/2027

Once you have confirmed that you meet the requirements for your course, here is how to apply:

Register for JAMB Direct Entry — Visit the JAMB portal (jamb.gov.ng) and register for Direct Entry. Choose the University of Ibadan as your first-choice institution.
Visit the UI Admissions Portal — Go to admissions.ui.edu.ng. Use your JAMB registration number as your username and your surname (in capital letters) as your initial password.
Pay the Required Fees — You will pay a portal access fee of ₦3,000 and a screening fee of ₦2,000 through the admissions portal.
Upload Your Documents — Upload your O’Level result(s), A-Level/NCE/OND/HND certificates, and other relevant documents. Direct Entry candidates are to send credentials to ugadmissions@stu.ui.edu.ng.
Wait for Screening and Admission — After submission, UI will review your application and announce admission lists through their portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UI accept IJMB for Direct Entry? No. The University of Ibadan does not accept IJMB or JUPEB results. Only WAEC, NECO, Cambridge A-Level, NCE, OND, HND, and recognised degree certificates are accepted.

Can I apply as a second-choice candidate? No. UI only accepts candidates who choose it as their first-choice institution during JAMB Direct Entry registration.

Does UI accept two O’Level sittings for medical courses? No. For Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and Human Nutrition, all five O’Level credits must come from one sitting.

What level will I enter with an HND? Depending on your course, HND holders with Upper Credit may enter at 300 Level. For example, in Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management, and some Engineering programmes, HND with Upper Credit qualifies for 300 Level entry.

Can I apply with an OND for Direct Entry into UI? Yes, but only if you have a minimum of Upper Credit, and only for courses where OND is specifically accepted. Not all courses accept OND.

Our Final Thoughts

The University of Ibadan is one of Nigeria’s finest universities, and getting in through Direct Entry is a great achievement. However, you must make sure you meet every single requirement for your course before you apply.

Do not assume — double-check the requirements for your specific course. If you are unsure, visit the UI official admissions portal at admissions.ui.edu.ng or contact the admissions office directly.

We wish you the best of luck in your application. If you found this article helpful, share it with other students who might need it.

For more guides on university admission requirements, scholarships, and career tips, keep visiting here — your ultimate guide to academic and professional success.