How to Apply for FUTA Direct Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026/2027)

Are you a holder of an ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level certificate and you have been dreaming of studying at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)? Then Direct Entry admission is the perfect route for you. You do not have to start from 100 Level like UTME candidates — Direct Entry gives you the privilege of entering straight into 200 Level, saving you a full academic year.

But here is the thing: many candidates miss out on this opportunity simply because they do not know the right steps to follow or they make avoidable mistakes during the application process. That is exactly why we wrote this guide — to walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for FUTA Direct Entry admission, from the requirements to the final step of submitting your form.

So take a deep breath, sit back, and let us show you exactly what to do.

What Is FUTA Direct Entry Admission?

Direct Entry (DE) admission is a way of getting into a university without writing the regular UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). It is meant for candidates who already have a higher qualification beyond the Senior Secondary Certificate — things like a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) results.

At FUTA, Direct Entry candidates are admitted directly into 200 Level of their chosen programme. This means you skip your first year and go straight into your second year, which is a very big advantage.

FUTA — the Federal University of Technology, Akure — is one of Nigeria’s most respected universities of technology. It was established in 1981 in Akure, Ondo State, and has produced thousands of top engineers, scientists, and technology professionals. Getting into FUTA through Direct Entry is a smart and legitimate pathway to earning a degree from this great institution.

Who Can Apply for FUTA Direct Entry?

Before you start applying, you need to make sure you are eligible. Not everyone qualifies for Direct Entry admission. Here are the basic requirements FUTA looks for in a Direct Entry candidate:

1. O’Level Requirements

You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your Senior Secondary Certificate results, including:

English Language
Mathematics
Three other relevant subjects that relate to your chosen course

Your O’Level results can come from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, and you are allowed a maximum of two sittings. That means results from two exam sittings can be combined to make up your five credits.

2. Higher Qualification Requirements

For Direct Entry, you need one of the following:

National Diploma (ND) — You must have a minimum of Upper Credit from a recognised polytechnic or college of technology in a related field of study.
Higher National Diploma (HND) — You must have at least a Third Class or better in a relevant field, along with your NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter.
National Certificate of Education (NCE) — You must have at least a Merit Pass in relevant subjects.
A-Level (GCE Advanced Level) or JUPEB Results — You need at least two good passes in science subjects relevant to your course of study. For example, Biology and Chemistry, or Physics and Mathematics.

3. Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years old by September 30th of the year you are applying. FUTA strictly follows this rule, and your application will not be processed if you do not meet this age requirement.

4. First Choice Requirement

This is very important and many candidates get it wrong. FUTA does not accept second-choice candidates. You must have chosen FUTA as your first choice institution during your JAMB Direct Entry registration. If you selected another school as your first choice, your application to FUTA will not be entertained, no matter how qualified you are.

Documents You Will Need to Apply

Before you begin the application process, make sure you have the following documents ready. Having them on hand will make the process faster and smoother:

JAMB Registration Number (from your Direct Entry registration)
O’Level Result(s) — WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level Certificate (or statement of result if the original is not yet ready)
NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter (if you are applying with an HND or degree)
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration (to confirm your age)
Certificate of Local Government of Origin
Court Affidavit (sworn statement of your details)
Attestation Letter from your previous institution
JAMB Admission Letter (generated after JAMB CAPS confirms your admission)
Recent Passport Photograph (taken not more than one month ago, in JPEG format)

Make sure all these documents are scanned and saved on your device before you begin. You will need to upload them during your registration.

How to Register for FUTA Direct Entry (Step-by-Step)

Now let us get into the most important part — the actual application process. Follow these steps carefully and do not skip any of them.

Step 1: Register on JAMB for Direct Entry

The first thing you need to do is visit the JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) and register for Direct Entry. During registration, you will choose FUTA (Federal University of Technology, Akure) as your first choice institution. You will also select your preferred course of study.

After your JAMB DE registration, you will receive a JAMB Registration Number. Keep this number safe — you will need it throughout the entire admission process.

Step 2: Upload Your O’Level Results on JAMB CAPS

This is one step that many candidates overlook, but it is extremely important. You must log in to your JAMB profile and upload your O’Level results on the JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) portal.

FUTA requires that your O’Level results be uploaded on JAMB CAPS on or before the deadline set for each session. For the 2025/2026 session, the deadline was Wednesday, 22nd October 2025. Missing this deadline means you will not be eligible for admission, even if you have done everything else right.

Step 3: Visit the FUTA Admission Portal

Go to the official FUTA undergraduate admission portal at firars.futa.edu.ng (also accessible through www.futa.edu.ng). This is where you will complete your screening registration.

On the homepage, click on the “Admission” section and select the option for “Post-UTME/DE Application” for the current academic session.

Step 4: Create Your Application Profile

On the application page, you will be asked to create a new profile. To do this:

Enter your JAMB Registration Number as your username
Provide a valid email address and phone number
Create a password for your account

Make sure the name and JAMB registration number you enter match exactly with what is on your JAMB slip. Any mismatch may cause problems with your application.

Step 5: Select Your Programme

After creating your profile, you will be asked to select your programme of choice. You will:

Select the Parent Programme (the school or faculty)
Then select the Main Programme (your specific course)

Please note: Once you create your account under a particular programme, you cannot change to a different programme. So think carefully before selecting your course. Make sure you have made your decision before you proceed.

Step 6: Generate Your Remita Payment Code (RRR)

After selecting your programme, you will be required to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code. This is the code you will use to pay the screening fee.

The current screening fee is ₦2,000 (non-refundable, excluding bank charges).

You can pay this fee in two ways:

Online Payment: Use your Visa, Verve, or MasterCard debit card to pay directly on the portal.
Bank Payment: Take your RRR code to any commercial bank nationwide and make payment at the counter using the Remita Platform.

After making the payment, save or print your payment receipt. You will need it later.

Step 7: Fill in Your Application Form

Once your payment is confirmed, log back in to the portal with your JAMB Registration Number and password. Now fill in all the required details in the application form, including:

Your full name, contact information, and personal details
Your O’Level subjects and grades
Your higher qualification details (ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level)
Any other academic information requested

Be accurate with every detail you enter. Wrong information can disqualify your application.

Step 8: Upload Your Documents

In this step, you will upload the required documents. These include:

A recent passport photograph (JPEG format)
Your JAMB result slip
Your O’Level result(s)
Your ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level certificate (as a Direct Entry candidate)

Make sure the documents are clear and readable. Blurry or unclear scans can cause issues during the screening.

Step 9: Review and Submit Your Application

Before you click “Submit,” go through everything one more time. Check that all your details are correct, all documents are uploaded, and nothing is missing. Once you are sure everything is accurate, click the “Submit” button to complete your application.

After submission, a preview or confirmation page will be displayed.

Step 10: Print Your Screening Slip

After submitting, print your screening slip. This slip contains important information about your application and will be needed for the screening exercise. Keep it safely — do not lose it.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application and print your screening slip, the process is not completely over. Here is what to expect next:

Online Screening

FUTA conducts an online screening exercise where your submitted details — including your JAMB score, O’Level results, and your qualifying certificates — are verified and reviewed. You do not need to travel to Akure for this stage.

Important: Screening is compulsory for all Direct Entry candidates. If you do not participate in the screening, FUTA will not consider you for admission under any circumstance.

Admission List

After the screening, FUTA will release the admission list. You can check your admission status on the FUTA portal and on the JAMB CAPS portal. Keep checking your registered email address and the FUTA website regularly for updates.

Registration After Admission

Once you see your name on the admission list and your JAMB CAPS shows “Admitted,” you will then proceed to full registration. At this stage, you will need to:

Log in to the FUTA undergraduate portal (firars.futa.edu.ng)
Complete your Biodata registration — filling in all personal information
Upload all your original credentials (passport, birth certificate, local government certificate, court affidavit, attestation letter, JAMB admission letter, O’Level result, and your ND/HND/NCE certificate)
Finalize and preview your Biodata
After passing the online screening, generate your school fee invoice and pay on the Remita Platform at any listed bank
Visit your Level Screening Officer in person to have your O’Level results validated
Your Matric Number will be generated once everything checks out

Important Tips for FUTA Direct Entry Applicants

Here are a few tips that will help you have a smooth and successful application:

Apply early: Do not wait until the last minute. The portal closes on a fixed date and late applications are not accepted — no exceptions.
Double-check your details: Make sure your name, JAMB number, and course selection are accurate. A single mistake can disqualify you.
Upload your O’Level results on JAMB CAPS: This is non-negotiable. FUTA will not process your admission if your results are not on CAPS.
Keep FUTA as first choice: If you did not select FUTA as your first choice on JAMB, you are not eligible to apply.
Use a valid email address: FUTA and JAMB will send important updates to your email. Make sure it is an email you check regularly.
Save all payment receipts: Whether you pay online or at the bank, always save or print your receipt.
Watch out for scams: Do not pay anyone who promises to secure your admission. The application process is fully online and transparent. Use only the official FUTA portal.

FUTA Direct Entry — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What level will I be admitted into as a Direct Entry candidate at FUTA? Direct Entry candidates at FUTA are admitted directly into 200 Level, meaning you skip first year entirely.

Q2: Can I apply for FUTA Direct Entry if FUTA is my second choice on JAMB? No, you cannot. FUTA only considers candidates who chose the university as their first choice during JAMB DE registration. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Q3: How much is the FUTA Direct Entry screening fee? The screening fee is ₦2,000 (non-refundable, excluding bank charges). This can be paid online or at any commercial bank using a Remita code.

Q4: Can I apply with an ND Lower Credit? No. FUTA requires a minimum of ND Upper Credit for Direct Entry. Lower Credit is not accepted. Make sure your ND result meets this standard before applying.

Q5: What is the official FUTA admission portal for Direct Entry? The official portal for undergraduate and Direct Entry applications is firars.futa.edu.ng. You can also access it through FUTA’s main website at www.futa.edu.ng.

Q6: Do I still need O’Level results for Direct Entry admission? Yes, absolutely. Even as a Direct Entry candidate, you must have at least five credit passes in O’Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics. You must also upload your O’Level results on JAMB CAPS.

Q7: What happens if I do not participate in the screening exercise? If you do not register and participate in the FUTA screening exercise, you will not be considered for admission — no matter how strong your qualifications are. Screening is compulsory for every applicant.

Q8: Can I apply for FUTA Direct Entry with an HND? Yes. HND holders can apply for Direct Entry into FUTA. You must have at least a Third Class HND in a relevant field, along with your NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter.

Final Words

Getting into FUTA through Direct Entry is a great opportunity that can change your life. It is a faster, smarter way to earn a university degree from one of Nigeria’s best technology universities. The process may look a bit long on paper, but once you break it down step by step, it becomes very manageable.

All you need is the right information, the right documents, and the right mindset. Follow the steps in this guide carefully, apply on time, and make sure every detail you submit is correct. FUTA is known for a transparent and merit-based admission process, so if you are qualified, your chances are real.

We wish you the very best in your FUTA Direct Entry application journey. If you found this guide helpful, kindly share it with a friend who might need it. And if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below — we will be happy to help.

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