Documents Required for Direct Entry Registration in Nigeria (Latest Update)

If you’re planning to gain admission into a Nigerian university through the Direct Entry (DE) route, chances are you’ve already completed a diploma, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent qualification. But here’s where it gets tricky: every year, thousands of qualified candidates are either delayed or disqualified—not because they didn’t meet the academic requirements—but because they failed to provide the correct documents at the point of registration. This isn’t something you want to gamble with. Before you take a single step into any JAMB registration centre, you need to know exactly what is expected.

This article is designed to make sure you don’t make mistakes that could cost you an entire academic year. If you’re wondering what documents you really need to submit, why some get rejected, and what to do if you’re missing a particular requirement, then read this word for word. It’s more than just a list—it’s your roadmap to getting it right the first time.

What Is Direct Entry Registration All About?

Direct Entry (DE) is an alternative admission route created by JAMB for candidates who already hold qualifications higher than SSCE or its equivalent. Instead of starting from 100 level like UTME candidates, those admitted through DE usually begin from 200 level. However, to be considered for this opportunity, you need more than just a qualification—you need the right documentation, submitted in the right format, and presented at the right time.

Original Academic Qualification Certificate

One of the core documents you must present is your certificate or statement of result from your previous qualification. This could be an ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, HND, or A-Level certificate depending on the path you’ve followed. JAMB doesn’t accept awaiting results for Direct Entry, so make sure your academic certificate is ready before registration starts.

Also, the name on your qualification certificate must match the name on your birth certificate or affidavit. If there’s any discrepancy, be ready to submit an official name correction affidavit.

JAMB e-PIN and Profile Code Printout

To start the registration process, you must first generate a JAMB profile code using your NIN and then purchase an e-PIN. After that, you’ll be required to print out both the profile code and the e-PIN transaction slip. Without these two documents, no CBT centre will register you.

Make sure that the email and phone number you use to generate the profile code are active and accessible. You’ll need them to receive important notifications and updates during the registration and admission process.

Birth Certificate or Age Declaration

This is non-negotiable. Your birth certificate or court-affidavit of age declaration serves as proof of identity and age. Institutions will cross-check this with the name and date of birth on your qualification certificate, so accuracy is everything. Some candidates have lost admissions over minor errors in birth years.

O’Level Result (WAEC, NECO or Equivalent)

Even though Direct Entry is for higher qualification holders, your O’Level result is still required. You must present your complete SSCE result, with at least five credits including English and Mathematics. Some universities are very strict about subject combinations, especially for professional courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law.

Candidates can use either WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or a combination of two different exam bodies. But be careful: two results from the same exam body cannot be combined. If you choose to combine, it must be from different exam boards (e.g., WAEC + NECO).

Institution Transcript or Statement of Result

Some universities now demand official academic transcripts directly from your previous institution. Others may accept a statement of result during registration but will later request your transcript before offering admission.

If your school takes a long time to release transcripts, start the process early. Transcripts can take weeks or even months to be sent, and delays could block your admission.

JAMB Previous Registration Number (If Applicable)

If you previously gained admission into a polytechnic, college of education or any diploma-awarding institution through JAMB, you’ll need the registration number you used back then. This helps JAMB track your academic history and ensure you’re not duplicating admission entries.

Candidates who didn’t go through JAMB for their initial admission (e.g., via part-time or private institutions) must regularize their admission first before proceeding with DE registration. Without this step, your DE application may be rejected.

Passport Photograph

You’ll need a clear, recent passport photo for biometric capture during registration. Some CBT centres require that the passport be on a white or red background. Check with your registration centre in advance. Avoid submitting edited or filtered images—JAMB systems use biometric verification, so inconsistencies could flag your application for review.

JAMB Direct Entry Registration Slip

After submitting all documents and completing biometric verification at an approved CBT centre, you’ll be given a printout of your Direct Entry registration slip. This document shows your personal information, course choice, institution choices, and confirmation that your data was properly captured.

Keep multiple copies of this slip—it’s your proof that you registered. You’ll need it during your admission process, school screening, and in some cases, for NYSC.

NIN Slip

Since JAMB now uses the National Identification Number (NIN) for every registration, your NIN slip must be presented. It contains your unique number and is tied to your biometric data. Do not register with someone else’s NIN; doing so can blacklist you from future registrations.

Certificate of Origin and Certificate of State Identification

Most universities ask for a certificate of origin as part of their internal screening process. It confirms your state of origin and eligibility for catchment area advantages. While not mandatory during initial JAMB registration, it’s best to have it ready ahead of time.

Some institutions also request a certificate of identification issued by your local government or state authority. This can help when applying for state-based scholarships or local admission quotas.

What If a Document Is Missing?

If you’re missing any of the documents listed, don’t attempt to register until you’ve sorted it out. JAMB doesn’t allow corrections once registration is closed. If it’s a case of name mismatch, head to a court and get an affidavit for name correction. If your O’Level is incomplete, consider resitting the necessary papers before applying.

For those waiting for their certificate from a diploma programme, obtain an official statement of result. But remember, JAMB must be convinced that the statement is genuine—some schools may reject it in the long run if it lacks a signature, stamp, or official letterhead.

Final Advice Before You Register

Every year, candidates lose their admission because they fail to meet up with documentation requirements. It’s not about how smart you are or how well you did in your previous qualification. If your papers are not in order, you’re going nowhere. Double-check every detail: names, dates, exam numbers, passport quality, and the legitimacy of every certificate. Treat the registration process like you’re applying for a visa—one wrong move, and you’re denied. Now that you know what’s expected, make no assumptions. Gather your documents, verify them, make photocopies, and scan soft copies as backup. Be ready before registration begins.

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