This article highlights everything you need to know about the IJMB programme. Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is a national examinations body in charge of administering and processing direct entrance admission programs. It was established in 1976 by the Interim Common Services Agency (ICSA), and is moderated by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
If you are about to complete your secondary school education and don’t want to limit your possibilities of gaining admission to just UTME (JAMB); tired of writing the UTME (JAMB) numerous times; thinking about getting university admission without the UTME, or have recently graduated from secondary school and don't want to stay idle at home doing nothing... the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination (IJMB) can be of benefit to you. With the IJMB program, students can gain Direct Entry admission into 200L at their chosen university.
Let us go over everything you need to know about the IJMB program in great depth. Details about eligibility, the program's reliability, and any other questions you may have regarding the program will be covered.
Remember to download IJMB Past Questions (PDF) for free.
The following key points are covered in this article: comprehensive information about IJMB, how it works, IJMB certification, what it stands for, how reliable it is, IJMB eligibility/requirements, IJMB fees schedule, the duration of the IJMB programme, how to register into the IJMB programme.
JUMP TO:
What is IJMB All About?
IJMB (or IJMBE in full) stands for Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination. The IJMB is a Federal Government-certified examination body in charge of administering and processing direct entrance admission programs.
The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has certified the IJMB curriculum as one of the country's most formidable A'level programs. The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is the program's primary coordinator/moderator. In addition, IJMB enrollment centers are strategically positioned for easy access across the federation.
Quick Fact
IJMB is a federally authorized program that is accredited by NUC and JAMB.
The program was developed in the 1970s with the express goal of resolving and managing difficulties that arise as a result of the overflow of admission applications into Nigerian tertiary institutions each year. Since its inception, IJMB has enabled the admission of thousands of students by eliminating the requirement to write JAMB.
Students who complete the IJMB program are eligible for admission to their preferred university's 200-level program, eliminating the waste of time and resources associated with retaking JAMB every year.
For students who are serious about pursuing admission, IJMB offers an unrivaled opportunity in that you are able to apply even with a pending 0'level result, as long as the result will be ready before the conclusion of the IJMB course.
Continue reading this article to gain a more complete and qualitative view of the IJMB program.
Quick Fact
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, owns and moderates the IJMB programme.
What Does The IJMB Programme Represent?
The IJMB program offers an A-level admissions platform as well as an alternate platform for potential students to pursue university admission.
Private centers have been licensed to make the IJMB program available to students in various regions of the country. Prospective students will be able to access the program as a result of this. It opens the door for students to get admission to a variety of higher schools of their choosing without having to wait another year for JAMB.
Above all, it is a solution to the ever-increasing number of students demanding admission each year.
Is IJMB an Approved Programme?
The Federal Government has authorized the IJMB program as a platform for gaining admission to higher education institutions in the nation and abroad through direct entrance admission.
How Guaranteed is the IJMB Programme?
IJMB Nigeria ensures admission success for prospective students who are eager to study and willing to put in the work and effort that will put them on the path to success. Every year, over 20,000 students apply for the program, with more than 70% securing admission at the 200 level to their selected university and degree.
In a nutshell, IJMB ensures and simplifies your entry into 200level at the conclusion of your degree.
Is IJMB a Certified Programme?
The Nigeria University Commission (NUC), the country's primary administrative authority in charge of universities, recognizes and authorizes the IJMB curriculum, which is generally accepted by 80 percent of the country's institutions.
The Federal Ministry of Education, which represents the Federal Government of Nigeria in educational matters, certifies the IJMB programme through the NUC, while relevant educational institutions recognise and accept the program as one that provides A ‘levels status for prospective students.
How the IJMB Programme Works
In line with the method of operation of nearly all advanced-level programmes, students taking the IJMB programme will choose any three (3) subjects including English Language (which is a compulsory subject for participants).
Students enrolled in the IJMB program will select any three (3) courses, including English Language (which is a compulsory subject for participants), in accordance with the mode of operation used by virtually all advanced-level programs.
Quick Fact
In the IJMB program, you must complete a combination of only three subjects that are relevant to the course you have chosen.
Regardless of the course, candidates' subject combinations must be in line with their desired path of study. However, the IJMB website has a guide for prospective students who have no idea as to the subject combination procedure in accordance with their desired course of study. They also answer any other elements you may have reservations or questions about throughout the registration process.
After completing the registration process, students will begin attending lectures in the study center at the state they selected. This will continue throughout the program till the commencement of exams. The tutorial sessions provided at the various study centers provide students with appropriate preparation for the IJMB exam, which will allow their entrance into 200-level programs at their selected universities.
Quick Fact
The IJMB is evaluated based on points. An A is worth 5 points, B is worth 4 points, and so on. If you do not have any Fs in your results, you will receive a free point. This implies that the grading is over 15 (since you’re writing 3 papers).
What Is the Duration Of the IJMB Programme?
The IJMB Nigeria program lasts nine (9) months, which is equivalent to two semesters at a tertiary academic institution. This is similar to enrolling in a 100-level program at a university, with the final exam serving as a gateway to the 200-level program.
Quick Fact
It is a 9-12 month program that will provide you with a straight entrance into 200L at a university and subject of your choice.
Enrolling Into the IJMB Programme: What You Should Know
Your ordinary level result fulfills the IJMB criteria and serves as your major admission qualification. Before applying for IJMB, you must have finished his or her secondary school education.
Candidates who are awaiting their ordinary level results, on the other hand, can also apply for the IJMB programme. This is as long as the results will be available before the end of the IJMB progrramme. Candidates who have completed high school may also apply for the programme.
Quick Fact
To simplify your entrance, IJMB provides WAEC-standard O'level examinations in only two disciplines (Mathematics and English). This means that if you have a shortfall in either of these topics in your O'level result, you can take the IJMB O'level test instead of registering for another SSCE exam. There will also be intense lectures covering certain O'level courses.
How to Apply For Admission Into the IJMB Programme
The IJMB website allows you to register for the program online. To register, you must complete the basic registration procedures outlined on their platform.
Who is Eligible to Participate in the Programme?
Any interested and eligible individuals are welcome to participate in the program. Candidates must fulfill the fundamental standards outlined below in order to qualify.
Primary Requirements For Entry Into The IJMB Programme
The following are the fundamental prerequisites for IJMB admission:
- O'Level Exam Results (Max of 2 sittings)
- Birth Certificate
- Four (4) passport photographs
- Certificate of State of Origin (Optional)
Quick Fact
Most institutions that accept IJMB prioritise IJMB students with high marks above students from other programs, like ND, NCE, and so on for direct entrance 200L admission.
How Much is the Registration Form?
The IJMB Registration Form is available for ₦8,750 only. You can obtain your form today at this rate.
IJMB Fees
In all of our IJMB study centers, the school cost for the program is between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000. The condition of candidates' IJMB centers is a factor of the final price students pay for the program.
Additionally, student housing affects whether or not students will pay a specific amount. For example, the IJMB school fees in Lagos as of the 2020/2021 session are ₦250,000 with lodging and ₦200,000 without.
However, the IJMB 2020/2021 costs in Ilorin as of the 2020/2021 session are ₦180,000 without accomodation. Nonetheless, all of these expenses include the admission fee, tuition charge, and textbooks.
What Are The Payment Procedures For IJMB Fees?
As soon as a student has successfully finished his/her IJMB 2020/2021 registration, they begin their studies at a recognized study centre. Some of these centres, in order to make things easier for students and parents, make provision for payment to be done in installments. However, most of the centres require payment in full. So, it is best that you prepare in advance.
What Is The Academic Calendar For The IJMB Programme?
Every year, the academic session starts in November and concludes in April for registration into a new academic session to begin. The lectures for the session will begin in March, while registration (which is generally between the middle of March and early April) is still ongoing.
Quick Fact
Full lectures on the IJMB curriculum are delivered in various study centers around the country, with the final test and certification administered by the moderation authority (ABU, Zaria).
Lectures generally begin in March/April and will proceed through December. The revision for the session will begin in January. The exam usually commences in late January or early February and lasts three weeks. The results are then made public in late April of the same year.
Which Schools Run the IJMB Programme?
You can find a detailed list of Nigerian universities that accept IJMB into 200 level at the IJMB website.
Quick Fact
Most universities that recognise the IJMB program admit students with a minimum of 6 points as long as there is no F in the result.
Advantages IJMB Has Over JAMB And Other Programmes
- Unlike the JAMB result that expires after a year, your IJMB result only expires after 7 years.
- You can use it to apply to universities over and over again
- While running the IJMB programme, you can go ahead to apply for JAMB if you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket.
- You are more likely to secure admission into the university of your choice since the number of students that apply through IJMB are much fewer than those that apply through JAMB.
Quick Fact
Unlike JAMB, the IJMB certificate does not expire in a year. It is valid for a whopping seven years. However, it is just for admission to the university's 200L program, and can’t be used to apply for employment.
Furthermore the IJMB programme is a parents’ favorite. This is because it avails students the opportunity to have a first-hand experience of an A’level program before gaining admission into the university. To further highlight how important this is, in advanced nations, you must complete a year-long Advanced program before earning full admission to the university of choice.
Differences Between IJMB and JUPEB
A more recent alternative to JAMB, JUPEB is quickly gaining traction among students. However similar they are, it is not to be confused with IJMB. Let's look at the differences under the following headings:
Moderation: The Ahmadu Bello University moderates IJMB, whereas the University of Lagos moderates JUPEB.
Tuition Fees: IJMB fees are significantly lower than JUPEB fees. The cost of studying for IJMB in Nigeria ranges between N70,000 in public centers and N180,000 in select private institutions, whereas the cost of studying for JUPEB in any JUPEB accredited institution is between N255,000 and N290,000. In addition, the application fee for IJMB is set at N8,750, while that of JUPEB costs N15,000.
Academic Calendar: IJMB examinations are held in February, whereas JUPEB exams are held in June.
Acceptability: Except for OAU, UNILAG, and a few JUPEB universities, the IJMB is accepted by all universities in Nigeria. JUPEB is accepted at all JUPEB associated universities; for further information, see the JUPEB official website.
Note
- You don’t need a JAMB/PUTME score for admission into the IJMB programme
- Candidates that are awaiting results can also apply into the IJMB programme
- Admission is automatic (without need for screening)
- You’ll be expected to pay a non-refundable form fee of ₦5,000 (a bank deposit, which includes Registration & logistics)
If you are tired and done with failing JAMB or missing out on admission through JAMB and Post-UTME, your next best option is the IJMB program. IJMB has been very instrumental in helping thousands of students secure admission in the past and present. If you want to be a part of this incredible story, now is the time to register for IJMB.
Recommended: Study JAMB Past Questions & Answers for FREE.
![IJMB website [IJMB online portal] featured image](/image/placeholder.svg)
