DE vs UTME Admission Modes: A Guide to Higher Institution Admissions

DE (Direct Entry) and UTME (Unified) are different modes of admission into Nigerian tertiary

institutions, such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The process sometimes can be cumbersome especially for candidates, parents and guardians.

In this article, I will be discussing the two known modes of admission into higher institution

even though one (UTME) is more popular than the other (DE).

What Is UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination)?

UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is the primary mode of admission for

Nigerian students seeking admission into tertiary institutions. Students who have just completed their secondary school education and have met the minimum requirements for admission (including a minimum score in the UTME exam) can apply through this mode.

UTME candidates must sit for and pass the UTME exam, which is organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to be eligible for admission.

What Is DE (Direct Entry)

On the other hand, DE (Direct Entry) is an admission mode for students who have completed a

recognized diploma or certificate program or have completed at least two years of study at a

recognized tertiary institution.

These students can apply for admission into a university, polytechnic or college of education through direct entry. Candidates applying through DE mode are required to have an A-level, OND, HND or equivalent certificate, and must also sit for a screening or aptitude test.

UTME is the mode of admission for students who have just completed secondary school, while

DE is the mode of admission for students who have completed a recognized diploma or

certificate program, or have completed at least two years of study at a recognized tertiary

Institution.

Parents usually seek for schools abroad like Canada, however, they are faced with the daunting task of making available, huge funds for living expenses for their wards as international students and this forces them back to seek admission locally, either via the UTME and DE modes.

How To Gain Admission via UTME

To gain admission through the UTME mode in Nigeria, you need to take the following steps:

Register for UTME:

The first step to gain admission via UTME is to register for the UTME exam conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). You will be required to pay a registration fee and provide your bio-data, academic qualifications, and other relevant information during the registration process.

Prepare for UTME Exam:

After registration, you need to prepare adequately for the UTME exam. You can study past questions, enroll in a reputable UTME coaching center, and practice with mock exams to improve your chances of scoring high in the exam.

Sit For UTME Exam:

The UTME exam is usually conducted in various centers across the country. You will be required to sit for the exam on the scheduled date and time at the center assigned to you by JAMB.

Check UTME Results and Cut-off Marks:

After the UTME exam, JAMB will release the results and cut-off marks for various institutions. You can check your result and the cut- off mark for your preferred institution on JAMB#39;s website.

Apply For Admission

Once you have checked your UTME result and met the cut-off mark for your preferred institution, you can apply for admission to the school. You will be required to pay an application fee and provide your UTME score, bio-data, academic qualifications, and other relevant information during the application process.

Attend Post-UTME Screening:

After applying for admission, you will be invited for a post-UTME screening exercise organized by the institution you applied to. The screening exercise usually involves a written exam and/or an oral interview.

Check Admission Status

After the post-UTME screening exercise, the institution will release the admission list. You can check your admission status on the institution’s website or on JAMB’s portal. If you have been offered admission, you will be required to accept or reject the offer within a specified period.

How To Gain Admission Via DE Mode

To gain admission via the DE mode in Nigeria, you need to take the following steps:

Obtain The Required Qualifications

You need to have a recognized diploma, National Diploma (ND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), or its equivalent. These qualifications must be obtained from a recognized institution.

Meet the Requirements of Your Preferred Institution:

Different institutions have different admission requirements for DE candidates. Therefore, it is essential to check the requirements of your preferred institution before applying for admission.

Obtain The JAMB DE Form:

Visit the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website or any JAMB office close to you to obtain the Direct Entry (DE) application form. You will be required to provide your personal information, academic qualifications, and payment details.

Apply to Your Preferred Institution:

Apply to your preferred school by visiting their website or any of their designated banks. You will be required to provide your JAMB DE registration number, academic qualifications, and other relevant information.

Attend The institution’s Screening Exercise:

After applying for admission, the institution will invite you for a screening exercise. The screening exercise usually involves a written exam and/or an oral interview. Ensure you attend the screening exercise with all the necessary documents, including your academic qualifications and identification card.

Check Admission Status:

After the screening exercise, the institution will release the admission list. Check your admission status on the institution#39;s website or JAMB’s website. If you have been offered admission, you will be required to accept or reject the offer within a specified period.