If you want a quicker, less stressful way into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, or need to improve your O’Level results before taking JAMB again, it’s important to know about the ABU IJMB and Remedial programmes at the School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS), Funtua.
This guide explains the 2026/2027 forms, who can apply, how the process works, and answers common questions.
Contents
What Is SBRS Funtua, and Why Does It Matter?
The School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS) in Funtua is ABU Zaria’s centre for two main routes into the university:
- The Basic (IJMB) Programme is similar to Advanced-Level studies. If you pass the IJMB exams, you can enter directly into 200 Level at a Nigerian university and do not need to take the JAMB UTME for that admission.
- The Remedial Programme is for students who do not have enough O’Level credits in subjects like Mathematics, English, or the sciences for their chosen course. It offers a clear way to make up these credits before applying to ABU or another university through UTME.
Both programmes take place at the Funtua campus and can lead to admission into Ahmadu Bello University.
They are popular with students who want to avoid spending another year trying to meet the JAMB cut-off mark.
IJMB Programme: Subject Combinations and Duration
The Basic (IJMB) programme lasts about twelve months and offers several subject combinations, called BS1 to BS6.
These usually include groups like:
- BS1: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- BS2: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
- BS3: Mathematics, Physics, Geology
- BS4: Chemistry, Physics, Geography
- BS5: Geography, Mathematics, Physics
- BS6: Chemistry, Geology, Physics
Students pick the subject combination that fits their planned university course.
For example, someone aiming for Medicine or Pharmacy would usually choose Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while someone interested in Engineering might select a combination with Mathematics and Physics.
Remedial Programme: What It’s For
The Remedial programme is shorter, usually lasting up to nine months, and is meant to help students improve weak O’Level results.
Instead of full A-Level content, remedial students focus on passing WAEC or NECO credits in the subjects they need, while also preparing for the next UTME.
Eligibility Requirements
For the IJMB Programme, candidates generally need to:
- Sit and pass SBRS’s own pre-admission entrance test.
- Hold a minimum of five O’Level credits, drawn from subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Physics, matching the chosen subject combination.
- Complete the biodata and academic screening stages after applying.
For the Remedial Programme, candidates generally need to:
- Sit and pass the SBRS pre-admission test.
- Have at least three credits and two passes across English Language, General Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Physics from WAEC and/or NECO.
- Register for and sit the next available UTME, since remedial study is meant to complement, not replace, the JAMB process.
The exact subject requirements may change depending on the course or combination you want.
Check the requirements for your chosen combination before paying for a form.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Go to the SBRS/ABU portal for the IJMB or Remedial programme you want: Click “Start Application” to create a new account if you are not already registered.
- Fill in your bio-data: surname, first name, other names, a valid active email address, and phone number, then set and confirm a password.
- Verify your email address using the link sent to your inbox before you can proceed.
- Choose your application type: For some remedial sessions, ABU offers both On-Campus (studying at Funtua) and Online (studying from home) options. Pick the one that works best for you.
- Pay the application fee, usually about ₦10,000, using the Remita payment gateway: You can pay with a debit card, bank transfer, or by using a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) at a bank.
- Print your application form or examination card after your payment is confirmed: You will need this document for later verification.
- Sit the pre-admission entrance test on the date, at the time, and at the venue communicated by the school.
- Report for verification and biodata screening if provisionally admitted, presenting your printed application form and original credentials at the school gate before proceeding to the screening point.
Fees and Closing Dates
Application fees for both programmes are usually around ₦10,000, but always check the official portal for the latest amount before paying, as fees can change.
Closing dates are often between September and December, and sometimes extend into January if spaces remain.
Since SBRS has extended deadlines before, it is best to apply early rather than wait until the last minute.
After the Programme: What Happens Next?
If you pass the IJMB and get the required points, you can usually get Direct Entry admission into 200 Level at ABU or another university that accepts IJMB.
Your IJMB results do not expire, so you can use them for admission in future years, just like JUPEB results.
If you complete the remedial programme, you should have fixed any missing O’Level credits and then take the next UTME.
After that, you follow the usual JAMB admission process for your chosen school and course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the real difference between IJMB and Remedial at ABU?
IJMB is an Advanced-Level equivalent programme that leads to Direct Entry into 200 Level, bypassing UTME for that admission route.
Remedial is shorter and helps candidates pass missing O’Level credits before returning to the standard JAMB/UTME pathway.
2. Can I apply for the Remedial programme online without relocating to Funtua?
Recently, some remedial applicants have been able to choose an Online option as well as the traditional On-Campus option.
Check the current application form to see if you can study remotely for your intake.
3. Do IJMB results expire if I don’t use them immediately?
No. IJMB results do not expire, just like JUPEB results.
You can use them for admission even years after you get them.
4. Is there an entrance exam before I’m admitted into either programme?
Yes. Both IJMB and Remedial applicants must take and pass the SBRS pre-admission test before moving on to biodata and academic screening.
5. Which subject combination should I choose for IJMB?
Choose the subject combination that fits your planned university course.
For example, pick Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Medicine, or Mathematics and Physics for Engineering.
6. Can a remedial student skip UTME entirely?
No. Remedial study only helps you fix missing O’Level credits.
You still need to register for and take the next UTME to continue with normal admission.
7. What happens if I miss the application closing date?
SBRS has extended closing dates in the past, but this does not happen every year.
It is safer to apply early than to expect an extension.
8. Do I need an original WAEC/NECO result to apply, or can I use a photocopy first?
You usually need real result details to register online, but you will need to show your original certificates during verification and screening after you are admitted.
Keep your original documents ready.
9. Is the ABU IJMB/Remedial form the same as the university’s regular Post-UTME form?
No, they are different. The IJMB/Remedial form is only for SBRS Funtua’s pathway programmes.
The regular ABU Post-UTME form is for students using the standard JAMB admission route.
Final Thoughts
Since closing dates, fees, and application steps can change each year, always check the official SBRS/ABU portal for the latest information before you pay.
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