If you are tired of taking JAMB multiple times or want a quicker way to enter 200-Level at a Nigerian university, the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme is a reliable option.
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna is offering this programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.
This guide explains what the AFIT IJMB programme is, who it is for, how to apply, and answers common questions from prospective candidates.
Since admission dates, fees, and screening schedules can change each year, use this article as a general guide.
Always check AFIT’s official portal for the latest information before you register or pay any fees.
Contents
What Is AFIT, and Why Consider It for IJMB?
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna is a tertiary institution owned by the Nigerian Air Force.
It offers degree, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and pre-degree programmes.
The School of Basic and Remedial Studies at AFIT runs O’Level remedial classes and the IJMB programme, making AFIT a good place for students to build a strong academic foundation before starting a full degree at AFIT or another Nigerian university.
Because the military runs AFIT, the campus is usually disciplined and secure.
Its IJMB centre has a good record of preparing students for direct entry into 200-Level.
What Exactly Is IJMB?
IJMB is a one-year advanced-level programme, similar to A-Levels, that lets students enter directly into 200-Level at most Nigerian universities without taking JAMB UTME.
Students choose three subjects related to their future degree, take a final exam set by the Interim Joint Matriculation Board, and use their results like A-Level or Cambridge results to apply for direct entry.
Many students find this option appealing because:
- It avoids the unpredictability of JAMB UTME scoring.
- It allows entry straight into 200-Level, saving a year compared to starting from 100-Level.
- Universities generally regard IJMB certification as a strong, credible qualification for Direct Entry.
Who Should Apply for AFIT’s IJMB Programme?
The AFIT IJMB programme suits:
- SSCE/WAEC/NECO/GCE holders with at least five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, who want an alternative to repeated JAMB attempts.
- Candidates targeting competitive courses (Medicine, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, etc.) where a strong Direct Entry result can meaningfully improve admission chances.
- Students who prefer a structured, classroom-based one-year programme over another year of UTME preparation.
Entry Requirements for AFIT IJMB 2026/2027
While exact requirements are confirmed each session on the official portal, IJMB admission at AFIT generally requires:
- A minimum of five O’Level credit passes (WAEC, NECO, or GCE), including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
- Original certificates or result slips for verification at the point of registration.
- A completed application form submitted through the official AFIT admission portal.
- Selection of a subject combination that aligns with your intended university course (for example, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Medicine-related courses; Economics, Government, and Literature for some Social Science and Arts courses).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for AFIT IJMB Admission
- Visit the official AFIT admission portal at portal.afit.edu.ng and locate the IJMB application link for the 2026/2027 session.
- Register with a valid email address and phone number to create your applicant profile.
- Fill in your bio-data and O’Level information accurately, matching your WAEC/NECO/GCE records exactly.
- Select your subject combination, choosing the three subjects that align with your intended degree course at the university you plan to apply to afterwards.
- Generate your payment invoice from the portal and pay the non-refundable application fee using an Interswitch-enabled ATM card, as instructed on the site; historically, this is around ₦10,000, but confirm the current amount.
- Print your application form and payment confirmation once your payment reflects.
- Attend the screening exercise at the School of Basic and Remedial Studies on the scheduled date, bringing your original O’Level certificates or result slips, photocopies, recent passport photographs, and proof of payment.
- Await your admission status, which is typically communicated through the same portal or via notice boards at the school.
Registration windows are usually open for several weeks, and screening exercises are held on campus shortly after the application portal closes, so apply early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Fees and Payment Notes
The AFIT IJMB application fee is a set, non-refundable amount that you must pay using an Interswitch-enabled card on the official portal.
Do not pay through agents or personal bank accounts.
Besides the application fee, plan for tuition, accommodation (if needed), and study materials for the year.
Always check portal.afit.edu.ng for the latest fees, as other websites may have outdated information.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Pick your subject combination carefully based on the university course you want to study. Choosing the wrong subjects can limit your Direct Entry options later.
- Keep both digital and physical copies of every document you submit.
- Register early; screening slots and available subject combinations can fill up before the stated deadline.
- Take the one-year IJMB programme seriously. Your final IJMB result works like an A-Level score and will directly affect which universities and courses you can get into.
- Stay away from anyone who says they can guarantee you admission or a certain IJMB score for a fee. AFIT and other IJMB centres do not work like that.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can IJMB certificates from AFIT be used to apply to any Nigerian university, or only AFIT itself?
IJMB results are generally recognised for Direct Entry admission across most Nigerian universities, not just AFIT, provided the receiving university accepts IJMB as a Direct Entry qualification for your chosen course.
2. Is JAMB UTME still required if I complete the AFIT IJMB programme?
No. The core purpose of IJMB is to offer an alternative route into 200-Level that does not require a fresh UTME sitting.
However, you will still need a JAMB registration number/profile to process your eventual Direct Entry admission.
3. How long does the AFIT IJMB programme actually take to complete?
It is a one-year, three-term programme culminating in the IJMB final examinations, though some candidates may need an extra term if results in a subject fall short of requirements.
4. Can science students switch to arts-based courses using their IJMB result, or vice versa?
Generally no.
Your subject combination should match your intended course from the outset, since universities evaluate Direct Entry candidates based on subject relevance to the course applied for.
5. Does AFIT IJMB only accept candidates who want to study at AFIT afterwards?
No. Many candidates complete IJMB at AFIT specifically to gain Direct Entry into other universities; AFIT’s own degree programmes are a separate option, not a requirement.
6. What happens if a candidate fails one subject in the final IJMB examination?
Policies vary, but candidates are typically allowed to resit the failed subject in a subsequent examination diet while retaining their passed subjects, rather than repeating the entire programme.
7. Is accommodation provided for IJMB students at AFIT?
Accommodation arrangements depend on the session and available capacity at the School of Basic and Remedial Studies; confirm current hostel availability directly with the admissions office.
8. Can a candidate combine an ongoing university application (via JAMB) with the AFIT IJMB programme in the same year?
Yes, candidates often keep a JAMB UTME attempt as a backup while pursuing IJMB, though most fully commit to the one-year IJMB timetable once admitted, given the coursework demands.
Final Thoughts
The AFIT IJMB programme for 2026/2027 is a practical shortcut for students who want a trusted, university-recognised way to enter 200-Level without depending only on JAMB UTME.
To succeed, pick the right subjects, apply early on the official portal, and take the one-year coursework as seriously as a full degree.
Always check portal.afit.edu.ng for the latest details, dates, fees, and requirements before you register or pay.
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