If you want to enter the 200 level at a Nigerian university without retaking UTME, Clifford University’s JUPEB programme is a well-known option.
As the 2026/2027 admission cycle begins, this guide explains what the Clifford University JUPEB programme is, who can apply, how to apply, and answers common questions from prospective students.
Just to be clear, the latest officially confirmed JUPEB session at Clifford University is for 2025/2026.
Since the university hasn’t published dates or fees for 2026/2027 yet, this article focuses on the programme’s usual structure and process, which have stayed the same in recent years.
You’ll also find out how to check the latest details directly with the university.
A quick warning: During admission season in Nigeria, many fake ads and unofficial agents share phone numbers for several unrelated universities at once.
This is a common scam targeting students.
The real JUPEB application for Clifford University is only available through the Registry Department or the official JUPEB portal.
If you see a number or website promising quick admission to multiple schools, be cautious.
Contents
What Is JUPEB, and Why Do Students Choose It?
JUPEB means Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board.
It is a one-year programme recognised across Nigeria as an alternative way to enter university without taking or retaking UTME.
Students who finish the JUPEB programme and pass the final exams get a JUPEB Certificate.
This certificate allows them to enter directly into 200 level at the university where they did JUPEB or at any other JUPEB-affiliated university in Nigeria or abroad.
JUPEB is popular among students who feel UTME does not reflect their true academic ability, want a quicker route into university, or are transferring from a school they no longer want to attend.
What Is Clifford University?
Clifford University is a private school in Owerrinta, Ihie Campus, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria.
The university follows Seventh-day Adventist values.
While students from all backgrounds and religions are welcome, everyone is expected to follow Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle rules on campus.
How Clifford University’s JUPEB Programme Is Structured
According to the university’s recent guidelines, Clifford University’s JUPEB programme is structured as follows:
- Duration: One full academic session, split into two semesters.
- Compulsory ICT training: After the final JUPEB exam, students must finish a one-month intensive ICT programme before the process is complete.
- Outcome: If you complete and pass the JUPEB final exams, you qualify for Direct Entry into 200 level at Clifford University or any other JUPEB-affiliated school.
Who Can Apply?
Clifford University’s JUPEB eligibility criteria, as published for recent sessions, require:
- You need at least five O’Level credits, including English Language, that are relevant to your chosen course.
- You can use results from up to two sittings to meet this requirement.
- If you have English Language but are missing one or two other required credits, you can still apply. However, you must get those credits before the programme ends.
Clifford University’s JUPEB programme is open to all candidates, no matter which institution you chose during UTME registration.
Even if you picked a different university, polytechnic, or college of education, you can still apply for JUPEB at Clifford.
How to Apply for the Clifford University JUPEB Form
In the past, Clifford University has provided two ways to apply:
Option 1: On-Campus Application
- Visit the Registry Department at Clifford University, Ihie Campus, Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State.
- Purchase the JUPEB admission form directly at the Registry.
- Fill out and submit the form at the Registry, and follow any extra instructions given by the staff.
Option 2: Online Application
- Visit the official Clifford University JUPEB application portal through the university’s website.
- Create an account or begin the application as directed.
- Carefully fill in your personal, academic, and course details, making sure they match your O’Level results.
- Submit your application and retain any confirmation or receipt generated by the portal.
Regardless of which route you choose, always verify you’re on Clifford University’s actual official website (clifforduni.edu.ng) rather than a third-party page claiming to represent the university.
Official Contact Channels
For direct verification or enquiries, Clifford University has previously published the following official contact details for its JUPEB programme:
- Email: info@clifforduni.edu.ng or support@clifforduni.edu.ng
- Location: Clifford University, Ihie, Abia State, Nigeria
Phone numbers and staff contacts can change each year.
Always check any number you receive against the university’s official website before using it.
Be extra careful with numbers found on unofficial sites that also offer ‘admission help’ for many different universities.
What Happens After You Apply?
After your JUPEB application is accepted, you will be enrolled in the programme for the full academic session.
Here’s what happens next:
- You attend lectures and continuous assessments across two semesters, covering the subjects relevant to your intended degree course.
- You sit the final JUPEB examinations at the end of the session.
- Upon passing, you complete the compulsory one-month ICT training.
- Once you have your JUPEB Certificate, you can apply for Direct Entry admission into 200 level at Clifford University or any other JUPEB-affiliated school, as long as you meet their specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I switch universities after completing JUPEB at Clifford University?
Yes. A JUPEB Certificate earned at Clifford University is generally transferable to any other JUPEB-affiliated university, so long as you meet that institution’s own Direct Entry requirements for your chosen course.
2. Do I need to have chosen Clifford University during my original UTME registration to apply for JUPEB there?
No. Clifford University’s JUPEB programme accepts candidates regardless of which institution, polytechnic, or college of education they originally selected during UTME.
3. What happens if I’m missing one O’Level credit when I apply?
You can still apply if you have English Language but are missing one or two other required credits.
However, you must get those credits before the JUPEB programme ends, because you need all the credits to qualify for Direct Entry.
4. Is the one-month ICT training after the JUPEB exam optional?
No. It’s described as a compulsory component of the programme, meaning students must complete it in addition to passing their JUPEB final examinations.
5. Do non-Adventist students have to convert their religion to attend Clifford University’s JUPEB programme?
No. The university welcomes students from any religion, but everyone must follow Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle rules while on campus.
6. Is JUPEB a recognised alternative to UTME for university admission in Nigeria?
Yes. JUPEB is a nationally recognised preliminary programme, and JUPEB-affiliated universities across Nigeria accept its certificate as a valid basis for Direct Entry admission.
7. How long before I know if my Clifford University JUPEB application was successful?
Response times can vary depending on whether you receive confirmation within a reasonable period and how many people apply.
If you do not get confirmation within a reasonable time, contact the Registry Department
8. Can I apply for JUPEB at Clifford University if I already hold an OND or similar qualification?
JUPEB is mainly for students with secondary school qualifications, not for those who already have post-secondary certificates like OND.
If you have an OND or similar qualification, you may be better off with Clifford University’s direct OND-to-degree or Direct Entry options.
Check with the Registry Department to find the best path for you.
The programme cost is more than the admission form.
It also includes tuition and other session fees.
Ask the Registry Department for a full breakdown of all fees before you decide, instead of relying on unofficial estimates.
Final Thoughts
Clifford University’s JUPEB programme is a helpful alternative for students who want Direct Entry admission without retaking UTME, as long as they meet the O’Level credit requirements and are comfortable with the university’s Seventh-day Adventist environment.
For the 2026/2027 session, the safest way to apply is to use Clifford University’s official website or the Registry Department for up-to-date forms, fees, and deadlines.
Avoid relying on unofficial contacts or third-party websites, even if they seem trustworthy.
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