Universities that Accept NECO for Admission in Nigeria (2026)

By /
Universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria illustration showing a Nigerian student holding NECO result and a university campus

Universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria: updated list of federal, state, and private universities for 2026.

Students who sat for the NECO SSCE and are planning to gain admission into a Nigerian university in 2026 often ask one important question: which universities accept NECO for admission in Nigeria?

If you’re using NECO, confirming that your chosen school recognizes the certificate is a critical first step. Candidates are also advised to ensure their NECO results are available early — including buying a token to check your NECO result before starting the admission process.

NECO is widely accepted across Nigerian universities, just like WAEC, for UTME and Direct Entry admissions. However, knowing exactly where it is accepted — and under what conditions — helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes during admission screening.

This guide provides an updated list of federal, state, and private universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria (2026), alongside key things every NECO candidate should know.

What Is NECO (SSCE)?

NECO stands for the National Examinations Council, the examination body responsible for conducting the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Nigeria.

The NECO SSCE certificate is a recognised O’Level qualification used by Nigerian universities for admission. It is accepted for most courses, including popular options among arts students such as Law, Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, International Relations, and English Language, provided candidates meet subject and credit requirements.

Just like WAEC, candidates are usually required to have a minimum of five credits, including English Language and other course-specific subjects. Acceptance may also depend on whether the institution allows one or two sittings.

Categories of Universities That Accept NECO for Admission in Nigeria

To make this guide easy to follow, universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria are grouped into three categories:

Federal Universities that accept NECO for Admission

Federal universities are owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. All accredited federal universities accept NECO for admission, among other requirements.

  1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
  2. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
  3. Bayero University, Kano
  4. Federal University Gashua, Yobe
  5. Federal University of Petroleum Resources
  6. Federal University of Technology, Akure
  7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
  8. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
  9. Federal University, Dutse
  10. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
  11. Federal University, Kashere
  12. Federal University, Lafia
  13. Federal University, Lokoja
  14. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi
  15. Federal University, Otuoke
  16. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
  17. Federal University, Wukari
  18. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
  19. Federal University, Gusau
  20. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
  21. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
  22. National Open University of Nigeria
  23. Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
  24. Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
  25. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  26. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
  27. University of Abuja
  28. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
  29. University of Agriculture, Makurdi
  30. University of Benin
  31. University of Calabar
  32. University of Ibadan
  33. University of Ilorin
  34. University of Jos
  35. University of Lagos
  36. University of Maiduguri
  37. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  38. University of Port Harcourt
  39. University of Uyo
  40. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  41. Nigerian Maritime University
  42. Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna
  43. Nigerian Army University, Biu
  44. Federal University of Health Technology, Benue
  45. Federal University of Agriculture, Kebbi
  46. Federal University of Technology, Jigawa
  47. Federal University of Technology, Akwa Ibom
  48. Federal University of Health Sciences, Bauchi
  49. Federal University of Health Sciences, Osun
  50. David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences
  51. Admiralty University, Ibusa
  52. Federal University of Transportation, Katsina

(All other accredited federal universities also accept NECO for admission, subject to course requirements.)

State Universities That Accept NECO for Admission

State universities across Nigeria equally accept NECO for admission, as long as candidates meet departmental conditions.

  1. Abia State University, Uturu
  2. Adamawa State University, Mubi
  3. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
  4. Akwa Ibom State University
  5. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
  6. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
  7. Bauchi State University, Gadau
  8. Benue State University, Makurdi
  9. Yobe State University, Damaturu
  10. Cross River State University of Technology
  11. Delta State University, Abraka
  12. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
  13. Ekiti State University
  14. Enugu State University of Science and Technology
  15. Gombe State University
  16. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
  17. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
  18. Imo State University
  19. Sule Lamido University
  20. Kaduna State University
  21. Kano University of Science and Technology
  22. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology
  23. Prince Abubakar Audu University
  24. Kwara State University
  25. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
  26. Ondo State University of Science and Technology
  27. Rivers State University
  28. Olabisi Onabanjo University
  29. Lagos State University
  30. Niger Delta University
  31. Nasarawa State University
  32. Plateau State University
  33. Tai Solarin University of Education
  34. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University
  35. Osun State University
  36. Taraba State University
  37. Sokoto State University
  38. Yusuf Maitama Sule University
  39. Oyo State Technical University
  40. Ondo State University of Medical Sciences
  41. Edo State University, Uzairue
  42. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University
  43. University of Africa, Toru-Orua
  44. Borno State University
  45. Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology
  46. Gombe State University of Science and Technology
  47. Zamfara State University
  48. Bayelsa Medical University
  49. University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
  50. Confluence University of Science and Technology
  51. University of Delta, Agbor
  52. Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro
  53. Dennis Osadebe University
  54. Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology
  55. Lagos State University of Education
  56. Lagos State University of Science and Technology
  57. Shehu Shagari University of Education
  58. Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences
  59. University of Ilesa
  60. Emmanuel Alayande University of Education
  61. Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education
  62. Kogi State University, Kabba
  63. Niger State University of Education

(NECO is accepted across state universities nationwide, with some departments specifying subject combinations.)

Private Universities That Accept NECO for Admission

Private universities in Nigeria also accept NECO for admission and often provide more flexible entry options.

Private universities that accept NECO include:

    1. Covenant University, Ota
    2. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
    3. Achievers University, Owo
    4. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
    5. Bowen University, Iwo
    6. American University of Nigeria, Yola
    7. Bells University of Technology, Otta
    8. Redeemer’s University, Ede
    9. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
    10. Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan
    11. Veritas University, Abuja
    12. Lead City University, Ibadan
    13. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
    14. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
    15. Caleb University, Lagos
    16. Igbinedion University, Okada
    17. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
    18. Madonna University, Okija
    19. Bingham University, New Karu
    20. Crescent University, Abeokuta
    21. Fountain University, Oshogbo
    22. Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu
    23. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
    24. Mountain Top University
    25. McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo
    26. Kwararafa University, Wukari
    27. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
    28. Summit University, Offa
    29. Chrisland University
    30. Salem University, Lokoja
    31. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
    32. Gregory University, Uturu
    33. Hezekiah University, Umudi
    34. Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itẹle
    35. Paul University, Awka
    36. Renaissance University, Enugu
    37. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa
    38. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene
    39. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa
    40. Tansian University, Umunya
    41. Wesley University, Ondo
    42. Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa
    43. Western Delta University, Oghar
    44. Christopher University, Mowe
    45. Kola Daisi University, Ibadan
    46. Anchor University, Ayobo
    47. Dominican University, Ibadan
    48. Legacy University, Okija
    49. Coal City University, Enugu
    50. Clifford University, Owerrinta
    51. Spiritan University, Nneochi
    52. Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo
    53. PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
    54. Atiba University, Oyo
    55. Skyline University, Kano
    56. Greenfield University, Kaduna
    57. Dominion University, Ibadan
    58. Trinity University, Ogun State
    59. Westland University, Iwo
    60. Thomas Adewumi University, Kwara
    61. Maranatha University, Imo
    62. Ave Maria University, Nasarawa
    63. Al-Istiqama University, Kano
    64. Mudiame University, Irrua
    65. Havilla University, Nde-Ikom
    66. Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede
    67. NOK University, Kachia
    68. Karl-Kumm University, Vom
    69. James Hope University, Lagos
    70. Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
    71. Capital City University, Kano
    72. Ahman Pategi University, Kwara
    73. University of Offa, Kwara
    74. Edusoko University, Bida
    75. Philomath University, Kuje
    76. Khadija University, Majia
    77. Anan University, Kwall
    78. PEN Resource University, Gombe
    79. Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri
    80. Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano
    81. Sports University, Idumuje
    82. Baba Ahmed University, Kano
    83. Nigerian British University, Asa
    84. Peter University, Anambra
    85. Newgate University, Minna
    86. European University of Nigeria, Duboyi
    87. Northwest University, Sokoto
    88. Rayhaan University, Kebbi
    89. Sam Maris University, Ondo
    90. Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye
    91. Lux Mundi University, Umuahia
    92. Maduka University, Ekwegbe
    93. PeaceLand University, Enugu
    94. Amadeus University, Amizi
    95. Vision University, Ikogbo
    96. Azman University, Kano
    97. Huda University, Gusau
    98. Franco-British International University
    99. Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja
    100. British Canadian University, Cross River
    101. Hensard University, Bayelsa
    102. Amaj University, Kwali
    103. Phoenix University, Agwada
    104. Wigwe University, Isiokpo
    105. Hillside University of Science and Technology
    106. Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti
    107. Shanahan University, Onitsha
    108. The Duke Medical University, Calabar
    109. Mercy Medical University, Iwo
    110. Miva Open University, Abuja
    111. Iconic Open University, Sokoto
    112. West Midlands Open University, Ibadan
    113. Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja
    114. El-Amin University, Minna
    115. Jewel University, Gombe
    116. Prime University, Kuje
    117. Nigerian University of Technology and Management
    118. Al-Bayan University, Ankpa

Important Things NECO Candidates Should Confirm

Before applying with NECO, always verify:

  • Required NECO subjects for your chosen course
  • Whether the university accepts one or two sittings
  • Institutional and departmental cut-off marks
  • If NECO results must be uploaded on the JAMB CAPS portal

Taking these steps early helps prevent disqualification during screening.

NECO SSCE remains a widely accepted O’Level qualification among universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria in 2026. Whether you’re applying to a federal, state, or private university, your NECO result can secure admission if you meet the required subject combinations and cut-off marks.

Being informed early gives you a clear advantage and reduces avoidable admission errors.

Stay Ahead of Admission Updates

For verified updates on universities that accept NECO for admission in Nigeria, JAMB cut-off marks, Post-UTME screening guides, and course-specific admission tips, visit cutoffmark.ng.

We simplify admission information to help Nigerian aspirants make smarter decisions.

Always visit cutoffmark.ng and stay one step ahead of the competition.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top