Special Programmes: Distance Learning, Evening, Weekend, IJMB and Pre-Degree

Not every student follows the traditional route of gaining admission into a university through a regular full-time programme. Some prospective students may need a more flexible study arrangement because of work, family responsibilities, location, financial circumstances or other commitments. Others may need an alternative pathway to prepare for university admission when they do not yet meet the requirements for their preferred degree programme.

This is where different types of special programmes can become useful. Depending on the institution and the student’s circumstances, these options may include distance learning, evening programmes, weekend programmes, IJMB and pre-degree programmes. Although they all provide alternatives to the conventional full-time route, they serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.

For example, distance learning is mainly designed around flexible or remote study, while evening and weekend programmes adjust the timing of academic activities. IJMB provides an advanced-level qualification that can be used for Direct Entry consideration, subject to institutional and regulatory requirements. A pre-degree programme, on the other hand, is generally intended to prepare eligible candidates academically for subsequent university admission.

Special programmes are academic or preparatory programmes designed to meet educational needs that may not fit the conventional full-time undergraduate structure.

The term does not refer to one specific type of programme. Different institutions use different names and structures, and the admission requirements, duration, mode of study and qualification awarded depend on the particular programme.

The five options discussed in this lesson are:

• Distance Learning
• Evening Programmes
• Weekend Programmes
• IJMB
• Pre-Degree Programmes

Understanding the differences between them can help prospective students choose an option that matches their academic qualifications, schedule and long-term goals.

Distance learning allows students to study without attending conventional classroom lectures on campus every day. Learning activities may be delivered through online platforms, digital resources, printed materials, virtual classes and other methods provided by the institution.

One of the best-known examples in Nigeria is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which operates an open and distance learning model.

Distance learning does not mean that students can complete a programme without academic requirements. Students are still expected to study their course materials, complete assessments, meet deadlines and participate in examinations or other academic activities required by their institution.

The major difference is the way teaching and learning are organised. Students generally have greater flexibility regarding where and, within the limits of the programme schedule, when they study.

This can make distance learning suitable for working professionals, business owners, adults returning to education and students who cannot attend a conventional campus on a daily basis.

Eligibility depends on the institution, programme and level of study. Undergraduate applicants may need the required O’Level subjects and other admission qualifications, while postgraduate applicants generally need the relevant previous degree or qualification.

Candidates should always check the requirements for their specific programme rather than assuming that distance-learning programmes have lower admission requirements than conventional programmes.

The application process varies between institutions, but it generally involves:

1. Selecting an institution and programme.
2. Checking the programme’s current admission requirements.
3. Visiting the institution’s official admission portal.
4. Creating an application account where required.
5. Providing accurate personal and academic information.
6. Uploading the required documents.
7. Paying approved application fees through the official payment channel.
8. Submitting the application and following subsequent instructions.

Applicants should confirm that the institution is currently offering the specific programme before making any payment.

Distance learning can provide greater flexibility for students who cannot attend traditional classes every day. It can also allow learners to combine education with employment or other responsibilities.

However, flexibility requires self-discipline. Students must be able to organise their study time, keep up with course materials and meet academic deadlines without relying entirely on the structure of daily classroom attendance.

Evening programmes are academic programmes in which some or most scheduled classes take place during the evening rather than during conventional daytime hours.

They can be useful for students who work or have other daytime commitments. A student may, for example, work during the day and attend lectures later in the day.

Evening programmes may be suitable for:

• Working professionals.
• Business owners and self-employed individuals.
• Students with daytime responsibilities.
• Adults returning to formal education.
• Candidates who prefer scheduled classroom learning but need a non-traditional timetable.

The actual timetable varies by institution and programme. Students should therefore confirm when lectures, practical sessions, tests and examinations will take place before applying.

Evening programmes generally have admission requirements similar to the corresponding programme or a specific set of requirements established by the institution.

Candidates should check:

• Required O’Level subjects.
• UTME or other admission requirements where applicable.
• Programme-specific qualifications.
• Application deadlines.
• Screening requirements.
• Approved fees.
• Expected class timetable.

Applications should be made through the institution’s official admission portal or designated application process.

The major advantage is scheduling flexibility. Students can pursue further education without necessarily giving up daytime employment or other responsibilities.

Another advantage is that students who prefer face-to-face interaction can still have access to classroom-based learning while studying at a time that may better fit their schedule.

Weekend programmes are designed around academic activities scheduled primarily on Saturdays, Sundays or other designated weekend periods.

They are particularly attractive to students who are occupied during weekdays. Working professionals and other adults may find this arrangement more convenient than a conventional weekday programme.

The exact structure varies from one institution to another. Some programmes may hold most lectures during weekends, while others may combine weekend classes with online activities or occasional weekday academic requirements.

Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that a programme advertised as “weekend” requires attendance only on Saturdays and Sundays. Practical sessions, examinations, registration, seminars or other academic activities may have separate schedules.

Candidates must meet the admission requirements specified by the institution and programme. Depending on the programme, requirements may include O’Level results, UTME-related conditions, previous qualifications or other academic criteria.

The application process normally involves selecting an approved programme, completing the application form, submitting the required documents, paying the applicable application fee and following the institution’s screening or admission instructions.

Weekend programmes can help students combine education with employment or weekday responsibilities. They can also provide a structured classroom environment for students who want regular interaction with lecturers and classmates.

However, candidates should consider transportation, accommodation where necessary, study time during the week and the overall workload before choosing a weekend programme.

IJMB stands for Interim Joint Matriculation Board. It is an advanced-level educational programme that can provide an alternative pathway to university admission for eligible candidates.

IJMB is particularly known for its use as a possible Direct Entry route. Candidates who successfully complete the programme and obtain the required result may use it to seek admission into the appropriate level of a university programme, subject to the requirements of JAMB, the university and the chosen course.

An IJMB qualification should therefore not be confused with a conventional undergraduate degree. It is an advanced-level qualification used for admission purposes.

Students generally study subjects related to their intended university course or field. The programme involves academic preparation and examinations administered under the IJMB framework.

The subjects a candidate should choose depend on the intended course and the applicable admission requirements. Candidates should therefore investigate the subject combination required for their preferred degree before registering.

Eligibility requirements can vary according to the study centre and current IJMB admission arrangements. Candidates are generally expected to possess the relevant secondary school qualifications and meet the requirements specified for the programme.

Applicants should confirm the current requirements and ensure that the IJMB subject combination they select is appropriate for the university course they intend to pursue.

One of the major reasons candidates consider IJMB is the possibility of using the qualification for Direct Entry admission.

However, obtaining an IJMB result does not automatically guarantee university admission. Candidates still have to meet the requirements of the university and programme, follow the applicable JAMB Direct Entry process and satisfy any other conditions set by the institution.

Students interested in this route should also consult the current JAMB Direct Entry requirements and the admission information for their preferred university and programme.

IJMB can provide an alternative admission pathway for candidates who want to pursue university education through an advanced-level qualification. It may also be useful for students who want to strengthen their academic preparation before seeking Direct Entry admission.

Its usefulness, however, depends heavily on the candidate’s intended course and whether the qualification and subject combination are accepted for that admission route.

A pre-degree programme is generally a preparatory academic programme designed to help prospective university students strengthen their knowledge and prepare for undergraduate study.

Pre-degree programmes are usually organised by individual universities or other approved institutions. They are not the same as a university degree and should not be presented as an automatic admission route.

The programme may provide intensive instruction in subjects relevant to the student’s intended course. It can help candidates revise important secondary-school concepts, develop stronger academic foundations and prepare for the institution’s admission process.

Some institutions may use their pre-degree programmes as part of an internal admission pathway, but the specific conditions vary. Candidates must therefore read the institution’s admission guidelines carefully.

Eligibility depends on the institution and programme. Candidates may be required to possess specified O’Level results and meet other conditions set by the institution.

Some universities may require candidates to sit for UTME or satisfy additional admission requirements even after completing the pre-degree programme.

Candidates should not assume that completing pre-degree automatically results in university admission.