Novena Pre-Degree (Remedial) Programme 2026/2027: Full Admission Guide, Courses, Fees & 100L Placement

Novena University (Novena) invites applications from qualified candidates for its Pre-Degree (Remedial Studies) Programme for the 2026/2027 academic session. This programme is the ideal pathway for candidates who did not meet the required JAMB UTME score, who have O'Level credit deficiencies, or who simply wish to strengthen their academic foundation before entering the competitive environment of full undergraduate studies at Novena University in Ogume, Delta State.

What Is the Pre-Degree / Remedial Programme?

The Pre-Degree programme is a one-year (two-semester) intensive academic bridge course offered directly on the Novena campus. It is designed to:

• Prepare candidates for the 100 Level undergraduate admission in the following academic session.
• Strengthen subject knowledge in preparation for a re-sit of the JAMB UTME.
• Help candidates with one or two missing O'Level credits complete the required five credits before sitting the next available WAEC/NECO examination.
• Acclimatise students to the university learning environment, study habits, and campus culture at Novena before formal undergraduate admission.

Unlike JUPEB (which targets 200 Level), the Pre-Degree programme targets 100 Level placement. Candidates who successfully complete the Novena Pre-Degree programme and attain the required JAMB UTME score in the subsequent sitting receive automatic preferential consideration for 100 Level admission at Novena.

Who Should Apply for the Pre-Degree Programme?

The Novena Pre-Degree / Remedial programme is ideally suited for:

• Candidates who scored below the Novena JAMB cut-off of 140 and want to re-write UTME with better preparation.
• Candidates who have four (4) credit passes and need one more credit to meet the O'Level requirement.
• Candidates who are currently awaiting results and want to start preparing immediately rather than losing an academic year.
• Candidates who previously attended other universities and wish to transfer to Novena but need to fulfil additional departmental requirements.
• Candidates who are committed to Public Health, Nursing Science, Medical Lab & Law programmes and know that their current scores are insufficient for direct admission.

Programme Structure & Curriculum

The Pre-Degree curriculum at Novena mirrors the JAMB UTME syllabus for each subject while extending content depth to university preparation level. Students take:

• Core Subjects: English Language and Mathematics (compulsory for all students)
• Faculty-Specific Subjects: Based on chosen faculty track — Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, or Technology
• Study Skills Module: Academic writing, time management, examination strategy, and library use
• General Studies (GNS): Use of Library, History of Science, Citizenship Education

Programme Track	Subjects Covered	Target Faculty
Science Track	English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology	Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, Science
Arts & Humanities Track	English, Literature, Government, History, CRS/Islamic Studies	Law, Arts, Languages, Mass Comm, Education (Arts)
Social Sciences Track	English, Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Government	Economics, Accounting, Business Admin, Political Science
Technology Track	English, Mathematics, Physics, Technical Drawing, Chemistry	Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Design

Eligibility Criteria

1. Minimum O'Level Passes: At least four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Candidates with only three credits may be considered on a discretionary basis by the Faculty Review Board.
2. Age Requirement: Minimum age of 16 years at the time of enrolment. No maximum age limit.
3. No JAMB UTME Required: You do not need a JAMB score to register for the Pre-Degree programme. However, you must write JAMB UTME at the end of the programme to gain 100 Level admission.
4. Nationality: Nigerian citizens and international students from ECOWAS member states are eligible to apply.

Fee Structure

Fee Item	Estimated Amount
Application / Registration Fee	₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Tuition (First Semester)	₦80,000 – ₦200,000
Tuition (Second Semester)	₦80,000 – ₦200,000
Examination / Assessment Fee	₦10,000 – ₦15,000
Library / ICT / Laboratory Access	₦5,000 – ₦10,000

All figures are estimates. Confirm the exact fee schedule on the Novena portal before payment. Fees may vary by faculty track.

How to Apply

1. Go to the Novena admissions portal: https://novenauniversity.edu.ng/portal.
2. Select "Pre-Degree / Remedial Studies Application 2026/2027".
3. Create a new applicant account using your email address.
4. Fill in your biodata, select your preferred faculty track (Science, Arts, Social Sciences, or Technology), and enter your O'Level subject grades.
5. Upload scanned copies of your O'Level results and a passport photograph.
6. Generate and pay the application fee via Remita.
7. Print your Pre-Degree Registration Slip and report to the Novena Pre-Degree Centre in Ogume on the specified orientation date.

Benefits of the Novena Pre-Degree Programme

• 📚 Campus Library Access: Full access to the Novena University library, digital databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), and online learning portals throughout the pre-degree year.
• 🔬 Laboratory Facilities: Science-track students use the same university laboratories as first-year undergraduates — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs in Ogume.
• 🏠 Hostel Option: Pre-degree students may apply for on-campus hostel accommodation at Novena (subject to availability), allowing them to fully immerse in the academic environment.
• 📈 Preferential Admission: Top-performing pre-degree students at Novena receive guaranteed letters of recommendation from the Faculty Dean when applying for 100 Level admission.
• 👩‍🏫 Same Lecturers: Pre-degree classes are taught by the same Novena academic staff who lecture the regular undergraduate students — you get the same quality of teaching from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: After completing the Pre-Degree programme, is 100 Level admission automatic?

A: Not entirely automatic — you must also write and pass JAMB UTME at the end of the year (or during the programme period). However, top-performing Novena pre-degree candidates are given first consideration for their departments, and the programme is specifically calibrated to prepare you to exceed the 140 cut-off mark. In past sessions, over 85% of Novena pre-degree graduates who wrote UTME scored above the cut-off.

Q: Can I use the Pre-Degree to write WAEC/NECO and improve my O'Level results simultaneously?

A: Yes. Pre-degree students frequently register for GCE (private) WAEC or NECO during the programme period to clear outstanding O'Level credit deficiencies. The Novena Pre-Degree Centre is supportive of this and adjusts timetables where possible to avoid clashes with external examination dates.

Q: Is the Pre-Degree certificate from Novena recognised by other Nigerian universities?

A: The Novena Pre-Degree completion certificate is an internal institutional certificate, not a nationally portable qualification like JUPEB. However, it significantly strengthens your JAMB UTME preparation, and your JAMB score (which is portable) is what all universities assess for 100 Level admission.

Q: What is the difference between Pre-Degree and JUPEB at Novena?

A: Pre-Degree targets 100 Level admission (you must still write JAMB UTME). JUPEB targets 200 Level Direct Entry (no UTME needed — you use JAMB DE). JUPEB is generally preferred by candidates who want to skip 100 Level, while Pre-Degree is ideal for candidates who need more time to strengthen foundational knowledge before the full UTME experience.

For live updates on Novena Pre-Degree application deadlines, orientation dates, and admission outcomes, join the MyDelsu WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va4mZrK8fewhKYnjU83Y.