To gain admission into the Nigerian universities (both public and private universities are in every state of the federation including the FCT), a prospective student has to sit for and successfully pass the UME(Universities Matriculation Examination) which is administered by JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculation Board). Also individual universities regularly screen prospective candidates to make sure they are up to par for university level work in Nigeria.

A certificate is proof of qualification of a certain set of skills. Students who obtain a certificate have completed educational requirements and tests. Through completion, they become ready to pursue a degree or diploma, or to head into the professional world in their field of expertise.