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.

Should an individual decide to gain additional certification that they are qualified in a field of study, they may decide to gain a postgraduate diploma. This type of diploma is attained after one has first completed a master's degree.