The introduction of Pre-Degree programme in Nigerian universities followed a somewhat fallout of poor UTME and POST UTME performance almost every year, which leaves many Nigerian students at a cross road of dilemma, deliberating on what action to take next as regards their academic future.

The course unit system in Nigerian Universities was introduced in 1977/78, the Concessional Entrance Examination was abolished in 1978 and admission to Universities became centralized through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Millions of applicants seek admission every year into universities which now have a combined capacity of about 350,000.

The competition is quite stiff and good preparation will result in better performance by the students. This background establishes the need for a Pre-Degree Programme that would serve as a platform to equip prospective students for university admission, giving them a good head-start and promote superior studentship in the university.

It is generally believed that the Pre-Degree Programme will promote individual self-development and remedy the deficiencies carried over from students’ various secondary schools in the ability to read and write and to receive instruction in order to successfully undertake a university programme.

It also gives adequate exposure to fundamentals of concepts and preparation of eligible students for University education.

Pre-Degree Programme is an intensive coaching curriculum to prepare secondary school graduates for university. The courses of study which are those of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subjects include English Language which is compulsory for all students. Students are required to choose three subjects in addition to English.

The curriculum is structured into contact periods, mostly 2, each of around 18 weeks with hours per week for each subject. There is a break between contact periods and one or two weeks of examination at the end of each contact period.

An overall score higher than the cutoff for choice of course in the examinations and continuous assessment (comprising regular tests, assignments and the end of Contact period examination) is required to be qualified for consideration for admission into Year 1 of the relevant degree programmes of the University.

Admission is based strictly on merit and entry requirements and in proportion to the admission quota of the University for the various Faculties.

Objectives Of Pre-Degree
* To source superior students for the University’s degree programmes and stem the high rate of dropouts from the University.

* To ensure adequate preparation of eligible secondary school graduates for University work.

* To enhance analytical and independent learning abilities and promote the intellectual development as well as skills of students.

Duration Of Pre-Degree
Generally, it is always within the range of 6 to 12 months.

Mode of Study
University standard. Although, lectures are a bit above or perhaps a revision of O’level topics.

Pre-Degree Programme Prerequisites
Applicants for admission into the Programme are expected to have a minimum of five O’ Level Credits at one or two sittings including English Language; credits in Mathematics and three other Science subjects for all Science based courses; credits in Mathematics and three other Social Science subjects for all Social Science based courses and credits in four Arts subjects for all Arts based courses. Eligible candidates are also screened for admission through an entrance examination.

Cost
Cost of Pre-Degree programmes in most Nigerian universities hovers around #120,000, more or less.

Mind you, your Pre-Degree certificate can only be accepted by the institution running the programme you took part in. Meanwhile, your result expires after a year, admission secured or not.

http://lazyreporta.com/important-info-about-pre-degree-programme-in-nigerian-universities/

Lalastica