St Alban's focus is on education for secondary school leavers, to effectively prepare them for university and other institutions of higher learning anywhere in the world.
Advanced Level Programme (A' Level)
The Advanced Level Programme, popularly referred to as the A' Level, was a major route into the university in Nigeria before the introduction of the 6-3-3-4 system of education. The A' Level remains a main route into the university in other parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom.
JAMB vs A' Level — A Comparison
| JAMB Route | A' Level Route |
|---|---|
| Undergoes a matriculation examination | No matriculation examination |
| Undergoes a post JAMB examination | No post JAMB examination |
| Has to worry about cut-off points | No worry about cut-off points |
| Used only once to enter university | Remains a certificate for life |
| Not relevant for employment | Well respected on CV when looking for a job |
| Starts at 100 level | Starts at 200 level |
| Learners are often too young to cope with university life | Provides solid foundation and enhances chances of a top final grade |
Students study three (3) subjects required for their proposed university course within a period of one academic session.
Cambridge International Advanced Level (Cambridge A' Level)
The Cambridge A' Level is conducted by Cambridge Examinations, a subsidiary of Cambridge University, England. It is a gold standard education which provides sound grounding for university entrants and is accepted by universities worldwide (including Nigeria) for admission into 200 level.
- Accelerated One-Year Programme — completed within one academic year, allowing students to catch up with classmates at 200 level.
- Traditional Two-Year Programme — completed within two academic sessions, giving students a steady pace and more maturation before university.
JUPEB — Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board
JUPEB is a national examinations body approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria in December 2013, formally established in April 2014 by a consortium of ten (10) partnering universities led by the University of Lagos. The board conducts common and standard examinations for candidates seeking Direct Entry admissions into university courses at 200 Level.
JUPEB is a well-tested route for secondary school leavers and O' Level certificate holders to gain admission into 200 level through Direct Entry after just one year.
IJMB — Interim Joint Matriculation Board
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) is a Federal Government of Nigeria approved one-academic session Advanced Level programme, directed by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Candidates can secure a 200-level admission into their preferred university via Direct Entry, without taking the UTME again.
Every year more than 90% of IJMB students successfully gain admission into universities, compared to just about 23% of UTME students.
O' Level Courses
Cambridge IGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is aimed at students of 14 to 16 years of age who want a credible alternative to WASSCE and NECO examinations. At Saint Alban's, students enrolled in other schools can participate in our IGCSE programme through Saturday lessons. Lectures start in September every year.
O' Level Remedial Courses
- One-Year O' Level Consolidation Course — for students with less than three (3) credits in their WAEC or NECO. Lectures start in August and January. Full time. Duration: 1 academic year.
- Accelerated O' Level Remedial Course — for students with at least three credits. A 3 to 5 months' programme focusing on identified weaknesses in not more than three subjects. Lectures start in July, September and January, full time.
JAMB: UTME and Post UTME Programmes
These are intensive and short-term programmes focusing on a student's JAMB subjects, supported with CBT practice sessions. Lectures start three (3) months before the JAMB examination date and can be done on a full time or part time basis.