POST-UTME screening is the second hurdle in the Nigerian university admission process after JAMB. Most universities conduct their own screening exercise to further assess candidates beyond their JAMB UTME scores. Understanding how POST-UTME works — and how to prepare effectively — can make the difference between getting admitted and missing out.
This guide covers everything you need to know about POST-UTME screening for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Last Updated: January 2025 | Author: Mrs. Chidinma Eze, M.Ed. Guidance and Counselling
What Is POST-UTME?
POST-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is a supplementary screening exercise conducted by individual universities to assess candidates who have met the minimum JAMB cut-off mark. It was introduced to address concerns about JAMB score manipulation and to allow universities to independently verify candidates’ abilities.
Key Facts:
- POST-UTME is conducted by each university independently
- The format, difficulty, and timing vary by university
- Not all universities conduct POST-UTME — some use only JAMB scores and O’Level results
- Your POST-UTME score is combined with your JAMB score and O’Level grades to calculate an aggregate score
- POST-UTME typically contributes 25–30% of your final aggregate score
POST-UTME Formats by University
Different universities use different POST-UTME formats:
| Format | Universities That Use It | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CBT (Computer-Based Test) | UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, OAU, UNN, ABU, UNIPORT, FUTA, FUTO, UNICAL | Multiple choice questions on computer. Most common format. |
| Written Exam | Some state universities | Paper-based exam. Less common now. |
| Oral Interview | Some private universities | Face-to-face interview assessing communication and motivation. |
| No POST-UTME | UNILORIN (some years), some private universities | Admission based on JAMB score and O’Level only. |
How POST-UTME Affects Your Admission
Your university calculates an aggregate score using a formula like this:
Aggregate = (JAMB Score × JAMB Weight) + (POST-UTME Score × POST-UTME Weight) + (O’Level × O’Level Weight)
Typical weightings:
| Component | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| JAMB UTME Score | 40–50% |
| POST-UTME Score | 25–30% |
| O’Level Grades | 20–25% |
Why POST-UTME matters so much: A candidate with a JAMB score of 240 but a POST-UTME score of 85% can have a higher aggregate than a candidate with JAMB 280 but POST-UTME 40%. POST-UTME is the great equaliser.
POST-UTME Registration Process
The typical POST-UTME registration process follows these steps:
- Wait for the announcement: Universities announce POST-UTME dates on their official websites and in newspapers. This typically happens between July and October.
- Check eligibility: You must have chosen the university as your first choice (some accept second choice) and scored above their institutional cut-off in JAMB.
- Visit the university portal: Each university has its own POST-UTME portal. Do not use third-party sites.
- Enter your JAMB registration number: Your details will be auto-populated from the JAMB database.
- Pay the screening fee: Fees range from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 depending on the university.
- Choose your screening date: Most universities offer multiple screening dates.
- Print your screening slip: This is your admission ticket to the exam hall.
- Appear for screening: Arrive early with your screening slip, JAMB slip, and valid ID.
How to Prepare for POST-UTME
1. Study Your JAMB Subjects
POST-UTME questions are typically drawn from your JAMB subject combination. If you registered for English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry for JAMB, expect POST-UTME questions from the same subjects.
2. Get University-Specific Past Questions
Each university has its own question style. Past questions reveal patterns in topics, difficulty levels, and question formats. Sources for past questions include:
- University bookshops (especially near campus)
- Online education portals
- Senior students who have written the exam
3. Focus on Weak Areas
If you struggled with certain topics in JAMB, address them before POST-UTME. Common weak areas include:
- English Language comprehension and vocabulary
- Mathematics (especially algebra, trigonometry, and geometry)
- Physics calculations
- Current affairs and general knowledge
4. Practice Time Management
Most POST-UTME exams give you 45–60 minutes for 40–60 questions. That is roughly 1 minute per question. Practice answering questions quickly and moving on from difficult ones.
5. Prepare Mentally
POST-UTME can be stressful — large crowds, unfamiliar environments, and exam pressure. Visit the venue in advance if possible. Get adequate rest the night before. Eat well before the exam.
POST-UTME Tips by University
| University | Key Tips |
|---|---|
| UNILAG | Questions are at JAMB level. General knowledge section included. Focus on speed. |
| UI | Considered harder than JAMB. Strong emphasis on comprehension. Past questions are essential. |
| OAU | Tests deeper understanding. Not just recall — application of concepts. O’Level grades weight is higher (25%). |
| UNIBEN | Straightforward questions but time-pressured. Practice speed. |
| UNN | Moderate difficulty. Similar to JAMB level. Practice with UNN past questions. |
| ABU | Well-organised screening. Questions are fair. Large crowd — arrive very early. |
What Happens After POST-UTME?
- Aggregate calculation: The university computes your aggregate score
- Ranking: Candidates are ranked by aggregate score within each department
- Merit list: Top candidates receive admission offers through JAMB CAPS
- CAPS acceptance: You must log into JAMB CAPS to accept or reject the offer
- Supplementary lists: If spaces remain, additional candidates may be offered admission
Frequently Asked Questions
Is POST-UTME compulsory?
At universities that conduct POST-UTME, yes — it is compulsory. If you do not sit for POST-UTME, you will not be considered for admission regardless of your JAMB score.
Can I take POST-UTME at multiple universities?
JAMB allows you to choose only one university as your first choice. Most universities only allow first-choice candidates to register for POST-UTME. In practice, you typically sit for POST-UTME at only one university.
What if I fail POST-UTME?
There is no “pass” or “fail” in POST-UTME per se. Your POST-UTME score is combined with JAMB and O’Level to produce an aggregate. A poor POST-UTME score simply lowers your aggregate, making admission less likely.
How much does POST-UTME registration cost?
POST-UTME screening fees range from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 depending on the university. Be wary of inflated fees on unofficial portals.
When is POST-UTME 2025?
POST-UTME dates for 2025 vary by university. Most universities announce POST-UTME between July and October 2025. Monitor your chosen university’s official website for exact dates.
Know your admission chances before POST-UTME: JAMB Admission Calculator →