Post-UTME
Post-UTME FAQ
Common questions about post-utme in Nigeria, answered briefly. For full walkthroughs, see the post-utme guides.
Is post-UTME the same as JAMB?
No. JAMB UTME is the national exam every Nigerian undergraduate candidate writes through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Post-UTME is a separate screening run by each university after JAMB results are released, usually between August and October, and the format is the university's decision. Some run a CBT exam, some do only document screening, and some only use your JAMB score.
Do all Nigerian universities run post-UTME?
Most federal and state universities run some form of post-UTME, while many private universities call their version 'screening' and rely on your JAMB score plus interviews. The exact format changes year to year and is announced on the university's admissions page. Check the school's official site as soon as JAMB results are released so you do not miss the window.
What JAMB score do I need to be invited for post-UTME?
JAMB sets a national minimum each year, but each university then sets its own departmental cut-off, which is higher. Federal universities commonly use 180 or 200 as the floor, with competitive courses like medicine, law and engineering at 250 or above. Always check the specific department's cut-off, since the same score can qualify for one course and not another.
How do schools combine JAMB and post-UTME scores?
The most common aggregate weighting is 50 per cent JAMB and 50 per cent post-UTME, though some schools weight JAMB at 60 per cent. A few use JAMB plus O-level grades only, with no post-UTME exam. The exact formula is published with each year's admissions guideline, and small differences in weighting can change who gets admitted.
What happens if my JAMB profile and post-UTME portal disagree on my name?
The post-UTME portal pulls directly from JAMB. If names or date of birth do not match, the portal will refuse to register you even after payment. Resolve the mismatch on the JAMB side first through the JAMB correction process. Most schools will not refund the application fee, so it is cheaper to fix this before paying.
Can I change my course during post-UTME?
Course change inside JAMB is a separate process and is best done before post-UTME registration. After post-UTME, some schools allow internal course change for candidates who narrowly miss the cut-off for their first choice, depending on departmental quota. Confirm with the admissions office, because internal change is at the school's discretion, not a guaranteed right.
Do I need to print a screening slip?
Yes. Almost every school requires a printed screening slip with your photograph at the gate on screening day. Print at least two copies in colour on plain paper, and bring your original O-level results, JAMB slip and a government-issued ID. Some schools also accept a clear screenshot on your phone, but a printed copy is always safer.
Does NigeriaHowTo apply for post-UTME on behalf of candidates?
No. NigeriaHowTo is independent and never collects fees, JAMB profile passwords or post-UTME logins. Every application has to be completed on the school's official portal. Anyone asking for your JAMB password to 'apply for you' is one of the leading causes of stolen applications during the admissions window.