Every year, the same question shows up in WhatsApp groups and on Facebook: "Is post-UTME compulsory?" "Can I get admission without it?" Some of the answers going round are wrong, and wrong answers cost people their admission.
So let us explain what post-UTME is, who asks for it, and what to do about it, in plain words.
Table of Contents 11 sectionsShowHide
- Post-UTME in one simple line
- Who allowed it, and how did it start?
- Is post-UTME compulsory?
- Who qualifies to write it
- How your final score is built
- What to do on the day
- After the screening
- Fake post-UTME tips to ignore
- A realistic one-week routine before screening
- The main points to remember
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Post-UTME in one simple line
Post-UTME is the extra screening a school runs for candidates who already wrote JAMB and chose that school. JAMB gives you a score. The school then checks you again before deciding who gets a place. That check is what people call post-UTME.
It can be a short test, an online screening of your results, or a mix of both. Each school decides its own format, which is why UNILAG, OAU and UNIBEN all do it differently.
Who allowed it, and how did it start?
In 2016 the government first banned post-UTME, then changed its mind within weeks. In August 2017, the Minister of Education at the time, Malam Adamu Adamu, lifted the ban.
The National Universities Commission published the decision. Universities were allowed to use their autonomy to decide how they select candidates, with some rules attached.
The rules said a school must not run a test that copies JAMB's UTME, any aptitude test must be free from corruption, and the fee for it must not exceed ₦2,000.
This is why many schools still charge a screening fee close to that amount. UNILAG, for example, announced a screening fee of ₦2,000 this session, with a separate application fee of ₦3,500.
Is post-UTME compulsory?
If the school you chose runs it, then yes. You cannot skip it and still expect to be considered for that school. Some schools run a full test. Others only screen your O'Level and UTME scores. A few private universities have an interview instead.
It is not a JAMB requirement for every school. It is a school requirement. So the first thing to do is read your school's official notice. Do not rely on a blog or a friend who "heard" something.
Who qualifies to write it
Most schools ask for three things: you chose them as first choice, you scored above a set UTME mark, and you hold the required O'Level results.
UNILAG's 2026/2027 notice, for example, asked for a UTME score of 200 or more, five credits including English and Mathematics, and an age of at least 16 by 30 September 2026.
Your school may have different rules, so always check. If you are not sure whether your O'Level is in order, read our guide on combining WAEC and NECO results.
How your final score is built
Most schools combine your UTME score, your post-UTME result and your O'Level grades into one aggregate. Each school uses its own formula, and each course has its own cut-off.
That is why a person with 280 in UTME can lose a place in Medicine while another with 230 gets Nursing.
You can estimate your own number with our JAMB aggregate calculator, then compare it with the cut-off mark checker. These tools give you an idea, not a promise.
What to do on the day
Preparation is simple. Check the notice for your date, venue and time, print your slip, and carry your original UTME result slip and a valid ID if requested.
Sleep early, because some schools lock the door after the reporting time. Our guide on documents for post-UTME screening lists what to carry.
After the screening
When results come out, check the school portal first. We explained how in our post-UTME result guide. After that, watch your JAMB profile for the admission offer, as explained in how to check and accept admission on CAPS.
If you missed it altogether, do not give up yet. Read what to do in our guide on late admission options.
Fake post-UTME tips to ignore
Every season, scammers sell "expo" and "runs" for post-UTME tests. Nobody can promise you a pass, and the school can cancel your result if you are caught. The safest preparation is to revise your O'Level subjects and practise past questions from the school itself.
If a tip sounds too good, ask yourself who benefits when you believe it. Usually it is the person selling it.
Spend that money on past questions and a good rest before the day instead.
A realistic one-week routine before screening
If you know your screening is coming, a short routine will help more than a late-night rush.
For about a week before your date, revise your O'Level subjects in short blocks, practise questions from your chosen course, and check your slip, venue and documents.
Visit the venue's location in advance if you can, so that you do not lose time on the day. The night before, pack your documents, charge your phone and sleep early.
The main points to remember
Post-UTME is a school-level screening, it is compulsory only where the school runs it, and your final result combines your UTME, screening and O'Level grades. Read your own school's notice, keep your documents ready and ignore anyone who sells "runs".
When results come out, read our guide on how to check your post-UTME result and watch your JAMB profile for the offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this guide
1What does post-UTME mean?
It is the extra screening a school runs for candidates who chose it in JAMB. It can be a short test, an online screening of your results, or an interview, depending on the school.
2Is post-UTME compulsory?
If your school runs it, yes. You cannot be considered for that school without completing it. It is a school requirement and not a JAMB one.
3How much is the post-UTME fee?
The government's 2017 policy capped the aptitude test fee at 2,000 naira. Schools may add separate application charges, so read your school's notice. UNILAG's 2026/2027 notice showed 2,000 naira for screening and 3,500 naira for application.
4Can I get admission without post-UTME?
Not in a school that requires it. Some schools only screen your results online, and some private universities use interviews instead, so check your school's notice.
5Is post-UTME the same as JAMB?
No. JAMB runs the UTME and manages admissions on CAPS. The post-UTME is run by each school for its own selection.
6How do I prepare for post-UTME?
Revise your O'Level subjects, practise the school's past questions, and read the notice for date, venue and documents. Avoid anyone selling expo, because nobody can promise a pass.
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