Everything You Need To Know About Post Utme In Nigeria (2025 Guide)

If you’re a Nigerian student looking to gain admission into a university, then you’ve probably heard about the term “Post UTME” thrown around many times. Whether you're a first-timer trying to understand what it’s all about, or you’ve written JAMB multiple times and still feel confused by the whole process, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about Post UTME in Nigeria — no sugar-coating, no confusing jargon, just straight-up facts and helpful insights.

This comprehensive guide is written with you in mind — the average Nigerian student hustling for university admission. So let’s dive right into it.

What is Post UTME?

Post UTME stands for Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. It is a screening exercise conducted by various tertiary institutions in Nigeria after the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) UTME exams. In simpler terms, think of it as the second round of testing after JAMB. You've passed JAMB? Great. But some universities still want to test you on their own terms before handing you admission.

The aim is to further assess the academic ability of candidates seeking admission and determine who truly deserves a slot. Institutions conduct this exam to ensure that only the best candidates, and not just those who memorized JAMB past questions, make it into their classrooms.

Is Post UTME Compulsory?

Short answer? Yes, in most cases.

Although the Federal Government, at various points in the past, tried to scrap the Post UTME due to concerns of duplication and corruption, most institutions found loopholes and rebranded it as “screening,” “aptitude test,” or “verification exercise.”

So whether it's an actual written exam, an oral interview, or just document verification, the Post UTME process is now part of Nigeria’s admission tradition — and if you want that degree, you’ve got to go through it.

Why Do Universities Conduct Post UTME?

You might wonder, “But I already passed JAMB, isn’t that enough?”

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

Universities argue that JAMB alone is not a reliable metric to judge candidates due to:

Alleged malpractice during UTME,

Overcrowding and technical issues at CBT centers,

The one-size-fits-all nature of the UTME questions.

So, by setting their own test or screening format, schools claim they are:

1. Filtering out underprepared students.

2. Ensuring fairness and transparency.

3. Admitting students based on merit and not just luck.

Types of Post UTME in Nigeria

There are generally two major types of Post UTME used by Nigerian universities:

1. Post UTME Screening Test (Aptitude Test)

This is the most common type. It's a CBT-based (Computer Based Test) or paper-based exam conducted by the school, usually consisting of subject-related questions similar to JAMB.

For example:

If you’re going for Medicine, you’ll probably face questions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and maybe English or Current Affairs.

For courses like Law or Political Science, you might be tested on English, Government, Literature, or CRS.

2. Post UTME Screening without Exam (Document Verification)

Some schools, like the University of Abuja or Lagos State University, sometimes opt for screening based on your:

O'Level results (WAEC/NECO),

JAMB score,

Local government certificate,

Birth certificate.

No written test here. They calculate your aggregate score using a formula that combines your JAMB and O'Level performance.

Post UTME Format: What to Expect

Here’s what a typical Post UTME test looks like:

Number of Questions: Usually between 20 and 100 questions.

Time: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the institution.

Subjects: Based on your JAMB subject combination or general knowledge (for polytechnics or some colleges).

Type: Objective questions, mostly multiple choice.

Some schools also include:

Current Affairs: Especially Federal Universities.

Mathematics or Logic: Even if you're applying for an art course (annoying, I know).

English Language: Always present in one form or another.

How to Prepare for Post UTME

If you really want to succeed, you need to treat Post UTME like JAMB’s wicked twin — because it's often more competitive than UTME itself.

Here’s a foolproof preparation strategy:

1. Get Past Questions

Get legit past Post UTME questions for your school of choice. Some schools like UNILORIN, UNIBEN, OAU, or UI tend to repeat questions from past years — sometimes word-for-word.

2. Study Smart

Don’t just cram. Understand key concepts in your core subjects. Most Post UTME questions are testing your critical thinking, not just memory.

3. Time Yourself

Many students fail because of poor time management. Practice with a timer. If you have 60 questions in 30 minutes, you have only 30 seconds per question.

4. Revise JAMB Topics

Since Post UTME is similar to JAMB, go over your JAMB topics again. But go deeper. Some Post UTME questions are trickier than JAMB’s own.

5. Use Mobile Apps or CBT Software

There are many Post UTME practice apps and online simulators out there. Use them. Practice like it’s the real exam.

How is Post UTME Score Calculated?

Each school has its own method of calculating your aggregate score (that’s your final score used for admission consideration). It usually combines your JAMB score and Post UTME score.

Here are common formulas:

Example 1: 50:50 Ratio

Aggregate Score = (JAMB Score / 8) + (Post UTME Score / 2)

Let’s say:

JAMB Score = 280

Post UTME Score = 70

Aggregate = (280/8) + (70/2) = 35 + 35 = 70

Example 2: Weighted O’Level + JAMB + Post UTME

Some schools like UNILAG use:

20% O’Level

50% JAMB

30% Post UTME

It’s important to check the admission brochure or school website for the exact formula used by your institution.

What’s a Good Post UTME Score?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What counts as a “good score” depends on:

The course you applied for (e.g., Medicine vs. Sociology),

The school’s competitiveness,

The general performance of all candidates that year.

But as a rule of thumb:

70% and above = Very competitive.

60–69% = Decent, might get you less competitive courses.

50–59% = Risky, unless the school uses JAMB heavily in aggregate.

Below 50% = You may need a Plan B.

List of Popular Universities that Conduct Post UTME

Here are some Nigerian institutions known for conducting rigorous Post UTME exams:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Ibadan (UI)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Lagos State University (LASU)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

Delta State University (DELSU)

And even many polytechnics and colleges of education have their own screening process.

Documents You Need for Post UTME

Before you register, ensure you have:

JAMB result printout

WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result (or awaiting result slip)

Birth certificate

Passport photograph (usually recent and with white background)

Local government/state of origin certificate

Application fee payment evidence (usually between ₦2,000–₦3,000)

Tips for Surviving Post UTME Day

Here’s how to avoid stories that touch:

1. Get there early: Nigerian universities love drama. Be at your venue as early as 6 AM.

2. Dress neatly: Some schools might even turn you back for dressing like a “Yahoo boy/girl.”

3. Bring original documents: And don’t forget photocopies — multiple ones.

4. Don’t cheat: There’s usually tight security, CCTV, and officials watching.

5. Stay calm: Don’t let the crowd or noise shake your confidence.

After the Post UTME: What Next?

After the screening, schools usually release the result within a few days to 2 weeks. Here’s what to do next:

Check your result on the school’s portal.

Calculate your aggregate score and compare it with the previous cut-off marks for your course.

Wait for admission list on JAMB CAPS and the school’s portal.

What If You Don’t Pass?

If your Post UTME score is low, don't give up. Here are your options:

1. Change of course/institution (via JAMB portal).

2. Consider polytechnics or colleges of education.

3. Try again next year — but smarter.

4. Apply to private universities (they usually admit faster, but it costs more).

Final Thoughts

The Post UTME is not just another test — it’s a gatekeeper to your university dream. While it can be frustrating and sometimes unfair, it’s also a chance to show that you truly deserve that admission slot.

The key is preparation, confidence, and smart strategies. Study hard, stay informed, and trust God (or the universe, if that’s your thing).

And remember — even if you don’t make it on your first try, you’re not a failure. Many great Nigerians didn’t enter university at 18. What matters is that you don’t give up.