How to Calculate Aggregate Score for University Admission in Nigeria [2025/2026]

Every year, thousands of candidates in Nigeria strive to gain admission into their preferred universities. One of the most important factors in securing admission is your aggregate score, which combines your JAMB score, Post-UTME score, and in some cases, O’Level results. Understanding how to calculate your aggregate score is crucial because it directly affects your eligibility for your desired course.

For the 2025/2026 academic session, many universities have updated their admission requirements and scoring systems. This guide explains, in detail, how to calculate your aggregate score for federal, state, and private universities, using step-by-step methods and real examples. Whether you are aiming for UNILAG, UI, UNN, ABU Zaria, or any other institution, this post will help you understand exactly how your scores are combined and weighted.

What Is Aggregate Score and Why It Matters

The aggregate score is the total score used by universities to determine whether a candidate qualifies for admission. It usually combines:

• JAMB score (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination)
• Post-UTME score (screening test conducted by the university)
• O’Level grades (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalents)

Universities use different weightages for these components, which means some universities give more importance to your JAMB score, while others give more weight to Post-UTME or O’Level results. Knowing the weightage system of your chosen university can help you focus your preparation to maximize your aggregate score.

Components of Aggregate Score in Nigerian Universities

1. JAMB Score

Your JAMB score is usually out of 400 points. Some universities normalize it to 50% or 60% of the total aggregate. For example:

• UNILAG: JAMB – 50% of aggregate
• UI: JAMB – 60% of aggregate

The exact percentage varies by institution.

2. Post-UTME Score

The Post-UTME score is based on a university-conducted screening test, which could be computer-based or written. Scores often range from 0 to 100 or 0 to 40 depending on the school.

• UNILAG: Post-UTME – 50%
• UNN: Post-UTME – 60%

3. O’Level / WAEC Results

Some universities include O’Level results in aggregate calculation. Grades may be converted to points, e.g.:

Grade	Point
A1	5
B2	4
B3	3
C4	2
C5	1
C6	0

Example: If a candidate has 5 credits in relevant subjects, points are summed to form part of the aggregate.

How to Calculate Aggregate Score (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a step-by-step process you can follow:

Step 1: Obtain Your JAMB Score

Check your JAMB result slip and note your total score out of 400.

Step 2: Obtain Your Post-UTME Score

Check your university’s screening result. It may be out of 100 or 40.

Step 3: Convert O’Level Grades to Points (If Applicable)

Use the points system mentioned above.

Step 4: Apply University Weightage

Each university publishes its own weightage system. For example:

UNILAG Example:

• JAMB: 50%
• Post-UTME: 50%

Formula:

Aggregate Score = (JAMB Score / 400 * JAMB Weight) + (Post-UTME Score / Max Score * Post-UTME Weight)

Step 5: Calculate Total Aggregate

Example for UNILAG:

• JAMB Score: 280/400
• Post-UTME Score: 70/100

Calculation:

JAMB Contribution = (280 / 400) * 50 = 35
Post-UTME Contribution = (70 / 100) * 50 = 35
Total Aggregate = 35 + 35 = 70

Your aggregate score is 70/100, which will be compared to departmental cut-off marks.

Examples of Aggregate Calculation for Popular Universities

1. UNILAG

Component	Max Score	Weight	Candidate Score	Contribution
JAMB	400	50	280	35
Post-UTME	100	50	70	35
Total		100		70

2. UNN

Component	Max Score	Weight	Candidate Score	Contribution
JAMB	400	60	300	45
Post-UTME	50	40	40	32
Total		100		77

3. UI

Component	Max Score	Weight	Candidate Score	Contribution
JAMB	400	60	280	42
Post-UTME	50	40	35	28
Total		100		70

4. Covenant University

Component	Max Score	Weight	Candidate Score	Contribution
JAMB	400	40	300	30
Post-UTME	100	60	70	42
Total		100		72

Weightage Differences Among Universities

Universities in Nigeria assign different weightages to each component:

University	JAMB %	Post-UTME %	O’Level %
UNILAG	50	50	0
UNN	60	40	0
UI	60	40	0
Covenant University	40	60	0
ABU Zaria	50	50	0
FUTA	50	50	0

This means some universities emphasize Post-UTME more than others. Always check the official university admission guidelines.

Tips to Maximize Your Aggregate Score

✅ Prepare Thoroughly for Post-UTME: Since some universities assign 50–60% weight to it, scoring high can significantly boost your aggregate.
✅ Target High JAMB Score: Even if your Post-UTME is average, a strong JAMB score will improve your chances.
✅ Check Departmental Cut-Offs: Different courses have different cut-offs. Know the exact requirement before applying.
✅ Avoid Guesswork: Some universities deduct marks for wrong answers in Post-UTME. Practice past questions.
✅ Regularly Check Updates: Universities release updates on screening, forms, and deadlines on their official portals.

FAQs

Q1: Do all universities use the same aggregate formula?
A1: No, each university sets its own weightage for JAMB, Post-UTME, and O’Level results. Always confirm on the official website.

Q2: Can O’Level results affect aggregate score?
A2: Some universities may include O’Level points, but many federal and state universities focus only on JAMB and Post-UTME.

Q3: What is a good aggregate score for competitive courses?
A3: For medicine, engineering, and law, 75+ is usually safe. Less competitive courses may require 60+.

Q4: How do I know my departmental cut-off mark?
A4: Check the official university admission page. Cut-offs vary by course and change yearly.

Q5: Can aggregate score guarantee admission?
A5: No, it only determines eligibility. Admission also depends on seat availability and departmental screening.

Conclusion

Calculating your aggregate score is a critical step in Nigerian university admission. By understanding the weightage for your chosen university and following the correct calculation method, you can better strategize your preparation for JAMB and Post-UTME. Always use official sources to verify cut-offs and updates to ensure a smooth admission process.

With this guide, you are now fully equipped to calculate your aggregate score for any Nigerian university in 2025/2026 and maximize your chances of gaining admission.

Official Links & Resources:

• JAMB Official Website
• UNILAG Admission Portal
• UNN Admission Portal
• UI Admission Portal
• Covenant University Admission