Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Admission Updates and How to Apply

If you scored well in JAMB and you’re aiming for admission into Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, this guide walks you through everything you need for the 2025/2026 admission exercise. You’ll find the official cut-off mark used by OAU, who is eligible for Post-UTME/CBT screening, the exact step-by-step application process on the OAU admissions portal, how Direct Entry differs, what fees to expect, required documents, important dates and reliable tips to avoid common mistakes. All information below has been checked against OAU’s admissions resources and the latest public notices (Updated November 2025). If you want to apply right away, follow the “How to Apply” steps exactly — they’re written so you can copy and paste into a publishable blog post or a candidate checklist.

1. What is OAU Post-UTME (CBT) and why it matters

Obafemi Awolowo University runs a competitive admission process that often includes an online screening (Computer Based Test — CBT) or other screening measures for UTME candidates and registration/online screening for Direct Entry applicants. The screening helps the university verify eligibility and rank candidates for departmental admission lists. Passing OAU’s screening is necessary to be considered for the university’s admission lists and final offers. Official candidate registration and FAQs are managed via OAU’s admissions portal.

2. OAU 2025/2026 cut-off mark (official)

For the 2025/2026 admission cycle, OAU published a minimum UTME cut-off mark of 200 for degree admissions. This is the baseline score used to qualify candidates for further screening and departmental consideration. Note: some highly competitive departments set higher internal (departmental) cut-off thresholds when compiling final lists. If your UTME score is 200 or above you meet OAU’s public UTME entry requirement for screening consideration.

3. Who is eligible (UTME and Direct Entry)

UTME candidates (Regular UTME):

• Must have a minimum JAMB UTME score of 200 (as OAU’s stated cut-off for 2025/2026).
• Must have chosen OAU as first or second choice (check OAU rules; some schools strictly prefer first choice).
• Must possess at least the required SSCE (WAEC/NECO) subject combination for their chosen course — e.g., five O’Level credits including English Language and course-specific subjects.

Direct Entry (DE) candidates:

• DE students must register on the OAU admissions portal (they typically do not sit the CBT), but they are screened online and must upload required documents (A-level result, IJMB, NCE or recognized advance diploma) as specified in the FAQ. Direct Entry registration is mandatory even when no CBT is required.

4. Required documents and account details (what to prepare before applying)

Before you start the application on OAU’s admissions portal, gather the following:

• JAMB registration number and UTME score.
• O’Level results: WAEC/NECO result(s) (printed or scanned copies).
• Direct Entry documents (if applicable): A-level, NCE, IJMB certificate or academic transcripts.
• Active personal email address and a mobile phone number.
• Means of payment (debit card, bank transfer, or the school’s preferred payment channels).
• Clear passport photograph in digital format (as required by the portal).
• Valid ID (national ID, international passport, or driver’s license — for identity verification).
• A working internet connection and optionally a screenshot tool to save receipts and confirmation pages.

5. Step-by-step: How to apply (complete workflow)

Follow these exact steps to register and apply correctly on OAU’s official admission portal:

A. Confirm your JAMB choice and status

1. Log in to the JAMB portal and confirm OAU is listed as your choice (first or second, depending on OAU policy). Keep a screenshot.
2. Confirm your UTME score is ≥ 200. If below 200, do not proceed for OAU screening.

B. Visit the OAU admissions portal

1. Open OAU admissions portal: admissions.oauife.edu.ng (use the official site only).
2. Read the latest notices and the FAQ page for any department-specific instructions.

C. Create or log in to your admissions account

1. Create a profile using your full name, JAMB reg number, email, and phone.
2. Verify your email (if an activation link is sent).

D. Complete application form

1. Fill in your personal details exactly as on your JAMB/WAEC documents.
2. Select your preferred course and faculty ensure the O’Level subjects match the course requirement.

E. Upload required documents

1. Upload scanned passport photograph, O’Level results, and any Direct Entry certificates (if DE).
2. Double-check file sizes and naming conventions on the portal.

F. Pay screening fee (if required)

1. Use the portal’s payment widget or the bank instructions provided. Save receipt/screenshot.
2. After payment, return to the portal and confirm payment status. The portal usually updates instantly but keep proof.

G. Print or download slip / screening notification

1. After successful registration and payment (if required), download and print the screening slip and instructions.
2. Note the screening date, time and any CBT instructions (or the note that DE candidates are screened online).

H. Attend/complete screening

1. For CBT candidates: arrive early at the allocated centre with printed slip and ID. Follow test rules.
2. For online screening: complete any online verification tasks and upload further documents if requested.

I. Monitor admission status

1. Check OAU portal and JAMB CAPS regularly for departmental lists. Admission offers will appear on JAMB CAPS — accept or reject promptly. (See the “How admission offers appear” section below.)

6. Screening format: what to expect on test day and online checks

For CBT (where applicable):

• The CBT usually tests English language, General Paper/Use of English, and basic questions related to the candidate’s chosen course (verbal reasoning, quantitative aptitude, subject-specific items depending on the faculty).
• Test length and number of questions vary by faculty; read the portal’s test instruction on your slip.
• Ensure you bring a printed screening slip, original ID, and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

For Direct Entry / online screening:

• DE candidates generally do not write CBT but must register and upload required documents for online screening. The university may verify certificates and review transcripts online.

Important behaviour rules for screening:

• No mobile phones or unauthorized devices in CBT halls.
• Cheating or using proxy candidates will lead to outright disqualification and blacklisting by OAU and JAMB.
• Follow invigilator instructions strictly.

7. Fees: acceptance, screening and related charges

• Screening fee: This varies year to year; pay only through the official OAU admissions portal payment channels. Keep receipts.
• Acceptance fee (if offered admission): If admitted, OAU requires payment of the acceptance/registration fee as published for the session. The exact acceptance fee amount is published on the university website and in the admission offer notice always use the official school payment channels.
• Other fees: Hostel deposits, departmental registration charges and medical screening fees may apply after matriculation. Always confirm amounts on the official portal to avoid scams.

8. Important dates and timeline (Updated November 2025)

• Portal opening & registration: check OAU admissions portal for the current registration window (the portal posts exact dates per session).
• CBT/screening dates: printed on your screening slip after registration/payment.
• Admission list release: OAU releases departmental admission lists in batches monitor the OAU portal and JAMB CAPS.
• Matriculation & resumption dates: announced by the university’s registry and published on the official site.

Note: Always quote absolute dates from the OAU portal when publishing. This guide is marked “Updated November 2025”; before publishing on your site replace any tentative dates with the exact dates shown on admissions.oauife.edu.ng.

9. How admission offers appear on JAMB CAPS and what to do next

1. Official offers by OAU will appear on JAMB CAPS (not just on social media). Log in to your JAMB profile and check the “Admission Status” or CAPS dashboard.
2. When you see “ADMISSION” on CAPS: proceed to your school portal for acceptance steps, pay the acceptance fee if required and print the admission letter.
3. If you see “OFFER IN PROGRESS” or “PROVISIONAL”: follow instructions and await the final list.
4. To accept an offer on CAPS: click “ACCEPT” failing to accept in time can lead to forfeiture. After accepting, follow OAU’s portal instructions for payment and registration.

10. Common problems, how to fix them and expert tips

Problem: Payment not reflected on portal
Fix: Keep the transaction reference and receipt. Contact OAU admissions support with proof and the timestamp. Do not repeat payment until confirmation.

Problem: Wrong details on your profile or document mismatch
Fix: Correct the mistake via the portal if allowed, or contact the admissions office immediately with supporting documents.

Expert tips

• Always confirm any link or bank details against the official OAU admissions portal before payment.
• Save screenshots of every step: payment receipts, confirmation pages and screening slips.
• Meet the minimum UTME cut-off (200) and verify departmental subject requirements before applying.
• Apply early in the registration window to avoid last-minute server congestion.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum UTME score OAU accepts for 2025/2026?
A: OAU published a minimum UTME cut-off mark of 200 for degree courses for the 2025/2026 session. Departmental thresholds may be higher.

Q2: Do Direct Entry candidates write the CBT screening?
A: No. Direct Entry candidates register on the OAU admissions portal and are screened online; they are not required to sit the CBT but must upload DE documents.

Q3: Where do I pay the screening or acceptance fee?
A: Use the official OAU admissions portal payment channels or the bank instructions given on the portal. Do not pay via social media or private accounts.

Q4: How will I know if OAU offered me admission?
A: Admission offers are published on JAMB CAPS and on the OAU admissions portal/noticeboard. Check both regularly.

Q5: What happens if I miss the screening date?
A: Missing your scheduled CBT screening can disqualify you from that screening batch. Contact the admissions office immediately to ask about alternative arrangements, but do not assume an automatic reschedule.

Conclusion

This guide gives you the practical, step-by-step path to apply for OAU admission in the 2025/2026 session: confirm your UTME score (≥200), register on the official OAU admissions portal, upload correct documents, pay fees through the portal, sit the CBT if scheduled (or complete DE online screening), and monitor JAMB CAPS for offers. Keep all receipts and follow the official portal instructions closely. For the most authoritative updates always refer to OAU’s admissions portal and the FAQ page.

Sources & checking notes: Official OAU admissions portal (FAQ & notices) and verified admission-notice summaries. Information above was checked and compiled from OAU admissions notices and trusted admission update pages (Updated November 2025).