How to Apply for Post-UTME in Any Nigerian University (Step-by-Step Guide) — 2025/2026

Applying for Post-UTME (or university admission screening) can feel confusing because each school has slightly different portals, fees, and verification steps. This universal guide walks you through every action you must take so you can apply confidently for any Nigerian university in the 2025/2026 admission cycle. It covers eligibility checks, exact portal steps, secure payment options, how to download your exam slip, what to bring for physical verification, preparation strategies for the screening test, and the correct way to accept an offer on JAMB CAPS. Follow these steps carefully and always confirm final details on your chosen university’s official admissions page.

Quick Overview — What Post-UTME Means Today

Post-UTME (Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) or “screening” is the university-level admission screening that follows JAMB UTME. Screening formats in 2025 include full Computer-Based Tests (CBT), online screening/verification, or document review with physical verification. Some programmes (medical, law) may require higher subject or departmental thresholds. Always check department cutoffs before applying.

Before You Start — Eligibility & Documents Checklist

Eligibility (confirm on school portal):

• You must have a valid JAMB UTME result for the year applying (or approved Direct Entry).
• Your JAMB subject combination must match the course.
• You must meet the university’s general cut-off (often 160–200) and, where published, the departmental cut-off.

Mandatory documents to prepare (soft copies and originals):

1. JAMB UTME result / JAMB registration number.
2. O’Level result(s) (WAEC/NECO) scanned copies of certificates or result slips.
3. Birth certificate or sworn affidavit.
4. Passport photograph (digital) matching the portal requirements.
5. Means of identification (national ID, voter’s card, or passport).
6. Payment evidence (printout or screenshot of payment receipt).

Step-By-Step: How to Apply for Post-UTME (Universal Steps)

These steps are written to work for any Nigerian university portal (UNILAG, UNIBEN, FUTA, state universities, private universities, and NOUN where applicable). Slight labels may differ but the sequence is the same.

1. Visit the university’s official admissions page

Open the university’s main domain (e.g., unilag.edu.ng, uniben.edu) and navigate to the Admissions → Undergraduate or Post-UTME section. Do not use social media links or third-party pages for payments.

2. Read the official Post-UTME instructions fully

Every school publishes specific instructions (eligible courses, cut-offs, fee amount, payment channels, test windows). Read them carefully before proceeding. If there’s a timetable for CBT test windows or physical verification, note it immediately.

3. Create an account on the school’s application portal

Click Apply / Post-UTME Application and register using your JAMB registration number, email, surname, or specified credentials. Some portals auto-generate a password keep it safe. Example: UNILAG uses UTME number as username and surname (in lowercase) as password during initial login.

4. Complete the online application form

Fill in all required personal, educational and contact details exactly as written on official documents (JAMB, WAEC). Upload scanned copies where required (O’Level, passport photo). Mistyped names or wrong birth dates cause delays later.

5. Generate payment advice and pay the screening fee

Most portals provide a payment advisory or redirect to a payment gateway. Pay using the channels listed (Remita, bank deposit, debit/ATM card, USSD where supported). Pay only to accounts or gateways listed on the official portal. Keep screenshots and print the payment receipt. Typical screening fees range from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 but vary by school.

6. Return to the portal to confirm payment and submit

After payment, return to the application portal, upload proof if required, and submit the completed form. Some portals allow you to print a Post-UTME slip that shows your test date/time or login for the CBT.

7. Take the online test or attend physical screening

If the school uses CBT, log in during your scheduled test window and take the exam (ensure stable internet and backup power). If the school uses physical screening/document verification, attend the venue with originals and photocopies of documents. Follow instructions strictly.

8. Check results and admission status

After screening, schools publish provisional lists on their portal and send updates to JAMB CAPS. Check JAMB eFacility / CAPS and the school portal for admission offers. If admitted, accept or reject via CAPS (see the separate JAMB CAPS guide).

Payment Methods, Secure Ways to Pay

• Official online gateway (Remita, proprietary gateway): follow portal prompts.
• Bank payment: generate payment advice, then pay at specified banks; upload receipt if required.
• Card/USSD: some portals accept ATM cards (Visa, MasterCard, Verve) or USSD payments. Use secure networks.

Safety rule: Never send money to personal bank accounts or WhatsApp numbers claiming to be “admissions officers.” Use only official portal/payment instructions. Keep all proofs of payment.

Preparing for the Post-UTME Test (What to Study & How to Practice)

1. Know the exam pattern for your school — some universities test English + UTME core subjects; others add general paper. Check the school’s past question pattern where published.
2. Focus on English and core subjects relevant to your course (Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, etc.). Most admission tests prioritize accuracy and time management.
3. Use past questions and timed mocks practice under test conditions to build speed. Many schools publish mock test windows; use them to confirm your setup.
4. Technical prep for CBT ensure a reliable device, stable internet, charged battery, and quiet environment. Some portals recommend specific browsers.

If You Missed the Test or Encounter Portal Problems

• Contact the university admissions office immediately and present proof of payment and screenshots. Most admission offices resolve portal issues when shown evidence. Keep email threads or call logs.
• Look for supplementary screening windows — many schools run mop-up or supplementary lists after the main screening. Monitor the admissions page.

After Screening Admission, Accepting Offers, and Registration

1. Check school portal and JAMB CAPS for admission offers. JAMB CAPS is the authoritative place to accept or reject offers.
2. Accept admission on CAPS (if satisfied), then follow the school’s portal to pay acceptance fee and complete registration. Some schools require fresh students to upload additional documents during registration.
3. Print admission letter and all registration receipts. Keep multiple copies of all documents for NYSC and clearance processes later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying via unofficial channels or to personal bank accounts.
• Submitting wrong name spellings or birth date (must match JAMB/WAEC).
• Missing departmental cut-offs before applying. Some applicants apply without checking department thresholds and are later disqualified.
• Ignoring mock test instructions and system requirements (browser, time windows).

Official Links & Where to Verify (Start Here)

• JAMB e-Facility / CAPS: https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng check admission offers and accept/reject. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
• UNILAG Post-UTME / Admissions: UNILAG admissions pages and application portal (see UNILAG official site). University Of Lagos+1
• UNIBEN Admissions / WAEUP portal: UNIBEN official applicants portal and instructions. WAeUP.Kofa+1
• University-specific portals: Always begin at the university’s main domain (e.g., youruniversity.edu.ng) and navigate to the Admissions section. University of Medical Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the usual Post-UTME fee?
A: Fees vary by school but commonly range between ₦1,000 and ₦5,000 for most public universities; private universities may charge more. Always confirm the exact amount on the school portal.

Q2: Can I apply for Post-UTME if I used awaiting results?
A: Some universities accept applications from candidates with awaiting results, provided results are uploaded before final admission processing. Check the university’s policy for your chosen course.

Q3: What if my payment is not recognized by the portal?
A: Keep your proof of payment and immediately contact the admissions support email/phone listed on the university portal for reconciliation.

Q4: Is JAMB CAPS mandatory to accept admission?
A: Yes accepting an admission offer through JAMB CAPS is mandatory for the offer to be recorded and confirmed.

Q5: Do private universities use Post-UTME?
A: Many private universities use internal screening (online or interviews) rather than traditional CBT, and some run rolling admissions; follow each private university’s portal instructions.

Conclusion

Applying for Post-UTME in any Nigerian university becomes straightforward when you follow a consistent process: confirm eligibility, use the official university portal, pay only via authorized channels, keep proof of payment, prepare for the CBT or screening, and monitor JAMB CAPS for admission offers. This guide is designed to work for federal, state and private universities in the 2025/2026 cycle but always double-check dates, fees and specific departmental requirements on your chosen university’s official admissions page before you pay or sit the test.

Information verified and cross-checked with official university admissions pages and JAMB resources as of November 2025.