What the main words mean

UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination): The national exam run by JAMB for students who finished secondary school and want to enter university.

Direct Entry (DE): A way to enter university without UTME (or with a DE form) if you have extra qualifications (ND, HND, JUPEB, NCE, A-Levels, or a degree).

Post-UTME (or Screening): Each university checks UTME candidates again. This is done by the school. It can be another test, online form, or screening of documents.

JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System): The online portal where admission offers are processed. You accept or reject offers there. JAMB also uses CAPS to display admission status.

O’level results: WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or equivalents. These are your secondary school result papers. Most schools need five (5) credit passes including English and usually Mathematics.

Cut-off mark: The minimum UTME score that makes you eligible for university screening. For 2025, JAMB set the minimum university cut-off at 150 (note: individual universities often set higher scores).

Big picture — the whole admission path

1. Study hard in school and pass O’level subjects (5 credits).
2. Register for JAMB UTME (or Direct Entry if eligible). Sit the exam.
3. Check your score. If score ≥ your chosen university’s cut-off, apply to that university’s Post-UTME.
4. Do Post-UTME/screening and submit documents.
5. Wait for offers on JAMB CAPS. Accept the best offer.
6. Pay acceptance, finish school clearance, and matriculate.

Keep reading for full, step-by-step detail.

Step 1 — Choose your course and university

Why picking the right course matters

Your course decides the subjects you must study and the minimum scores you need. Some courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) need higher scores and specific UTME subjects (e.g., Biology for Medicine). Choose a course you can do well in and that matches your interests.

How to pick (simple method)

1. List 3–5 courses you like. Put your favorite first.
2. Check entry requirements on the university website (look for “admission requirements” or “courses and requirements”). Different schools ask for different combinations. (admissions.unilag.edu.ng)
3. Compare cut-off marks and past admission lists (if available). If your projected score is low, pick a school with lower cut-offs or consider related courses with lower demand.
4. Think about cost & location. Private universities often cost more than public ones but may have easier entry; public universities are cheaper but more competitive.
5. Backup plan. Choose at least one safer option where your score fits comfortably.

What to check in course requirements

• Required O’level subjects and credit passes.
• UTME subject combination (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics for Engineering).
• Direct Entry requirements (if doing DE).
• Age limit if any (JAMB set age 16 as minimum for 2025 admissions).

Step 2 — Prepare your O’level and documents

Core documents every applicant must have

• O’level result(s) (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB). Most schools accept results from not more than two sittings, but check each school.
• Birth certificate / age declaration (some schools ask). JAMB requires you to be at least 16 for 2025/2026.
• JAMB registration printout (when you register).
• Post-UTME screening printout (after you register with the university).
• Passport photographs (passport size, usually 2–4 copies).
• School testimonial or reference if requested.
• Local government area (LGA) certificate if requested for state quotas.

How to prepare O’level results

• If you don’t have 5 credits yet, take extra sittings (WAEC/NECO). Most universities accept two sitting results.
• Ensure English Language is included — most schools require it.
• For professional courses (Medicine, Accounting), check the exact subject list (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics etc.).

Scanning & keeping digital copies

Scan clear PDFs of your results and passport photos. Save them in a folder named clearly (e.g., Olevel_WAEC_2024.pdf). Universities often ask for digital uploads during Post-UTME.

Step 3 — Register and sit JAMB UTME / Direct Entry

A. UTME candidates — how to register and key tips

1. Create a JAMB profile on the e-facility or visit an accredited CBT centre. Use valid email and phone number. (JAMB e-facility: efacility.jamb.gov.ng).
2. Pay the registration fee and buy the exam form at designated outlets or via the portal. Keep receipts.
3. Choose correct course and subject combination (this is crucial). Wrong subjects can make you ineligible. Double-check before submission.
4. Sit the UTME exam at your chosen CBT centre. Bring ID and printouts as required.
5. Check your score after the exam. If you score at or above the university’s cut-off, you can apply for that school’s Post-UTME screening.

Important 2025 note

JAMB’s 2025 policy meeting fixed a minimum UTME score of 150 for universities. Universities may still set higher cut-offs for competitive courses.

B. Direct Entry (DE) candidates — steps and window

If you have an ND, HND, NCE, JUPEB, IJMB, A’Levels, or a degree, you may use Direct Entry.

1. Apply for JAMB Direct Entry during the DE application window (JAMB publishes dates annually). For 2025, JAMB opened DE applications in March 2025 with specific end dates. Check JAMB bulletin for exact days and instructions.
2. Upload your DE qualifications as required (transcripts, certificates).
3. Apply to your chosen university for DE screening (they may require extra forms or fees).

UTME subject combinations — double check

Always confirm the required UTME subjects for your course on the university’s official portal. Some schools will reject your application at screening if you picked the wrong subjects.

Step 4 — Apply for Post-UTME / Screening (how to fill university forms)

After UTME results are out, universities open Post-UTME portals or screening forms. This is where many students make mistakes. Here’s how to do it right.

What Post-UTME can be (types)

• Online test (MCQ or structured questions).
• Computer-based screening at specified centres.
• Document screening only (upload documents and await selection).
• Interview or oral test, rare but used by some departments.

How to apply — exact steps

1. Visit the university admission portal (not third-party sites). Look for “Admissions” or “Post-UTME Screening”.
2. Create an account on the school portal using your details and JAMB number.
3. Fill the form carefully. Use the same name format as JAMB and O’level results. Mismatching names create problems.
4. Upload required documents: O’level result, JAMB printout, passport photo, and any other requested items.
5. Pay the screening fee (keep the payment receipt). Fees vary by school.
6. Take the Post-UTME test if required and keep the score printout.
7. Wait for the school to upload admitted candidates to JAMB CAPS.

Common Post-UTME mistakes and how to avoid them

• Wrong JAMB registration number — double-check before you submit.
• Using nicknames or different name order from your official documents — be consistent.
• Uploading unreadable or wrong documents — scan in good resolution.
• Missing deadlines — set calendar reminders.

Step 5 — Track offers on JAMB CAPS and accept admission

JAMB CAPS is the central place where universities upload admission offers. You must use it carefully.

How to check admission status on JAMB CAPS

1. Go to JAMB e-facility and log in with your registered email and password.
2. Click Check Admission Status and select your exam year.
3. If you see An Admission Has Been Given To You, go to Access my CAPS to view details.
4. There will be Accept Admission and Reject Admission buttons. Choose carefully. If you accept, the university will expect you to follow their acceptance steps.

5. Important tips

• You can accept only one offer at a time. If you accept and later get a better offer, you may be able to change — but check rules and deadlines.
• Do not pay acceptance fees to anyone who calls claiming to be JAMB — always pay via the university portal or official bank channels.
• Keep screenshots of your CAPS status and acceptance as proof.

Step 6 — Pay acceptance & school clearance

After accepting an offer:

1. Pay acceptance fee as directed by the university. This confirms your seat.
2. Complete departmental/faculty clearance: submit original documents (O’level, JAMB, birth certificate) at the school.
3. Check registration and orientation dates on the university site.
4. Matriculation follows after clearance — you officially become a student on matriculation day.

Tip: Keep both digital and physical copies of all documents. Originals will be checked during clearance.

Alternative routes into university (Direct Entry, JUPEB, Pre-degree)

Direct Entry (DE)

• For candidates with extra qualifications (ND, HND, JUPEB, A-Level, NCE).
• You apply through JAMB DE and the university portal. The university may ask for transcripts. (JAMB)

Pros: Enter into second year sometimes; avoids waiting for UTME the hard way.
Cons: Some courses are very competitive for DE spaces.

JUPEB, IJMB, A-Levels

• One-year programmes that prepare students for Direct Entry admission. Many public and private universities accept JUPEB results.

Pre-degree & Remedial programmes

• For students who need to upgrade qualifications or gain eligibility for professional courses.

Pros & cons — UTME vs Direct Entry

UTME (standard route)

Pros:

• Open to senior secondary school leavers.
• Straightforward: register, sit, apply.

Cons:

• Highly competitive for top courses.
• One chance per year (if you skip a year).

Direct Entry (DE)

Pros:

• Faster into degree program (sometimes starts in 200 level).
• Good if you already have HND, ND, JUPEB or relevant diplomas.

Cons:

• Limited slots; competition is stiff.
• Requires additional qualification/cost.

Public vs Private universities — short comparison

Public universities

• Usually lower tuition.
• Often more competitive.
• Longer admission queues for top courses.

Private universities

• Higher fees but sometimes easier admission.
• Modern facilities sometimes better.
• Consider cost and scholarship availability.

Common mistakes students make

1. Wrong UTME subject choices. Fix by checking course subject list BEFORE registration.
2. Mismatched names across documents. Use the same name format in JAMB, O’level, and school forms.
3. Late application for Post-UTME. Set reminders and apply immediately after UTME results.
4. Relying on social media for official info. Always confirm on JAMB or university websites. (JAMB)
5. Paying unofficial agents. Always use official payment channels.

Checklist & timeline for 2025/2026 applicants

Note: Exact dates shift yearly. JAMB and universities publish official windows on their sites. For 2025, JAMB set the university minimum cut-off at 150 and listed Direct Entry windows in the bulletin. Always confirm current dates on JAMB’s site and your chosen university portals. (JAMB)

General timeline (typical pattern)

• Jan – Mar: JAMB UTME registration (approximate; check JAMB for exact window).
• Apr – Jul: UTME exams and results release.
• Jul – Sep: Post-UTME registration and screening at universities.
• Aug – Dec: Schools upload admission lists to JAMB CAPS; accept/reject offers.
• Sep – Jan: Clearance and matriculation (varies by school).

Quick personal checklist (tick these)

• 5 credits in O’level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) — photocopies & scanned.
• JAMB profile and correct subjects selected.
• Post-UTME portal account created for chosen schools.
• Funds for registration / screening fees saved.
• Regularly check JAMB CAPS and university portals.
• Keep scanned backups of all documents.

Summary table

Step	What to do	Documents needed	Typical time	Quick tip
1. Choose course & school	Pick 2–3 courses & schools	None	ASAP (before registration)	Research course subjects & fees
2. Prepare O’level	Ensure 5 credits in required subjects	WAEC/NECO result	Weeks–months	Use two sittings if needed
3. Register JAMB UTME/DE	Create profile, pick subjects, pay fee, sit exam	ID, photo, school details	During JAMB window	Double-check subject combo
4. Apply Post-UTME	Fill school portal, upload docs, pay fee	JAMB printout, O’level scans, photo	After UTME results	Apply early, keep receipts
5. Track admission (CAPS)	Check status, Accept/Reject	JAMB login	When offers uploaded	Accept only when ready to pay
6. Pay & clear	Pay acceptance fee, report for clearance	Originals of documents	After acceptance	Keep proof of payment
Extra: DE/JUPEB	Apply via DE or bridge programmes	DE certificates, transcripts	When eligible	DE windows are published by JAMB. (JAMB)

Examples

Example 1 — Sade wants Medicine (UTME route)

• Sade must have 5 credits including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, English.
• She chooses UTME subjects: Use Biology, Chemistry, Physics (depending on school).
• She must aim for a high UTME score; Medicine is competitive and requires a high cut-off at many universities.

Example 2 — Musa has ND in Computer Science (Direct Entry)

• Musa applies for DE through JAMB and the university. He uploads his transcript and ND certificate.
• He follows the university’s DE screening steps (pay fee, upload documents). If accepted, he may enter 200 level.

How to improve your chance

• Start early. Prepare your O’level and read course requirements months before registration.
• Practice past questions for Post-UTME and JAMB.
• Use official sources for dates and forms (JAMB and university sites). (E-Facility)
• Keep documents tidy and scanned.
• Apply to multiple schools (at least one backup).

Conclusion

Getting into a Nigerian university in 2025/2026 is a process you can control. Study well, prepare your documents, register correctly for UTME or Direct Entry, apply for Post-UTME early, and watch JAMB CAPS closely. Follow official portals for dates and avoid shortcuts. With planning and steady work, you will raise your chance of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum UTME cut-off for universities in 2025?
JAMB set the minimum UTME cut-off for universities at 150 for the 2025/2026 admission cycle. Note: individual universities may require higher marks.

2. How do I check my admission status?
Log in to the JAMB e-facility, click Check Admission Status, choose your exam year, then view Access my CAPS. If offered admission, you can accept or reject there.

3. Can I use two sittings for O’level?
Yes. Many universities accept O’level results in not more than two sittings, but check specific university rules. )

4. What is Direct Entry and when do I apply?
Direct Entry is for candidates with extra qualifications (ND, HND, JUPEB, A-Level etc.). Apply during JAMB’s DE window — JAMB publishes the exact dates in its bulletin each year.

5. If I accept an admission on CAPS, can I later change to another school?
You can reject and accept another offer if you get one later, but check the timing and rules. Always confirm deadlines with both JAMB and the university.

6. What documents do I present for clearance?
Original O’level result, JAMB printout, birth certificate, passport photos, and any other documents the university asks.

7. How do I know the correct UTME subject combination?
Check the admission requirements / course page on the official university website before JAMB registration. Picking the wrong subjects can disqualify you at screening.

8. Do universities always carry out Post-UTME tests?
Most do some form of screening; some do online tests while others may do document checks. Check each university’s portal.

9. What is JAMB CAPS?
JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) is the online portal where admission offers are processed and displayed. You accept or reject offers on CAPS.

10. Can I apply to more than one course?
On JAMB, you register one course and one institution at a time. But you can apply to multiple universities’ Post-UTME if your UTME score meets their cut-offs.

11. How much is the Post-UTME fee?
Fees vary by university. Always check the university’s official admission page for the exact amount.

12. What if my names differ across documents?
Contact JAMB and your university immediately. Have sworn affidavits or name change documents ready. Avoid this by using the same name format everywhere.

13. Is 150 always enough to gain admission?
150 is the JAMB minimum. Many schools and competitive courses require higher scores. Use past admission data to judge your chance

14. How do I apply for Direct Entry as an ND holder?
Apply on the JAMB e-facility during DE window, upload ND certificates/transcripts, then apply to the university DE portal.

15. Where do I confirm official dates and bulletins for 2025/2026?
Always check JAMB’s official website and your chosen university’s official admission pages for bulletins and updates.

Final tips

• Use official portals only.
• Scan documents clearly and keep backups.
• Prepare for tests (practice past questions).
• Apply early and watch deadlines.
• Keep calm — many students get offers every year with good planning.

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