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Introduction

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students wait anxiously for admission news from universities. For the 2025/2026 session, there are many new updates: new policies, changes in screening form deadlines, cut‐off marks, law program suspensions, and more. This article explains clearly what students must know. Whether you are applying through UTME, Direct Entry (DE), or awaiting results, you will find what matters most here.

We will cover:

• What the main keywords mean (UTME, Post‐UTME, cut‐off, etc.)
• What new policies are in place
• Which universities have begun Post‐UTME / screening
• Deadlines you must watch
• Pros and cons of these changes
• Concrete examples

This will help you prepare better and avoid mistakes.

What Does Admission Mean in Nigerian Universities? (Key Definitions)

Before looking at the updates, it is good to understand some key terms. These are often used and sometimes misunderstood.

Understanding UTME, JAMB, Post‑UTME, DE, Cut‑off Mark

• JAMB / UTME: JAMB is the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is the exam you write via JAMB to apply to Nigerian universities.
• Direct Entry (DE): A way to enter universities without writing the full UTME, for example if you have A‑level, IJMB, or some diploma.
• Post‑UTME / Screening: After JAMB results, many universities require you to do further screening (online form, exam, etc.) to show you meet their standard.
• Cut‑Off Mark: The minimum UTME score a university or programme will accept. Universities or departments set cut‑off marks; they vary.
• Admission List: After screening, when the school publishes which students have been offered admission.

 Why These Terms Matter

• If you don’t understand them, you might miss deadlines or apply wrongly.
• Knowing cut‑off marks helps you estimate whether you have a chance.
• Post‑UTME screening is often where many candidates fail even if they have good UTME scores.
• Being aware of changes in policy (age, suspended courses) is critical so you don’t apply for a course you can’t get.

Latest 2025/2026 Admission Policy Changes

Here are some of the new rules or policy changes that affect admission for universities in Nigeria for session 2025/2026.

 Age Requirement

• The federal government now requires candidates to be at least 16 years old before being admitted into any university, polytechnic, or college of education.
• This helps ensure maturity and readiness for tertiary level. If you are younger, even with good scores, you might be rejected due to age.

 Suspension of Law Programs in Certain Universities

• The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has suspended Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programmes for eight universities for the 2025/2026 session because of regulatory issues.
• Affected universities include Kwara State University (Malete), Bingham University, Redeemer’s University, Western Delta University, Taraba State University, Arthur Jarvis University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, and Nigerian Police Academy.
• If you planned to study law at any of these, you need to pick another law school or choose another programme.

 New Universities and Programmes

• The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK) was established in 2025 (from the assets formerly of Nok University) and has been approved by NUC to offer 18 programmes in applied sciences, medical sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, etc.
• This gives more options for students interested in scientific and applied fields.

Universities Offering Admission Without JAMB (Partly)

• Some universities, especially distance or open learning ones like National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), allow admission without requiring UTME or full JAMB scores. But note: you may still need to register with JAMB, or meet other requirements.
• Also, some private universities for certain programmes may relax UTME requirements depending on internal policies.

Which Universities Are Selling Post‑UTME / Screening Forms Now?

This is important because if you miss the window for form collection / screening, you may lose the chance entirely.

 Schools Currently Selling / Open Forms

Here are several universities that have started or opened their Post‑UTME / screening / admission forms for 2025/2026:

• Mewar International University (MIU), Nasarawa State: Undergrad programmes.
• Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESOMATECH), Burutu: National Diploma programmes; minimum JAMB score 120.
• Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE): Health sciences programmes.
• Elizade University, Ilara‑Mokin, Ondo State: Multiple degree programmes; eligibility includes five O’Level credits including English and Maths.
• Maduka University, Enugu State: Offers screening for undergrad programmes.
• Peaceland University, Enugu; Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene also among private schools inviting applications.

Deadlines for Screening / Post‑UTME Forms

• Many universities have posted closing dates for Post‑UTME / DE registration. Examples: (
  • University of Ibadan (UI): Registration open from 21 July 2025 to 17 August 2025.
  • Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun (FUHSI): Closes 26 August 2025.
  • KWASU: Closes about 17 August 2025.
  • Several other universities: Federal Poly Bida (IBBUL affiliate), UNIPORT, UNICAL etc.
• It’s very important you check the specific university’s website because deadlines may change. Always aim to apply well before the deadline.

Cut‑Off Marks & Screening Requirements

 UTME Minimum Cut‑Off Changes / Examples

• Some universities have set minimum UTME cut‑off marks for eligibility. For example, DESOMATECH requires at least 120 UTME score.
• Some universities have raised their cut‑off marks compared to previous years due to higher competition or regulatory demands.

Screening Requirements Beyond UTME

Universities often require more than just a UTME score:

• O’Level credits: English, Mathematics, etc. Usually at least five credits. Some schools demand stronger grades in relevant subjects.
• Age: As above, must be at least 16.
• Document verification: sometimes certified copies, original certificates.
• Screening test / Interview: Some schools set internal screening tests or online exams.

What Has Been Released: Admission Lists

Several universities have published their admission lists for the 2025/2026 academic session. This tells whether you have been offered a place or not.

 Universities With Admission Lists Released

Here are a number of schools that have already published their 2025/2026 admission lists (Federal, State, Private)

• AAU (Ahmadu Bello University)
• ABU (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – possibly the same as above)
• ABSU (Abia State University)
• AKSU (Akwa State University)
• BASUG, BSU, BUK, COOU, DELSU, EBSU, EDSU, EKSU, ESUT, FUAM, FUBK, FUD, FUGASHUA, FUGUS, FUKASHERE, FULAFIA, FULOKOJA, FUNAAB, FUNAI, FUOTUOKE, FUOYE, FUPRE, FUTA, FUTMINNA, FUTO, FUWUKARI, GSU, IAUE, IBBU, IMSU, KASU, KSU, KWASU, LASU, LASUED, etc.
• Also private universities and colleges in some states.

If your name is on any list, follow instructions given (like accept admission via JAMB portal / university portal). If not, you might have to check if there is a catch‑up or supplementary admission list.

Pros & Cons of the New Admission Updates

Understanding advantages and drawbacks helps you plan well.

 Pros (Good Things)

• More clarity: Policies like age rule, law programme suspension make things clearer so students know rules before applying.
• More opportunities: New universities like FUASK, more programmes approved, more private schools opening forms give more chances.
• Improved fairness: Screening processes, cut‑off marks attempt to ensure quality and fairness.
• Transparency: Early release of deadlines, admission lists helps reduce anxiety and helps students plan.

 Cons (Challenges)

• Tight deadlines: Students might struggle to meet registration and screening deadlines.
• Changes may catch some unaware: For example, law programme suspension means some applicants must change plans.
• Increased pressure: Higher cut‑off marks and stricter screening can raise competition.
• Possible confusion: With different rules in different universities, keeping track is harder.

How to Use These Updates: What You Should Do

Steps You Should Take to Stay Ahead

1. Check JAMB portal often: For UTME results, CAPS statuses, any new regulation.
2. Monitor university websites & notice boards: Each university publishes their own Post‑UTME/screening form, deadlines, requirements.
3. Prepare documents in advance: O’Level, birth certificate, identity, etc. Especially ensure English and Maths passes.
4. Plan alternative programmes: If desired course is suspended (like law) or cut‑off too high, have backup options.
5. Meet age requirement: If under 16, understand that you may need to wait until you reach the required age.

Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025/2026 Admission Trends

This helps you understand what changed.

Example Scenarios

These examples help show how the updates may affect real students.

 Example 1 – Student Aims for Law at Affected University

• John wants to study law at Redeemer’s University, Ede. Because the law programme is suspended for 2025/2026, he cannot get admitted there. He must either choose another university where law is available or switch to a different course such as political science, public administration, etc.

 Example 2 – Student Beldon has UTME 130, Wants Medical Lab Science

• Beldon scored 130 in UTME. He checks universities. Some schools set minimum UTME for that programme at 140, some 120. He finds that DESOMATECH accepts 120; thus he can apply there. He also ensures he has O’Level credits, meets age, and applies for screening form before deadline.

 Example 3 – Student is Under 16

• Mary is 15 years old but scored high in UTME. Even if she meets cut‑off, the age requirement of 16 stops her full admission. She may need to wait or consider universities or programmes that may make special exceptions (if any), but most will reject applications before 16.

Summary Table of Key Updates & Deadlines

Here is a quick reference table you can use to see at a glance what is happening, where, and by when.

Conclusion

The 2025/2026 admission season for Nigerian universities is marked by significant changes: stricter policies (like minimum age), suspension of some programmes (law in certain schools), new universities, updated screening deadlines, and differing requirements across institutions. These updates can impact students strongly—both positively and with challenges.

To succeed, you must:

• Stay well informed (policies, deadlines)
• Make backup plans
• Prepare documents and requirements early
• Aim for good UTME scores and meet cut‑offs
• Be flexible with choice of school or programme