Step-by-Step Guide to Post UTME Registration 2026/2026
Post UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is a crucial part of admission in the university in Nigeria. It is an exercise of secondary screening performed by tertiary institutions in further evaluation of the students who qualify through UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). In the majority of the cases, admission to a university, polytechnic, and college of education in Nigeria depends on this process.
To this effect, it is important to understand how Post UTME should be registered especially by those whose plan is to study in the undergraduate category of colleges and universities. Here is all you need to know about the Post UTME registration process in Nigeria during the 2025/2026 academic year including who may or may not take the Post UTME and how to go about the registration process as well as avoiding some of the pitfalls that may lead to failure and tips on succeeding in the procedure.
Understanding Post UTME in Nigeria
What Is Post UTME?
Post UTME stands for Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. It is a screening exercise conducted by universities, polytechnics, and colleges in Nigeria to assess applicants after the UTME. Institutions use it to determine if a candidate meets both the academic and administrative requirements needed for admission.
The Post UTME may take several formats:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Oral interviews
- Physical document screening
- Aptitude tests
- Online screening (in some institutions)
Why Is It Necessary?
While the UTME is a standardized test, institutions argue that it does not provide sufficient depth to gauge candidates’ readiness. Post UTME serves as an additional checkpoint, allowing schools to:
- Verify UTME scores and subject combinations
- Confirm academic credentials (O’Level results)
- Assess writing, logic, or subject-specific knowledge
Who Needs to Register for Post UTME?
To register for Post UTME in Nigeria, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- You must have sat for the JAMB UTME in the current academic session.
- You must have scored the minimum cut-off mark set by JAMB and your institution of choice.
- You must have chosen the institution as your first choice during UTME registration or changed to it through the JAMB portal.
- You must have the correct O’Level subject combinations, with at least five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
If you meet the above conditions, you are eligible to apply for the Post UTME screening in your chosen institution.
When Does Post UTME Registration Start?
Post UTME registration usually begins a few weeks after JAMB releases the UTME results. The timeline typically falls between June and October, depending on the academic calendar of each institution.
Institutions release official announcements on their websites, in newspapers, and through other channels, specifying:
- The registration start and end dates
- Exam dates and venues
- Payment procedures and platforms
- Required documents and eligibility criteria
Students are advised to monitor the official websites and social media handles of their preferred institutions to stay up to date.
Documents Needed for Post UTME Registration
Before proceeding with the registration process, ensure that you have the following documents and information ready:
- JAMB UTME result slip (original and/or notification)
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB in acceptable formats)
- Birth certificate or sworn affidavit of age declaration
- Certificate of origin/local government identification
- Recent passport photograph (clear background, typically white or red)
- Valid email address and phone number
- JAMB registration number
- Change of institution slip (if applicable)
How to Register for Post UTME: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Visit the Institution’s Official Admission Portal
Go to the official website of the university or polytechnic you are applying to. Avoid using third-party or fake websites. Navigate to the “Admissions” or “2025/2026 Post UTME” section.
Examples:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG): https://admissions.unilag.edu.ng
- University of Ibadan (UI): https://admissions.ui.edu.ng
- University of Benin (UNIBEN): https://uniben.waeup.org
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
Use your JAMB Registration Number to create a profile on the school’s portal. Input your email address, phone number, and create a secure password. Some institutions will send you a verification code via SMS or email.
Step 3: Make the Required Payment
Post UTME registration usually costs between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000. Payment options include:
- Remita (via Internet banking or bank branch)
- Paystack/Flutterwave (using ATM cards)
- Bank teller/direct deposit (less common)
After payment, be sure to print the receipt or keep a screenshot of your transaction.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
You will need to:
- Input your personal data (names, date of birth, address, gender)
- Provide your UTME details (JAMB score, subject combinations)
- Input O’Level grades and examination numbers
- Upload required documents (passport, certificates, birth certificate, etc.)
- Select your course of study
Double-check your entries before clicking submit. Errors at this stage can cause disqualification.
Step 5: Print Out Acknowledgment Slip and Exam Schedule
Once your registration is complete:
- Print your acknowledgment slip
- Download the exam schedule or screening slip, which contains:
- Date of screening
- Time
- Venue
- Required documents to bring
You must bring these printed copies with you to the screening center.
What to Do After Registration
Once you’ve successfully registered for the Post UTME, here are the next steps:
1. Start Preparing for the Examination
Even if your school uses online screening (no CBT), study the relevant materials:
- Subject-specific past questions
- English comprehension and logical reasoning
- Aptitude test materials (for schools like UNILORIN, UI, and UNIBEN)
2. Track Exam Dates and Deadlines
Always monitor the institution’s portal and official announcements for any changes to screening schedules or requirements.
3. Gather All Required Documents
Ensure all your documents are properly organized and ready for verification. These include:
- JAMB slip
- Acknowledgment slip
- O’Level certificates
- Birth certificate
- Passport photograph
4. Attend the Screening Exercise
Arrive early at the screening venue, follow all instructions, and maintain decorum. Some institutions also conduct biometric verification.
5. Await Admission Results
After the screening exercise, most institutions release admission lists in batches:
- Merit (first) list
- Supplementary lists
- Catchment area and quota-based admissions
Admission status can be checked via the school’s portal and on the JAMB CAPS platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Post UTME Registration
To increase your chances of a successful application, avoid these errors:
- Using incorrect or mismatched email addresses
- Uploading low-quality or unclear passport photographs
- Entering incorrect O’Level grades
- Missing the registration deadline
- Making payments on unauthorized platforms
- Failing to confirm your exam schedule
- Not checking the institution’s official updates
Helpful Tips for a Successful Post UTME Registration
Here are practical tips to help ensure a stress-free registration experience:
- Use a cyber café with experience in admission processes.
- Don’t wait until the deadline—register early.
- Keep all your documents in digital and printed format.
- Use a working and accessible email address and phone number.
- Follow official social media handles of your chosen institutions.
- Bookmark your institution’s admission portal for quick access.
Differences in Post UTME by Institution
Post UTME procedures and formats differ from one institution to another. For example:
- UNILAG, UNILORIN, and OAU conduct CBT-based tests.
- University of Ibadan (UI) uses a grading system that combines UTME and O’Level results.
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) includes aptitude tests with a science focus.
- State universities like LASU and DELSU may conduct physical screening or oral interviews.
Understanding the specific screening format of your chosen institution gives you an advantage during preparation.
Conclusion
The next step in gaining admission to the university in Nigeria is to register a Post UTME. Thousands of students fail to get entry due to preventable mistakes on the part of the checking or the registration procedure every year. Now you have the details you require to tackle your 2025 Post UTME registration in your stride.
It is not just about eligibility checks and moving on to apply and get ready to survive the screening exercise. Be cautious, be informed and use official means to prevent any misinformation.
