In the sprawling ecosystem of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, few processes carry as much weight—and stir as much anxiety—as the Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, better known as Post UTME. After months of studying for the JAMB UTME, many students are surprised to discover that their journey to university has only just begun.
Introduced in 2005 to combat inconsistencies in admission standards and reduce exam malpractice, the Post UTME is designed to evaluate candidates more directly. While JAMB provides a national benchmark, individual universities now reclaim their autonomy with this second-tier exam. But what exactly is Post UTME, and why does it matter so much?
Post UTME Overview Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Meaning | Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination |
| Introduced | 2005 |
| Who Conducts It | Individual Nigerian universities |
| Type of Test | Objective (mostly CBT), sometimes includes screening or essays |
| Total Questions | Typically 50 |
| Duration | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Subjects Covered | English, Mathematics, General Paper, and course-specific subjects |
| Scoring System | Score often combined with JAMB score to determine admission |
| Website Example | https://myschoolgist.com |
What is Post UTME in JAMB?
The term “Post UTME” refers to a university’s own admission test that comes after a candidate has taken the JAMB UTME. While JAMB provides a national screening tool, Post UTME allows universities to further verify students’ readiness for specific programs. It’s not part of the JAMB examination but is triggered by it.
In other words, once you’ve scored above a school’s JAMB cut-off mark, you qualify to sit for that institution’s Post UTME. This two-tier model adds a safety net, enabling schools to reduce the risk of admitting underqualified students.
What is Post UTME Cut-off Mark?
Post UTME cut-off marks vary widely across institutions and departments. A university may generally accept JAMB scores above 180, but its Post UTME cut-off for Medicine might be 70 percent, while for Sociology, it could be 55.
These marks are used to rank students in highly competitive departments. Even if you ace JAMB, a low Post UTME score can hurt your chances. Think of it as a balancing scale—both exams hold weight, and you need strength on both sides.
Is Post UTME Compulsory?
For most public and private universities in Nigeria, Post UTME is not only compulsory, it’s a gatekeeper. Although some institutions use simple screening—like verifying documents or uploading results—many others still conduct actual exams.
Opting out is rarely an option unless you choose a university that clearly states they don’t require it. But for top-tier schools like UNILAG, UNIBEN, UI, and UNILORIN, Post UTME is very much alive.
How is Post UTME Screening Done?
Screening comes in two major forms. The first is examination-based, where candidates physically take a test or log into a computer-based test (CBT). The second is document-based, often involving verification of WAEC/NECO scores, birth certificates, and other records.
Universities like the University of Abuja prefer the document model, while schools like OAU, UNILORIN, and UNIBADAN administer CBTs. In both cases, honesty, preparation, and correct data entry are essential.
How is Post UTME Written?
If you’re facing an actual Post UTME exam, expect a computer-based test that mimics JAMB but is often shorter and more focused. The number of subjects usually aligns with your intended course. For example:
- Medicine: Biology, Chemistry, English, Physics
- Law: English, Government, CRS, Literature
- Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English
Each school sets its own format, so it’s critical to practice using real past questions from that institution.
Post UTME Past Questions
This is where many students gain an edge. Post UTME past questions are remarkably effective study tools because most universities repeat questions. Some past questions circulate with solutions, offering both content review and strategy tips.
Access to quality past questions—especially in PDF format—is a game changer. It’s like knowing the terrain before a battle. Websites like Samphina, SchoolNGR, and Myschool.ng offer curated past questions for free or a small fee.
Is Post UTME Exam Objective or Theory?
For the majority of schools, the Post UTME is fully objective, especially if conducted via CBT. Candidates are usually given multiple-choice questions that test factual recall, critical thinking, and sometimes basic calculations.
However, a few institutions may throw in essays, particularly for courses like Law, Mass Communication, or Education. Always check the specific exam format from your school’s portal before test day.
Difference Between UTME and Post UTME
While both are entrance evaluations, the UTME (JAMB) is a centralized, standardized exam used across Nigeria. The Post UTME, on the other hand, is customized by each university to suit its admission strategy.
Think of JAMB as a passport and Post UTME as a visa. You need both to travel the road to Nigerian higher education.
What is the Difference Between JAMB and Post UTME?
The JAMB UTME is designed by a federal body to ensure equity across institutions, while Post UTME empowers each university to fine-tune its selection process. This autonomy lets schools raise the bar, especially in competitive programs.
For instance, if two students score 280 in JAMB, Post UTME gives universities a tool to choose the one who is most aligned with their academic goals.
How Does UNILORIN Set Their Post UTME Questions?
UNILORIN, like many leading institutions, builds its Post UTME questions from past WAEC and JAMB syllabi. They tend to focus on subject-specific knowledge, logical reasoning, and comprehension.
Most of the questions are pulled from secondary school curricula, but are twisted with time constraints and layered logic. Reviewing old WAEC and JAMB questions is not just helpful, it’s essential.
Is Post UTME Harder Than JAMB?
That depends on who you ask. Objectively, Post UTME questions are shorter, and you typically answer fewer of them. However, their difficulty lies in how fast and accurately you must think.
JAMB gives more time per question. Post UTME compresses the pressure into a shorter time frame. But with enough practice and the right preparation strategy, many find Post UTME less intimidating.
What Are the Requirements for Post UTME?
To qualify for Post UTME, you typically need:
- A minimum JAMB score (usually 140 to 200, depending on the school)
- Your JAMB registration number
- WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results or awaiting result status
- Birth certificate and local government identification
- A working email and phone number
- Payment of screening fee (often between ₦2,000 to ₦3,000)
Some universities may also require uploading a passport photo or biometric verification.
Final Thoughts: Why Post UTME Still Matters
Post UTME is not a mere formality. It has become a crucial academic filter that helps institutions identify students who are not just test-smart but university-ready. In a country where tertiary education is both a privilege and a launchpad, this exam shapes destinies.
By integrating AI-driven study tools, curated past questions, and real-world problem-solving, students can now approach Post UTME with more confidence than ever. This is not just about passing an exam, it’s about proving readiness to thrive in a competitive academic environment.
So, whether you’re a nervous candidate, a determined parent, or an educator, understand this—Post UTME isn’t here to frustrate you. It’s here to help Nigeria’s brightest minds rise to their full potential.