 |
| Proper preparation for your Post-UTME is crucial for securing admission. |
Once JAMB results are out and the Change of Course window opens, the next stage that ultimately determines your admission is the Post-UTME or School Screening.
In my years of mentoring students through university admissions, I have seen candidates with 280+ in JAMB miss out entirely because they underestimated this stage. Many perform well in JAMB but miss admission simply because they do not understand how this stage works, when forms come out, or how to prepare properly.
This guide provides all the essential information for the 2026/2027 session, updated with the most recent rules and requirements. (If you are still deciding on your school or course, read our guide on JAMB Change of Course & Institution here).
When Do Screening Forms Come Out?
Timeline: Usually starts in early July and runs through September 2026.
Federal Universities: Mostly begin mid-July to early August.
State Universities & Polytechnics: Often open a bit earlier or later depending on their schedule.
(Note: There is no single fixed date. Each school announces its own schedule. Always check the official school portal).
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by institution:
Universities: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 (processing fee only).
Polytechnics & Colleges of Education: ₦1,500 – ₦3,500.
Payment Warning: Payments must be made online via Remita, Interswitch, or the school’s official portal. Never pay cash or transfer money to individuals or agents claiming they can help you.
The Two Main Types of Screening
1. CBT / Written Examination
Used by schools such as UNN, UNIBEN, UI, UNILAG, LASU, and FUTO.
Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, General Knowledge/Current Affairs, and sometimes basic subjects related to your chosen course.
Duration: Usually 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Marking: Scored out of 100, then combined with your JAMB result to get your final aggregate score. (Read our Guide on How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score here).
2. Online Grading Only
Used by many state universities and some federal schools. No written exam is conducted.
- They calculate your admission score using your JAMB result, your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB grades, and additional points for Catchment Area or ELDS.
Documents Required for Registration
Have these ready before you start filling the form to avoid delays:
JAMB Registration Number.
Original JAMB Result Slip (with passport photograph). (If you haven't printed it, read our Guide to Printing JAMB Result Slip here).
WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Result or Statement of Result.
Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
State of Origin Certificate.
Recent passport photographs (white background, clear).
Active email address and phone number.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Visit Only the Official Website: Go to your chosen school's official website. Avoid fake links on social media.
Find the Portal: Look for the section labeled "Admission" or "Post-UTME Portal."
Payment: Generate your payment invoice and pay the required fee via the approved channels.
Fill the Form: Enter your details carefully. Make sure they match exactly what is on your JAMB profile.
Upload Documents: Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents.
Submit: Submit your form and print your Acknowledgement Slip or exam schedule. Keep this slip safe, as you will need it on the day of screening.
How to Prepare and Score High
Get Past Questions: Most schools repeat questions every year. This is the fastest way to understand their pattern.
Revise English and Mathematics: These two subjects appear in almost every screening exercise.
Study Current Affairs: Focus on recent national events, JAMB history, and education-related news.
Know Your Aggregate Formula: Understand how your school combines JAMB and screening marks. Post-UTME carries up to 40–50% of your final admission score, so a high JAMB score alone is not enough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using names or details that do not match your JAMB records.
Waiting until the last day to register (portals often crash).
Paying agents or "runs people" to help you (it is a scam and can disqualify you).
Arriving late to the exam venue or going to the wrong centre.
Ignoring instructions on the exam day.
Related reading:
About the Author: Ogudo Chukwuebuka is a career and education mentor based in Enugu, Nigeria. With over a decade of experience guiding students through university admissions, NYSC, and early career challenges, he is dedicated to helping Nigerian graduates navigate the transition from campus to the corporate world.
Comments
Post a Comment