Getting into a university in Nigeria is a big deal—and let’s be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time going through the process. There’s JAMB to register for, schools to choose, cut-off marks to worry about, post-UTME exams to prepare for, and a whole lot of information (and sometimes confusion) along the way. It’s not just about filling a form and waiting for magic to happen. If you want to secure admission into a good school, you have to know what you’re doing and take each step seriously.
The truth is, a lot of students miss out on admission simply because they didn’t have the right guidance. Maybe they picked the wrong course, didn’t understand how JAMB works, or didn’t prepare well for post-UTME. But with the right information and proper planning, the whole process becomes a lot more manageable—and that’s exactly what this guide is here for. Whether you’re still in SS3, already done with secondary school, or even trying again after a previous attempt, this step-by-step guide will break things down clearly so you know what to expect and how to move forward.
And it’s not just about getting in—it’s about getting in the smart way. From choosing the right course and university, to understanding admission requirements, registering for JAMB, and acing your post-UTME, there’s a strategy to everything. Plus, we’ll talk about tips that most people overlook, like checking departmental cut-offs, monitoring admission portals, and even how to follow up after you’ve written your exams.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how people successfully get admitted into schools like UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, OAU, FUTA, or any of Nigeria’s federal, state, or private universities, you’re in the right place. Sit back, take notes if you want, and let’s walk through the full admission process together—one step at a time. No stress, no confusion—just real talk and real help to get you closer to becoming an undergraduate.
Step-by-Step Guide to University Admissions in Nigeria
Step 1: Understand the Admission Process
Before jumping in, get familiar with how university admission works in Nigeria. Here’s the basic flow:
Register and write JAMB UTME.
Sit for Post-UTME (if required by your school).
Wait for your admission status to change on JAMB CAPS.
Accept the admission offer.
Step 2: Choose the Right Course and Institution
This is super important. Don’t just follow the crowd—choose a course you’re interested in and have the ability to study. Then, pick a university that:
Offers the course.
Has realistic cut-off marks you can meet.
Matches your preferences (location, cost, facilities).
Tip: It’s safer to select a mix of federal, state, and private universities in your JAMB choices to increase your chances.
Step 3: Register for JAMB UTME
To apply for university, you need to register for JAMB:
Buy your JAMB ePIN from a bank or online platform.
Register at an accredited CBT center.
Choose your first and second choice institutions.
Select the right subject combination for your course.
Practice JAMB past questions and prepare well!
You’ll get a JAMB slip with your exam date and center.
Step 4: Write and Pass JAMB UTME
This is the big one! Study hard, manage your time, and do your best to score high. Some courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy are super competitive, so the higher your score, the better your chances.
After the exam, check your result and start planning your next move.
Step 5: Prepare for Post-UTME or Screening
Most universities in Nigeria conduct Post-UTME exams or screening exercises. Here’s what to do:
Visit your chosen school’s website often.
Wait for Post-UTME forms to be released.
Register online and print your exam slip or screening invitation.
Prepare using past questions from that specific school.
Some schools don’t do exams—they just screen based on JAMB and O’level results.
Step 6: Upload Your O’Level (WAEC/NECO) Result
Don’t forget this step! Even if you passed JAMB and Post-UTME, your admission could be delayed if your O’Level results aren’t uploaded to JAMB CAPS.
Go to a CBT center and upload your WAEC or NECO results.
Double-check that the upload was successful via your JAMB profile.
Step 7: Monitor JAMB CAPS for Admission
Once the school has finished its admission process, your admission status will be updated on JAMB CAPS.
To check:
Log in at www.jamb.gov.ng
Go to JAMB CAPS → Check Admission Status.
If admitted, accept or reject the offer (please don’t ignore it!).
If you’re not seeing anything yet, don’t panic. Sometimes it takes time. Keep checking!
Step 8: Accept Admission & Begin School Registration
After accepting your admission:
Visit the school’s website for registration instructions.
Pay your acceptance fee, generate your matric number, and begin clearance.
You’ll also need to provide documents like your JAMB result, O’Level certificate, birth certificate, local government ID, etc.
Make sure you follow deadlines and instructions closely.
Final Step: Resume as an Undergraduate!
Once you’ve completed your clearance and registered your courses, congrats—you’re officially a university student in Nigeria! Get ready for a new chapter filled with learning, challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories.
FAQs: University Admissions in Nigeria
1. When does JAMB registration usually start?
JAMB registration typically begins around January or February each year. However, dates can change slightly, so it’s best to keep an eye on official announcements from JAMB’s official website or follow educational news platforms.
2. What’s the difference between UTME and Post-UTME?
The UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is the main exam organized by JAMB for all university applicants. The Post-UTME is a follow-up screening or test conducted by individual universities after JAMB, to further assess candidates before offering admission.
3. How many universities can I choose in JAMB?
You can select up to four institutions during JAMB registration:
1st choice: University (Federal/State/Private)
2nd choice: University or Polytechnic
3rd choice: Polytechnic or College of Education
4th choice: College of Education or Innovation Enterprise Institute
Note: Most competitive universities only consider applicants who chose them as their first choice.
4. What is JAMB CAPS and why is it important?
JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is an online platform where candidates can check and accept or reject admission offers. It’s very important because even if a school offers you admission, you must accept it on CAPS before it becomes official.
5. What’s the minimum JAMB score for admission?
The general cut-off mark is usually around 140–180, depending on the institution. But for highly competitive schools and courses (like Medicine, Law, Engineering), you may need a score of 200–250+ to stand a better chance.
6. Can I get admission without writing Post-UTME?
Yes, but only if the school does not conduct Post-UTME. Some universities use screening instead—this means they calculate your admission based on your JAMB score and O’Level results (no extra exam).
7. Is it possible to gain admission with awaiting result (AR)?
Yes, you can register for JAMB with “Awaiting Result,” but make sure to upload your WAEC or NECO result to the JAMB portal once it’s available. Without it, you won’t be considered for admission—even if you pass JAMB and Post-UTME.
8. Can I change my course or institution after JAMB registration?
Yes! JAMB allows candidates to do a change of course or institution (for a small fee) if needed. This is useful if your score doesn’t meet your chosen school’s cut-off or you change your mind.
9. What documents do I need after I get admission?
Once admitted, you’ll need to provide:
JAMB result slip
Post-UTME or screening slip
O’Level result(s)
Birth certificate
Local government certificate of origin
Admission letter
Passport photographs
Each school may ask for slightly different things, so follow your school’s guidelines.
10. What if I don’t get admission this year?
Don’t panic! You have options:
Try again next year (you can improve your JAMB score).
Consider polytechnics, colleges of education, or private universities.
Explore diploma or pre-degree programs.
Learn a skill or take online courses while you wait.
Check this video for additional information.
