Post-UTME
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
Post-UTME is the screening stage that Nigerian tertiary institutions run after candidates have sat the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It is not a single national paper. Each university, polytechnic or college of education designs its own screening, usually a computer-based test of multiple-choice questions, and sometimes adds a written or oral component. The screening exists so an institution can judge candidates against its own standards, weigh subject knowledge for a particular course, and confirm that the UTME result reflects genuine ability. Candidates normally need a UTME score at or above the institution's announced cut-off before they are eligible to register for screening. Content generally mirrors the subjects a candidate registered for, with Use of English and Mathematics appearing almost everywhere, plus a general-knowledge strand at many schools. Preparation should be active rather than passive: work through past-style questions under timed conditions, keep a running list of errors, and revise the underlying topic behind each error instead of memorising answers. Read the institution's own portal carefully for the current registration window, subject combination, screening mode and cut-off, because these details change yearly and are published only by the school. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with any institution or examination body.
What you'll study
About Post-UTME preparation
What exactly is Post-UTME?
It is the screening exercise individual Nigerian tertiary institutions conduct after the national UTME. Each school sets its own questions, scoring and cut-off. It is not one national examination, so two candidates applying to different universities may face completely different papers.
What is the format of the screening?
Most institutions use a computer-based test of multiple-choice questions in the subjects tied to your course. Some add written essays, oral interviews or physical screening of credentials. The exact format is stated on each institution's portal, so check there before you register.
How many questions are there, and how long does it take?
There is no national figure. Question counts and time limits are set by the individual institution and can change from year to year. The official body or the institution's portal publishes the current figures for the screening you are sitting.
How hard is it compared with UTME?
Difficulty varies by school. Many papers are pitched close to UTME standard but with more emphasis on your intended course. The common trap is not difficulty but breadth: candidates neglect English and Mathematics while over-revising their core subjects.
Can I retake the screening if I fail?
Retake rules are institution-specific. Some schools allow a later attempt in a following admission cycle; others do not. There is no universal policy. Read the current admission advertisement on the institution's portal, or contact its admissions office directly.
In what order should I study the subjects?
Start with Use of English and Mathematics, since they appear almost everywhere and carry weight across courses. Then move to your two or three core subjects. Finish with general knowledge and current affairs, which reward short, regular review rather than long sessions.
Why do candidates fail screening?
The usual causes are poor time management in the computer-based test, ignoring English and Mathematics, and relying on memorised answers instead of understanding. Another frequent problem is missing the registration deadline or entering wrong details on the portal.
How should I practise for a computer-based test?
Practise on a screen, not paper. Time yourself strictly, get used to scrolling and clicking, and rehearse skipping a stubborn question and returning to it. After each session, review every error and revise the topic behind it.
Does my UTME score still matter?
Yes. Screening is normally open only to candidates whose UTME score meets the institution's announced cut-off, and many schools combine the two scores in their final ranking. Check how your target institution weights them.
Where do I confirm dates, fees and cut-off marks?
Only on the official portal of the institution you are applying to, or the national examination body's site. These details change every admission cycle. This page is independent study material and does not publish or guarantee them.