Post UTME Screening vs Post UTME Examination: Differences and All You Need to Know

Every year, after the release of JAMB UTME results, the conversation among admission seekers in Nigeria turns to Post UTME. Students, parents, and even guardians sometimes find themselves confused about the processes because different universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education adopt different models.

Some schools conduct a Post UTME screening, while others insist on a Post UTME examination. Although both are designed to help institutions filter candidates and admit the most qualified students, even though they are similar, they are not exactly the same.

In this article, we’ll break down the followings:

• The meaning of Post UTME screening

• The meaning of Post UTME exam

• Their similarities and differences

• The advantages and disadvantages of each

• What students should expect and how to prepare

• Common misconceptions about Post UTME

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of both processes and be able to confidently prepare for whichever your institution of choice adopts.

What is Post UTME?

Post UTME (Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is an additional admission process introduced in Nigerian higher institutions after JAMB UTME. It acts as a second stage of assessment to further screen candidates for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The idea was introduced because many institutions felt that JAMB scores alone were not enough to determine the best students, especially with concerns about examination malpractice and inflated results.

However, how each institution conducts its Post UTME varies. This is where the terms Post UTME Screening and Post UTME Examination come into play.

What is Post UTME Screening?

Post UTME screening is a non-exam process where the institution reviews a candidate’s documents and credentials to determine eligibility for admission.

Instead of writing another test, candidates simply upload their O’level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB), JAMB score, and other required documents (like birth certificate, state of origin, or local government identification).

Some institutions may invite students physically for verification, while others do it entirely online.

👉 Key point: Post UTME screening does not involve sitting for another written exam. It focuses on validating your results and confirming that you meet the institution’s cut-off mark and admission requirements.

What is Post UTME Examination?

On the other hand, a Post UTME examination is an actual test conducted by the institution. After writing JAMB, candidates are invited to sit for another written, computer-based, or sometimes even oral test.

This exam typically covers:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• General Knowledge or Current Affairs

• Relevant subjects related to the chosen course

For example, an engineering candidate might face Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry questions in addition to English.

👉 Key point: The Post UTME exam tests your knowledge directly, just like JAMB, and contributes to your overall admission score.

Differences Between Post UTME Screening and Post UTME Examination

Let’s clearly spell out the distinguishing factors:

Similarities Between Post UTME Screening and Examination

Despite their differences, both serve the same ultimate purpose: to admit the most qualified students.

Here are the similarities:

1. Both are mandatory admission steps for institutions that adopt them.

2. Both require candidates to register online and pay a processing fee (usually ₦2,000).

3. Both rely heavily on JAMB scores as part of the evaluation.

4. Both require candidates to have valid O’level results (at least 5 credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics).

5. Both are tied to the institution’s cut-off marks for different courses.

6. Both can either secure or deny admission depending on the outcome.

Why Do Some Schools Use Screening While Others Use Exams?

The choice depends on institutional policy. Some universities argue that screening is enough since JAMB has already tested knowledge, and all that remains is verifying the authenticity of results.

Others insist on conducting exams to ensure they admit only the best, claiming that screening alone may favor candidates with inflated O’level grades but weak academic performance.

For instance:

• University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) often conduct exams.

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and some polytechnics prefer screenings.

Advantages and Disadvantages

✅ Advantages of Post UTME Screening

• Less stressful for candidates.

• Faster admission process.

• Focuses on verified records.

• Reduces exam malpractice since no extra test is written.

❌ Disadvantages of Screening

• Relies too much on past results (O’level and JAMB).

• May disadvantage brilliant candidates with weaker O’level grades.

• Some candidates feel it is less competitive or transparent.

✅ Advantages of Post UTME Exam

• Offers another chance to prove academic ability.

• Helps schools admit only the most competent students.

• Provides balance if JAMB performance was not excellent.

❌ Disadvantages of Post UTME Exam

• Increases stress and financial burden.

• Can be prone to malpractice if not well managed.

• May disadvantage candidates who do not perform well under exam pressure.

What Students Ought to Know

1. Always confirm your school’s policy. Don’t assume—it changes from year to year.

2. Prepare documents in advance (birth certificate, WAEC/NECO printouts, scratch cards, etc.).

3. For screening schools: Focus on making sure your O’level results are strong and uploaded correctly on JAMB CAPS.

4. For exam schools: Treat it like another UTME. Revise relevant subjects, practice CBT, and build exam confidence.

5. Don’t miss deadlines. Registration and payment windows are often short.

6. Beware of fraudsters. All payments and registrations should be done via the official school portal.

7. Cut-off marks matter. Even with good results, failing to meet the departmental cut-off can cost admission.

8. Admission is competitive. Whether it’s screening or exam, always target scores higher than the minimum cut-off for your course.

Common Misconceptions

• “Screening means automatic admission.” ❌ Wrong. You must still meet the cut-off and admission requirements.

• “Exams are harder and unfair.” ❌ Not true. They only test your preparedness.

• “Once you pass JAMB, you’re safe.” ❌ Post UTME still plays a big role in admission decisions.

• “Only universities do Post UTME.” ❌ Polytechnics and colleges of education also conduct it.

Final Thoughts

The difference between Post UTME screening and Post UTME examination lies in how institutions assess candidates after JAMB. Screening focuses on document verification, while exams test academic knowledge again.

Neither is inherently better; what matters is understanding your school’s requirements and preparing accordingly.

For candidates, the best approach is to:

• Stay updated with official announcements.

• Prepare thoroughly (documents or academics, depending on the method).

• Aim for excellence because competition for limited slots is always high.

Whether you face a simple screening or a rigorous exam, remember: your consistency, preparation, and ability to follow instructions will ultimately determine your admission success.