List of Federal Universities that do screening in Nigeria

In Nigeria, federal universities use various admission screening processes, either traditional written Post-UTME exams, online document checks, or a mix of both, before offering admission.

These screenings help institutions verify candidates’ UTME scores, subject combinations, and O’Level results, ensuring only qualified students move forward. 

Unlike many private schools that rely heavily on payment, federal universities maintain strict standards through these official screenings. 

Which federal universities use online screening only?

Some federal universities have eliminated written exams and now focus solely on digital screening. 

Schools like Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA), Federal University of Gusau (FUGUS), Federal University of Kashere (FUKASHERE), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Jos (UNIJOS), and Bayero University Kano (BUK) now require candidates to upload UTME results and O’Level grades via their portal for verification. 

These schools have embraced digital admission systems, enabling efficient processing without requiring in-person testing.

Which federal universities still require written post-UTME exams?

Major federal universities, especially those with high academic standards, continue to administer written post-UTME tests. 

Among them are Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). 

These universities typically have large applicant pools and aim to assess academic readiness through CBT exams or multiple-choice tests that cover JAMB subject areas and general aptitude.

Which universities use both online and campus screenings?

Some federal schools have shifted to hybrid screening, combining document uploads with in-person interviews or verification. 

Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), University of Jos, UNIABUJA, and FULAFIA operate this way, candidates submit documents online and may later be invited for verification or short tests. 

This hybrid model balances flexibility with authenticity, ensuring identity verification before admission offers are processed.

What criteria are evaluated in these screenings?

Different universities evaluate candidates through various criteria:

• Online-only schools check UTME scores, subject combinations, and O’Level result uploads against JAMB standards. Thresholds vary—FUTMINNA and FUOYE often require 160–180.

• Written post-UTME schools administer tests that mimic JAMB CBT formats, including general aptitude and core science or arts subjects, often requiring scores above 50–60%.

• Hybrid schools combine online verification with selective on-campus interviews or document checks, maintaining integrity without large-scale exams.

Why do some schools still require written tests?

Universities like UNILAG, UI, ABU, and OAU continue with written exams because they rely on screening scores to rank candidates objectively. 

These schools have high enrolment numbers and limited slots, so post-UTME exams help them differentiate between close-scoring applicants. 

They also value on-campus exams as a way to verify identity and reduce fraud which is an important concern in densely populated applicant pools.

What are common UTME cut-offs for these universities?

UTME cut-offs vary by school and course. High-ranking federal universities typically require:

• 200 UTME for general qualifying (UI, UNILAG).

• 180 UTME for many schools like ABU, UNIBEN, FUTO, FUTMINNA.

• Lower thresholds (140–160) for schools like FUGUS, FUOYE, FULAFIA, FUKASHERE, UNIABUJA, UNIJOS, and BUK.

These figures reflect program competitiveness and institutional policies.

How should candidates prepare based on screening type?

Choose your study strategy based on the school’s method:

• For online-only screening, focus on ensuring high O’Level results, uploading documents correctly, and checking UTME eligibility.

• For written post-UTME exams, prepare like JAMB: review core subjects, practice past questions, and aim for at least 60% to stay competitive.

• For hybrid models, be ready for both scenarios—online accuracy and possible in-person scrutiny or tests.

What should candidates watch out for?

University portals update rapidly, and schools may switch screening methods mid-cycle. 

Monitor official websites closely for changes in screening format, date announcements, and cut-off adjustments. 

Also, be aware of scams, verify payment channels and use official university portals. If unsure, reach out to the school’s admission office.