Preparing for Post-UTME is one of the most defining stages in Nigeria’s university admission process. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students who have successfully written the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) face the next hurdle — the Post-UTME or internal screening test organized by universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
While JAMB opens the gate, Post-UTME decides who walks through it. The difference between two students with identical JAMB scores often comes down to how one prepared for this second test. This guide takes you deep into what Post-UTME really entails, why it matters, and how to study smartly, calmly, and effectively.
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| How To Prepare For Post-UTME And Pass In Any University |
Understanding What Post-UTME Really Is
The Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, commonly called Post-UTME, is an internal screening exercise that institutions use to select the best candidates from those who met their JAMB cut-off marks. It acts as a quality filter, ensuring students are truly ready for university-level work.
Unlike the JAMB UTME, which is standardized nationwide, Post-UTME varies by school. Some institutions conduct Computer-Based Tests (CBT), while others use written tests, interviews, or even a point-based O’Level grading system. Understanding your school’s unique pattern is the foundation of any serious preparation.
For instance:
UNILAG (University of Lagos) conducts CBTs strictly based on English Language, Mathematics, and General Paper with time-sensitive questions.
University of Ibadan (UI) uses its CBT model but heavily emphasizes logic, comprehension, and speed.
Rivers State University (RSU) and many state-owned institutions combine CBT tests with document verification.
Knowing what format to expect saves you from preparing blindly.
Why Post-UTME Matters More Than You Think
Students often underestimate the Post-UTME because they assume JAMB is the hardest part. In truth, many schools assign Post-UTME a 40%–60% weight in their aggregate admission calculation. For example:
UNILAG: 50% JAMB + 50% Post-UTME
UNN: 60% JAMB + 40% Post-UTME
LASU: Aggregate from JAMB, O’Level grades, and Post-UTME combined
This means a student with a lower JAMB score can outperform someone with a higher JAMB score through excellent Post-UTME performance.
Think of it as a second chance. The exam doesn’t only test knowledge; it evaluates discipline, time control, and academic composure under pressure.
1: Research Your School’s Format and Admission Pattern
Your first major step isn’t reading — it’s research. Each university has its distinct testing behavior. Some emphasize subject mastery; others test reasoning ability. You can find this information on:
The school’s official website or Post-UTME portal
JAMB bulletin for the current academic year
Student forums and past candidate discussions (e.g., Nairaland, EduNigeria, Myschool.ng)
Official press releases or admission guidelines
For example, if you’re applying to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), note that they often test comprehension and logic questions drawn from previous years’ trends. On the other hand, UNIBEN tends to mirror JAMB’s subject structure but in fewer questions with tighter timing.
Once you know your school’s approach, you can design a study system that fits it.
2: Build a Practical Study Plan That Actually Works
A smart student studies less time but with more focus. Building an effective Post-UTME study plan means understanding your attention cycle, time availability, and school format.
How to Create Your Study Plan
1. Set a Clear Goal: Define your target score. If your school’s cut-off for your course is 70%, set your internal goal at 80%.
2. Divide Study Time Logically: Dedicate more time to subjects with higher scoring weight. For instance, for Engineering candidates: Mathematics and Physics deserve more daily time slots than English.
3. Use Study Blocks: Follow the 50–10 rule — 50 minutes of focused study followed by a 10-minute break.
4. Create a Weekly Rotation: Mix strong and weak subjects daily to maintain balance.
5. Include Mock Test Days: Twice a week, practice full-length timed tests using CBT apps or printed past questions.
A timetable might look like this:
Monday: English (1 hour), Mathematics (1 hour)
Tuesday: Physics (1.5 hours), Current Affairs (30 min)
Wednesday: Review weak topics, then timed past questions
Thursday: Logic and comprehension drills
Friday: CBT simulation test
Weekend: Rest and light review
The secret is consistency over intensity. Studying a little every day beats marathon cramming before the exam.
3: Use Past Questions as a Scientific Tool, Not a Guessing Game
Most schools recycle question patterns, if not exact questions. But using past questions effectively requires analysis, not repetition.
Here’s how to do it:
Categorize topics: For instance, from 5 years of UNN’s English questions, you might find that comprehension and synonyms appear yearly.
Identify patterns: Are the options usually tricky? Are the questions shorter or longer than JAMB’s?
Time yourself: Create exam conditions. If the test has 60 questions in 45 minutes, practice with that time limit.
Track your progress: Note scores and accuracy rate after every session.
By analyzing rather than just answering, you’re training both your content memory and time awareness.
4: Master Time Management and Mental Focus
Time management is the unspoken skill of high scorers. Many students fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they panic or lose time control.
Practical time tactics:
1. Read questions carefully but fast. Don’t reread unnecessarily.
2. Answer easy questions first. Build momentum and confidence.
3. Skip, mark, and return. If you can’t solve it in 30 seconds, move on.
4. Estimate time per question. Example: For 60 questions in 60 minutes, you have one minute each, so check your pace every 15 minutes.
5. Stay calm during CBT errors or delays. Panic wastes time and clarity.
Psychologically, train your mind to handle pressure by practicing under noisy or distracting environments. The more unpredictable your practice setting, the more resilient you become.
5: Strengthen Weak Subjects with a Scientific Approach
Every student has a weak link. The goal isn’t to eliminate weakness overnight but to neutralize its effect.
Follow this process:
Diagnose: Use practice tests to identify topics you miss repeatedly.
Relearn Foundation: Go back to secondary school textbooks or JAMB materials to rebuild understanding.
Micro-practice: Focus on one weak topic daily (e.g., “logarithms” or “sentence structure”).
Use teaching method: Teach that topic aloud to yourself. Teaching reinforces memory.
For instance, if Biology keeps giving you trouble, watch short YouTube explainer videos or use CBT apps that give instant feedback.
6: Don’t Neglect English Language and Current Affairs
English is compulsory across almost all schools, regardless of your department. Many universities include comprehension, grammar, and summary writing.
Make English your daily habit. Read newspapers, online articles, or editorials. You improve comprehension subconsciously by engaging with good writing.
Also, stay updated with current affairs. Many schools, especially state universities, test local and national news. Spend 10–15 minutes daily on Nigerian news sources like Punch, Vanguard, or Channels TV.
7: Use Reliable Study Resources
Avoid random PDFs or Telegram files with outdated questions. Reliable sources include:
School-specific official past question booklets
CBT platforms like Myschool CBT or EduPadi
JAMB’s recommended textbooks
Online mock test sites verified by current students
WAEC and NECO subject materials for foundational strengthening
Always check the year and edition before studying. Outdated materials can mislead your preparation.
8: Prepare Your Mind and Body for Exam Day
Mental and physical preparation often separates good from great students.
Here’s what works:
Sleep at least 6–8 hours before your exam.
Avoid last-minute overnight reading; your brain needs rest to recall properly.
Eat light, energy-rich meals (avoid sugary drinks that cause energy crashes).
Get to the center early. Factor in Lagos traffic or unfamiliar roads.
Bring all necessary documents: printout slips, pens (if required), and valid ID.
At the venue, focus on your screen or paper alone. Ignore distractions or whispers. Take deep breaths before starting. Confidence comes from preparation, not luck.
9: Learn from Those Who Have Passed Before
It’s smart to learn from the experience of others who’ve succeeded. For instance:
A student who gained admission to UNILAG’s Faculty of Law in 2024 revealed that mastering comprehension passages and keeping calm during CBT glitches made all the difference.
Another, who entered UNN Engineering, shared that consistent mock tests improved his timing so well that real exam speed felt natural.
Look for online testimonies, student WhatsApp groups, or school forums. These experiences help you avoid mistakes others made.
10: Believe in Gradual Progress, Not Perfection
Success in Post-UTME isn’t about studying 12 hours a day. It’s about sustained progress. Every day of small effort adds up.
Even if your JAMB score is low, see this exam as redemption. Universities often prefer students who show resilience and consistency. Prepare as though this is your first and last chance, because for many, it is.
Common Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Ignoring School Format: Preparing generically instead of focusing on your target institution.
2. Overdependence on Cramming: Understanding beats memorization.
3. Neglecting O’Level Results: Many schools still combine grades into aggregate scoring.
4. Skipping Rest: Fatigue ruins recall speed.
5. Relying on Leaked Questions: It’s unethical and risky; schools often randomize questions.
Smart candidates avoid shortcuts; they master the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated for 2025)
1. Is Post-UTME harder than JAMB?
Not necessarily. It’s usually shorter and more focused but requires speed and precision. Students who understand JAMB’s syllabus often find Post-UTME manageable.
2. Can a high Post-UTME score balance a low JAMB score?
Yes. Many institutions use aggregate scoring, meaning a high Post-UTME can elevate your chances significantly.
3. What is the typical duration of Post-UTME exams?
Between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the school. Some schools conduct the screening in multiple batches.
4. Do I need to study new materials?
Not usually. Focus on the JAMB syllabus and your WAEC/NECO foundation. Most questions come from familiar areas.
5. How can I handle anxiety during the test?
Practice under pressure, breathe consciously, and remind yourself that thousands succeed yearly—you can too.
Conclusion: The Science of Preparation is the Art of Confidence
Passing Post-UTME isn’t luck or magic. It’s strategy multiplied by discipline. Start early, study smart, and train your mind as well as your memory. Treat every past question as a rehearsal, every mistake as a teacher, and every revision session as investment.
University admission in Nigeria is competitive, but so is every worthwhile opportunity in life. Prepare deliberately and you’ll find that the process doesn’t just make you a university student — it makes you a stronger learner.
Disclaimer
Post-UTME procedures, formats, and weightings vary by institution and may change yearly. Always verify specific guidelines from your chosen university’s official website or admission office before applying or writing the exam.
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