HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION IN OAU: For 2025/26 Aspirants

Applying for admission into Obafemi Awolowo University is one of the most important decisions a Nigerian student can make. OAU is one of the most respected universities in Africa and a dream institution for students who desire academic excellence, rich campus culture and lifelong opportunities.

Yet, the application process can feel confusing to many students. Every year, thousands fail the admission race not because they are not brilliant, but because they do not understand how OAU structures its admission steps. A student may score high in UTME, but without meeting certain screening rules or missing a small detail, their admission request collapses. On the other hand, students who understand the process often enter with ease because they know exactly what OAU expects at each stage.

This article explains everything in clear detail. It breaks down the OAU admission path from beginning to end. You will understand the UTME registration process, departmental requirements, OAU cut off marks, post UTME screening procedure, document preparation, registration portals, payment steps and how to monitor your admission on JAMB CAPS.

Understanding How OAU Admission Works

Before applying, it helps to understand how OAU selects students. OAU is a very competitive federal university and one of the oldest research institutions in Nigeria. Every year, over seventy thousand students apply but only a small percentage enter. This means the university uses a strict filtration method that involves UTME score, O level grades, post UTME test and sometimes departmental screening.

OAU operates on three main principles when deciding which student gets admitted.

1. Merit admission

This is the primary admission path. If you score far above the required grade for your course, OAU places you on the merit list.

2. Catchment area

Although OAU admits students from every state, it gives slight additional consideration to candidates from certain nearby states.

3. Educationally less developed states

A few spaces are reserved for states regarded as educationally less developed.

Understanding these categories does not guarantee admission, but it helps you know what influences selection.

1. Register for JAMB UTME the Right Way

The admission journey begins with JAMB UTME. Without writing JAMB, you cannot apply to OAU at all. During UTME registration, you must choose OAU as your first choice. OAU does not consider second choice candidates, so failing to choose them as first choice immediately disqualifies you from their screening exercise.

Choosing the Right Subjects

OAU is very strict with subject combinations. If you choose the wrong subjects, even a high UTME score cannot save your application. Science students must follow JAMB requirements for courses like Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Pharmacy, Microbiology or Architecture. Art students must follow combinations for Law, English, Linguistics or Arts. Social science students must choose subjects relevant to their departments such as Economics, Psychology, Political Science or Sociology.

Preparing for UTME

OAU is competitive. Most departments require very high scores. Medicine usually needs above 290. Law often needs above 260. Engineering requires strong performance in mathematics and physics. A strong UTME score increases your chances significantly because OAU uses your UTME as fifty percent or more of your overall admission calculation.

2. Upload Your O level Results Early

One of the silent reasons many students lose OAU admission is failure to upload their O level results on time. JAMB portal requires you to upload your WAEC, NECO or GCE result at an accredited CBT center. Even if you passed all your subjects, OAU cannot process your admission if your results are missing.

To avoid problems, always upload your result before OAU releases its Post UTME form. This ensures no technical error blocks your admission on JAMB CAPS.

3. Monitor the Release of OAU Post UTME Form

After JAMB releases results, OAU usually waits for a few months before selling the Post UTME form. You should monitor OAU’s official portal constantly. Many students miss admission because they do not know when the form comes out. The university normally announces it through:

1. OAU official website

2. National newspapers

3. University social media channels

4. Departmental communication boards

Once the form is announced, rush to register immediately. There is no benefit in waiting.

4. Register for OAU Post UTME Screening

When the form is available, follow these steps carefully. A small error like wrong name arrangement, wrong date of birth or wrong email address slows your admission.

Create a Profile on the OAU Portal

You will need to provide your JAMB registration number, email and other personal details. Ensure your email and phone number are active because OAU will send important information through them.

Make the Payment

OAU Post UTME form usually costs around two thousand naira plus charges. Payment is made online through Remita or the school portal. Always keep your receipt safe because it may be needed later.

Upload Required Documents

Documents include:

1. Passport photograph

2. O level result

3. UTME result slip

4. Personal information forms

Once uploaded, check everything twice before submitting.

5. Prepare for the OAU Screening Test

OAU screening test is computer based. It covers the subjects you wrote in UTME. The test is fast and highly competitive. Many students fail the admission race at this point because they underestimate the difficulty.

To prepare effectively:

1. Use past questions

2. Study under timed conditions

3. Practice computer based tests

4. Focus on speed and accuracy

5. Review topics frequently tested by OAU

Your post UTME score is extremely important. It combines with your JAMB score to determine your total aggregate. OAU uses this aggregate to decide who gets admitted under each department.

6. After the Test, Monitor the OAU Portal and JAMB CAPS

Once you write the Post UTME, the next step is to track your result. OAU usually releases post UTME scores within a short period. After that, the university starts processing departmental lists.

The main place where your admission first appears is JAMB CAPS.

CAPS works like a digital admission board. It shows whether your admission is still in progress, on hold, recommended or approved. Many students mistakenly ignore CAPS. That is dangerous because you may need to accept your admission quickly or risk losing it.

To track your admission:

1. Log in frequently

2. Check your O level status

3. Check transfer approval

4. Accept admission immediately when offered

This is one of the most important stages.

7. The Departmental Cut Off Mark Stage

Each department in OAU sets its own cut off mark based on performance in that year. The cut off mark is an average of your UTME score and your post UTME score. Courses like Medicine, Nursing, Law and Accounting always have very high cut off marks. Courses like Education or Linguistics may have moderate cut offs.

Candidates who reach or exceed the departmental cut off mark are placed on the merit list. Those who fall below but still close to the cut off may be placed on a supplementary list or transfer list.

If you are transferred to another department, you must accept the transfer on your JAMB CAPS before you can be offered admission.

8. Acceptance Fee and Clearance

Once admission is finally given, you must pay the acceptance fee. This payment confirms that you are ready to resume as an OAU student. You will then undergo physical screening and document verification.

Documents for screening include:

1. Birth certificate

2. Local government of origin certificate

3. O level result

4. JAMB admission letter

5. OAU admission slip

6. UTME result slip

7. Passport photographs

8. Payment receipts

Clearance ensures that your records match your application details. If any document does not match, your admission may be withheld.

9. Pay Your School Fees and Register Your Courses

After your documents are approved, the next stage is school fee payment. OAU school fees vary by department. Science courses usually pay more than arts programs. Newly admitted students must also complete medical screening, faculty registration and departmental course registration.

These steps complete the entire admission process. After this, you officially become an OAU student.

Additional Tips to Increase Your Chances

Many students apply, but only a few understand the deeper strategies that give them an advantage. Here are useful techniques that successful candidates use each year.

Apply Early: The earlier you begin the entire process, the better your chances. Late applicants often receive delayed updates or errors.
Aim for High Scores: OAU rewards excellence. A high UTME score gives you greater admission flexibility.
Manage Your Email and Phone
Make sure you do not lose access to any of your accounts.
Upload Clean Results
Do not assume your O level is uploaded. Check it repeatedly.
Track Every Stage

Admission is not automatic. You must follow the process.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for OAU Admission

1. Choosing the wrong subject combination

2. Failing to upload O level result

3. Using incorrect personal information

4. Missing deadlines

5. Ignoring JAMB CAPS

6. Not accepting transfer offers

7. Low preparation for screening

8. Depending only on UTME without reading for post UTME

Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances greatly.

Conclusion

Applying for admission into Obafemi Awolowo University requires careful planning, accurate information and timely action. If you follow each step outlined in this guide, you will be far ahead of many other candidates. The key is understanding how the process works from registration to screening to acceptance.

OAU is a prestigious institution that rewards discipline, intelligence and persistence. With proper knowledge and preparation, your dream of studying at the university becomes fully achievable. As thousands rush every year for limited spaces, your advantage lies in being informed and proactive.

Success in OAU admission is not luck. It is strategy and preparation.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Admission policies, fees, dates and requirements may change at any time based on decisions from OAU or JAMB. Always confirm the latest guidelines from official OAU and JAMB websites before taking any final steps.