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How to Prepare for Post UTME Aptitude Test in Nigeria 2025/2026

How to Prepare for Post UTME Aptitude Test in Nigeria 2025/2026

Ultimate Guide for Federal, State, and Private University Applicants

In Nigeria today, gaining admission into a higher institution is more competitive than ever. With millions of candidates writing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination yearly, only a fraction of applicants make it into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. For those seeking entry into top federal and state universities, the Post UTME aptitude test is the final and most decisive stage of screening.

Why You Must Take the Post UTME Seriously

Even if you scored 300 in JAMB, failing to pass the Post UTME may cost you admission. Universities use it to:

  1. Verify the authenticity of your academic performance

  2. Evaluate subject knowledge

  3. Shortlist the most prepared and qualified candidates

This post is a fully detailed to guide to help Nigerian students, parents, and education consultants understand:

  1. What the Post UTME is about

  2. How to prepare for it like a pro

  3. Strategies to outperform others

  4. What to avoid, what to do, and when to act

What is the Post UTME Aptitude Test?

Post UTME, short for “Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination,” is an additional test or screening process conducted by Nigerian universities after the UTME organized by JAMB.

The test typically involves:

  1. Multiple-choice questions covering key subjects relevant to the course applied for

  2. Use of CBT (Computer-Based Testing) platforms

  3. Testing of candidate’s speed, accuracy, comprehension, and critical thinking

How to Prepare for Post UTME Aptitude Test in Nigeria 2025/2026

How Is Post UTME Different From JAMB?

Criteria JAMB Post UTME
Organized by JAMB (National) Individual Universities
Subjects Four UTME subjects 2–4 subjects, plus general knowledge
Format CBT CBT or Online Screening
Duration ~2 hours 20–60 minutes
Purpose General Admission Qualification University-Specific Screening

Important: A good JAMB score only gives you a chance, while a good Post UTME score guarantees your admission.

Types of Post UTME Screening in Nigeria

  1. Aptitude Test (CBT): Most common. Administered in person in universities like UNILAG, UNIBEN, UNN, OAU.

  2. Online Screening (No Exam): Done through submission and evaluation of credentials (used by LASU, ABU, FUOYE).

  3. Physical Screening: Document verification and interview.

Always confirm your school’s screening method through their official admission portal.

Schools that Conduct Post UTME Exams

Some of the major universities conducting CBT Post UTME exams include:

  1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

  2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

  3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

  4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

  5. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

  6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

  7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Key Post UTME Subjects by Course of Study

Course Subjects
Medicine & Surgery English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English
Law English, Government, Literature, CRS/IRS
Accounting English, Economics, Commerce, Mathematics
Mass Communication English, Literature, Government, CRS
Education English, General Paper, Teaching Subjects

15-Step Strategy to Prepare Effectively for Post UTME

1. Understand Your Target School’s Requirements

  1. Minimum JAMB cutoff mark

  2. Number of questions in Post UTME

  3. Exam subjects

  4. Exam date and venue

2. Get and Study the School’s Past Questions

  1. Most universities repeat at least 30% of questions yearly

  2. Helps you identify question patterns and likely areas

  3. Available in print, PDF, or mobile app formats

How to Prepare for Post UTME Aptitude Test in Nigeria 2025/2026

3. Download a CBT Practice App

  1. Practice answering real-time questions with a timer

  2. Simulate the actual CBT experience

  3. Recommended: Myschool CBT, Flashlearners, PASS.NG

4. Create a Personalized Study Timetable

  1. Allocate 2–3 hours daily

  2. Set weekly targets

  3. Revise core subjects: English, Maths, and two others based on your course

5. Use the JAMB and WAEC Syllabus

  1. The Post UTME content is often drawn from WAEC and JAMB syllabi

  2. Focus on key areas with high question frequency

  3. Use recommended textbooks

6. Study with Friends or Join Online Forums

  1. Join Facebook groups and Telegram channels of applicants

  2. Discuss tough questions

  3. Share materials and updates

7. Take Mock Tests Weekly

  1. Set up a quiet environment

  2. Answer 50–100 questions under timed conditions

  3. Use performance results to revise weak areas

8. Master Time Management

  1. Practice solving 1 question per minute

  2. Skip difficult questions and return later

  3. Avoid spending more than 2 minutes on a single question

9. Improve Your Speed and Accuracy

  1. Read instructions fast and carefully

  2. Focus on understanding question logic

  3. Use elimination techniques to identify wrong answers

10. Revise General Knowledge and Current Affairs

  1. Study government policies, Nigerian history, politics, sports

  2. Useful for Mass Communication, Law, Political Science, Education

11. Use Flashcards for Memorization

  1. Create question-answer flashcards

  2. Focus on formulas, definitions, and key facts

12. Study Recommended Novels (Literature/Law)

  1. For Arts and Law aspirants: study the JAMB-recommended novel for 2025

  2. Be ready to answer character, theme, and setting-based questions

13. Stay Informed

  1. Check university portals daily for screening updates

  2. Subscribe to Post UTME alerts from credible education blogs

14. Take Care of Your Health

  1. Eat brain-friendly foods (eggs, vegetables, protein)

  2. Sleep 6–8 hours daily

  3. Avoid burnout before test day

15. Boost Your Confidence

  1. Believe in your preparation

  2. Avoid comparing yourself to others

  3. Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques

Testimonial Case Studies: Success Stories

“I scored 327 in JAMB but failed UNILAG Post UTME in 2023. In 2024, I practiced past questions for 2 months and got into Medicine. The difference was preparation.”
– Adaora, UNILAG Medicine Student

“I downloaded the CBT app and took 10 mock exams before UNN Post UTME. My speed improved dramatically. I passed and got into Engineering.”
– Yusuf, UNN Engineering Student

“I had low JAMB score but focused heavily on Post UTME prep. My hard work paid off when UNIBEN admitted me for Law.”
– Zainab, UNIBEN Law Student

Common Mistakes Candidates Make During Post UTME

  1. Late application for Post UTME

  2. Using fake portals and losing money

  3. Ignoring past questions

  4. Assuming JAMB success guarantees admission

  5. Poor exam time management

  6. Not uploading WAEC results on JAMB CAPS

How to Prepare for Post UTME Aptitude Test in Nigeria 2025/2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How many times can I take the Post UTME?

A: Once per academic session for the institution you applied to. However, you can apply to multiple universities via JAMB change of institution.

Q2: Is there negative marking in Post UTME?

A: It depends on the school. UNILAG and UI are known for applying negative marking. Always read instructions.

Q3: Can I write Post UTME in two schools?

A: Only if you do a JAMB change of institution. You can’t write Post UTME in a school where you’re not registered as first choice.

Q4: Can I use awaiting result to apply?

A: Yes, but you must upload your O’Level result on JAMB CAPS before your school’s admission list is released.

Q5: When will 2025 Post UTME forms be out?

A: Most universities release their Post UTME forms between June and August 2025.

Post UTME Registration Tips (For All Nigerian Universities)

  1. Use only the official admission portal of the university

  2. Pay the exact amount (usually ₦2,000) via Remita or designated bank

  3. Upload a clear passport photograph

  4. Provide a valid phone number and email address

  5. Print your acknowledgment slip and keep it safe

Final Thoughts: You Can Pass the Post UTME

Thousands of candidates gain admission every year — not just because they are geniuses, but because they prepared smartly and early.

If you’re reading this, you’re already one step ahead. All you need now is to:

  1. Stick to the strategy above

  2. Practice consistently

  3. Stay confident, not anxious

  4. Be proactive about school updates

The Post UTME is not meant to scare you — it’s your final chance to prove you deserve admission.

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