Post-UTME 2026: Which Schools Have Announced Screening Dates?

Now that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded its National Policy Meeting in Abuja and established the baseline parameters for the session, the race for university admission is officially underway. For millions of candidates across Nigeria, the focus shifts to the final hurdle: the Post-UTME screening exercise.

Unlike previous years where institutions dragged their feet, the 2026/2027 admission cycle is moving fast. Several premium federal, state, and private universities have opened their portals and announced crucial deadlines. Missing a registration window or screening date means automatic forfeiture of your admission slot, regardless of how high your JAMB score is.

Below is the updated breakdown of Nigerian universities that have officially announced their Post-UTME screening parameters, deadlines, and registration timelines for the 2026/2027 session.

1. Federal Universities: Early Registrations Open

Federal universities have begun rollout announcements, with some opting for purely credential-based screenings while others are preparing for Computer Based Tests (CBT).

Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

FUTO released its comprehensive registration guidelines on May 22, 2026. The institution has adopted a tiered cut-off mark system where your eligibility depends directly on your course of choice.

• Application Period: May 22, 2026 – July 31, 2026
• O'Level Upload Deadline: August 17, 2026 (on JAMB CAPS)
• Cut-off Mark Thresholds:
• Nature of Screening: Evaluation-based, leveraging verified JAMB scores and O'Level results uploaded onto JAMB CAPS

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

UNIPORT issued its official call for candidates who selected the institution as their first choice. Notably, their portal window is exceptionally tight this year.

• Application Period: May 15, 2026 – May 29, 2026
• Cut-off Mark Threshold: 160 baseline across board
• Nature of Screening: Online registration must be completed by midnight on May 29, after which the portal closes permanently. Exam schedules will be communicated via candidate photo cards after registration.

Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)

FUOTUOKE has launched its admission portal for candidates looking to secure spots in its expanding medical, management, and engineering programs.

• Application Period: May 20, 2026 – July 17, 2026
• Cut-off Mark Threshold: 150 minimum
• Nature of Screening: Candidates must generate a screening schedule printout upon submission, which displays their personalized examination details.

2. State & Private Universities Charging Ahead

State and private institutions are moving swiftly to capture high-performing students, particularly those who may need to process a Change of Institution on their JAMB profiles.

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)

As a highly sought-after state institution in Rivers State, IAUE has officially opened for both UTME and Direct Entry (DE) applicants.

• Status: Registration currently ongoing
• Requirement: Candidates who scored 150+ but did not initially choose IAUE are advised to execute a change of institution on the JAMB portal immediately.

Redeemer's University, Ede (RUN)

For candidates prioritizing a strike-free academic environment, Redeemer's University announced its multi-phase screening calendar immediately following the JAMB national briefing.

• Registration Status: Active
• Online Screening Dates: Held mid-May 2026
• Physical Screening: May 22, 2026 at Main Campus in Ede, Osun State; May 23, 2026 at the Redeemer's University Business School, Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State

Other Active Private Institutions

Elite private institutions including Covenant University, Pan-Atlantic University, and Bowen University have all activated their undergraduate admission forms for 2026/2027. These schools run internal interview arrays alongside credential screening.

3. Post-UTME Tracker: Deadlines and Baselines At a Glance

| University | Portal Opens | Closing Date | Minimum Cut-Off | |---|---|---|---| | UNIPORT | May 15, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | 160 | | FUTO | May 22, 2026 | July 31, 2026 | 150 (Tiered to 200) | | FUOTUOKE | May 20, 2026 | July 17, 2026 | 150 | | Redeemer's University | May 10, 2026 | Ongoing | 140 – 150 |

4. Crucial Checklist: Don't Let These Hidden Clauses Disqualify You

Every year, thousands of brilliant Nigerian students miss out on admission not because their scores were low, but due to preventable procedural errors.

1. Verify the 16-Year Age Limit The statutory minimum age requirement remains strict. Both FUTO and UNIPORT explicitly state that candidates must turn 16 years old by September 30, 2026. If your birth date falls after this cutoff, the portal will automatically filter you out.

2. Confirm O'Level Result Uploads Do not assume your secondary school results are linked. Log into your JAMB CAPS profile. If your status says "Awaiting Result," visit an accredited CBT centre and upload your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB certificates immediately.

3. Generate Official Remita Codes The official government-mandated Post-UTME screening fee is ₦2,000. Never pay this directly to an individual. Always generate an official Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code through the university's portal and pay online or at a commercial bank branch.

4. Align Names Across All Portals Ensure your name arrangement on your O'Level certificates, NIN slip, and JAMB registration matches exactly. Discrepancies in data or profile photos will result in disqualification at the physical exam gates.

What to Do If Your School Has Not Announced Yet

If University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), or Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) are your targets, their forms are currently being prepared. Use this waiting window to study past Post-UTME questions aggressively. Most universities draw heavily from their internal question banks, and speed is always the deciding factor.

Keep your notifications active and check university web portals weekly.