Calls for scrapping of post-UTME grow as varsities differ on credibility

The controversy surrounding the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (post-UTME) has intensified, with growing calls for its abolition as stakeholders remain divided over its credibility and necessity.

Introduced in 2005 to curb examination malpractice in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) paper-based tests, post-UTME has long been viewed as a second filter for university admissions. However, with JAMB’s transition to a computer-based testing system in 2013, many argue that the policy has outlived its usefulness.

In interviews across Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, parents, students, and educators criticised the practice, branding it a “legalised extortion” that places additional financial and psychological burdens on candidates.

Chukwu Ogamdi, a parent in Ebonyi, called it a “revenue-generating scheme rather than an academic necessity.” Similarly, student applicant Lizzy Nwafor lamented that the extra hurdle discourages many young Nigerians from pursuing higher education. Civil society activist Emmanuel Okorie added that post-UTME undermines JAMB’s mandate, creating confusion and exploitation.

Teachers echoed these concerns, with secondary school tutor Nkeiruka Akam insisting the exam had “shifted from merit to money-making.” Florence Ogbonna, a guardian, also condemned the stress and costs of traveling long distances for screening, often without admission guarantees.

Despite the backlash, some university administrators defended the system. Officials at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), and others argued that post-UTME helps filter thousands of applicants competing for limited spaces. “The number of students is always too high to be absorbed,” said registrar Patrick Ugwu.

However, private universities such as Godfrey Okoye University and Peaceland University have abandoned the practice, relying solely on JAMB scores and O’Level results. Their administrators argued that when a candidate is qualified, there is no need for an extra exam.

In Anambra, several institutions — including Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) — have shifted to online screening. Parents praised the move as cost-effective and less stressful compared to physical exams, which previously required extensive travel, accommodation, and logistics.

Explaining the shift, COOU’s spokesperson, Harrison Madubeze, said the university now uses JAMB and O’Level results to determine internal cut-off marks. Professor Chris Abakare of NAU added that scrapping physical post-UTME reduced costs associated with setting questions, printing, and invigilation.

While critics insist post-UTME should be scrapped entirely, others caution that without it, universities risk backdoor admissions and a drop in academic standards. The debate underscores a wider question for policymakers: should Nigeria’s admission process rely solely on JAMB’s UTME, or should universities retain the right to double-check candidates?