Stakeholders in the education sector have renewed calls for the scrapping of the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME), describing it as burdensome and counterproductive to access to higher education in Nigeria.
The Post-UTME, introduced as an additional screening after the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, varies across institutions and often involves aptitude tests or online verification. Although the federal government officially abolished the practice in 2016, many universities still conduct one form of screening or another.
According to educationists, parents, students, and civil society groups, the continued use of Post-UTME increases stress, imposes financial strain, and creates unnecessary hurdles for admission seekers.
Dr. Langa Hassan of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, said that requiring candidates to travel long distances for the tests exposes them to risk and hardship. He recommended that universities that insist on the exam adopt affordable and accessible online options.
Similarly, Muhammad Aminu, a teacher in Dutse, called for harmonisation of the exercise to ease candidates’ burden. He suggested that universities collaborate so that applicants can sit for exams closer to home rather than traveling across the country.
Parents also shared their frustrations. Mrs. Salina Moses from Gombe noted that she discouraged her daughter from applying to distant universities due to high transport costs and security concerns. Another parent, Ahmad Saudi, argued that while Post-UTME has no constitutional basis, universities could retain online versions with robust safeguards against malpractice.
Students have also been directly affected. Miss Halima Mohammed, who scored 228 in JAMB, said repeated failed attempts at securing admission through Post-UTME forced her to abandon her dream of studying at a preferred university and settle for a nearby option.
Opinions remain divided, however. While some stakeholders want Post-UTME completely scrapped, others see it as an essential tool for verifying students’ true abilities. Dr. Bachama Nigel of Gombe State University argued that Post-UTME helps universities confirm the competence of candidates, especially when there is a mismatch between JAMB scores and actual performance.
Prof. Umaru Pate, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, explained that his institution has adopted online screening instead of physical Post-UTME. Similarly, Dr. Murtadha Hakiki of Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, and officials from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, confirmed that their schools conduct online tests followed by physical verification.
Education experts, including Bunmi Adetoye, stressed that while examinations remain vital in Nigeria’s academic system, institutions should prioritise safer, cheaper, and technology-driven alternatives. Adetoye urged the adoption of computer-based assessments to reduce cost, curb malpractice, and protect students’ wellbeing.