by AFTER UTME: WHAT NEXT? INTENSE GUIDE FOR SMART STUDENTS AWAITING ADMISSION
By: Admin
You’ve just finished writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)—sweaty palms, a fast-beating heart, and a mind full of hopes and fears. Now what? Sit and wait? Absolutely not! This is the most critical period between your UTME and admission — and how you use it can make or break your university dreams.
Here’s the intense, no-fluff guide every smart Nigerian student MUST follow while waiting for admission. Plus, we’ll break down the cut-off marks of major institutions to keep your eyes on the prize!
1. KNOW YOUR SCORE AND COMPARE IT WISELY
As soon as JAMB releases your result, don’t waste time dancing or crying—check your score and evaluate your chances. Institutions in Nigeria have different cut-off marks and departmental thresholds.
Most Recent Institutional Cut-Off Marks (2024/2025 Session):
| Institution | General Cut-Off | Competitive Courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 200 | 250–280 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 200 | 250–290 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | 200 | 240–270 |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | 180 | 230–260 |
| University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) | 180 | 240–270 |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | 190 | 230–250 |
| Covenant University | 180 (Post-UTME + Interview) | Varies |
| Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | 180 | 220–250 |
| Bayero University Kano (BUK) | 180 | 220–250 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 200 | 250+ for Medicine/Law |
Action Step: If your score is below 200, look into Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, or consider a change of institution/course immediately through JAMB CAPS.
2. GET READY FOR POST-UTME – IT’S A GAMECHANGER
Many universities still conduct post-UTME screening tests or exams. They can make up for a weak JAMB score or destroy a great one.
🔥 True story: A student with 275 in JAMB failed UNILAG’s post-UTME with 45%. He didn’t get Medicine. Another with 230 nailed the post-UTME with 80% and got admitted.
Start studying now. Use post-UTME past questions, join online forums, attend tutorials. Don’t relax.
3. SKILL UP – THE WORLD IS MOVING FAST
Use this waiting period to build your digital and personal development skills. Admission isn’t guaranteed—but your growth is in your hands.
Skills to learn before admission:
- Graphic design (Canva, CorelDRAW)
- Digital marketing (SEO, Social Media Ads)
- Coding and Web Design (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Public speaking & communication
- Freelancing on Fiverr/Upwork
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
🎯 Certifications from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Google Digital Skills will look HOT on your CV, scholarship forms, and job applications—even while in school.
4. PLAN A, B, AND C: DON’T BOX YOURSELF
Don’t be emotionally attached to one course or school. Medicine, Law, and Engineering are hotcakes, but the competition is fire.
- Plan A: Your dream course and school
- Plan B: A related course with lower cut-off
- Plan C: Polytechnic or College of Education or foreign/online degree options
Change of course/institution on JAMB portal is still open — use it wisely if your score doesn’t meet the required threshold.
5. PREPARE FOR THE EXPENSES AHEAD
Admission means fees, acceptance, accommodation, books, and transport. Don’t wait till the last minute to start disturbing your parents.
- Research tuition fees and hostel costs
- Start saving or look into scholarship opportunities (MTN Foundation, NNPC, Federal/State Government schemes, etc.)
6. STAY MENTALLY FIT & SPIRITUALLY ALERT
This period can be emotionally draining. Avoid negative energy.
- Stay off toxic WhatsApp groups
- Focus on positive affirmations and spiritual growth
- Avoid comparison — everyone’s timing is different
- Trust God, but also do your work!
7. VOLUNTEER OR INTERN
Don’t just stay idle. Volunteer with a local NGO, church, company, or family business.
- Gain real-world experience
- Build your CV
- Learn teamwork, discipline, and work ethic
BONUS TIP: JOIN SERIOUS NETWORKS
Be active in forums like:
- Nairaland UTME thread
- Student WhatsApp/Telegram groups for your chosen school
- LinkedIn (start building your professional profile now!)
You’ll get real-time updates, support, and information that could make the difference.
FINAL WORD: YOU’RE NOT DONE YET!
UTME is just one chapter. Admission is a process. Winning starts now. The lazy ones will wait. The smart ones will work. If you treat this period like holiday, you might watch your dreams slip away.
This is your moment. Be restless. Be hungry. Be prepared.
Because when admission knocks—you won’t just be ready—you’ll be UNSTOPPABLE.
💬 Want help with change of institution/course advice or post-UTME materials? Drop a comment or DM. Let’s WIN together!
