Yes, it is possible to gain admission into some Nigerian tertiary institutions without writing a Post-UTME exam. However, it depends on the school, your JAMB score, O’Level results, and the admission method the institution uses for that year.

Here’s a complete explanation.

Many students believe every university must conduct a Post-UTME examination before offering admission. That is not completely true.

Some schools:

Conduct only online screening
Use JAMB score + O’Level results for admission
Use aggregate calculation without any exam
Accept direct entry candidates without Post-UTME tests
Sometimes cancel Post-UTME for a session

So yes, admission without writing Post-UTME is possible.

What Is Post-UTME?

Post-UTME simply means the screening process conducted after writing JAMB.

It may involve:

Physical aptitude test
CBT examination
Online screening
Document verification

Not all schools use the same method.

Schools That Usually Admit Without Writing Post-UTME Exam

Some universities, polytechnics, and colleges mainly use online screening instead of exams.

Examples may include:

State universities
Some private universities
Colleges of education
Polytechnics

These schools may only require:

JAMB result
WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result
Correct subject combination
Required cut-off mark

Ways to Gain Admission Without Post-UTME

1. Through Online Screening

Many schools now use online screening instead of physical exams.

They calculate admission using:

JAMB score
O’Level grades
Catchment consideration
Educationally less developed states (ELDS)

If your score is good, you may gain admission directly.

2. Through Direct Entry (DE)

Candidates entering with:

ND
NCE
IJMB
JUPEB
A-Level

may not write Post-UTME in some schools.

3. Through Pre-Degree or JUPEB Programmes

Some universities offer admission through:

JUPEB
IJMB
Pre-degree
Foundation programmes

After completing the programme successfully, students can enter 100 or 200 level without Post-UTME.

4. Through Private Universities

Many private universities either:

Do simple screening
Conduct interviews
Or admit students directly once requirements are met

Requirements to Gain Admission Without Post-UTME

You still need basic admission requirements:

O’Level Requirements

At least 5 credits including:

English Language
Mathematics
Relevant subjects

Usually in not more than two sittings.

JAMB Score

Even without Post-UTME, most schools still require JAMB.

Higher scores improve your chances.

General safe scores:

120–150 → Some polytechnics and colleges
150–180 → Many state universities
180+ → Competitive universities
220+ → Highly competitive courses

Can You Gain Admission With Only JAMB?

Sometimes yes.

Some institutions use:

JAMB CAPS
Merit list
Online screening

without any additional examination.

But you must:

Choose the school as first choice
Upload O’Level result on JAMB CAPS
Meet departmental requirements

Important Things to Know

1. “No Post-UTME” Does Not Mean “Automatic Admission”

You still compete with thousands of candidates.

Good scores matter.

2. Competitive Courses Still Require High Scores

Courses like:

Medicine
Law
Pharmacy
Nursing
Engineering

usually require strong aggregates even if there is no Post-UTME exam.

3. Always Verify From Official School Announcements

Admission policies change yearly.

A school that skipped Post-UTME last year may conduct it this year.

Courses With Better Chances Without Post-UTME

Students with lower scores may have better chances in courses such as:

Education
Agriculture
Fisheries
Library Science
Sociology
History
Religious Studies
Theatre Arts

depending on the institution.

Final Advice

If you want admission without Post-UTME:

Aim for a high JAMB score
Have strong O’Level results
Apply early
Monitor the school portal regularly
Upload your results correctly on JAMB CAPS
Consider less competitive schools or courses

Admission is possible even without writing a Post-UTME exam, especially when your credentials are strong and you apply strategically.

Can You Gain Admission Without Post-UTME?