The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has taken a significant step in this year’s admissions journey by publishing the results of the recently concluded Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening exercise, drawing the attention of thousands of aspiring students across Nigeria and West Africa. According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, who addressed reporters at the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin City, candidates can now check their screening scores through their personalized UNIBEN online portal.
This development is particularly timely as the competition for university admission has grown increasingly fierce, with tertiary institutions in Nigeria receiving higher numbers of applicants each year. UNIBEN is consistently ranked among the top federal universities in Nigeria, known for its rigorous academic standards and competitive entry requirements. As students and their families eagerly log in to view results, the broader effects of these outcomes ripple across communities, impacting decisions, financial planning, and future aspirations.
Candidates Advised: Ignore Current “Not Admitted” Status
Dr. Ehanire specifically addressed concerns among candidates who noticed a “NOT ADMITTED” status on their result printouts. She emphasized that the admission process has only just commenced and that this status is not final. “Candidates are advised not to panic or make hasty assumptions,” Ehanire explained, highlighting that final decisions are pending further steps in the selection process, scheduled to run until 31 October as outlined by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The PRO further clarified that, in line with the university’s policies and JAMB guidelines, only those who scored 50 percent and above in the Post-UTME screening are eligible to move forward in the admission process. However, she noted that eligibility does not guarantee admission—additional criteria and recommendations set by UNIBEN will play a pivotal role.
For many families, this phase brings a mix of relief and anxiety. A parent in Lagos, Ms. Ogechi Nwosu, shared with our correspondent: “My son worked really hard, so we were happy to see he could check his results immediately, but this ‘not admitted’ message was confusing. It helps to know it’s not the final word.” Such reactions capture the emotions experienced across cities and small towns—from Benin to Abuja, Port Harcourt to Kano.
Admission Process Updates and Ongoing Guidelines
While the full details of UNIBEN’s final admission guidelines are yet to be published, Dr. Ehanire assured applicants that the university would provide clearer updates as soon as possible. It is common practice for Nigerian universities to refine their criteria annually, taking into account national admission quotas, the performance of applicants, and issues such as the catchment area or merit lists.
For this year’s cycle, the Post-UTME release is a pivotal milestone that sets the tone for the remaining stages of the admissions process. It shapes expectations and prompts candidates to prepare relevant documentation, seek guidance, and, in some cases, consider alternative choices if their scores fall below departmental requirements.
Education policy experts, such as Dr. Yinka Dauda from the University of Lagos, note that the screening system is “designed to ensure transparency and uphold standards in a system where the number of applicants far exceeds available spaces.” He encourages students to monitor official channels and avoid being misled by rumors or unofficial sources.
JAMB, UNIBEN Cut-Off Marks, and Criteria Explained
A crucial part of the Nigerian university admissions landscape is the determination of cut-off marks. The University of Benin’s JAMB cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session remains a foundational requirement. This works as a baseline—candidates must reach the minimum score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) before being considered for the Post-UTME screening.
More specifically, the UNIBEN cut-off mark is a combination of factors:
- The JAMB national minimum score, which is set in collaboration with federal policymakers and university representatives.
- Faculty and departmental cut-offs, which vary significantly—engineering and health sciences, for example, typically require much higher scores due to intense competition.
- Post-UTME results and, in some cases, O’Level grades.
According to UNIBEN’s official admission policy, students must not only pass the UTME and score adequately in the Post-UTME but also meet specific departmental benchmarks. These layered criteria are designed to ensure that candidates admitted possess the academic readiness and potential for success in their chosen fields.
Applicants from Ghana and other West African nations, particularly those seeking slots through Direct Entry, often encounter additional verification steps, as their qualifications must be certified by appropriate authorities. UNIBEN, like many other leading Nigerian universities, welcomes students from across the sub-region, enriching its intellectual diversity and fostering cross-border academic exchanges.
Challenges, Local Impact, and Looking Beyond 2025
The admissions season is not without its challenges or criticisms. Some education advocates argue that access is still limited for rural and less privileged candidates, while others highlight the pressure on students to achieve extraordinarily high scores. In the words of Mr. Chinedu Izu, an Abuja-based education consultant, “Many bright young Nigerians face obstacles due to limited spaces and the high cost of preparing for both JAMB and Post-UTME. Stakeholders must keep exploring fairer and more inclusive admission methods.”
Meanwhile, the rising demand for higher education is prompting comparisons with universities in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, where similar competitive exams are administered but with varying approaches to quota management and candidate support. According to UNESCO’s latest education statistics, West Africa as a whole is seeing record tertiary enrollment rates, yet the absorption capacity of many public universities lags behind the ambitions of young people.
UNIBEN, for its part, continues to tout its commitment to merit, as well as the provision of student welfare programs and innovation hubs. However, university authorities also urge parents and candidates to remain patient and alert as they await further announcements regarding the 2025/2026 admission cycle.
Staying Informed and Next Steps for Applicants
For now, prospective students are encouraged to:
- Check their results exclusively through the official UNIBEN portal.
- Pay keen attention to updates from the admissions office and JAMB.
- Consult with guidance counselors or reputable education experts if they are unclear about the next steps.
- Beware of unauthorized fee requests or offers of ‘admission assistance’ from unverified agents.
It is expected that admission lists will be released in batches over the coming weeks, reflecting both merit-based and supplementary criteria. Candidates are strongly advised to keep a close eye on deadlines and to complete all necessary documentation as required by the university and JAMB authorities.
As UNIBEN’s admission process unfolds, the impact will be felt far beyond campus—shaping family futures, local economies, and the broader narrative of educational opportunity in West Africa. For secondary school graduates who are now at this pivotal crossroads, patience, resourcefulness, and awareness will be essential assets as the coming academic year takes shape.
Are you or your loved ones affected by this year’s UNIBEN admission process? How do you think universities in Nigeria and across West Africa can make admission systems fairer and more transparent? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep following us for the latest updates on educational news and opportunities!
Join the conversation: follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Your voice matters—share your tips, opinions, or experiences to help guide others navigating the West African academic journey!
