Post-UTME controversy: Parents, students call for abolition

The continued conduct of Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (Post-UTME) by some Nigerian universities has stirred heated debate among students, parents, and education stakeholders, with many describing it as a “legalised means of extorting admission seekers.”

Across Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, voices are rising against the extra screening exam, which critics say duplicates the work of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

While some universities defend Post-UTME as a safeguard against malpractice and impersonation, many parents, students, and civil society groups see it as an unnecessary burden that undermines JAMB’s credibility.

In Ebonyi, Mr. Chukwu Ogamdi, a parent, described the Post-UTME as a revenue-driven scheme rather than an academic necessity.

“Parents pay heavily for JAMB registration, only to face another round of fees for Post-UTME. This duplication adds little or no value,” he said, urging the Federal Government to abolish the practice.

Similarly, Miss Lizzy Nwafor, an admission seeker, said the additional exam discourages many young Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

“After struggling with UTME, you face another exam with more money to pay. For poor families, it is disheartening,” she told NAN.

Civil society activist, Mr. Emmanuel Okorie, argued that allowing universities to run parallel entrance tests undermines the essence of JAMB.

“JAMB was created to unify admission processes. Conducting another test suggests JAMB is not competent. It wastes resources and opens the door to exploitation,” he said.

Secondary school teacher, Mrs. Nkeiruka Akam, said Post-UTME had outlived its usefulness.

“The noble purpose of Post-UTME has been defeated. Today, it is about money, not merit. Authorities must listen to the cries of parents and students,” she said.

Other educationists echoed similar concerns, warning that the continued existence of Post-UTME is a disservice to students who have already proven themselves in JAMB’s computer-based tests.

Some institutions, however, justify the retention of Post-UTME.

Peaceland University’s Admission Officer, Mr. Charles Igwe, argued that universities conduct Post-UTME to verify the authenticity of JAMB candidates.

“Some students attempt impersonation during JAMB. Post-UTME helps universities confirm that the candidates who scored high are indeed the rightful owners of those results,” he said.

Registrar of the same university, Dr. Patrick Ugwu, noted that large federal universities like UNN and ESUT face overwhelming applicant numbers.

“Post-UTME helps them select those who truly merit admission within their limited quotas,” he explained.

At Godfrey Okoye University, however, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. MarySylvia Nwachukwu, said the institution admits students solely based on JAMB results.

“When a candidate is qualified, he or she should be admitted without another exam,” she stressed.

In Nsukka, Enugu State, parents and education stakeholders called for a total ban on Post-UTME.

Mr. Titus Idu, proprietor of Future Leaders Academy, urged the National Assembly to legislate against it.

“After UTME, candidates should not face another test. Government should decide who has the mandate to conduct admissions—JAMB or universities,” he said.

Mrs. Florence Ogbonna, a guardian, lamented the financial burden on families whose children travel long distances for Post-UTME only to be denied admission.

“All they want is money. Government must intervene,” she said.

In Anambra, several universities have scrapped physical Post-UTME exams and replaced them with online screenings.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), and several private institutions now rely on JAMB scores and O’Level results submitted online.

Parents like Mrs. Ngozi Ezenwa praised the change, recalling how her elder son once traveled from Oyo to Awka, spending heavily on accommodation and feeding.

“With the online system, my younger son paid N2,000 at a cyber café and completed the process without stress,” she said.

But others like Mr. Kenneth Agboola expressed concern over transparency.

“My worry is fairness. Will the online system be free from manipulation?” he asked.

Dr. Harrison Madubeze, spokesperson for COOU, said the school stopped physical Post-UTME five years ago due to logistical challenges.

“Now, screening relies on JAMB and O’Level scores. It is less stressful and cheaper for everyone,” he explained.

At NAU, Prof. Chris Abakare said the university scrapped Post-UTME in 2020 to cut costs.

“Setting questions, printing, securing CBT centers and mobilizing invigilators was resource-intensive. Online screening is cost-effective and efficient,” he said.

Not all experts support scrapping Post-UTME.

Education policy analyst, Mr. Chukwudi Emejom, warned that online screening may encourage favoritism.

“There must be public oversight to prevent backdoor admissions. Transparency is key,” he said.

School principal, Mrs. Ijeoma Uzoukwu, added that while online screening reduces stress and costs, proper checks are needed to ensure fairness.

Post-UTME was introduced in 2005 to address concerns over widespread malpractice in JAMB’s old paper-based exams. However, critics argue that since JAMB switched to computer-based testing in 2013, those concerns are largely obsolete.

They now call on the Federal Ministry of Education and NUC to abolish Post-UTME fees altogether, describing them as exploitative.

The Post-UTME debate highlights the tension between ensuring merit-based admissions and protecting students from unnecessary burdens.

While some universities defend the practice as a safeguard, parents and students overwhelmingly see it as an exploitative system that duplicates JAMB’s work.

With online screenings offering a possible compromise, the Federal Government now faces growing calls to end what many describe as an outdated policy.