ABU Post UTME, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has stood as a bastion of academic excellence in Nigeria. Gaining admission into this prestigious institution is a highly competitive endeavour.
Your JAMB score has gotten you through the first gate, but the decisive battle lies in the ABU Post-UTME screening exercise.
This guide is the definitive resource for every ABU aspirant in the 2025/2026 admission cycle. We will cover the entire process from the official registration portal and eligibility requirements to the specific exam format and a winning preparation strategy.
Crucially, let’s be clear from the start: unlike some universities that only screen credentials, ABU conducts a mandatory physical Post-UTME examination.
ABU Zaria Official Portals
In the age of misinformation, it is vital to rely solely on official channels. Bookmark these links.
- Main University Website: https://abu.edu.ng/
- Official Post-UTME Portal: https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms
ABU Post UTME 2025
Based on previous years, here is the expected timeline for the 2025/2026 session.
- Registration Period: The Post-UTME application portal typically opens in late September or early October. As we are now in October, the portal is almost certainly active. Registration usually lasts for about three to four weeks.
- Registration Deadline: Expect the portal to close by late October or early November 2025. You must act with urgency.
- Screening Examination Dates: The physical CBT exam is usually scheduled to begin about one to two weeks after the registration deadline. Prepare for exam dates from mid-to-late November 2025. Your exact date, time, and venue will be on your printed screening slip.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to sit for the ABU Post-UTME exam, you must meet these strict requirements:
- First Choice Institution: You must have selected ABU Zaria as your First Choice in the 2025 JAMB UTME.
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: You must have a minimum score of 180 in your 2025 JAMB UTME.
- O’Level Credits: You must possess at least five (5) O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
The ABU Post-UTME Registration Process
The application is done entirely on the ABU screening portal.
- Visit the Portal: Go to https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms.
- Select the 2025/2026 Post-UTME Form: Click on the active link for the current screening exercise.
- Log In: Enter your JAMB Registration Number and State of Origin to log in.
- Generate Payment Invoice: The system will generate a Remita Reference (RRR) for the screening fee, which is ₦2,000 (Two Thousand Naira).
- Make Payment: Pay the fee online with a debit card or at any designated bank.
- Complete the Application: After successful payment, return to the portal and log in again. Fill in your bio-data and upload a recent passport photograph.
- Upload O’Level Results: Accurately enter your O’Level grades. Ensure they are uploaded to the ABU portal and, just as importantly, to the JAMB CAPS.
- Submit and Print: Review all your details carefully before submitting. After submission, print your Screening Invitation Slip. This slip is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
What to Expect on Exam Day
This is the most critical part of your preparation. Understanding the ABU exam format is key.
Examination Mode
The exam is conducted entirely on computers at designated centres within the university’s main campus in Samaru, Zaria.
The Subject Combination
This is the golden rule for ABU’s Post-UTME: The subjects you will be tested on are the same four (4) subjects you wrote in your JAMB UTME. ABU does not test general papers or current affairs.
- Example 1 (Medicine): If you wrote Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in JAMB, your ABU Post-UTME will have questions from these four subjects.
- Example 2 (Law): If you wrote Use of English, Literature, Government, and CRS/IRS in JAMB, those are your Post-UTME subjects.
- Example 3 (Economics): If you wrote Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government in JAMB, prepare for those four subjects.
Question Structure and Scoring
- You will likely face 50 questions in total, to be answered in about 50 minutes.
- The questions are usually distributed among your four JAMB subjects.
Preparation Strategy for ABU Post UTME
- Focus on Your JAMB Combination: Your JAMB syllabus is your ABU Post-UTME syllabus. Go back to your notes, textbooks, and the JAMB brochure. Do not waste time studying Current Affairs.
- Practice with Authentic ABU Past Questions: This is non-negotiable. ABU past questions will familiarise you with the question style, difficulty level, and time pressure.
- Master Speed and Accuracy: With about one minute per question, you need to be both fast and correct. Timed practice sessions are essential.
- Understand the Aggregate Score: Your final admission score is a composite. ABU typically calculates it as: (JAMB Score / 8) + (Post-UTME Score / 2) = Total Score out of 100. This shows that both exams are equally weighted and equally important.
ABU’s Cut-Off Marks: 180 is Just the Beginning
While the general cut-off to be eligible for the screening is 180, the departmental cut-off marks required for admission are much higher. These are the minimum aggregate scores needed for a specific course.
- Highly Competitive Courses: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc., often have cut-offs of 75 and above.
- Competitive Courses: Sciences, Social Sciences, etc., may range from 65 to 74.
- Other Courses: May have cut-offs starting from 60.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does ABU write Post-UTME?
Yes, absolutely. ABU conducts a mandatory physical Computer-Based Test (CBT) for all UTME candidates.
What are the subjects tested in the ABU Post-UTME?
You will be tested on the exact same four subjects you took in your JAMB UTME.
I did not choose ABU as my first choice. Can I register?
No. You must make ABU your first choice on the JAMB portal before the registration deadline to be eligible.
Conclusion
Success in the ABU Post-UTME is a result of smart, focused preparation. Now that you understand the process, your task is clear: confirm the registration deadline on the portal, intensify your studies based on your JAMB subject combination, and practice relentlessly with past questions. Your place in one of Nigeria’s most respected universities is within reach. Good luck!
