UNICAL Cancels Post-UTME Exam, Adopts Point Tally System for 2025/2026 Screening

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has made a significant change to its admission screening process for the 2025/2026 academic session. The university will no longer conduct a Post-UTME aptitude examination, opting instead to screen candidates using their O'Level results through a Point Tally System.

Major Policy Change

What's Changing

• Old System: Candidates traveled to campus for physical Post-UTME examination
• New System: Screening based solely on O'Level results using points
• No More Exams: No aptitude test, no travel to campus required
• Automatic Evaluation: System calculates points from your O'Level grades

Official Statement

According to University Registrar Dr. Mrs Chukwika Icha: "The Post-UTME Registration portal has officially been closed as the University will now screen candidates using their O'level results via the Point Tally System."

Why UNICAL Made This Change

Reducing Candidate Burden

The university cited several reasons for this decision:

• Eliminates travel costs for candidates coming from distant locations
• Reduces accommodation expenses for out-of-state applicants
• Prevents examination-related stress and anxiety
• Makes admission process more accessible
• Speeds up the admission timeline

Fairness and Transparency

• O'Level results are standardized nationwide
• Point system is objective and verifiable
• Reduces potential for exam malpractice
• Every candidate evaluated on same criteria
• Transparent scoring methodology

How the Point Tally System Works

Grade-to-Points Conversion

Your O'Level grades are converted to points (typical system):

• A1 (Distinction): 5 points
• B2 (Very Good): 4 points
• B3 (Good): 3 points
• C4 (Credit): 2 points
• C5 (Credit): 1 point
• C6 (Pass): 1 point

Relevant Subject Scoring

Points are calculated from subjects relevant to your chosen programme:

• English Language (always counted)
• Mathematics (always counted)
• Three subjects specific to your course

Example for Medicine: English + Mathematics + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

Aggregate Score Impact

Your total admission score will likely be:

• JAMB UTME score (weighted percentage)
• O'Level Point Tally (weighted percentage)
• Combined into aggregate score
• Admission based on merit ranking

What This Means for 2025 Applicants

If You Haven't Applied Yet

Important: The Post-UTME registration portal is now CLOSED. If you haven't registered:

• You cannot register for Post-UTME anymore
• UNICAL will automatically screen all qualified candidates who selected UNICAL as first choice
• Your O'Level results on JAMB portal will be used
• No action required from you - just wait for admission list

If You Already Registered

If you registered before the portal closed:

• Your registration was unnecessary (but won't hurt your chances)
• You'll still be evaluated using the Point Tally System
• No need to take any examination
• Simply monitor JAMB CAPS for admission status

Advantages of the New System

For Students

• Cost Savings: No travel, accommodation, or exam-related expenses
• No Exam Stress: Eliminates anxiety about taking another test
• Time Savings: No need to travel to Calabar for screening
• Convenience: Evaluation happens automatically
• Fair Assessment: Based on verified national exam results

For the University

• Faster admission processing
• Reduced examination logistics and costs
• More objective candidate evaluation
• Less administrative burden
• Quicker admission list publication

How to Maximize Your Chances

Ensure O'Level Results Are Uploaded

Critical action required:

1. Log in to your JAMB profile at jamb.gov.ng
2. Navigate to "Upload O'Level Results"
3. Upload all your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results
4. Verify results display correctly with all grades visible
5. Confirm subjects and grades match your certificates

Critical: If your O'Level results aren't uploaded or visible on JAMB portal, UNICAL cannot calculate your points. Upload immediately!

Check Your O'Level Grades

Review your O'Level performance in relevant subjects:

• Do you have strong grades (A1, B2, B3) in key subjects?
• Are your grades in programme-relevant subjects competitive?
• Did you score well in English and Mathematics?

Multiple Sittings Consideration

If you wrote WAEC/NECO multiple times:

• UNICAL will likely use your best grades from each subject
• Maximum of two sittings typically allowed
• Ensure both results are uploaded on JAMB

Implications for Different Candidates

Candidates with Excellent O'Level Results

If you have mostly A's and B's:

• You have a strong advantage under this system
• High point tally improves your admission chances significantly
• Your O'Level performance speaks for you

Candidates with Average O'Level Results

If you have mostly C's with some B's:

• Your JAMB score becomes more critical
• Very high UTME score can compensate for lower O'Level points
• Choose less competitive programmes to improve chances

Candidates with Weak O'Level Results

If you have mostly C's and some weak grades:

• Admission may be challenging under point system
• Exceptional JAMB score (270+) becomes essential
• Consider alternative universities still conducting Post-UTME exams
• Evaluate whether to apply elsewhere

What Happens Next?

UNICAL's Process

1. University retrieves O'Level results from JAMB for all applicants
2. Point Tally System calculates scores automatically
3. Combines with JAMB UTME scores for aggregate
4. Ranks candidates by aggregate score within each programme
5. Admits top-ranking candidates up to departmental capacity

Timeline Expectations

• Screening evaluation: Automatic, no specific date
• Admission list: Expected earlier than usual (no exam delays)
• Publication: Through JAMB CAPS and UNICAL portal
• Notification: Via JAMB profile and possibly email/SMS

Monitoring Your Admission Status

Where to Check

1. JAMB CAPS: Primary source for admission status
   • Log in at jamb.gov.ng/Efacility
   • Click "Check Admission Status"
   • Select "Access my CAPS"
2. UNICAL Portal: Check university's official admission portal
3. Email/SMS: Watch for notifications from JAMB or UNICAL

How Often to Check

• Daily during August - September period
• Especially after any UNICAL announcements
• Watch for "Admission in Progress" status changes

Trend in Nigerian Universities

UNICAL joins several Nigerian universities moving away from Post-UTME examinations:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) - no Post-UTME exam
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) - screening without exam
• Others considering similar policies

This trend aims to reduce admission costs and stress for candidates while maintaining quality standards through O'Level performance evaluation.

Questions Students May Have

Do I Need to Do Anything?

No. If UNICAL is your first choice on JAMB and your O'Level results are uploaded, you're automatically screened.

Can I Still Apply to UNICAL?

The Post-UTME portal is closed, but if UNICAL is your first choice on JAMB, you're already in the screening pool.

When Will I Know If I'm Admitted?

Monitor JAMB CAPS regularly. Admission lists typically release 2-4 weeks after screening concludes.

Contact UNICAL

For questions about the new screening process:

• Visit UNICAL's official website for updates
• Check the admissions office for clarifications
• Monitor official social media for announcements

Good luck to all UNICAL applicants! Your O'Level performance now carries significant weight in your admission prospects.