UNILORIN Preliminary Studies 2025: Alternative Pathway to University Admission

University of Ilorin has opened applications for its School of Preliminary Studies (SPS) program for the 2025/2026 academic session. The one-year program provides an alternative admission route for students who didn't meet direct entry requirements.

What is the Preliminary Studies Program?

The SPS program is a foundation year that prepares students for degree-level studies. It's particularly valuable for students who:

• Didn't achieve required JAMB scores for their preferred programs
• Need to strengthen their academic foundation
• Want to improve their chances for competitive programs
• Require additional preparation for university-level coursework

Program Benefits

Guaranteed Admission Opportunities:

• Top 10 students in Sciences stream gain admission to various university courses including medicine-related fields and engineering
• Top 10 in Arts stream secure admission to humanities programs
• Top 10 in Commercial stream access business and economics programs

Excluded Programs: Medicine/Surgery and Law are not available through this pathway, even for top performers.

Program Details

Duration: One academic session (approximately 9 months)

Start Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

Location: School of Preliminary Studies, Fufu, Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• O'Level credit passes in relevant subjects (specific subjects vary by category)
• 2024 UTME registration with relevant subject combinations
• Meet age requirements for university admission

Application Process

Step 1: Visit Application Portal
Go to http://portal.unilorin.edu.ng/applicant/

Step 2: Create Account
Register with valid email address and phone number

Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Pay ₦15,000 application fee through designated payment channels

Step 4: Complete Form
Fill in personal details, O'Level results, and JAMB information

Step 5: Choose Stream
Select Sciences, Arts, or Commercial stream based on your career goals

Step 6: Upload Documents
Provide all required supporting documents

Step 7: Submit Application
Review and submit, then print confirmation

Target Catchment Area

Primary States:

• Benue
• Kogi
• Kwara
• Nasarawa
• Niger
• Plateau
• Sokoto
• Zamfara

While priority goes to candidates from these states, applications from other regions are considered based on available spaces.

Why Consider This Program?

Second Chance Opportunity: If you didn't gain admission through JAMB, this provides another pathway to UNILORIN.

Academic Foundation: The program strengthens your preparation for university-level coursework, increasing your chances of success in degree programs.

Performance-Based Admission: Your SPS performance determines admission, not just JAMB scores. This rewards consistent hard work throughout the program.

UNILORIN Access: Successful completion guarantees admission to UNILORIN degree programs (except Medicine/Surgery and Law).

Program Streams

Sciences Stream:

• Leads to programs: Engineering, Medicine-related fields (not Medicine/Surgery), Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences
• Requires strong background in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Arts Stream:

• Leads to programs: Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Sciences
• Requires proficiency in languages and humanities subjects

Commercial Stream:

• Leads to programs: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Banking & Finance
• Requires background in Mathematics, Economics, Commerce

Important Considerations

• Admission is competitive - not all applicants will be accepted
• The ₦15,000 application fee is non-refundable
• Top 10 placement in your stream is crucial for degree admission
• Classes begin October 20, 2025 - plan accordingly
• The program requires full-time attendance
• You'll need to relocate to the Fufu campus

Financial Planning

Beyond the ₦15,000 application fee, budget for:

• Program tuition fees (payable upon admission)
• Accommodation costs
• Living expenses for academic session
• Books and learning materials
• Transportation to/from campus

Contact the School of Preliminary Studies for detailed fee structure.

If you're determined to study at UNILORIN but didn't secure admission through JAMB, the Preliminary Studies program offers a legitimate pathway. Success requires commitment, but the program has helped many students achieve their university education goals.

Source: University of Ilorin official announcement