University News
Published: February 2, 2026
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By Emmanuel Iweh
University of Lagos (UNILAG) Updates Admission Weighting for 2026/2027 Academic Year
"The University of Lagos has announced a shift in its admission formula, placing more emphasis on Post-UTME performance."
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has sent ripples through the academic community by announcing a revised weighting formula for its 2026/2027 admission exercise. Traditionally, the university utilized a 50:20:30 ratio representing UTME, O-Level, and Post-UTME scores respectively. However, for the 2026 cycle, the institution has adjusted this to a 40:20:40 ratio, significantly increasing the importance of the Post-UTME screening. This policy shift is interpreted as a strategic move to prioritize 'institutional fit' and verify the authenticity of high JAMB scores. For candidates, this change is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a 'second chance' for students who might have underperformed slightly in the UTME due to exam-day stress or technical hitches. On the other hand, it increases the pressure on the school's internal screening process, which is known to be more rigorous and specifically tailored to the university's high standards. Investigative analysis of this change suggests that UNILAG is aiming to reduce the 'dropout rate' of first-year students who enter with high JAMB scores but struggle with the university's internal academic rigor. For those seeking admission in 2026, this means that a high JAMB score is no longer a 'golden ticket.' A student with a 320 JAMB score could easily be overtaken by a student with a 280 score if the latter performs exceptionally well in the 40-point Post-UTME. Consequently, admission chances are now more heavily dependent on a candidate's ability to sustain academic excellence over multiple months of testing. The university has also stated that for certain specialized courses, a 'practical assessment' or interview might be included in that 40 percent weighting. This shift reflects a broader trend among first-generation Nigerian universities to exert more control over their intake quality. Prospective students are urged to begin intensive preparation for the UNILAG Post-UTME alongside their JAMB studies, focusing on the core subjects and general paper components that the university typically favors. This move essentially makes the UNILAG admission process one of the most competitive and multi-layered in West Africa for the year 2026.
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