21,971 Applicants Compete for 13,000 Admission Slots at UNILORIN

A total of 21,971 candidates are competing for 13,000 admission slots in UNILORIN’s 2025/2026 Post-UTME screening—an increase from last year—due to the university’s strong academic reputation, with strict exam guidelines, biometric verification, and merit-based admission processes in place.

A total of 21,971 candidates registered for the University of Ilorin’s 2025/2026 Post-UTME screening exercise, which began on August 28, 2025 and is scheduled to conclude on September 4, 2025.

According to Professor Kamilu Rauf, Director of UNILORIN’s Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, the cohort includes 20,220 UTME applicants and 1,751 Direct Entry (DE) applicants. This marks a significant increase from last year’s figures of 15,946 UTME and 1,175 DE candidates. In the 2024/2025 academic year, 12,856 candidates were admitted.

This year, the university recorded an increase of over 4,200 UTME applicants and 576 DE applicants, a result the CBT Director attributes to UNILORIN’s growing reputation for academic excellence, uninterrupted academic calendar, and efficient administration.

“Our slogan is ‘Better by Far.’ Candidates know that at UNILORIN, four years means four years — five means five — without prolonged strike disruptions,” said Prof. Rauf.

The screening began with 26 under-age participants out of 30 expected. The concluding day, September 4, is reserved for absentees and those applying for Arabic Studies. Prof. Rauf reminded parents and candidates to strictly follow examination protocols—including dress code and a ban on gadgets like mobile phones—and urged parents to avoid crowding the exam centers. All relevant details are accessible on the university website, www.unilorin.edu.ng.

Meanwhile, Prof. Abdulazeez Muhammad-Lawal, Chairman of the Admissions Committee, praised the orderly conduct of the screening’s first day. Of the 30 under-age candidates expected, 26 appeared, and the process proceeded smoothly. He reiterated that examinations are candidate-focused, with biometric verification, and discouraged parental accompaniment during the main exercise.

In a related statement, the University Admission Officer, Mr. Abdulkareem Sanni (Principal Assistant Registrar), assured that no connections or payments are required for admission. All candidates must meet the requisite criteria, including a minimum UTME score of 180, five O-level credits, and pass the Post-UTME screening.

For most courses, the O-level credits may come from no more than two sittings; however, for Medicine and Surgery, Optometry and Vision Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Computer Engineering, all credits must be obtained in one sitting.

Mr. Sanni also emphasized the importance of punctuality, appropriate attire, and proper conduct during the examination.

Summary

▪ Applicants: 21,971 total (20,220 UTME; 1,751 DE)
▪ Start / End Dates: August 28 – September 4, 2025
▪ Notable increases: +4,200 UTME; +576 DE compared to 2024
▪ 2024 Admissions: 12,856 candidates admitted
▪ Key Guidelines: No gadgets, proper attire, avoid crowding, biometric verification, fairness assured
▪ Special notes: Under-age candidates participated; top programs require one-sitting O-level credits