AbdulOAU vs UNILAGChoosing between Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) isn’t just about which name sounds bigger or which city you prefer. Both are world-class Nigerian universities, both have strong reputations, and both have something many applicants underestimate — different admission philosophies.
If you’re trying to figure out which one fits your profile better or how their admission processes differ, this guide breaks it all down clearly. We’ll compare eligibility, Post-UTME formats, aggregate scoring systems, and even subtle cultural differences in how both universities handle admission.
Grab your notepad — we’re going deep.
1. The Basics: Meet the Giants
Before comparing admission systems, let’s set the stage.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — founded in 1961, famous for academic rigor, structure, and tradition. Students call it Great Ife, and not for nothing; OAU is known for producing disciplined scholars and a strong sense of community.
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) — established in 1962, right in the heart of Lagos. It’s a powerhouse for innovation, exposure, and opportunity. People call it The University of First Choice — a nickname it proudly lives up to with its competitiveness.
Both universities are federal institutions, both have huge alumni networks, and both sit comfortably in the top tier of Nigeria’s higher education system.
But their admission journeys take slightly different routes.
Read Also: OAU Post-UTME Frequently Asked Questions 2025: Everything You Need to Know
2. Admission Pathways at a Glance
Both OAU and UNILAG admit students through two major routes:
- UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) – for first-time university entrants.
- Direct Entry (DE) – for candidates with prior qualifications (like ND, NCE, JUPEB, or A-levels).
From here, the procedures diverge.
3. JAMB Cut-off Marks: The First Filter
Every year, JAMB sets a general cut-off mark, but universities set their own internal benchmarks.
OAU’s Cut-off (2025)
Minimum JAMB score: 200
OAU does not accept candidates who scored below 200 — no exceptions.
However, high-demand courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering typically require much higher scores (230–270 and above) to even stand a chance after the Post-UTME.
UNILAG’s Cut-off (2025)
Minimum JAMB score: 200
Same base mark as OAU, but UNILAG has a reputation for raising the bar internally. Courses like Law, Medicine, Accounting, and Computer Science often start at 250+ before screening even begins.
Quick takeaway:
Both schools start at the same mark, but UNILAG’s crowd makes competition even fiercer. Lagos candidates tend to flood the system with high scores.
4. O’Level Requirements
This is where many applicants trip up. Both universities emphasize five credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, but there are nuances.
OAU O’Level Requirements:
- Minimum of five credits in relevant subjects.
- Accepted in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or both).
- Some programs like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law prefer one sitting.
- Candidates with “awaiting results” may register but must upload results before final admission.
Read Also: UI Direct Entry: How To Apply For DE Admission in 2025
UNILAG O’Level Requirements:
- Also requires five credits in one sitting only.
- Two sittings are not allowed — this is where UNILAG is stricter.
- The university places strong emphasis on the accuracy of subject combinations.
If you’re combining WAEC and NECO, OAU will accept it, but UNILAG won’t. So if your results are from two sittings, UNILAG is out of the question.
Verdict:
OAU is more flexible. UNILAG is stricter and expects “cleaner” O’Level records.
5. Post-UTME / Screening Process
Both universities conduct Post-UTME screenings, but their formats differ significantly.
OAU’s Post-UTME:
- Usually a computer-based test (CBT) held on campus.
- Subjects mirror your JAMB combination.
- Typically consists of 40–50 questions, with a short time limit.
- The exam carries 50 marks, which combine with your UTME score to form an aggregate out of 100.
For instance:
If you scored 280 in JAMB → 280 ÷ 8 = 35 marks (UTME contribution)
Then you score 40 in Post-UTME → 35 + 40 = 75 aggregate.
That’s how OAU ranks you.
UNILAG’s Post-UTME:
- Conducted on-campus, CBT format as well.
- You’ll answer questions from English, Mathematics, and General Paper, regardless of your JAMB subject combo.
- It’s a speed and accuracy test — 60 questions in 30 minutes on average.
- Each question carries 2 marks, totaling 100 marks.
Your final aggregate =
(JAMB score / 8) + (Post-UTME score / 2).
UNILAG used to include O’Level grading in aggregate computation but dropped that around 2022.
Verdict:
OAU tests based on your field. UNILAG tests general aptitude. OAU rewards deep subject understanding; UNILAG rewards fast thinking and precision.
6. Aggregate Calculation: The Real Admission Key
Both universities combine JAMB and Post-UTME scores, but the formulas differ slightly.
| Criteria | OAU | UNILAG |
| UTME Weight | 50% | 50% |
| Post-UTME Weight | 50% | 50% |
| Formula | (JAMB/8) + Post-UTME/2 | (JAMB/8) + (Post-UTME/2) |
| O’Level Involvement | Sometimes considered (esp. for DE) | Usually not considered |
They look similar on paper, but remember: the Post-UTME content makes a huge difference in how you perform. OAU’s technical questions can be tricky, while UNILAG’s time constraint makes even easy questions tough.
7. Direct Entry (DE) Admissions
Both schools accept Direct Entry candidates, but their approaches differ in documentation and focus.
OAU Direct Entry:
- Candidates must apply through JAMB and also register on OAU’s admission portal.
- Accepts ND, NCE, JUPEB, and A-level certificates.
- Requires transcripts from the previous institution.
- DE screening is usually document-based — not always a written exam.
- Shortlisted candidates are later called for physical verification.
UNILAG Direct Entry:
- Only accepts candidates from recognized advanced programs (JUPEB, Cambridge A-level, or equivalent).
- Doesn’t accept OND/NCE as frequently as OAU.
- DE candidates must have at least 10 points in JUPEB to stand a chance.
- Screening is usually online, based on documentation.
Verdict:
OAU gives a wider window to DE applicants. UNILAG prioritizes A-level or JUPEB candidates and maintains a tighter gate.
8. Departmental Cut-off Marks
This is where the competition becomes brutal.
While both universities set faculty and departmental cut-offs, UNILAG’s often rank slightly higher because of applicant density.
Sample comparison (based on previous years):
| Course | OAU Cut-off (approx.) | UNILAG Cut-off (approx.) |
| Medicine & Surgery | 78 – 80 aggregate | 80 – 83 aggregate |
| Law | 72 – 75 | 78 – 80 |
| Accounting | 65 – 70 | 70 – 73 |
| Computer Science | 68 – 72 | 73 – 76 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 67 – 70 | 72 – 75 |
| Political Science | 60 – 64 | 65 – 69 |
These figures fluctuate yearly, but the trend is consistent: UNILAG’s bar is slightly higher
9. Admission Timelines and Updates
Timing plays a huge role in both schools’ systems.
- OAU typically starts Post-UTME registration between August and October.
Results are released within days, and the first admission list often appears around December or early January. - UNILAG, on the other hand, moves faster.
Forms often come out by July or August, results drop in days, and admission lists appear by October/November.
If you like an early start and closure, UNILAG might fit you. OAU’s process tends to take longer — patience is part of the Great Ife culture.
10. Admission Transparency
This is where OAU has earned respect over time.
- OAU publishes departmental cut-offs openly after Post-UTME, so you know exactly where you stand.
- UNILAG releases general lists and aggregate scores, but not always a detailed breakdown of cut-offs per department.
Both systems are credible, but OAU’s openness gives you a clearer idea of your performance.
11. Catchment Areas & Merit Lists
In Nigeria, federal universities still use the federal character policy — meaning some states have catchment advantages.
- OAU’s catchment areas: Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun.
- UNILAG’s catchment areas: Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti.
The overlap is obvious. But UNILAG gives Lagos residents a stronger edge due to its proximity.
If you’re from outside the Southwest, your merit aggregate must be much higher to compensate for catchment differences.
12. Fees and Financial Considerations
This isn’t directly tied to admission, but it matters when choosing between both schools.
| Category | OAU | UNILAG |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦20,000 | ₦20,000 |
| School Fees (Average) | ₦89,000 – ₦160,000 | ₦110,000 – ₦190,000 |
| Accommodation | ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 | ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 |
OAU remains one of the more affordable top universities in Nigeria. UNILAG, being in Lagos, has higher living costs overall.
13. Admission Tips for Each School
To gain admission into OAU:
- Aim for a JAMB score of 240+ to stay competitive.
- Prepare deeply for your subject areas; OAU likes technical accuracy.
- Upload O’Level results early to avoid disqualification.
- Follow official updates; OAU doesn’t always send personal messages.
To gain admission into UNILAG:
- Target 260+ in JAMB, especially for top courses.
- Sharpen your speed — UNILAG’s test is time-bound.
- Ensure your O’Level is from one sitting only.
- Avoid errors during registration; UNILAG’s portal doesn’t forgive them easily.
14. Which is easier to gain admission into?
Tricky question. Let’s be honest:
- OAU has tough questions and a detailed process, but fewer disqualifying rules (like two sittings).
- UNILAG tests more applicants, applies stricter O’Level standards, and sits in a city where demand is sky-high.
So technically, OAU might offer slightly better chances if your grades are solid, but you still need to earn it.
15. Cultural and Academic Differences
This part often gets ignored but matters deeply.
- OAU students pride themselves on academic depth and intellectual tradition. Life in Ile-Ife is calmer, which helps focus.
- UNILAG students thrive in exposure and networking. Lagos gives them more access to internships, brands, and startups.
If you’re drawn to structure and study culture, OAU feels like home.
If you want modernity, exposure, and opportunities around you, UNILAG might suit you more.
Final Thoughts
Both OAU and UNILAG are academic powerhouses — one representing discipline and structure, the other symbolizing innovation and city life.
The “better” one depends on your strengths:
- Prefer an environment that values thorough academics and patience? OAU fits.
- Want faster systems, urban exposure, and competitive energy? UNILAG wins.
But whichever path you choose, don’t underestimate the competition. Each school attracts the best of the best.
So ask yourself:
- What kind of learner am I?
- Where will I thrive — a focused academic bubble, or a buzzing urban campus?
That answer might matter more than cut-off marks.
Abdul
