University of Ilorin Admission Requirements (2025 Guide)

If you’re eyeing the University of Ilorin — popularly called UNILORIN — then you probably already know it’s one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities. Every year, thousands of students fight for a limited number of spots, and yet, most people don’t even understand what the school really wants from applicants.

So, let’s break everything down clearly — from the UTME and O’Level requirements to Post-UTME screening, Direct Entry, and even what to do if you miss the cut-off mark.

By the end of this, you’ll have a full roadmap to getting into UNILORIN without any confusion.

Unilorin Courses

UNILORIN currently offers over 90 undergraduate courses across 15 faculties, each fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). These faculties cover arts, sciences, social sciences, engineering, law, agriculture, management, and health sciences.

Here’s a simplified look at what’s on offer:

1. Faculty of Arts

Home to creative thinkers and language lovers.
Courses include:

  • English Language
  • Linguistics
  • Performing Arts
  • Arabic Studies
  • French
  • History and International Studies
  • Yoruba

These courses develop analytical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness — all useful in education, media, or diplomacy.

2. Faculty of Management Sciences

For those drawn to business and administration.
Courses include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Industrial Relations and Personnel Management

Graduates from these programs are in high demand across both private and public sectors.

3. Faculty of Social Sciences

Here’s where human behavior and society are studied deeply.
Courses include:

  • Economics
  • Geography and Environmental Management
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Social Work

Students learn how social systems function — and how to influence them.

4. Faculty of Engineering and Technology

A major pride of UNILORIN, producing some of Nigeria’s top engineers.
Courses include:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

UNILORIN engineers benefit from solid practical training and lab exposure.

5. Faculty of Health Sciences

This is where the “uniforming” courses come in — highly professional and practical.
Courses include:

  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Nursing Science
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Public Health

These courses are competitive, demanding, and among the highest cut-off areas in the school.

6. Faculty of Agriculture

Courses include:

  • Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
  • Animal Production
  • Crop Protection
  • Aquaculture and Fisheries
  • Forestry and Wildlife

Students combine theory with practical experience on UNILORIN’s vast farm facilities.

7. Faculty of Law

The Law Faculty is another of UNILORIN’s flagship programs, known for its discipline and quality of graduates. It offers:

  • Common Law
  • Islamic Law

Admission into Law is very competitive, often requiring a UTME score above 250.

8. Faculty of Education

Focused on teacher training and educational research.
Courses include:

  • Education and English
  • Education and Biology
  • Education and Mathematics
  • Educational Management
  • Guidance and Counselling
  • Adult Education

Students here often proceed to teaching, administration, or policy work.

9. Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences

One of the newer and fast-evolving faculties.
Courses include:

  • Mass Communication
  • Information and Communication Science
  • Library and Information Science
  • Telecommunication Science
  • Computer Science

It’s perfect for digital-minded students who want to combine media, tech, and communication skills.

10. Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Courses include:

  • Architecture
  • Estate Management
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Surveying and Geo-Informatics

Students here learn how to design and manage sustainable environments.

In summary

UNILORIN’s course offerings are not just wide — they’re well-balanced between theory and hands-on learning. Most programs also include entrepreneurship training and community service, giving graduates a competitive edge after school.

UNILORIN School Fees (2025 Breakdown)

UNILORIN is relatively affordable when compared to many other federal universities, though the fees differ by faculty and level. The university has kept its charges within reach for most students while maintaining quality.

Here’s what you should know about UNILORIN’s school fees for 2024/2025 (expected for 2025 too):

Faculty

Fresh Students (₦)

Returning Students (₦)

Arts

120,000 – 135,000

60,000 – 70,000

Social Sciences

130,000 – 145,000

65,000 – 80,000

Management Sciences

130,000 – 150,000

70,000 – 85,000

Engineering

150,000 – 170,000

80,000 – 90,000

Law

150,000 – 160,000

80,000 – 90,000

Agriculture

130,000 – 150,000

70,000 – 85,000

Health Sciences

230,000 – 270,000

100,000 – 130,000

Education

115,000 – 130,000

60,000 – 70,000

These figures include university charges, faculty levies, lab fees, and development dues.

Other Important Charges

  • Acceptance fee: ₦25,000 (one-time, for fresh students)
  • Accommodation (optional): ₦30,000–₦60,000 per session
  • Departmental/faculty dues: ₦2,000–₦5,000 depending on department
  • Medical and ICT fees: Around ₦3,000–₦5,000

 

A few money-saving tips

  • Always pay fees directly through the UNILORIN portal — never through agents.
  • Register and pay early to avoid penalties or loss of course registration slots.
  • If you’re short on funds, the university sometimes allows installment payment for certain faculties (confirm from your department).

 

1. First things first — What UNILORIN looks for

Here’s the truth: UNILORIN doesn’t just want “smart” students. It wants prepared students. You must meet both the academic and administrative requirements.

The general criteria are:

  • Choose UNILORIN as your first choice in JAMB.
  • Score at least 180 and above in your UTME.
  • Have at least five credit passes in your O’Level subjects, including English Language and other course-specific subjects.
  • Participate in and perform well during the Post-UTME screening.
  • Upload all required results and documents correctly on both JAMB CAPS and the UNILORIN portal.

These are the basics — but each part carries its own weight, so let’s unpack them.

Read Also: UK Scholarships Without IELTS In 2025 — The Complete Practical List And Playbook

2. UTME requirements (your first big step)

Before you even think of the Post-UTME, your JAMB score must qualify you for it.
UNILORIN’s minimum UTME cut-off is usually 180, but that’s only the general eligibility score.

In reality, the competition varies by department. For example:

  • Medicine and Surgery – usually 250 and above
  • Law – often 240+
  • Computer Science / Engineering – 220+
  • Accounting, Business Admin, Mass Communication – 210+

So, if your goal is one of these high-demand courses, you need to aim higher than just the minimum mark.

Pro tip: Always check UNILORIN’s official portal or admission advert for the specific cut-off for your course. It changes slightly every year depending on applicant performance and quota.

3. O’Level requirements (the foundation you can’t skip)

You’ll need five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects — and that includes English Language.
For science-related courses, Mathematics is also compulsory.

UNILORIN accepts results from:

  • WAEC
  • NECO
  • GCE
  • NABTEB

You can combine results from two sittings at most, but you must ensure that all required subjects appear with at least a credit grade.

Here’s what that means in practice:

Course Type Compulsory Subjects Extra Tips
Medicine / Health Sciences English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology All credits, one sitting preferred
Engineering English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, one other science subject One sitting gives stronger advantage
Law English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS, one more Literature is a must
Social Sciences English, Maths, Economics, Government, CRS/IRS Two sittings allowed
Arts English, Literature, History/Government, CRS/IRS, one other art Focus on essay-heavy subjects

Don’t ignore this: Upload your O’Level results on both JAMB CAPS and UNILORIN’s portal.
Many students lose admission simply because they forget that second upload.

4. The Post-UTME screening — where most people get filtered out

UNILORIN’s Post-UTME is not too hard, but it’s where the university truly separates eligible candidates from the rest.

Here’s how it usually works:

  1. Once JAMB releases results, UNILORIN opens its Post-UTME registration portal.
  2. You’ll pay a screening fee (usually around ₦2,000).
  3. You fill out your details, upload your passport photo, and confirm your O’Level subjects.
  4. Depending on the year, the screening might be online or physical.

Scoring system:
UNILORIN typically uses a formula like this:

  • UTME Score: 50%
  • Post-UTME Screening: 30%
  • O’Level Result: 20%

Your final admission ranking is based on the aggregate score out of 100%.
For example:

  • If your UTME is 250 (which equals 50/50 in that category),
  • Your Post-UTME performance gives you 20/30,
  • And your O’Level grades give you 15/20,
  • Your aggregate = 85%, which is a strong score.

This system rewards consistent performance — not just a lucky UTME score

5. Direct Entry (for ND, NCE, or A-Level holders)

If you’re applying through Direct Entry, here’s what you need to know:

  • You must have two A-Level passes, or a relevant ND/NCE/HND with a good grade.
  • You must still select UNILORIN as your first choice when registering on JAMB’s Direct Entry portal.
  • You’ll also go through the same UNILORIN screening process as UTME candidates.
  • Documents like transcripts and certificates are required, depending on the department.

UNILORIN gives serious consideration to DE candidates with strong academic backgrounds, especially those with distinctions or upper credits.

6. Admission process — how it all plays out

After the screening, UNILORIN calculates your aggregate score and begins releasing admission lists in batches:

  1. Merit list – top scorers and first picks.
  2. Catchment / State quota list – based on geographical distribution.
  3. Supplementary list – available if there are still open slots.

Once your name appears on JAMB CAPS, you must accept the offer immediately.
Failure to do so on time can make your slot available to someone else.

Then, you’ll proceed to:

  • Pay your acceptance fee
  • Complete online registration
  • Upload documents for verification
  • And finally, prepare for matriculation

7. Common mistakes that cost students admission

  1. Choosing UNILORIN as a second choice.
    The university only accepts first-choice applicants.
  2. Uploading incomplete O’Level results.
    UNILORIN strictly verifies uploaded grades. One missing subject = automatic rejection.
  3. Applying for a course that doesn’t match your subjects.
    For instance, wanting to study Engineering without Physics or Chemistry credits is an instant no.
  4. Ignoring updates from the portal.
    UNILORIN’s admission portal is the only official source. Don’t rely on random blogs or social media.
  5. Not participating in the Post-UTME.
    Even if you score 300 in JAMB, skipping screening kills your chances.

8. Tips that give you an edge

  • Check your course requirements early. Don’t assume all science courses have the same subjects.
  • Start Post-UTME practice early. Use past questions and online mock tests.
  • Keep your documents handy. Scanned copies save time during registration.
  • Aim for consistency. Even if your UTME isn’t top-tier, an excellent Post-UTME can push you up the ranking.

Here’s a mindset shift:
UNILORIN doesn’t just pick “the best students.” It picks the most careful applicants — the ones who followed every instruction and didn’t skip details. Be that applicant.

9. What if you don’t get in?

Don’t panic. You have options.

  • Apply for a change of course. Choose a less competitive department within UNILORIN that still fits your subject combination.
  • Try Direct Entry next year. Use your ND, NCE, or JUPEB qualification to re-enter.
  • Apply to other universities. You can transfer your JAMB score through a change of institution form.
  • Consider Pre-degree or remedial programs. UNILORIN occasionally runs these for students who narrowly missed admission.

Remember, not getting in the first time doesn’t mean you’re not good enough — it just means you need to plan smarter next round.

10. Final checklist before applying

Before you hit “Submit” on your UNILORIN portal, ask yourself:

  • Have I chosen UNILORIN as my first choice?
  • Is my UTME score above the general and departmental cut-off?
  • Do I have five relevant credits including English (and Maths where needed)?
  • Have I uploaded my O’Level results to both JAMB CAPS and UNILORIN’s portal?
  • Have I paid and registered for the Post-UTME screening?
  • Do my subject combinations align perfectly with my desired course?

If you can tick all these boxes, you’re already halfway in.

Final Thoughts

Getting into UNILORIN isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation, accuracy, and strategy.
Most applicants fail not because they aren’t qualified, but because they miss a single step that costs them the whole opportunity.

So start early, pay attention to the details, and treat every instruction as important.

If you were to apply right now, which of these would be your biggest hurdle — the UTME score, the O’Level requirements, or the Post-UTME preparation?
Knowing that helps decide where to focus your energy before the next admission window opens.

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