The University of Ilorin’s Admission Officer, Mr. Abdulkareem Sanni, has issued a stern warning to admission seekers that securing a place at the institution is strictly based on merit and does not require knowing anyone or paying money.
This advisory comes as nearly 22,000 candidates participate in the university’s 2025/2026 Post-UTME screening exercise, which began last Thursday and will conclude this week.
Admission Based on Merit, Not “Connection”
Speaking on the university’s radio station, UNILORIN 89.3 FM, Mr. Sanni assured all candidates of a level playing field, stating that they “need not know anyone or pay any amount of money to any individual” to gain admission.
He clarified that admission offers will be based on a combination of a candidate’s O’level results, UTME score, and performance in the ongoing Post-UTME screening.
Key Admission Requirements:
A minimum UTME score of 180.
Five O’level credits in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings for most courses.
For highly competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Computer Engineering, the five O’level credits must be obtained in a single sitting.
UNILORIN Sees Surge in Applications
A total of 21,971 candidates applied for the screening exercise, a significant increase from the 17,121 applicants recorded last year. The figure comprises 20,220 UTME candidates and 1,751 Direct Entry applicants.
The Director of the University’s Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Prof. Kamilu Rauf, attributed the surge to the university’s growing reputation for academic excellence and its stable, uninterrupted academic calendar. “Candidates know that when you come to UNILORIN, four years means four years… without the disruptions of prolonged strikes,” he noted.
The screening exercise, which commenced on August 28 with 26 underage candidates, will run until September 4, 2025. Officials have described the process so far as smooth and successful, with candidates displaying commendable discipline.
Both Prof. Rauf and the Chairman of the University Admissions Committee, Prof. Abdulazeez Muhammad-Lawal, have cautioned parents against accompanying their wards to the examination venues, stressing that the process is strictly candidate-centered and requires biometric verification.
For the 2024/2025 academic session, the university admitted 12,856 students, highlighting the competitive nature of its admission process.
