The controversy over the continued conduct of Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) by some Nigerian universities has resurfaced, with parents, students, and education stakeholders across Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states describing it as a “legalised means of extorting admission seekers.” Many argued that the additional test places an unnecessary burden on families and undermines the purpose of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In Ebonyi, Chukwu Ogamdi, a parent, dismissed the Post-UTME as a revenue-driven exercise rather than an academic necessity, while student Lizzy Nwafor said it discourages many young Nigerians from pursuing higher education. Civil society activist Emmanuel Okorie added that allowing universities to re-test students questions JAMB’s credibility and called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission to abolish the practice. Similarly, secondary school teacher Nkeiruka Akam argued that the Post-UTME had lost its noble intention of quality control, alleging that it now serves as a cash-making venture.

However, some university officials defended the policy. Patrick Ugwu, registrar of Peaceland University in Enugu, said large institutions like UNN and ESUT introduced the test to manage the overwhelming number of applicants and ensure only qualified candidates gain admission. Similarly, the deputy vice-chancellor (academics) of Godfrey Okoye University, MarySylvia Nwachukwu, explained that while her university does not conduct Post-UTME, others adopt it to curb issues such as impersonation and examination malpractice. Some parents, like Blessing Ani, also noted that high JAMB scores do not always translate to success in Post-UTME, citing cases of students who cheated during the UTME.

In Anambra, some institutions, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and Paul University, have scrapped physical Post-UTME exams and adopted online screening, which many parents and applicants praised for reducing stress, cost, and travel risks. While some, like Franklin Okwaraogu, raised concerns about internet glitches, others, including Ngozi Ezenwa and Chisimdi Adogah, welcomed the process as more accessible. Administrators explained that the switch was driven by the high cost and logistical difficulties of organising Post-UTME tests.

Still, education policy experts warn that abolishing physical Post-UTME could encourage backdoor admissions. Chukwudi Emejom argued that while JAMB’s transition to computer-based testing in 2013 addressed malpractice concerns, scrapping Post-UTME entirely might weaken merit-based selection. Introduced in 2005, Post-UTME was meant as an additional filter for admissions, but many critics insist it has outlived its usefulness and now adds unnecessary financial pressure on families. They urged the government to enforce a uniform policy and stop institutions from collecting extra fees from admission seekers.