The University of Lagos (UNILAG), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions, has officially released an important notice concerning its recently concluded 2025/2026 Post-UTME online screening assessment exercise. The announcement has generated a lot of interest and discussion among candidates, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector, particularly because of the large number of participants and the serious warnings issued against malpractice.
This post provides a comprehensive breakdown of what transpired, the university’s position, and what prospective students should know moving forward.
Overview of the Screening Exercise
The Post-UTME screening exercise for the 2025/2026 academic session was held from Monday, September 1st to Thursday, September 4th, 2025.
- A total of 20,464 candidates participated in the online assessment, making it one of the largest Post-UTME exercises conducted by UNILAG in recent years.
- The exercise was conducted virtually, in line with the university’s commitment to technology-driven admission processes that prioritize fairness, accessibility, and efficiency.
- Candidates were assessed in key subject areas relevant to their chosen fields of study, with strict monitoring to ensure the integrity of the process.
UNILAG has long maintained a reputation for conducting credible and transparent admission screenings, and the 2025/2026 exercise was no exception. However, despite the efforts made, the university has revealed that cases of examination malpractice were detected.
UNILAG’s Position on Examination Malpractice
The university issued a strong statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on any form of examination misconduct. According to the notice, UNILAG has verifiable evidence that some candidates engaged in malpractice during the online assessment.
What This Means for Candidates:
- Any candidate found guilty of malpractice will be rendered ineligible for admission into UNILAG for the 2025/2026 academic session.
- Investigations are ongoing, and the university has assured the public that due process will be followed.
- The sanction serves as a warning to both current and future applicants that integrity is non-negotiable in the admission process.
This development underscores UNILAG’s determination to uphold its status as an institution that values excellence, discipline, and meritocracy.
Why Universities Take Malpractice Seriously
Examination malpractice is a widespread challenge in Nigeria’s education system. However, universities like UNILAG continue to step up their monitoring and detection mechanisms.
Key reasons why malpractice is treated with seriousness include:
- Fairness and Merit: Allowing malpractice would disadvantage hardworking candidates who prepared sincerely.
- Reputation of the University: Institutions lose credibility if their admission processes are compromised.
- Future Competence of Students: Admitting unqualified candidates could affect the quality of graduates and, by extension, the university’s contribution to national development.
- National Impact: Education is the bedrock of development, and compromising admission standards undermines national progress.
By issuing this notice, UNILAG has sent a clear message that only deserving candidates will secure admission, and no amount of malpractice will be tolerated.
Lessons for Future Candidates
The incident provides a strong learning point for all students preparing for Post-UTME and other admission exercises across the country.
Candidates should note the following:
- Preparation is key: Rather than looking for shortcuts, invest time in studying and practicing past questions.
- Use official resources: Follow updates directly from UNILAG’s website and verified communication channels.
- Beware of fraudsters: Some candidates fall into malpractice traps because of fake agents promising “assistance.” Such offers usually lead to disappointment and sanctions.
- Uphold integrity: Education is not just about knowledge but also about character. Maintaining honesty pays in the long run.
UNILAG’s Assurance
Despite the issues of malpractice, UNILAG has reassured the public of its commitment to a credible admission process. The university stated that:
- Official communication channels remain open for inquiries and clarifications.
- Candidates who participated sincerely should not panic, as the evaluation will be based on merit.
- Investigations will be concluded transparently, and only verified cases of misconduct will be penalized.
What Next for Candidates?
Candidates who participated in the screening exercise should:
- Remain patient as results and admission processes are finalized.
- Stay updated through UNILAG’s official website and student information platforms.
- Avoid relying on rumors or social media speculations, which often cause unnecessary anxiety.
Those who engaged in malpractice, on the other hand, should prepare for the possibility of disqualification, as the university has promised to enforce its rules strictly.
