Gaining admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka has always been a dream for thousands of Nigerian students. Every year, applicants compete for limited slots across the university’s diverse courses, from Medicine and Law to Engineering, Social Sciences, and Arts. But beyond sitting for the UTME, one of the most important aspects of securing admission is understanding how UNIZIK calculates the Post-UTME screening scores.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, UNIZIK has released its official calculation formula, which determines how a candidate’s performance in both UTME and O’Level results will be combined to generate the final screening score. This score ultimately decides who gets admitted and who may need to try again.
In this post, we will break down the formula step by step, explain the grading system, show practical examples, and answer the common questions students ask about UNIZIK admissions.
🔹 Why the Calculation Formula Matters
Many students think admission is based only on JAMB scores, but UNIZIK, like most federal universities, uses a weighted system. This ensures that admission is not solely determined by one exam but reflects a student’s overall academic strength.
- A candidate with excellent UTME but poor O’Level may be at a disadvantage.
- On the other hand, a student with a moderate UTME score but outstanding O’Level results can balance things out.
This approach encourages students to take both JAMB UTME and their WAEC/NECO results seriously.
🔹 The Official UNIZIK 2025/2026 Screening Formula
The screening score is calculated using two components:
- UTME Score (70%)
- The UTME score is scaled down to contribute 70% of the final result.
- Formula: UTME × 0.7
- O’Level Score (30%)
- The four subjects you wrote in UTME are graded using UNIZIK’s official system.
- The total score is then converted to contribute 30% of the final screening result.
- Formula: (O’Level Total + Bonus) × 0.3
- Single Sitting Bonus
- If you passed all four required subjects in one sitting, you get an extra 10 marks.
- If it’s from two sittings, no bonus is added.
- Final Formula
Screening Score = (UTME × 0.7) + [(O’Level Score + Bonus) × 0.3]
🔹 UNIZIK O’Level Grading System
Your O’Level grades are converted into points using the following scale:
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| A1 | 90 |
| B2 | 80 |
| B3 | 70 |
| C4 | 60 |
| C5 | 55 |
| C6 | 50 |
| D7/E8/F9 | 0 |
| AR (Awaiting Result) | 0 |
👉 Only the four UTME subjects relevant to your course will be used for the calculation.
🔹 Step-by-Step Example
Let’s consider two students, Chioma and Emeka, both applying for Medicine and Surgery at UNIZIK.
Candidate 1: Chioma
- UTME Score: 285
- O’Level:
- English (A1) = 90
- Biology (A1) = 90
- Physics (C4) = 60
- Chemistry (B2) = 80
Total = 320
- Single Sitting: Yes (+10 bonus)
Calculation:
- UTME: 285 × 0.7 = 199.5
- O’Level: (320 + 10) × 0.3 = 330 × 0.3 = 99
- Final Score = 199.5 + 99 = 298.5
👉 Chioma ends up with 298.5 points, which is highly competitive for Medicine.
Candidate 2: Emeka
- UTME Score: 285 (same as Chioma)
- O’Level:
- English (B3) = 70
- Biology (B2) = 80
- Physics (C5) = 55
- Chemistry (C6) = 50
Total = 255
- Two sittings: No bonus
Calculation:
- UTME: 285 × 0.7 = 199.5
- O’Level: (255 + 0) × 0.3 = 255 × 0.3 = 76.5
- Final Score = 199.5 + 76.5 = 276.0
👉 Despite having the same UTME score, Emeka’s weaker O’Level results reduce his final screening score to 276, which may not be enough for Medicine but could secure admission into a related course.
🔹 Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- UTME is not everything – Scoring high in JAMB is important, but O’Level results can either boost or pull down your final screening score.
- Single sitting matters – That extra 10 marks could make the difference between admission and rejection.
- Target your O’Level subjects – Focus on the four relevant subjects you wrote in UTME; an A1 in the wrong subject won’t count.
- Know your course competition – Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering require much higher scores than Education or Arts courses.
- Calculate ahead – Use the formula to predict your screening score early and set realistic admission expectations.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will UNIZIK conduct a Post-UTME exam in 2025/2026?
👉 No, UNIZIK is not conducting a physical exam. The screening is based on UTME and O’Level performance.
Q2: What if I have AR (Awaiting Result)?
👉 AR is scored as 0. This will drastically reduce your total unless you upload a valid result before final screening.
Q3: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
👉 Yes, you can, but you won’t get the +10 bonus since it’s not a single sitting.
Q4: How do I know if my screening score is enough for my course?
👉 Compare your calculated score with the previous year’s departmental cut-off marks. For very competitive courses, aim above 290.
Q5: If I score low, can I still gain admission?
👉 Yes, but you may be considered for a less competitive course through UNIZIK’s admission policy.
🔹 Final Thoughts
The UNIZIK Post-UTME screening formula for the 2025/2026 academic session is designed to reward consistent academic performance. It emphasizes that success is not only about excelling in JAMB but also about proving your strength in WAEC/NECO results.
By understanding this formula, you can predict your chances, plan strategically, and avoid disappointment during admission. Whether you are aiming for Medicine, Law, Engineering, or any other discipline, the secret lies in combining a strong UTME performance with solid O’Level grades.
With this knowledge in hand, students can approach the admission process with clarity and confidence, knowing exactly how UNIZIK calculates the scores that decide their future.
