Abdulsalam Otene
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has announced its screening exercise for candidates seeking admission into the 2026/2027 academic session. According to a Special Bulletin issued by the university, all 2026 UTME/DE candidates who applied to ABU are required to register for the online screening exercise beginning July 6, 2026.
This guide explains who qualifies for screening, the registration timeline, the documents you’ll need, and the step-by-step process for completing your registration on the ABU portal.
Who Needs to Register for This Screening Exercise?
The notice, signed by the Registrar, Mal. Rabiu Samaila, applies to all 2026 UTME/DE candidates who applied for admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for the 2026/2027 academic session. However, eligibility differs depending on whether you’re a UTME candidate or a Direct Entry candidate.
UTME candidates are only eligible to register if they scored 180 and above in the 2026 UTME. This is a firm cut-off the notice states plainly that only candidates who meet this score can register for the screening exercise.
Direct Entry candidates, on the other hand, are not subject to this score requirement. They are only required to pay the screening fee and complete registration.
If your UTME score falls below 180, this particular screening exercise does not apply to you, and you would need to explore other options through JAMB, such as changing your institution of choice.
Registration Timeline
Online registration for the screening exercise begins on Monday, July 6, 2026 to August 27, 2026.
How to Register
Registration is completed entirely online through the ABU portal. Here’s the process as outlined by the university:
- Visit and log in to the ABU portal at https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms, or alternatively, click on “2026/2027 UTME/DE Screening Registration” on the main Ahmadu Bello University website at https://abu.edu.ng.
- Pay the registration fee of ₦2,000 (Two Thousand Naira only) as the screening charge.
- Check the ABU Brochure at https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms/putme to confirm that your subject combination is correct. Candidates with incorrect subject combinations may need to change to a more suitable programme or course on the JAMB portal.
- Upload scanned copies of your academic and basic documents. This includes your JAMB result, O’Level certificate(s) (not more than two sittings), and/or A’Level certificates where applicable, Indigene Certificate, National Identification Number (NIN), and Birth Certificate.
- Input your O’Level subject grades. UTME candidates must enter grades for five O’Level subjects relevant to their programme of study, as specified in the university’s brochure, in the space provided on the portal.
Paying the Screening Fee
Candidates are required to pay ₦2,000 as registration charges for the screening exercise. This payment can be made in one of two ways:
- Online, using a debit or ATM card
- In person, by printing the transaction slip and paying at any commercial bank across the country
Importantly, the university has clarified that candidates do not need to travel to Zaria to make this payment both options can be completed from wherever the candidate is located.
Document Requirements
Beyond the basic registration steps, ABU has laid out fairly detailed document and information requirements that candidates should prepare for in advance.
Scanned documents required include your JAMB result, O’Level certificate (not more than two sittings), A’Level certificate where relevant, Indigene Certificate, NIN, and Birth Certificate. Having clear, properly scanned copies of each of these ready before you start the registration process will make the upload step considerably faster.
O’Level subject grades must also be entered separately from the uploaded certificate. UTME candidates are required to input grades for five O’Level subjects that are relevant to their chosen programme of study, based on what is specified in the university’s brochure. This means candidates should review the brochure for their specific course beforehand to know exactly which subjects are expected.
A Note for Candidates Awaiting O’Level Results
The university has specifically addressed candidates who are yet to receive their O’Level results. According to the notice, candidates with awaiting results are advised to wait until their results are released before completing this part of the registration process, rather than attempting to submit incomplete or estimated information.
This is an important distinction from other steps in the process. While most of the registration can be completed immediately, the O’Level grade entry step depends entirely on having actual results in hand.
Accuracy of Information Matters
Candidates are advised to ensure all information submitted is accurate, as any falsification or fabrication of results will lead to disqualification. This applies specifically to the O’Level grades and documents submitted during registration, so candidates should double-check every entry against their actual certificates before submitting.
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Any UTME/DE candidate who fails to register for the screening exercise will not be eligible for admission into the university. This makes registration a mandatory step for every eligible candidate, not an optional formality, regardless of how strong their UTME score or academic record might otherwise be.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Confirm your UTME score meets the 180 minimum before attempting to register, unless you’re applying through Direct Entry.
- Gather all required documents in advance; JAMB result, O’Level certificate, A’Level certificate (if applicable), Indigene Certificate, NIN, and Birth Certificate — and have them scanned and ready before starting registration.
- Review the ABU Brochure for your specific course to confirm the correct subject combination and the five O’Level subjects required for grade entry.
- Wait for your O’Level results if you haven’t received them yet, rather than submitting incomplete information.
- Double-check every entry for accuracy, since false or fabricated information leads to automatic disqualification.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the minimum UTME score required to register for ABU screening?
UTME candidates need a minimum score of 180 to be eligible. Direct Entry candidates are not subject to this score requirement.
How much is the ABU screening registration fee?
The fee is ₦2,000, payable online with a debit/ATM card or in person at any commercial bank using a printed transaction slip.
Do I need to travel to Zaria to pay the screening fee?
No. The university has confirmed that payment can be made online or at any commercial bank nationwide, without needing to travel to Zaria.
What should I do if I haven’t received my O’Level results yet?
You are advised to wait until your results are released before completing the O’Level grade entry portion of your registration.
What happens if I don’t register for the ABU screening exercise?
According to the notice, any UTME/DE candidate who fails to register will not be eligible for admission into the university.
Conclusion
Ahmadu Bello University’s 2026 UTME/DE screening exercise opens for registration on July 6, 2026, and is mandatory for all candidates who applied to the university for the 2026/2027 academic session. UTME candidates need a minimum score of 180 to register, while Direct Entry candidates only need to pay the screening fee and register.
The process involves a ₦2,000 payment, document uploads, and O’Level grade entry, with candidates awaiting their results advised to wait rather than submit incomplete information. Since failing to register disqualifies a candidate from admission entirely, and no closing date is stated in this notice, candidates are strongly encouraged to begin the process promptly and confirm the exact deadline on the ABU portal.
