UNICAL cancels 2025/2026 post-UTME test, adopts O’level screening
By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced the cancellation of its Post-UTME Aptitude Test for the 2025/2026 academic session, opting instead to screen candidates based on their O’level results.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 14 August 2025, by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Chukwuka Icha, the institution confirmed that the Post-UTME registration portal had officially closed.
The management explained that the decision to cancel the test was taken in consideration of the travel challenges prospective candidates might face in attending the exercise in Calabar.
“Sequel to the above, Management has directed that the University would rather screen the candidates with their O’level results using the Point Tally System,” the statement read.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University, Effiong Eyo, further confirmed the development in a telephone call with Converseer on Thursday.
“Yes, the statement from the Registrar is true, it’s emanated from our Information Unit,” Eyo said.
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The Point Tally System (PTS), a method used by several Nigerian universities, assesses applicants’ academic performance in relevant O’level subjects to determine admission eligibility without the need for an additional aptitude test.
The University urged candidates to await further instructions on the next steps in the screening process.
About the Point Tally System (PTS)
The Point Tally System is a screening method used by some Nigerian universities to determine candidates’ eligibility for admission without a written aptitude test.
Under this system, applicants’ grades in relevant O’level subjects are assigned numerical points — typically, higher grades earn higher points (for example, A1 = 6 points, B2 = 5 points, etc.). The total score is then compared against departmental cut-off marks to decide admission.
This approach eliminates the need for travel and on-site testing, focusing solely on candidates’ academic records.
