Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced a new date for the 2026/2027 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening exercise, giving prospective students additional time to prepare for the highly anticipated admission exercise.
The university announced the change in a notice published on August 28, 2026, confirming that the physical screening exercise earlier scheduled for September has been postponed.
OAU Post-UTME Screening Moved to September 25–30
According to the university, the in-person 2026 Post-UTME screening exercise was initially scheduled to take place from Tuesday, September 1 to Saturday, September 5, 2026.
However, the exercise will now hold from Friday, September 25 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The change is significant for candidates who had already been preparing to appear at the university for the screening, as they now have additional weeks to put their documents and academic preparations in order.
When Can Candidates Check Their Screening Date?
Candidates who have successfully completed their Post-UTME registration will not have to guess their individual screening dates.
OAU said candidates will be able to access their assigned screening date and time from Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
To check the schedule, candidates are expected to log into their profile on the university’s screening portal using their JAMB Registration Number as username and the password they created during registration.
Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the last minute before checking their profiles.
Registration Deadline Also Extended
Another important development is the extension of the registration deadline.
OAU has extended the final deadline for the 2026 Post-UTME screening registration to Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
This means prospective candidates who are eligible but have not completed their registration still have an opportunity to do so before the new deadline.
The university had earlier announced that registration would run from June 16 to August 31, 2026.
The extension therefore gives candidates additional time, but applicants should not interpret the extension as an invitation to delay registration until the final hours.
Who Is Eligible for the OAU 2026 Screening?
OAU’s earlier admission screening announcement stated that candidates who chose Obafemi Awolowo University as their first choice in the 2026 UTME and scored 200 and above are eligible for the screening exercise.
Candidates who applied for Direct Entry (DE) were also included in the screening arrangements.
Applicants should, however, consult the university’s official admission guidelines to determine whether they meet all the requirements applicable to their category.
Physical Attendance Is Required
One of the most important points candidates must understand is that the 2026 exercise is not simply an online screening exercise.
OAU has specifically stated that candidates are required to present themselves physically at designated locations for the screening exercise.
This makes preparation particularly important for candidates coming from outside Ile-Ife.
Candidates and their parents or guardians may need to make adequate arrangements for transportation, accommodation and other expenses associated with appearing physically for the exercise.
Candidates Should Beware of Admission Agents
OAU has also issued a warning against patronising individuals who claim to have special connections with the university or who promise to secure admission through unofficial means.
The university stated clearly that it does not endorse or encourage candidates to patronise Post-UTME or admission agents.
This warning is particularly important because admission periods often create opportunities for fraudsters to target desperate candidates and their parents.
Candidates should be extremely cautious about anyone demanding money in exchange for promises of guaranteed admission, favourable screening results or access to university officials.
OAU Warns Against False Information
Candidates are also expected to ensure that all information supplied during the application process is accurate.
The university had earlier warned that applicants who provide false information or upload incorrect credentials will automatically be disqualified.
This is a crucial reminder to candidates who may be tempted to manipulate their academic records or provide information that does not correspond with their official documents.
What Candidates Should Do Now
With the screening now scheduled for September 25–30, candidates should use the additional time wisely.
They should:
- Confirm that their Post-UTME registration was successfully completed.
- Keep their JAMB Registration Number and login details safe.
- Check their OAU screening profile from September 16 for their assigned date and time.
- Prepare all required credentials and documents.
- Make adequate transportation and accommodation arrangements where necessary.
- Read the official screening guidelines carefully.
- Avoid paying unofficial agents or individuals claiming to have influence over admission.
- Regularly monitor OAU’s official communication channels for further announcements.
Akahi News Analysis: Postponement Is Both an Opportunity and a Warning
The postponement of the OAU Post-UTME exercise could be viewed from two perspectives.
For candidates who felt unprepared for the original September 1–5 date, the new September 25–30 schedule provides valuable additional preparation time.
Rather than spending the extra weeks in anxiety, candidates should use the period to organise their documents, strengthen their academic preparation and make practical arrangements for getting to the university.
However, the extension also creates a danger.
Some candidates may become complacent because they believe they have “plenty of time”. That could become a serious mistake.
The September 23 registration deadline comes only two days before the physical screening begins. Candidates who have not registered should therefore complete the process as early as possible rather than waiting for the deadline.
There is also an important lesson in the university’s warning concerning agents. Admission seekers should understand that desperation can make people vulnerable to fraud.
A person claiming to have “someone inside OAU” should not automatically be trusted simply because the person sounds convincing. Candidates should rely on information released through official university channels.
OAU’s Official Information Channels Remain Important
OAU has specifically advised candidates that its official website and official social media channels are the authentic sources of information concerning the screening exercise.
Candidates should therefore be careful with messages circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook and other platforms, particularly where such messages contain unverified deadlines, payment instructions or claims about admission.
The university has also provided postutme2026@oauife.edu.ng as the contact email for enquiries relating to the 2026 screening exercise.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Original screening date | September 1–5, 2026 |
| New physical screening date | September 25–30, 2026 |
| Assigned screening date/time available | September 16, 2026 |
| Final registration deadline | September 23, 2026 |
Final Word
The new OAU Post-UTME timetable should come as welcome news to candidates who need additional time to prepare.
But the extension should not be treated as a reason for further procrastination.
Candidates should complete their registration early, verify their information, prepare their documents and begin making arrangements for the physical screening.
Most importantly, admission seekers should obtain information directly from OAU’s official channels and avoid individuals who promise admission through unofficial means.
Akahi News learnt that the university’s decision to move the exercise from September 1–5 to September 25–30 has effectively created a fresh preparation window for thousands of prospective students seeking admission into OAU for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Official OAU website: Here
Official screening portal: Here
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News