The University of Lagos (UNILAG), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious federal institutions, has officially announced a two-week extension for the ongoing 2025/2026 Screening and Registration Exercise for newly admitted undergraduate students. The extension, which shifts the deadline to Friday, December 12, 2025, is aimed at accommodating fresh UTME and Direct Entry candidates who have not yet completed the screening process due to personal, technical, or logistical challenges.

This announcement represents a significant relief for many admitted students who may have faced difficulties getting their documents ready, traveling to Lagos, or navigating the registration portal. The management emphasized that the extension aligns with the university’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible candidates are given enough time to complete the mandatory screening before the commencement of full academic activities.

Why the Extension Was Necessary

Every academic year, UNILAG admits thousands of students across various faculties, and the screening/registration exercise remains one of the most important stages in the onboarding of new students. According to internal sources within the university, the extension became necessary after it was observed that a sizable number of admitted candidates had not yet appeared for screening as at the initial deadline.

Factors contributing to the delay reportedly include:

• Delay in obtaining or printing original examination results

• Technical difficulties on the side of some candidates accessing online platforms

• Travel challenges due to distance or financial constraints

• High turnout at faculty-based screening venues causing delays

• Candidates still awaiting verification from other necessary bodies

By offering more time, UNILAG aims to avoid a situation in which genuine, qualified candidates lose their admission simply because they could not complete the registration on time.

Faculty-Based Screening: What It Means for Candidates

UNILAG reiterated that the 2025/2026 Screening and Registration Exercise remains strictly faculty-based. This means that each candidate must report to the faculty where they have been offered admission to undergo physical verification of documents before central registration can be completed.

The faculty-based approach offers several benefits:

1. Streamlined verification process: Faculties better manage specialized screening because they understand the academic requirements of their disciplines.

2. Avoidance of overcrowding: Instead of having thousands of freshers gathering at a central point, the distribution across faculties ensures orderliness.

3. Direct interaction with faculty officers: This helps students become familiar with faculty administrators, academic advisers, and departmental protocols early on.

Newly admitted students are encouraged to present themselves at their respective faculties immediately to avoid the last-minute rush that often characterizes school registration at large institutions.

Where to Get Complete Registration Guidelines

To ensure transparency and reduce confusion, UNILAG has provided an official guide that outlines:

• Required documents for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates

• Step-by-step instructions for online registration

• Screening procedures at the faculty level

• Important deadlines and actionable updates

• Frequent mistakes students should avoid

Students who have not yet participated in the process are urged to visit the official link below for corrective information:

🔗 https://unilag.edu.ng/important-notice-on-2025-2026-screening-registration-exercise/

Required Documents for Screening

While the exact documents may vary slightly depending on the candidate’s faculty or mode of entry, the following are essential documents every fresher must present during the physical screening exercise:

• JAMB Original Result Slip

• UNILAG Screening Form / Acknowledgement Slip

• Post-UTME Examination Slip (where applicable)

• O’Level Result(s) (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) with not more than two sittings

• Birth Certificate or Age Declaration

• Local Government Identification Letter

• Passport photographs (recent, clear, and acceptable specification)

• Admission Letter issued via JAMB CAPS

• Direct Entry candidates: Additional certificates such as ND, NCE, JUPEB, or A-Level results

Candidates are advised to come with original copies as well as photocopies for submission or documentation purposes.

Advisory for Students Yet to Register

Students who have not yet participated in the screening should take the extension seriously. UNILAG is known for its strict adherence to deadlines, and although this extension provides a generous window, another extension may not be guaranteed.

Candidates are encouraged to:

• Begin the screening immediately rather than wait for the final days.

• Organize their documents properly to avoid mistakes that may delay clearance.

• Visit the faculty offices early in the day to reduce waiting time.

• Stay updated on official UNILAG announcements through the school website and verified channels.

• Avoid relying on third-party agents who may mislead or overcharge them.

The university also warns candidates to be wary of scams, fake information pages, and unofficial social media groups posing as UNILAG representatives.

Consequences of Missing the Registration

Although UNILAG has extended the registration, failure to complete screening within this new window could result in:

• Loss of admission

• Inability to generate a matriculation number

• Ineligibility to participate in course registration

• Automatic forfeiture of the admission slot to other awaiting candidates

The institution does not guarantee further extensions, as the academic calendar is already tight.

What Happens After Screening?

Once candidates successfully complete the screening and their documents are verified, they will proceed to the next stages of registration:

1. Central Registration on the UNILAG Portal

2. Payment of school charges/fees

3. Course advisory and departmental registration

4. Collection of University ID card (at a later stage)

5. Orientation programme for all freshers

UNILAG has a well-organized onboarding system for new students, and completing screening early puts candidates in a better position to settle down before lectures resume.

Final Note

The extension of the 2025/2026 Screening/Registration Exercise by the University of Lagos demonstrates the institution’s commitment to fairness, accessibility, and academic excellence. All newly admitted UTME and Direct Entry candidates who are yet to be screened are strongly urged to take full advantage of this opportunity.

With the new deadline slated for Friday, December 12, 2025, freshers now have ample time to organize their documents, visit their faculties, and complete all required academic processes without unnecessary pressure.

The management encourages students to follow official communication channels only and to ensure strict compliance with all guidelines.