Discover step by step guide that’ll help you increase your chances of gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.
If you’re an aspirant of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and you’re waiting for admission whether D.E or UTME, this guide will give you some practical tips that’ll improve your chances of being admitted.
Before we talk about the tips, let’s first look at how the admission process works in ABU.
Understanding ABU Admission Process (2025/2026)
The admission process for the 2025/2026 academic session has been moving very fast. Some candidates’ admission status has already changed to “Admission in Progress.”
On September 11, ABU released a bulletin asking all candidates to upload their O’level results on the JAMB portal. The school also announced that it hopes to complete the admission process by October.
An Overview of ABU admission Process
Here’s and overview of how the admission process work in Ahmadu Bello University.
1. Department/Faculty Selection:
Each department/faculty compiles a list of successful candidates and sends it to the Senate, the Senate now review and forward the list of those candidates to JAMB.
2. JAMB Processing:
Once your details are forwarded to JAMB, your admission status on JAMB CAPS will change to “Admission in Progress” (or “Admission is Being Processed”). This means the school has reviewed your application, and have recommend you for admission.
3. Different Timing for Departments:
Departments send names/list of successful candidates at different times, so some candidates will see changes earlier than others. So if you see other candidates who apply other courses, admission status change to admission in progress while yours hasn’t changed yet, don’t panic its a gradual process.
4. Final JAMB Review:
If you meet all requirements, your status will change from Admission in Progress → Admitted.
If JAMB finds a problem, your status may change from Admission in Progress → Not Admitted.
Why Your Status May Change from “Admission in Progress” to “Not Admitted”
Here are common reasons why this happens:
1. Wrong Subject Combination
If your JAMB subject combination does not match the requirement for your course, and JAMB finds out during it’s review your admission status can change from admission in progress to NOT ADMITTED
2. O’level Deficiency
If you are missing or failed a required subject in your O’level (e.g. Mathematics or English etc). Then that’s a
3. O’level Not Uploaded
If you didn’t upload your O’level to the JAMB portal or it was removed, you cannot be admitted, no matter your status. That’s why ABU advise candidates to ensure their Olevel has been uploaded on the JAMB portal.
ALSO READ: How to Check ABU Admission on JAMB and School Portal (2025/2026)
How to Increase Your Chances of Admission into ABU
Whether your status is still Not Admitted” or has changed to “Admission in Progress,” here are some tips that can boost your chances of gaining admission.
1. Meet the Cut-off Mark
The general cut-off mark for ABU is 180, but competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering require much higher scores. Always aim above the cut-off for your course. We provide a detailed guide on ABU cut off mark, you can click the link below to learn more about the ABU Zaria cut off mark for every course.
RECOMMEND: ABU Zaria Cut Off Mark (JAMB & Departmental)
2. Correct Subject Combination
JAMB and ABU take subject combination very seriously.
To check your course subject combination and admission requirements, download the ABU Brochure here:
- Visit the link: https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms/putme
- Scroll down and click on “Brochure” to download.
- Cross check the subject combination of the course you apply and make sure the subjects are correct.
👉 If your combination is wrong, consider changing to another course that matches your subjects.
3. Ensure Your O’level Meets the Requirements
Carefully check the O’level requirements for your course in the ABU Brochure. A single missing subject can cost you admission.
4. For Direct Entry (D.E.) Students
Make sure your A’level results (IJMB, NCE, ND, or equivalent) have been properly uploaded and verified on the JAMB portal.
5. Check Transfer Approval section
Candidates without AIP should check “Transfer approval” section on their CAPS From time to time.
The school might recommend another course for you, if you didn’t meet the requirements for the course you apply or the space for the course you apply has been filled already.
If you’ve been transferred to another course you’ll have to accept the transfer and change your course to the new one. To stand a chance of gaining admission!
6. Check Update On Available Courses
After the first list is released, ABU usually gives updates through it’s usually bulletin on courses that still have available slots. Candidates can switch to those courses available.
👉 To make sure you don’t miss such update, follow the ABU Zaria official facebook page or ABU updates platforms like ABU Campus Report (WhatsApp Channel).
Final Thoughts
Gaining admission into ABU requires preparation, patience, and the right information. Always make sure your cut-off mark, subject combination, and O’level results are in order. Stay updated on ABU news and never ignore important bulletins release by the school during the admission process.
If you follow these steps, your chances of gaining admission into ABU will be much higher.
Have any questions or clarification? Do well to drop it on the comments section below.
