Lana Oconnell
Nigeria has a robust education system, with 174 universities, including the largest university in Sub-Saharan Africa, the National Open University of Nigeria, which had over half a million students as of 2019. In the 2018/2019 academic year, Nigerian universities had a total of 2 million students, with 1.8 million undergraduates and 242,000 postgraduates. Nigerian students are also increasingly choosing to study abroad, with the United States being a popular destination. In 2023/2024, there were 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, making Nigeria the top sending country from Africa and the 7th largest source of international students globally. To graduate from a Nigerian university, students typically need to complete a combination of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral-level studies. Bachelor's degrees generally involve 4 years of full-time study, while specialized and professional fields such as medicine and law can take up to 6 years. Master's degrees are typically pursued after completing a bachelor's program, and doctoral degrees (PhD) are earned at least 2 years after obtaining a master's degree. Additionally, certificate and diploma programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of years in the Nigerian school education system | 12 years |
| Number of years in primary school | 6 years |
| Number of years in junior secondary school | 3 years |
| Number of years in senior secondary school | 3 years |
| Examinations required to receive the Senior School Certificate | External examinations conducted by WAEC or NECO |
| Number of years for a general bachelor's degree | 4 years |
| Number of years for a bachelor's degree in specialized and professional fields | 4 to 6 years |
| Number of universities in Nigeria | 174 |
| Number of public universities in Nigeria | 95 |
| Number of private universities in Nigeria | 79 |
| Number of years for a doctoral degree (PhD) | At least 2 years after a master's degree |
| Number of years for a National Diploma (ND) | 2 years |
| Number of years for a Higher National Diploma (HND) | 2 years |
| Number of subjects in the Nigerian entrance exam (UTME) | 4 |
| Number of years for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) | 4 years |
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What You'll Learn
English language requirements
English is the primary language of instruction in Nigerian universities. Therefore, international students applying to study in Nigeria must demonstrate their English language proficiency. The specific requirements vary depending on the university and programme level.
English Language Proficiency Tests
Universities in Nigeria may require prospective students to take an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent. These tests assess an individual's ability to understand and communicate in English through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is important to note that test scores should not be older than one to two years to remain valid for university applications.
High School Certificates
Some universities may also accept certain high school certificates as proof of English language proficiency. These include:
- West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with English Grade C or above
- Senior School Certificate (SSCE) with English, Mathematics, and three other subjects
- Senior School Certificate (SSCE), issued until 1999, with English and four other subjects
- National Business Certificate (NBC/ANBC) with English, Mathematics, and three other subjects
- National Technical Certificate (NTC/ANTC) with English, Mathematics, and three other subjects
Foundation Programmes
International students applying to undergraduate programmes in the UK who have completed the WASSCE or other equivalent examinations may be required to undertake a foundation year programme. Successful completion of a foundation programme, along with the required high school certificates, can demonstrate English language proficiency and provide the necessary academic preparation for undergraduate studies.
Additional Requirements
Some universities may have additional requirements, such as previous work experience, submission of written work, or previous study in a particular subject. It is important to check the specific English language requirements for each university and programme, as they may vary.
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University entrance exams
Nigeria has a 12-year school education system, consisting of 6 years of primary school, 3 years of junior secondary school, and 3 years of senior secondary school. After completing senior secondary school, students take external examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) to receive the Senior School Certificate, which is necessary for university admission.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a national computer-based exam that is a requirement for joining universities and other tertiary institutions. The UTME is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The exam is used by most Nigerian universities to assess students' readiness for higher education. The results of the UTME are used by universities to determine whether a student meets the cut-off mark for admission.
The UTME is typically taken after completing secondary school and passing the required exams, such as the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). In the SSCE exam, students must obtain at least five credit passes, including English and Mathematics. The specific subjects required depend on the course the student intends to pursue at the university. For example, science courses like medicine or engineering may require credits in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology, while arts courses like English or history may require credits in literature, government, or civic education.
After taking the UTME, some universities may require candidates to undergo a Post-UTME screening process. This may involve another exam, verification of documents, oral interviews, or personality tests. The Post-UTME provides universities with an additional opportunity to assess the suitability of candidates for their chosen courses.
In addition to the UTME and Post-UTME requirements, there may be course-specific requirements for university admission. These could include specific subjects or qualifications that are necessary for certain programmes. International students applying to Nigerian universities may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency through internationally recognised qualifications such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT, or a high score in English in WAEC exams.
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Bachelor's degrees
Nigeria has 174 universities, 95 of which are public and 79 are private. Public universities can be established by either federal or state governments. Nigerian universities offer a wide range of study options for bachelor's degrees, including international degree programmes. These degrees are typically taught in English, which opens up better-paid job opportunities in the country or abroad. Studying in Nigeria is also more affordable than in other countries.
To enrol in a bachelor's degree programme in Nigeria, students must have completed 6 years of primary school, 3 years of junior secondary school, and 3 years of senior secondary school. After graduating from senior secondary school, students take external examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) to receive the Senior School Certificate, which is required for university admission. Students can also take the Nigerian entrance exam, called the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is arranged by the JAMB. The UTME consists of four subjects: Use of English and three electives.
Bachelor's degree programmes in Nigeria typically last four years. Degrees in specialised and professional fields, such as agriculture, architecture, education, engineering, law, medicine, and pharmacy, may take between four to six years to complete. To graduate from a bachelor's degree programme, students must meet the specific requirements of their chosen field of study, which may include internships, theses, or other projects.
Students with a Higher National Diploma (HND) can often start directly in the third year of a bachelor's programme. Additionally, students who have completed the first year of an undergraduate degree at a Nigerian university may be considered for entry into the first year of a bachelor's degree programme if they have studied relevant subjects.
Nigerian universities also offer opportunities for international students to pursue bachelor's degrees. International students must provide proof of English language proficiency and meet the academic requirements for their chosen degree programme. Some universities may also offer foundation year programmes or pre-bachelor's courses to help prepare international students for their bachelor's degree studies.
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Master's degrees
In Nigeria, master's degrees typically involve 1-3 years of full-time study beyond a bachelor's degree. The duration of a master's programme may depend on its focus and specialisation. A two-year master's programme, for instance, is usually research-oriented, requiring students to undertake research and produce a dissertation.
To gain admission to a master's programme in Nigeria, students typically need a bachelor's degree with first-class or second-class honours. Some universities may also accept a postgraduate diploma for entry. Additionally, students may need to provide scores from standardised tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, depending on the subject and specialisation of their chosen master's programme. International English language tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced, are also commonly required for admission to English-taught master's programmes in Nigeria.
For Nigerians seeking master's degrees abroad, there are several pathways to qualify for entry. Undergraduate degrees from Nigerian universities are recognised worldwide, but individual institutions may have their own assessment criteria. Pre-master's courses are available for students who need or desire preparatory study before commencing a full postgraduate degree. Transnational education (TNE) is another option, allowing students to study at partner institutions in other countries while still enrolled at a Nigerian university. Some universities abroad may waive the English language requirement for Nigerians, recognising that English is widely spoken in the country. However, students may need to submit a separate application to obtain such a waiver.
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Doctoral degrees
In Nigeria, doctoral degrees are the third tier of the country's higher education system, which also includes bachelor's and master's degrees. Doctoral degrees are typically pursued after obtaining a master's degree, with a minimum waiting period of two years between the two qualifications. Some universities in Nigeria may require a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) for admission into their PhD programs or may offer combined MPhil/PhD programs.
The duration of PhD programs in Nigeria can vary depending on the specific program and the student's qualifications. Professional degrees in fields such as medicine typically last for five or six years, while bachelor's degrees in specialized fields can take four to six years to complete. It is important to note that the duration of a PhD program is influenced by several factors, including the content and purpose of the study program, as well as the student's prior education and experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the university. For example, the University of Sheffield accepts the WAEC West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with English Grade C or above, while the University of Leicester requires WASSCE with B3 in Maths and a Science, and a C6 in other subjects, including English.
Higher education in Nigeria follows a three-tier degree structure: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral-level studies. Bachelor's degrees typically involve 4 years of full-time study, while specialized and professional fields such as agriculture, architecture, education, engineering, and technology can take 4 to 6 years to complete. Doctoral degrees (PhD) are typically earned at least 2 years after a master's degree.
After completing senior secondary school, students must take external examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) to receive the Senior School Certificate, which is required for university entrance.
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