The University of Lagos, widely known as UNILAG, is one of the most sought after universities in Nigeria, drawing tens of thousands of applicants every admission season. If you are researching this institution because you want to study there, plan your Post-UTME preparation, or find scholarships that can fund your studies, this guide brings together everything you need in one place. We cover the university's background, its faculties and programs, admission requirements, tuition, and the scholarship opportunities open to UNILAG students, both from the university itself and from outside funders.
About the University of Lagos
The University of Lagos was established in 1962 and has grown into one of Nigeria's largest and most prestigious federal universities, with an enrollment of well over forty five thousand students across its campuses. The main campus sits at Akoka in the Yaba area of Lagos, on the bank of the Lagos Lagoon, and the university also runs additional teaching sites, including its College of Medicine campus at Idi Araba. UNILAG's motto, "in deed and in truth," reflects its long standing reputation for academic rigor, and the school is consistently rated among the top three to five universities in Nigeria by national and international ranking bodies.
UNILAG is organized into thirteen faculties that together offer well over a hundred accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, supported by a School of Postgraduate Studies, a Distance Learning Institute for part time and online study, and several research centers, including the Lagos African Cluster Centre and the Nigeria AI Lab in the Department of Computer Science. As a federal institution, UNILAG combines relatively affordable tuition with strong industry connections, particularly in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, which gives students easy access to internships and job placements across banking, technology, media, and oil and gas sectors.
Why Students Choose University of Lagos
UNILAG's popularity is not an accident. A few reasons come up again and again in student reviews and independent assessments.
- Strong academic and employer reputation: UNILAG graduates are highly sought after by Nigerian and multinational employers, and the university regularly ranks among the top institutions in Nigeria for Law, Business Administration, Medicine, and Engineering.
- Location advantage: Being based in Lagos gives students direct access to Nigeria's largest job market, corporate headquarters, tech hubs, and a dense professional network, which benefits internships, industrial training placements, and graduate recruitment.
- Wide program range: With thirteen faculties and a large postgraduate school, students can move from an undergraduate degree straight into a masters or PhD program without changing institutions.
- Research infrastructure: Centers such as the Nigeria AI Lab and the Lagos African Cluster Centre give students exposure to funded research projects, postdoctoral fellowships, and international collaborations.
- Affordable federal tuition: Compared to private universities in Lagos, UNILAG's official tuition remains considerably lower, which makes it attractive for students who want a big city university experience without private school costs.
Faculties and Programs at University of Lagos
UNILAG's thirteen faculties cover almost every major field of study. Below is an overview of the main faculties and the type of programs available under each.
Faculty of Arts
Offers around thirteen programs including English, History and Strategic Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Linguistics, French, and Creative Arts.
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Faculty of Clinical Sciences
Together these two faculties form the backbone of UNILAG's College of Medicine, offering Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Physiotherapy, all of which carry some of the highest admission cut offs in the university.
Faculty of Dentistry
Runs the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program, a highly competitive six year professional course.
Faculty of Education
One of the largest faculties by number of programs, with more than twenty specializations covering subjects such as Educational Management, Guidance and Counselling, Science Education, and Language Education, usually combined with a teaching subject.
Faculty of Engineering
Offers Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Petroleum and Gas Engineering, among others.
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Covers Architecture, Building, Estate Management, Surveying and Geoinformatics, and Urban and Regional Planning.
Faculty of Law
One of the most selective faculties in the university, offering the LLB degree and preparing graduates for the Nigerian Law School.
Faculty of Management Sciences
Home to Accounting, Business Administration, Actuarial Science, Insurance, and Finance, all high demand programs in Nigeria's commercial capital.
Faculty of Pharmacy
Runs the Doctor of Pharmacy and related pharmaceutical sciences programs.
Faculty of Science
Covers Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Marine Sciences, with strong laboratory and research components.
Faculty of Social Sciences
Offers Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Geography, and Sociology, several of which are among the most applied for programs in the university.
Popular Programs at University of Lagos
The table below highlights some of the most searched for and applied to programs at UNILAG, along with the degree awarded, typical duration, and the responsible faculty. Duration can vary slightly for Direct Entry candidates who often join at 200 level.
| Program | Faculty | Degree Awarded | Typical Duration | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences | MBBS | 6 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Dentistry | Faculty of Dentistry | BDS | 6 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Nursing Science | Faculty of Clinical Sciences | BNSc | 5 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Law | Faculty of Law | LLB | 5 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Accounting | Faculty of Management Sciences | BSc | 4 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Business Administration | Faculty of Management Sciences | BSc | 4 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Computer Science | Faculty of Science | BSc | 4 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Mass Communication | Faculty of Social Sciences | BSc | 4 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Economics | Faculty of Social Sciences | BSc | 4 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Civil Engineering | Faculty of Engineering | BSc | 5 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Architecture | Faculty of Environmental Sciences | BSc | 5 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Pharmacy | Faculty of Pharmacy | PharmD | 6 years | UTME, Direct Entry |
| Master of Business Administration and related fields | School of Postgraduate Studies | MBA and MSc | 1 to 2 years | Postgraduate |
| Doctor of Philosophy, various disciplines | School of Postgraduate Studies | PhD | 3 to 5 years | Postgraduate |
This table only reflects a sample of the university's programs. UNILAG updates its full list of departments, entry requirements, and available slots every session, so applicants should always confirm the current program list before applying, since accreditation and intake capacity can shift from year to year.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Admission into UNILAG's full time undergraduate programs runs entirely through UTME and Direct Entry, and the university does not consider candidates outside these two routes for regular full time study.
General Requirements
- At least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or an equivalent examination, obtained in no more than two sittings, with English Language and Mathematics compulsory for most departments and additional subject requirements set by individual departments.
- Registration for UTME with UNILAG selected as the first choice institution, since candidates' details must be forwarded to the university by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
- A minimum UTME score of 200 to be eligible to apply for the university's Post-UTME screening. As with other top Nigerian universities, meeting this baseline only opens the door to screening rather than guaranteeing admission.
- Successful completion of the Post-UTME exercise, which is typically an online aptitude test conducted through the university's admissions portal and covers subjects relevant to the chosen course.
How the Aggregate Score Works
UNILAG combines a candidate's UTME score with their Post-UTME performance to arrive at a final aggregate. While individual departments can weigh this slightly differently, the university generally applies a formula that gives substantial weight to both components, so candidates cannot rely on a strong UTME score alone or an excellent Post-UTME performance alone. Competitive departments such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Accounting, and Computer Science consistently record some of the highest merit cut offs in the university, so candidates aiming for these courses should target scores well above the general 200 mark and prepare seriously for the Post-UTME screening.
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates generally need two relevant Advanced Level passes, or an equivalent qualification such as a National Diploma with a strong credit grade in a related field, alongside the same O level credit requirements expected of UTME candidates. Direct Entry students typically enter at 200 level, shortening their overall time to degree completion by one year.
UNILAG's Central Admissions Processing
UNILAG operates through the federal government's Central Admissions Processing System, commonly called CAPS, and maintains a dedicated Central Admissions Committee that oversees cut off marks, evaluates candidates' qualifications, and ensures compliance with national admission guidelines. Prospective students should also note the university's repeated warning that it does not charge any unofficial payment to process admission and does not work with agents, so all payments should go strictly through the official portal.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
UNILAG's School of Postgraduate Studies runs a wide range of postgraduate diploma, masters, and doctoral programs. General requirements include the following.
- A first degree from UNILAG or another university recognized by the Senate, in a field relevant to the intended program.
- A minimum degree classification set by the department, usually Second Class Lower division or better, although some professional programs accept relevant work experience alongside the academic qualification.
- Relevant professional experience where the program requires it, particularly for programs tied to specific industries such as oil and gas, education, or health.
- For PhD applicants, a relevant masters degree along with a research proposal or evidence of prior research capability, depending on departmental requirements.
Tuition Fees at University of Lagos
As a federal university, UNILAG's official tuition remains considerably lower than what private universities in Lagos charge, although students also pay acceptance fees, accommodation charges where applicable, and departmental levies that vary by faculty. Professional and laboratory heavy programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Engineering tend to carry higher departmental charges because of clinical and laboratory costs, while postgraduate and part time programs through the Distance Learning Institute are billed separately from regular full time undergraduate study. Because these figures are reviewed periodically, applicants should always confirm the exact, current breakdown directly with the university's Bursary or the official admissions portal rather than relying on outdated figures circulating on social media or unofficial forums.
Scholarships Available for University of Lagos Students
Financing a degree is often the hardest part of the journey, and UNILAG students have access to a fairly wide mix of university administered awards, government backed schemes, and external scholarships.
University Administered and Donor Funded Scholarships
- Lagos State Section Scholarship for Engineering and Geoscience: Provides financial support and recognition to undergraduate students in engineering and geoscience related courses at UNILAG.
- Cisco Networking Academy Scholarship: A one time scholarship opportunity open to UNILAG students, offered through the university's Cisco Networking Academy partnership.
- Samuel Olatubosun Shonibare Charity Foundation Scholarship: Coordinated through the UNILAG Counselling Centre, this award supports indigent students of Ijebu origin.
- Abdullahi Tanko Umaru Memorial Scholarship Fund: Established to provide financial assistance to UNILAG students facing economic hardship.
- School of Postgraduate Studies Trust Fund Grant: A fully funded grant that supports intellectually strong UNILAG postgraduate students engaged in research work.
- New Heritage Baptist Church Scholarship: A merit based scholarship established as part of the church's corporate social responsibility program for UNILAG students.
Government and Industry Backed Scholarships
- Petroleum Technology Development Fund In Country Scholarship: Open to UNILAG undergraduate and postgraduate students in oil and gas related disciplines, this scholarship opens for a defined application window each year through the PTDF's official portal.
- Lagos State Scholarship and Bursary Award: Open to indigenous students of Lagos State studying at any tertiary institution, including UNILAG, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate categories, and administered by the Lagos State Scholarship Board.
- Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND: As a federal university, UNILAG students are eligible to apply for tuition and upkeep loans through NELFUND once they have confirmed admission and completed course registration.
International and Research Focused Opportunities
UNILAG's research centers regularly host internationally funded fellowships and scholarships that current students and researchers can apply for. Examples include postdoctoral and visiting fellowships at the Lagos African Cluster Centre funded through international university partnerships, PhD positions at the Nigeria AI Lab supported by international development agencies, and mobility scholarships such as the Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, which funds masters and doctoral mobility for African students across partner countries. Beyond programs tied directly to UNILAG, students, especially postgraduate applicants, also regularly compete for major open scholarships such as the Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, DAAD scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus programs, all of which are open to qualified students from any recognized university, UNILAG included. Because funding levels, eligibility rules, and deadlines change with every cycle, applicants should treat each scholarship's official guidelines as the final authority before applying.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship as a UNILAG Student
- Keep your CGPA as high as possible, since most merit based scholarships, including the Lagos State award, set a minimum grade point threshold.
- Start collecting transcripts, reference letters, and supporting documents early, since processing times can be slow during peak admission and scholarship seasons.
- Apply to multiple scholarships rather than relying on one, since UNILAG students can access university specific, state government, industry, and international awards at the same time.
- Watch official UNILAG communication channels and department notice boards closely, since several scholarships, such as the PTDF award, open only for a short defined window each year.
How to Apply to University of Lagos
Steps for Undergraduate Applicants
- Register for UTME through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and select the University of Lagos as your first choice institution.
- Meet the general UTME cut off mark, currently set at 200, to become eligible for UNILAG's Post-UTME screening.
- Register for the Post-UTME exercise once the university opens its screening window, and complete payment and registration through the official admissions portal.
- Sit for the online Post-UTME aptitude test covering subjects relevant to your chosen course.
- Check your admission status through JAMB CAPS or the UNILAG admissions portal once the merit and departmental cut off marks are released, then accept your offer and complete registration.
Steps for Postgraduate Applicants
- Identify your desired program through the School of Postgraduate Studies and confirm you meet the departmental entry requirements.
- Complete the online application, upload transcripts, degree certificates, and any required references or research proposals.
- Pay the applicable application and screening fees through the official postgraduate portal.
- Attend any required departmental interview or entrance assessment.
- Monitor your application status and complete registration once an offer is issued.
You can apply through the official University of Lagos undergraduate admissions portal for UTME and Direct Entry applications, or visit the official University of Lagos website to find links to the School of Postgraduate Studies and other program specific application pages. Always confirm current requirements and deadlines directly from these official university channels rather than third party sources.
Campus Life and Student Facilities
UNILAG's Akoka campus offers a full university experience within one of Africa's busiest cities. Students have access to a central library, several halls of residence, sports facilities, and student affairs support services, alongside a vibrant environment shaped by the university's location in Lagos, which brings constant access to internships, corporate events, and a large alumni network active in almost every industry in Nigeria. The university's Counselling Centre supports students with both academic and welfare related matters, and departments such as the Distance Learning Institute give working students a route to a UNILAG degree without full time, on campus attendance.
Is University of Lagos Worth It
For students able to meet its demanding entry requirements, UNILAG remains one of the strongest choices in Nigerian higher education, combining a respected academic reputation, a prime Lagos location, wide program variety, and a genuinely broad mix of scholarship opportunities that can reduce the financial pressure of a degree. Competition for programs such as Medicine, Law, and Accounting is intense, and candidates should prepare seriously for both UTME and Post-UTME, but for students willing to put in the work, a UNILAG degree continues to open doors across Nigeria's commercial and professional sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB cut off mark for University of Lagos?
The general institutional cut off mark for UTME is 200. This score only qualifies a candidate to register for the Post-UTME screening exercise, it does not guarantee admission, and competitive departments such as Medicine, Law, and Accounting typically require much higher aggregate scores.
Does University of Lagos accept second choice candidates?
UNILAG processes admission mainly through candidates who selected it as their first choice during UTME registration, and candidates' details must be forwarded to the university by JAMB for eligibility to be confirmed.
How is the admission aggregate score calculated at University of Lagos?
UNILAG combines the UTME score and the Post-UTME score to produce a final aggregate. Both components carry meaningful weight, so candidates need a strong performance in both stages rather than relying on one score alone.
Are there scholarships available for University of Lagos students?
Yes. UNILAG students can access university administered scholarships such as the Lagos State Section Scholarship and the School of Postgraduate Studies Trust Fund Grant, government backed programs such as the Lagos State Scholarship and Bursary Award and the PTDF In Country Scholarship, NELFUND loan support, and open international scholarships such as Commonwealth, Chevening, and DAAD, provided applicants meet each program's eligibility requirements.
Can international students apply to University of Lagos?
Yes. UNILAG accepts international applicants at postgraduate level in particular, and the university's international partnerships and research centers, such as the Lagos African Cluster Centre, regularly host international scholars, fellows, and exchange students.
How long does it take to complete a degree at University of Lagos?
Duration depends on the program. Most standard bachelor degree programs take four years, professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy take six years, and programs such as Law, Nursing, and Engineering typically take five years.
Is University of Lagos a federal university?
Yes. University of Lagos is a federal government owned institution, which is part of why its official tuition fees remain considerably lower than those charged by private universities in Lagos.