Comprehensive Guide to Nigerian Universities Offering Pre-Degree Admission

Introduction

In Nigeria, gaining admission into universities can be highly competitive. For many aspiring students, pre-degree programs offer a valuable pathway to secure university admission. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and university, providing foundational knowledge and improving students’ chances of success in their chosen fields.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of Nigerian universities that offer pre-degree programs, along with essential information on admission requirements, benefits, and application processes.

What Is a Pre-Degree Program?

A pre-degree program is a preparatory course offered by universities to help students meet the requirements for direct entry into undergraduate programs. These programs typically last between nine months to one year and focus on subjects relevant to the student’s intended field of study. Successful completion of a pre-degree program often guarantees admission into the university’s degree programs without the need for additional entrance examinations.

Benefits of Enrolling in a Pre-Degree Program

Improved Admission Chances: Completing a pre-degree program enhances your eligibility for university admission, especially if your UTME or O’level results are not competitive.
Focused Preparation: Pre-degree programs provide targeted training in subjects pertinent to your desired course of study, ensuring a solid academic foundation.
Direct Entry Opportunities: Many universities offer direct entry into 100-level programs for pre-degree graduates, bypassing the need for post-UTME screenings.
Skill Development: These programs often include practical sessions, workshops, and seminars that equip students with essential academic and life skills.

List of Nigerian Universities Offering Pre-Degree Programs

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Program Duration: Approximately one year
Focus Areas: Science courses, including Engineering, Medicine, and Computer Science
Admission Requirements: Minimum of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application through the university’s official portal
Fees: Tuition ranges from ₦120,000 to ₦150,000 (edupathways.blog)

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife

Program Duration: Nine months to one year
Focus Areas: Science, Arts, and Social Sciences
Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application via the Centre for Distance Learning (CDL) portal
Fees: Approximately ₦180,000 (edupathways.blog)

3. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Science and Technology, particularly Engineering
Admission Requirements: Minimum of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application through the university’s official portal
Fees: Ranges from ₦170,000 to ₦200,000 (edupathways.blog)

4. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Program Duration: Nine months
Focus Areas: Science and Social Science
Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application via the university’s official portal
Fees: Between ₦110,000 and ₦150,000 (edupathways.blog)

5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Arts, Science, and Social Science
Admission Requirements: Minimum of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application through the university’s official portal
Fees: Approximately ₦100,000 to ₦130,000 (edupathways.blog)

6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Technology, Sciences, Engineering
Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application via the university’s official portal
Fees: Ranges from ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 (edupathways.blog)

7. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences
Admission Requirements: Minimum of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application through the university’s official portal

Fees: Between ₦90,000 and ₦110,000 (edupathways.blog)

8. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Science, Arts, Social Sciences
Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits including English and Mathematics
Application Process: Online via the university’s official pre-degree portal
Fees: Approximately ₦120,000 – ₦160,000

ABU’s pre-degree program is well-known for preparing students adequately for rigorous university studies, especially in science and social science fields.

9. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Program Duration: Nine months to one year
Focus Areas: Science, Arts, Social Sciences
Admission Requirements: Minimum five O’level credits with English and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application through UNN’s pre-degree website
Fees: Between ₦100,000 and ₦140,000

UNN provides a solid foundation through its pre-degree programs, especially catering to students aiming for admission into competitive courses like Medicine and Engineering.

10. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Program Duration: One year
Focus Areas: Arts, Science, Social Science
Admission Requirements: Five O’level credits including English and Mathematics
Application Process: Online application via the university portal
Fees: Approximately ₦90,000 – ₦120,000

UNIMAID’s pre-degree program is a great option for students from Northern Nigeria and beyond who want to improve their academic qualifications.

How to Apply for Pre-Degree Admission in Nigerian Universities: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research Universities Offering Pre-Degree Programs

Before applying, make sure you understand which universities offer pre-degree programs that suit your career goals and academic interests. Use the list above as a starting point.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements

Each university has specific requirements for pre-degree admission. Generally, you need:

Minimum five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
Relevant subject combinations depending on your intended course of study

Step 3: Visit the University’s Official Website

Most universities have dedicated pre-degree admission portals. For example, UNILAG and OAU offer online application forms on their websites.

Step 4: Register and Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in personal details
Upload required documents (O’level results, passport photo, birth certificate, etc.)
Pay the application fee online

Step 5: Submit the Application and Print Acknowledgment Slip

After submitting, print your application slip and payment receipt for future reference.

Step 6: Prepare for and Attend the Screening Exercise (If Applicable)

Some universities may conduct screening tests or interviews to assess applicants’ suitability for the program.

Step 7: Await Admission List Publication

Universities usually release admission lists on their websites. Monitor the site regularly to check your admission status.

Step 8: Complete Registration and Pay School Fees

Once admitted, proceed to pay tuition and school fees and complete registration to begin your studies.

Differences Between Pre-Degree and Other Admission Routes in Nigeria

Feature	Pre-Degree Program	UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination)	Direct Entry Admission
Duration	9 months to 1 year	Exam-based selection	1 or 2 years post-secondary education
Entry Requirements	O’level results	Pass UTME	Diploma or A-level qualifications
Admission Chances	Improved, especially if UTME is weak	Competitive	For students with advanced qualifications
Courses Covered	Foundation courses	Broad selection	Specific courses related to diploma subjects
Cost	Usually affordable	Exam registration fees	Varies based on institution and course

Pros and Cons of Pre-Degree Programs

Pros

Provides a second chance for students with weak UTME scores
Focuses on foundational courses for university success
Often leads to direct entry admission into 200 level
Improves subject knowledge and skills

Cons

Takes additional time (9-12 months)
Not all universities accept pre-degree results for all courses
Some programs may be expensive depending on the institution
Limited awareness among students

Summary Table of Nigerian Universities Offering Pre-Degree Admission

University Name	Program Duration	Course Focus	Fees Range (₦)	Application Mode
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	1 year	Science, Engineering	120,000 – 150,000	Online
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)	9-12 months	Science, Arts, Social Sci.	180,000	Online
Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH)	1 year	Science, Technology	170,000 – 200,000	Online
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	9 months	Science, Social Science	110,000 – 150,000	Online
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	1 year	Arts, Science	100,000 – 130,000	Online
Federal University of Technology (FUTA)	1 year	Technology, Science	80,000 – 120,000	Online
University of Jos (UNIJOS)	1 year	Science, Arts, Social Sci.	90,000 – 110,000	Online
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)	1 year	Science, Arts, Social Sci.	120,000 – 160,000	Online
University of Nigeria (UNN)	9-12 months	Science, Arts, Social Sci.	100,000 – 140,000	Online
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	1 year	Arts, Science, Social Sci.	90,000 – 120,000	Online

Conclusion

Pre-degree programs in Nigerian universities offer an excellent opportunity for students who want to improve their admission chances and prepare academically for university education. By enrolling in a pre-degree course, students can build a strong foundation in their chosen field, increase their knowledge, and gain direct entry into degree programs, often bypassing the more competitive UTME route.

It is important to carefully research the universities offering pre-degree courses, understand their admission requirements, and follow the application process meticulously. While pre-degree programs do require an additional year of study, the benefits can significantly enhance your academic and career prospects.

If you are considering university education in Nigeria but missed out on gaining admission through UTME or direct entry, a pre-degree program might just be the right choice for you.