The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the most prestigious federal universities in Nigeria. Located in Lagos, the university is widely known for academic excellence, strong research output, and competitive admission standards. Established in 1962, UNILAG has grown into one of the most sought-after universities in the country, attracting thousands of applicants every year.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know about UNILAG, including the courses offered, school fees, admission requirements, faculties, and how to apply successfully.

Overview of the University of Lagos

The University of Lagos was established by the Nigerian federal government in 1962. The institution was created to expand access to higher education and produce skilled graduates for national development.

Today, UNILAG has several campuses including:

Akoka Campus – the main campus
Yaba Campus – home to the College of Medicine
Idi-Araba Campus – medical programs and teaching hospital

The university currently offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several faculties.

Why UNILAG Is Popular

Some reasons students choose UNILAG include:

Strong academic reputation in Nigeria
Located in Nigeria’s commercial capital
Highly competitive and respected degrees
Wide variety of courses and faculties
Strong alumni network

Due to these factors, UNILAG receives tens of thousands of applications every year, making admission highly competitive.

Faculties in the University of Lagos

Courses at UNILAG are grouped into faculties. Each faculty contains several departments offering different degree programs.

Major faculties include:

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Business Administration
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Faculty of Clinical Sciences
Faculty of Dental Sciences

Each faculty offers specialized courses designed to prepare students for different career paths.

Complete List of Courses Offered in UNILAG

Below is a detailed breakdown of courses available at the University of Lagos.

Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts focuses on humanities, culture, and languages.

Courses include:

English
French
Russian
Chinese
German
Linguistics
Linguistics / Igbo
Linguistics / Yoruba
Philosophy
Creative Arts
History and Strategic Studies
Christian Religious Studies
Islamic Religious Studies

Graduates from these programs often pursue careers in

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences focuses on understanding human society and economic systems.

Courses offered include:

Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Psychology
Social Work
Geography

These programs prepare students for careers in:

Government
Policy analysis
Research institutions
NGOs
Banking and finance

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science provides strong training in scientific research and technology.

Courses include:

Biochemistry
Botany
Cell Biology and Genetics
Chemistry
Computer Science
Fisheries
Geology
Marine Biology
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Statistics
Zoology

These programs provide opportunities in:

Scientific research
Technology companies
Environmental management
Data science and analytics

Faculty of Engineering

Engineering is one of the most competitive faculties in UNILAG.

Programs include:

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Systems Engineering

Graduates often work in:

Oil and gas industries
Construction companies
Technology firms
Manufacturing industries

Faculty of Business Administration

This faculty prepares students for careers in management and finance.

Courses offered include:

Accounting
Banking and Finance
Business Administration
Actuarial Science
Insurance

Graduates often work in:

Banks
Financial institutions
Corporate organizations
Consulting firms

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Environmental science programs focus on planning, architecture, and urban development.

Courses include:

Architecture
Building
Estate Management
Quantity Surveying
Urban and Regional Planning

These careers are important in construction, real estate, and infrastructure development.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law offers a single program:

Law (LLB)

Law graduates from UNILAG are highly respected and often proceed to the Nigerian Law School before practicing.

College of Medicine Programs

The medical college is located in the Idi-Araba campus.

Courses include:

Medicine and Surgery
Nursing Science
Dentistry
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Medical Laboratory Science
Pharmacology
Physiology

Medical programs are extremely competitive and require very high admission scores.

University of Lagos School Fees

School fees in UNILAG vary depending on the faculty and program.

Below is an approximate breakdown.

New Students (Freshers)

Typical fees range between:

₦100,000 – ₦190,000

Medical courses may cost slightly more.

Returning Students

Returning students usually pay between:

₦70,000 – ₦120,000

These fees cover:

Tuition
Library services
Laboratory charges
ICT fees
Development fees

Compared with private universities in Nigeria, UNILAG remains relatively affordable.

UNILAG Admission Requirements

Admission into UNILAG is highly competitive. Applicants must meet several requirements.

UTME Admission Requirements

Students applying through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) must meet the following criteria:

1. JAMB Score

Candidates must score at least 200 in UTME to be eligible for admission consideration.

However, competitive courses such as:

Medicine
Law
Engineering

usually require much higher scores.

2. O’Level Requirements

Candidates must have:

At least five credits in WAEC, NECO, or GCE
Including English Language and Mathematics
Maximum of two sittings

3. Post-UTME Screening

After JAMB, candidates must participate in the UNILAG screening exercise.

Admission is usually based on:

Direct Entry Admission Requirements

Students with higher qualifications can apply through Direct Entry.

Accepted qualifications include:

National Diploma (ND)
Higher National Diploma (HND)
NCE
A-Levels
JUPEB

Direct Entry candidates typically enter 200 level.

UNILAG Cut-Off Marks

The minimum JAMB score to apply is around 200, but departmental cut-off marks vary widely depending on the course.

Examples:

Course	Typical Cut-Off
Medicine and Surgery	80+ aggregate
Law	75+
Engineering	70+
Accounting	70+
Mass Communication	75+

Highly competitive courses require very high scores.

How to Apply for UNILAG Admission

Follow these steps:

Step 1

Step 2

Choose University of Lagos as first choice.

Step 3

Score above the required cut-off mark.

Step 4

Apply for the UNILAG Post-UTME screening.

Step 5

Upload O’Level results and required documents.

Step 6

Wait for the admission list.

Successful candidates will receive admission through JAMB CAPS.

Accommodation in UNILAG

The university provides limited hostel accommodation.

Typical hostel fees:

₦20,000 – ₦40,000 per session

However, many students live off-campus in nearby areas such as:

Yaba
Bariga
Akoka
Surulere

Career Opportunities After Studying at UNILAG

Graduates from UNILAG are highly respected in Nigeria and internationally.

Common career fields include:

Banking and finance
Engineering and technology
Healthcare
Law and legal practice
Media and communication
Public administration

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate studies abroad.

Advantages of Studying at UNILAG

Benefits include:

Top academic reputation
Access to research facilities
Large alumni network
Strong industry connections
Exposure to Lagos business environment

These advantages make UNILAG one of the most competitive universities in Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

The University of Lagos remains one of the best federal universities in Nigeria, offering a wide range of courses across multiple faculties. With relatively affordable school fees, strong academic standards, and excellent career prospects, UNILAG continues to attract thousands of applicants every year.

However, admission is highly competitive. Students who wish to gain admission must prepare thoroughly for JAMB and meet all admission requirements.

University of Lagos Courses, School Fees and Admission Requirements (Complete Guide)