If you are trying to figure out which course to study at the University of Lagos, you are in the right place. UNILAG is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, and thousands of students apply every year without fully understanding what courses are available, what each department actually teaches, or how admission works. This guide covers everything: every faculty, every department, undergraduate programmes, postgraduate options, admission requirements, cut-off marks, and career paths — all in one place. By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear picture of whether UNILAG is the right choice for you, and exactly how to get in.
Overview of the University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos, commonly called UNILAG, was established in 1962 by the federal government of Nigeria. Its main campus is located in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, with a second campus in Surulere. It is a federal research university and one of the oldest in Nigeria.
UNILAG is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and consistently ranks among the top universities in Nigeria, Africa, and globally in several world university rankings. The university’s motto is ‘In Submission to God, We Excel.’
| Detail | Information |
| Year Founded | 1962 |
| Location | Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Type | Federal University |
| Accreditation | National Universities Commission (NUC) |
| Total Student Population | Over 50,000 |
| Number of Faculties | 14 Faculties |
| Vice Chancellor (2024–2025) | Prof. Folasade Ogunsola |
| Official Website | www.unilag.edu.ng |
Complete List of Faculties in the University of Lagos
UNILAG is organised into 14 faculties, each housing multiple departments. Here is the full list:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Dental Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine (Basic Medical Sciences)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences
- College of Medicine (CMUL) – Idi-Araba Campus
Each faculty contains departments that offer undergraduate (B.Sc., B.A., B.Eng., LLB, etc.), postgraduate (M.Sc., MBA, MPhil, PhD), and sometimes professional diploma programmes.
Departments and Courses in Each Faculty
Faculty of Arts — Departments and Courses
The Faculty of Arts trains students in humanities, languages, philosophy, and history. It is one of the oldest faculties at UNILAG and produces graduates who work in journalism, broadcasting, academia, the civil service, and creative industries.
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| English | B.A. English | 4 years |
| History and Strategic Studies | B.A. History & Strategic Studies | 4 years |
| Philosophy | B.A. Philosophy | 4 years |
| Linguistics, African and Asian Studies | B.A. Linguistics / African Studies / Chinese / Arabic | 4 years |
| French | B.A. French | 4 years |
| Creative Arts (Theatre & Film) | B.A. Creative Arts | 4 years |
| Music | B.Mus. | 4 years |
What Do Arts Students Study at UNILAG?
Arts students study language structure, African literature, world history, critical thinking, and cultural theory. Core courses include Literary Criticism, Nigerian History, Phonetics, African Philosophy, and Introduction to Theatre. Many departments require French or another language as a second subject.
Career Opportunities for Arts Graduates
Graduates from the Faculty of Arts work in teaching, journalism, broadcasting (NTA, Channels TV, AIT), translation, foreign affairs, public relations, publishing, and the entertainment industry. A growing number go into content creation, screenwriting, and digital media.
Faculty of Business Administration — Departments and Courses
The Faculty of Business Administration is one of the most competitive at UNILAG. Its Business Administration department is highly ranked in Nigeria.
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| Business Administration | B.Sc. Business Administration | 4 years |
| Accounting | B.Sc. Accounting | 4 years |
| Actuarial Science and Insurance | B.Sc. Actuarial Science / Insurance | 4 years |
| Finance | B.Sc. Finance | 4 years |
| Marketing | B.Sc. Marketing | 4 years |
| Management Information Systems (MIS) | B.Sc. MIS | 4 years |
| Transport and Tourism Management | B.Sc. Transport & Tourism | 4 years |
Why Study Business Administration at UNILAG?
The faculty has strong ties to major Nigerian corporations, banks, and multinationals. Internship and industrial training (SIWES) placements tend to be highly competitive, and the alumni network includes CEOs, directors, and partners across the private sector.
UNILAG Business Administration Career Paths
Accounting graduates often pursue ICAN or ACCA professional qualifications. Finance graduates enter banking, investment management, and fintech. Actuarial Science graduates are in very high demand, with many securing placements in insurance companies and pension fund managers.
Faculty of Engineering — Departments and Courses
Engineering at UNILAG runs a five-year undergraduate programme for most disciplines. The faculty is NUC-accredited and produces graduates eligible for registration with COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria).
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | B.Eng. Civil Engineering | 5 years |
| Chemical and Petroleum Engineering | B.Eng. Chemical Engineering | 5 years |
| Computer Engineering | B.Eng. Computer Engineering | 5 years |
| Electrical/Electronics Engineering | B.Eng. Electrical Engineering | 5 years |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering | 5 years |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | B.Eng. Metallurgical Engineering | 5 years |
| Systems Engineering | B.Eng. Systems Engineering | 5 years |
| Marine Engineering (UNILAG Marine) | B.Eng. Marine Engineering | 5 years |
| Surveying and Geoinformatics | B.Surv. | 5 years |
Admission Requirements for Engineering at UNILAG
All engineering programmes require a minimum of five O’level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The JAMB cut-off for most engineering departments at UNILAG is typically between 200 and 250, though departmental cut-offs may be higher.
Career Paths for UNILAG Engineering Graduates
Engineering graduates work in oil and gas (NNPC, Shell, Chevron, Total), construction, manufacturing, telecommunications (MTN, Airtel), government agencies, and power generation. Computer Engineers increasingly move into software development and tech startups.
Faculty of Science — Departments and Courses
The Faculty of Science is one of the oldest at UNILAG and offers a wide range of programmes across biological, physical, and mathematical sciences.
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| Biochemistry | B.Sc. Biochemistry | 4 years |
| Botany and Microbiology | B.Sc. Botany / Microbiology | 4 years |
| Cell Biology and Genetics | B.Sc. Cell Biology and Genetics | 4 years |
| Chemistry | B.Sc. Chemistry | 4 years |
| Computer Science | B.Sc. Computer Science | 4 years |
| Geosciences | B.Sc. Geology / Geophysics | 4 years |
| Mathematics | B.Sc. Mathematics | 4 years |
| Physics | B.Sc. Physics | 4 years |
| Statistics | B.Sc. Statistics | 4 years |
| Zoology | B.Sc. Zoology | 4 years |
Who Should Study in the Faculty of Science at UNILAG?
If you have strong A grades in WAEC or NECO in sciences and mathematics, and you enjoy research, experimentation, and problem-solving, the Faculty of Science is ideal. Computer Science at UNILAG is particularly competitive given the huge tech scene in Lagos.
Faculty of Social Sciences — Departments and Courses
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| Economics | B.Sc. Economics | 4 years |
| Geography | B.Sc. Geography | 4 years |
| Industrial Relations and Personnel Management | B.Sc. IRPM | 4 years |
| Political Science | B.Sc. Political Science | 4 years |
| Psychology | B.Sc. Psychology | 4 years |
| Sociology | B.Sc. Sociology | 4 years |
| Mass Communication | B.Sc. Mass Communication | 4 years |
Mass Communication at UNILAG: What You Need to Know
Mass Communication is one of the most sought-after courses at UNILAG. The department covers journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and film production. JAMB cut-off for Mass Communication at UNILAG is typically high, and the course is extremely competitive at Post UTME level.
Faculty of Law — LLB Programme at UNILAG
The Faculty of Law at UNILAG offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which is a five-year programme. After LLB, graduates must attend the Nigerian Law School for the Bar Part II examinations before being called to the Nigerian Bar.
| Detail | Information |
| Programme | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
| Duration | 5 years |
| JAMB Requirement | Use of English, Government or History, CRK or Literature, and one Social Science subject |
| O’level Requirement | 5 credits including English Language and Literature-in-English |
| Post-LLB Requirement | Nigerian Law School (BL) |
Career Paths After LLB at UNILAG
Law graduates at UNILAG go on to become barristers and solicitors, judges, legal advisers in banks and corporations, legislators, diplomats, and academics. Many also venture into arbitration, dispute resolution, and international law.
Faculty of Environmental Sciences — Departments and Courses
| Department | Undergraduate Degree | Duration |
| Architecture | B.Arch. | 6 years (with professional year) |
| Building | B.Sc. Building | 5 years |
| Estate Management | B.Sc. Estate Management | 5 years |
| Town Planning | B.Sc. Town Planning | 5 years |
Faculty of Education — Departments and Courses
The Faculty of Education prepares teachers and education administrators. All programmes lead to a B.Sc.(Ed.) or B.A.(Ed.) degree and carry teaching methodology courses alongside subject specialisations.
| Department / Specialisation | Degree | Duration |
| Adult Education | B.Sc.(Ed.) | 4 years |
| Education and Economics | B.Sc.(Ed.) Economics | 4 years |
| Education and English | B.A.(Ed.) English | 4 years |
| Early Childhood Education | B.Sc.(Ed.) | 4 years |
| Health Education | B.Sc.(Ed.) | 4 years |
| Human Kinetics and Health Education | B.Sc.(Ed.) | 4 years |
| Library and Information Studies | B.Sc.(LIS) | 4 years |
| Science Education (Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics) | B.Sc.(Ed.) | 4 years |
Faculty of Pharmacy — Pharmacy Programme at UNILAG
Pharmacy at UNILAG is a five-year programme (B.Pharm.), followed by a one-year internship before registration with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). It is one of the most competitive courses at the university.
College of Medicine, UNILAG (CMUL) — MBBS and Biomedical Courses
The College of Medicine is located at Idi-Araba, Lagos (different from the main Akoka campus). It runs in conjunction with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
| Programme | Degree | Duration |
| Medicine and Surgery | MBBS | 6 years |
| Dentistry | BDS | 6 years |
| Nursing Science | BNSc. | 5 years |
| Physiotherapy | B.Physio. | 5 years |
| Radiography | B.Rad. | 5 years |
| Medical Laboratory Science | BMLS | 5 years |
| Human Anatomy | B.Sc. Anatomy | 5 years |
| Physiology | B.Sc. Physiology | 5 years |
Admission Requirements for Medicine and Surgery at UNILAG
Candidates for MBBS must obtain a minimum of five O’level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in one sitting. The JAMB cut-off for Medicine at UNILAG is usually 280 and above, making it one of the most competitive programmes in Nigeria. A strong Post UTME performance is also required.
Postgraduate Programmes at UNILAG: M.Sc., MPhil, and PhD
The University of Lagos offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes through its School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS). These programmes are available across all 14 faculties.
Categories of Postgraduate Programmes at UNILAG
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) — for MBBS holders seeking specialist qualifications
Popular Postgraduate Courses at UNILAG
| Programme | Faculty | Duration |
| MBA | Business Administration | 18 months (full-time) / 2 years (part-time) |
| M.Sc. Economics | Social Sciences | 2 years |
| LLM | Law | 1–2 years |
| M.Sc. Computer Science | Science | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Architecture | Environmental Sciences | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Public Health / Community Medicine | College of Medicine | 2–3 years |
| PhD (various departments) | All Faculties | 3–5 years |
| M.Sc. Mass Communication | Social Sciences | 2 years |
| MPhil (various departments) | All Faculties | 2–3 years |
| M.Sc. Finance / Accounting | Business Administration | 2 years |
Postgraduate Admission Requirements at UNILAG
For M.Sc. and M.A. programmes, applicants typically need a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. Some departments insist on Second Class Upper (2:1). MBA applicants usually need a first degree plus a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. PhD applicants must hold an M.Sc. or MPhil degree.
How to Apply for Postgraduate Studies at UNILAG
Applications are made online through the UNILAG postgraduate application portal (spgs.unilag.edu.ng). The school runs two admission cycles — first semester (July–August) and second semester (December–January). Check the official school website for current deadlines.
Admission Requirements for UNILAG: JAMB, Post UTME, and Direct Entry
UNILAG JAMB Cut-Off Mark
The federal government’s minimum JAMB cut-off for university admission is 140. However, UNILAG sets its own higher departmental cut-off marks. As a general guide, most departments at UNILAG require a minimum of 200 and above, with highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Mass Communication often requiring 250–280 and above. These figures change slightly each year.
| Course | Approx. UNILAG JAMB Cut-Off |
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 280+ |
| Law (LLB) | 250+ |
| Mass Communication | 240+ |
| Accounting / Finance | 220+ |
| Computer Science / Engineering | 210–230+ |
| Education Courses | 180–200+ |
| Arts and Humanities | 180–200+ |
Note: Cut-off marks are reviewed every admission year. Always confirm on the official UNILAG and JAMB portals.
UNILAG Post UTME Screening
UNILAG conducts a Post UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) screening for all UTME candidates who chose UNILAG as their first choice. The screening is typically a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and may include an aptitude test, English language questions, and subject-specific questions depending on the faculty.
The combined JAMB and Post UTME scores determine whether you are offered provisional admission. Candidates who score well in JAMB but poorly in Post UTME may lose their place.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements for UNILAG
Direct Entry (DE) candidates with A-level results, OND, HND, or a first degree can apply for admission into UNILAG through JAMB’s Direct Entry scheme. Most departments accept DE candidates into 200 level. Specific requirements vary by department, so confirm directly with the admissions office.
O’Level Requirements for UNILAG
All UNILAG applicants must have a minimum of five O’level credit passes, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Some programmes require specific subjects — for example, Medicine requires Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics in addition to English.
UNILAG School Fees: What Do Students Pay?
As a federal university, UNILAG’s school fees are heavily subsidised by the Nigerian government. However, fees differ between Nigerian and international students, and between faculties. Medical and engineering students generally pay slightly higher fees due to laboratory and practical costs.
As of the most recent academic session available, indicative fee ranges for Nigerian students are as follows. Note that these figures are subject to change — always verify on the official UNILAG portal (unilag.edu.ng) before payment.
| Category | Approx. Annual Fee Range |
| Arts, Social Sciences, Education | NGN 40,000 – NGN 80,000 |
| Science and Business Administration | NGN 50,000 – NGN 100,000 |
| Engineering | NGN 60,000 – NGN 120,000 |
| Medicine / Dentistry / Pharmacy | NGN 60,000 – NGN 150,000 |
| Postgraduate (M.Sc. / MBA) | NGN 120,000 – NGN 400,000 |
| International Students | Significantly higher — contact admissions |
Additional charges such as acceptance fee, departmental dues, and faculty levies apply separately. The acceptance fee for UNILAG is typically in the range of NGN 20,000 – NGN 50,000.
UNILAG Student Hostel and Accommodation Information
UNILAG has on-campus hostels for both male and female students, but spaces are extremely limited relative to the student population. Most students live off-campus in areas like Akoka, Bariga, Yaba, Gbagada, and Mushin. Popular off-campus student housing areas offer a range of self-contained rooms and shared apartments at varying prices.
Students who secure on-campus hostel accommodation typically pay hostel fees directly to the bursary during the registration period. Priority is often given to students in years 100 and 200 level.
Duration of Programmes at UNILAG
| Programme Type | Duration |
| B.Sc. / B.A. (most courses) | 4 years |
| B.Eng. / B.Surv. / B.Pharm. | 5 years |
| MBBS / BDS | 6 years |
| LLB | 5 years |
| B.Arch. | 5–6 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | 1 year |
| M.Sc. / M.A. / LLM / MBA | 1–2 years |
| MPhil | 2–3 years |
| PhD | 3–5 years |
Career Opportunities for UNILAG Graduates
A degree from UNILAG carries significant weight with employers across Nigeria, West Africa, and internationally. UNILAG graduates are found in every major sector:
- Banking and finance — Zenith Bank, GTBank, Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC
- Oil and gas — NNPC, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies
- Technology and telecoms — MTN, Airtel, Flutterwave, Paystack, Andela
- Law and the judiciary — law firms, courts, the NBA, international organisations
- Media and entertainment — NTA, Channels TV, Guardian, Vanguard, Nollywood
- Academia and research — UNILAG itself, UNIABUJA, UI, and international universities
- Healthcare — LUTH, private hospitals, WHO, UNICEF, MSF
- Civil service and government — federal and state ministries, regulatory agencies
- Consulting and professional services — PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions About UNILAG Courses and Departments
1. How many faculties does UNILAG have?
UNILAG has 14 faculties covering arts, sciences, engineering, social sciences, law, business, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, education, and environmental sciences.
2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for UNILAG?
The federal minimum is 140, but UNILAG’s own departmental cut-offs are usually 200 and above. Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Mass Communication require 240–280 and above.
3. Does UNILAG accept Direct Entry students?
Yes. UNILAG accepts Direct Entry applicants with A-level results, OND, HND, or a first degree through the JAMB Direct Entry scheme. Most DE candidates enter at 200 level.
4. What courses are offered in UNILAG?
UNILAG offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, education, environmental sciences, social sciences, and science. This guide covers the major ones in detail above.
5. Does UNILAG offer part-time programmes?
Yes. UNILAG has a Distance Learning Institute (DLI) and offers some part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The DLI is popular among working professionals.
6. What is the UNILAG Post UTME like?
The Post UTME screening is usually a Computer-Based Test (CBT). It typically includes English language comprehension, general aptitude questions, and sometimes subject-specific questions. Preparation should include past questions from UNILAG’s Post UTME.
7. Can I study Medicine at UNILAG?
Yes. UNILAG offers MBBS (Medicine and Surgery) through its College of Medicine at Idi-Araba. Admission is extremely competitive, with a JAMB cut-off of around 280 and above. You need five O’level credits in one sitting including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
8. Does UNILAG have a Law faculty?
Yes. The Faculty of Law offers the five-year LLB programme. After graduation, you must attend the Nigerian Law School and pass Bar examinations to be called to the Nigerian Bar.
9. What postgraduate programmes does UNILAG offer?
UNILAG offers PGD, M.Sc., M.A., MBA, LLM, MPhil, and PhD programmes across all its faculties through the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS).
10. How do I check my UNILAG admission status?
Check your admission status on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) portal at caps.jamb.gov.ng. UNILAG also publishes its admission list on its official website and school portal.
11. Is Computer Science offered at UNILAG?
Yes. Computer Science is offered in the Faculty of Science, while Computer Engineering is available in the Faculty of Engineering. Both are competitive and highly regarded.
12. What is the school fees at UNILAG?
UNILAG school fees for Nigerian students range from approximately NGN 40,000 to NGN 150,000 per year depending on the faculty and programme. These are among the lowest in Nigeria because of federal government subsidy. Always confirm current figures on the university portal.
13. Does UNILAG have hostels?
Yes, UNILAG has on-campus hostels, but spaces are limited. Many students live off-campus in nearby areas like Akoka, Yaba, and Bariga.
14. What is the minimum WAEC grade required for UNILAG admission?
Most UNILAG programmes require a minimum of five O’level credit passes (grade C6 and above) including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
15. How long does an Engineering degree take at UNILAG?
Engineering programmes at UNILAG run for five years (10 semesters), including an industrial training (SIWES) period of six months to one year embedded in the programme.
16. Is UNILAG MBA internationally recognised?
Yes. The UNILAG MBA is accredited and recognised by the NUC. It is also accepted by many international organisations and employers across Africa, the UK, and other regions.
17. How many years is MBBS at UNILAG?
The MBBS programme at UNILAG takes six years to complete, followed by a mandatory one-year internship before full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
