As data becomes increasingly vital in driving business decisions and solving real-world problems, Data Science has emerged as a highly sought-after field.
Nigeria, with its growing tech industry, offers promising opportunities for Data Science professionals.
However, selecting the right university to acquire this expertise is crucial.
A strong foundation in Data Science requires a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
This article identifies the top universities in Nigeria for studying Data Science, recognized for their rigorous academic programmes, cutting-edge facilities, and industry connections.
These leading institutions provide you with a solid understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and visualization techniques, preparing you for a successful career in Data Science. This guide highlights each university’s unique strengths and resources, enabling you to make informed decisions and embark on a rewarding journey in Data Science.
METHODOLOGY: We ranked these universities based on their global and national ranking from websites such as Webometrics, Edurank, and so on. We also considered the institutions’ accreditation status for some courses. Scroll down to the DISCLAIMER section to learn more.
- 5 Best Universities to study Data Science in Nigeria
- 1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Best for Extensive Research Output
- 2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Strong Innovation Focus
- 3. Lagos State University (LASU) – Best for Practical Industry Applications
- 4. Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Best for Research-Focused Curriculum
- 5. Covenant University (CU) – Best for Technological Advancements
- OVERVIEW OF THE BEST 5 UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY DATA SCIENCE IN NIGERIA
- OTHER UNIVERSITIES THAT OFFER DATA SCIENCE IN NIGERIA
- How to Choose the Best University to Study Data Science in Nigeria
- Course Combination for Studying Data Science in Nigeria
- Eligibility Criteria for Studying Data Science in Nigeria
- General Cut off Mark for Data Science
- Data Science Duration
- Pro Tips
- Final Thoughts
- DISCLAIMER!!!
5 Best Universities to study Data Science in Nigeria
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Covenant University, Ota
1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Best for Extensive Research Output
The University of Ibadan (UI) sparks your Data Science journey in a dynamic learning environment.
Pioneering faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and collaborative learning experiences empower you to excel.
UI’s Data Science programme provides you with expertise in data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, and programmeming.
You develop a powerful blend of technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that set you apart.
As a UI graduate, you step into the industry as a confident and innovative data scientist. Ready to drive data-driven insights, shape business strategies, and lead data science teams, you’re equipped to revolutionize data landscapes.
| School Fees | ₦34,300 to ₦36,800 for freshers and ₦20,000 to ₦32,000 for returning students |
| Address | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. |
| ugadmissions@stu.ui.edu.ng | |
| Website | ui.edu.ng |
What We Think
Pros:
- Offers a comprehensive education in data science and analytics.
- Provides experienced faculty and well-equipped research facilities.
- Organizes internships and practical sessions to enhance learning.
- Supports research projects addressing national and global data science issues.
- Awards various scholarship opportunities to outstanding students.
- Fosters a vibrant student community with diverse extracurricular activities.
- Boasts a strategic location and rich academic heritage.
Cons:
- Limits academic progress with occasional strikes and disruptions.
- Restricts funding for advanced research projects.
- Fails to guarantee job placement post-graduation.
- Overwhelms students with balancing workload and fieldwork.
- Delays progress with administrative inefficiencies.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Strong Innovation Focus
Within a vibrant academic community, your Data Science journey at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) takes shape.
Guided by experienced mentors and supported by modern facilities, you are well-prepared for success.
UNN’s Data Science programme sharpens your skills in data mining, predictive analytics, and computational statistics.
You gain a robust foundation in programmeming, data visualization, and machine learning, empowering you to tackle complex problems with confidence.
As you graduate, you step into the industry as a versatile and innovative data scientist. Equipped to harness data insights, drive business growth, and create cutting-edge solutions, you are poised to make a lasting impact in the field.
| School Fees | ₦110,900 per session |
| Address | University Road, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. |
| registrar@unn.edu.ng | |
| Website | unn.ed.ng |
What We Think
Pros:
- Delivers a solid foundation in data science and analytics.
- Benefits from experienced faculty and historical significance.
- Conducts practical sessions and field trips.
- Addresses regional and national data science issues through research.
- Awards scholarship opportunities to deserving students.
- Fosters a close-knit student community.
- Provides a serene learning environment.
Cons:
- Lacks sufficient funding for advanced research.
- Disrupts academics with occasional strikes.
- Fails to provide adequate support for job placement.
- Overloads students with balancing workload and fieldwork.
- Delays progress with administrative inefficiencies.
3. Lagos State University (LASU) – Best for Practical Industry Applications
Igniting with passion and purpose, your Data Science journey at Lagos State University (LASU) is a transformative experience.
Immersed in a community of innovators and supported by experienced faculty and cutting-edge tools, you are set for success.
LASU’s Data Science programme enhances your skills in data exploration, predictive modeling, and analytical storytelling.
You craft a unique blend of technical expertise, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities, equipping you to address complex challenges with confidence.
As you graduate, you emerge as a forward-thinking data scientist, ready to unlock insights, drive innovation, and shape the future of data-driven decision-making.
Your LASU education propels you to make a significant impact in the ever-evolving data landscape.
| School Fees | ₦64,500 to ₦84,500 per session |
| Address | Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| mailsupport@lasu.edu.ng | |
| Website | lasu.edu.ng |
What We Think
Pros:
- Provides a thorough education in data science and analytics.
- Supports students with experienced faculty and academic staff.
- Conducts practical sessions and field trips.
- Addresses regional data science issues through research.
- Awards scholarship opportunities to deserving students.
- Fosters a close-knit student community.
- Provides a serene learning environment.
Cons:
- Limits funding for advanced research.
- Disrupts academics with occasional strikes.
- Fails to guarantee job placement.
- Overloads students with balancing workload and fieldwork.
- Delays progress with administrative inefficiencies.
4. Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Best for Research-Focused Curriculum
Blossoming in the vibrant academic environment of Ekiti State University (EKSU), your Data Science aspirations are expertly nurtured.
With guidance from expert mentors and access to modern resources, you are well-positioned to thrive.
EKSU’s Data Science programme hones your skills in data analytics, machine learning, and computational techniques.
You build a robust foundation in programmeming, data visualization, and statistical analysis, enabling you to extract valuable insights from complex data.
As a graduate of EKSU, you step into the industry as a skilled, innovative data scientist. Equipped to drive data-driven decision-making, shape business strategies, and develop pioneering solutions, you are ready to make a lasting impact in the field.
| School Fees | ₦61,500 to ₦468,750 per session |
| Address | Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. |
| info@eksu.edu.ng | |
| Website | eksu.edu.ng |
What We Think
Pros:
- Offers a solid education in data science and analytics.
- Focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge.
- Equips students with modern facilities and laboratories.
- Facilitates internships and industrial training programmes.
- Connects students with experienced faculty and industry professionals.
- Unites a diverse student body.
- Cultivates opportunities for networking and career development.
Cons:
- Faces potential challenges with limited resources for research.
- Experiences occasional administrative inefficiencies.
- Fails to provide adequate support for job placement.
- Overloads students with balancing workload and fieldwork.
- Disrupts academics with occasional strikes.
5. Covenant University (CU) – Best for Technological Advancements
Embarking on your Data Science journey at Covenant University sets the stage for precision and purpose.
Immersed in a dynamic learning environment, you benefit from visionary faculty and cutting-edge resources that propel your growth.
Covenant’s Data Science programme enhances your skills in data engineering, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis.
With a strong foundation in programmeming, data visualization, and machine learning, you are equipped to drive innovation and extract meaningful insights.
As you graduate from Covenant, you become a trailblazing data scientist, ready to revolutionize industries and shape the future of data-driven decision-making.
Your education empowers you to tackle complex challenges, seize new opportunities, and make a lasting impact in the data science field.
| School Fees | ₦1,256,375 to ₦1,456,000 per session |
| Address | Km. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. |
| registrar@covenantuniversity.edu.ng | |
| Website | covenantuniversity.edu.ng |
What We Think
Pros:
- Delivers a solid education in data science with various specializations.
- Benefits from a private university’s focused approach.
- Equips students with modern facilities and laboratories.
- Organizes practical sessions and field trips.
- Connects students with experienced faculty and industry professionals.
- Unites a small, close-knit student community.
- Provides a serene learning environment.
Cons:
- Imposes higher tuition fees compared to public universities.
- Restricts funding for extensive research projects.
- Fails to guarantee job placement.
- Overloads students with balancing workload and fieldwork.
- Experiences occasional administrative inefficiencies.
OVERVIEW OF THE BEST 5 UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY DATA SCIENCE IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s data revolution is fueled by exceptional Data Science programmes at five leading universities.
University of Ibadan (UI), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Lagos State University (LASU), Ekiti State University (EKSU), and Covenant University lead the charge.
These institutions offer cutting-edge education, combining statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights from data.
Each university excels in unique areas: UI in machine learning, UNN in data analytics, LASU in data visualization, EKSU in statistical modeling, and Covenant University in artificial intelligence applications.
By choosing one of these universities, you gain a deep understanding of Data Science principles and practices, preparing you for successful careers in Nigeria’s growing data-driven industries.
OTHER UNIVERSITIES THAT OFFER DATA SCIENCE IN NIGERIA
Top 12 Federal Universities to Study Data Science
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – Minna
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Ilorin
- University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Calabar
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Ile-Ife
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Benin City
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – Port Harcourt
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) – Abeokuta
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – Owerri
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Awka
- Bayero University Kano (BUK) – Kano
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – Oye-Ekiti
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) – Effurun
Top 10 State Universities to Study Data Science
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – Ago-Iwoye
- Rivers State University (RSU) – Port Harcourt
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU) – Ekpoma
- Delta State University (DELSU) – Abraka
- Kwara State University (KWASU) – Malete
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – Osogbo
- Benue State University (BSU) – Makurdi
- Kaduna State University (KASU) – Kaduna
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU) – Abakaliki
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) – Enugu
Top 10 Private Universities to Study Data Science
- Babcock University (BU) – Ilishan-Remo
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Ado-Ekiti
- American University of Nigeria (AUN) – Yola
- Landmark University (LU) – Omu-Aran
- Bells University of Technology (BUT) – Ota
- Redeemer’s University (RUN) – Ede
- Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) – Lagos
- Nile University of Nigeria (NUN) – Abuja
- Bowen University (BU) – Iwo
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – Ikeji-Arakeji
How to Choose the Best University to Study Data Science in Nigeria
- Verify the university’s accreditation status to ensure it meets educational standards.
- Examine the curriculum to ensure it covers essential areas like machine learning, data mining, and big data analytics.
- Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members in the Data Science department.
- Check for modern facilities such as computer labs, data centers, and access to relevant software and tools.
- Consider the university’s reputation and ranking, especially in the field of Data Science.
- Look into internship and job placement opportunities provided by the university.
- Evaluate the availability of student support services, including academic advising and career counseling.
- Assess the cost of tuition and the availability of scholarships or financial aid.
- Investigate the strength of the university’s alumni network and its connections with the tech industry.
- Review the location of the university, considering factors like proximity to tech hubs, cost of living, and overall environment.
Based on these factors, here’s a brief comparison:
- Choose UI for its strong research output, comprehensive curriculum, and extensive network of industry connections.
- Opt for UNN for its robust academic programmes, experienced faculty, and focus on practical training in data science.
- Select LASU for its strategic location in Lagos, offering numerous internship opportunities and practical exposure in the tech industry.
- Consider EKSU for its affordable tuition fees and supportive learning environment, making it a cost-effective option for Data Science studies.
- Choose Covenant University for its state-of-the-art facilities, emphasis on practical training, and strong alumni network, which provides valuable career opportunities.
Course Combination for Studying Data Science in Nigeria
To pursue Data Science, be ready to take English, Mathematics, Physics, and one other relevant subject in your JAMB exams.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Data Science in Nigeria
- Obtain at least five credit passes in your O’level including Mathematics, English Language and other relevant subjects.
- Score a minimum of 180 in UTME with required subjects like Mathematics, English Language, and any other relevant science subjects.
- Achieve a good score in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
- Possess advanced qualifications like a diploma in a related field or relevant work experience.
- Be at least 16 years old.
General Cut off Mark for Data Science
If Data Science is your chosen field in Nigeria, expect to need a cut-off mark of around 180, but be aware that this varies between universities.
Data Science Duration
The duration of the Data Science programme is generally four years.
Pro Tips
- Research universities like Covenant University, University of Lagos, and University of Ibadan.
- Check for experienced lecturers and modern data science labs.
- Look into internship opportunities and industry connections.
- Evaluate the curriculum for comprehensive coverage.
- Attend open days or virtual tours.
- Review the alumni network for successful graduates.
- Consider the university’s location and proximity to tech hubs.
- Check accreditation and reputation.
- Look for scholarship opportunities.
Final Thoughts
In our increasingly data-centric world, Nigeria needs professionals to leverage the power of information.
Leading Data Science programmes at UI, UNN, LASU, EKSU, and Covenant University are at the forefront of this transformation, training students in advanced data analysis, machine learning, and visualization.
With cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty, and strong industry ties, these institutions prepare data scientists to drive innovation across diverse sectors.
As Nigeria advances in digital transformation, graduates from these top universities are highly sought after, capable of providing valuable insights and making informed decisions in fields such as healthcare, finance, and governance.
By choosing UI, UNN, LASU, EKSU, or Covenant University, as an aspiring data scientist, you place yourself at the cutting edge of Nigeria’s data revolution, influencing the country’s future and making a significant societal impact.
Join the movement towards a data-driven future and unlock Nigeria’s digital potential.
DISCLAIMER!!!
This article is based on the author’s research and the university selection is based on the institution’s ranking from reputable websites such as Edurank, Webometrics, and so on.
To rank universities for professional courses like Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Law, and so on, the author visited the websites of the bodies that regulate and accredit such professions in the country. For example, The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for Pharmacy, the
Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for Medicine and Dentistry, and so on.
Consider every detail in this article as merely informational. Make sure you speak with a certified educational consultant if you need help with choosing the best university for your course.
You can read this article for a step-by-step guide on choosing the best institution for your course.
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