5 Best Universities to Study Law  In Nigeria | Fees | Cut-Off Mark

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The selection of the university to study law becomes very critical to the intending legal practitioners in Nigeria, since the university you choose determines your prospects in the legal fraternity. 

There is a vast provisions of institutions and universities that offer legal education.

It is a tiresome, daunting process to be able to determine the best institutions that provide the best quality education for law.

That is why this article highlights five Nigerian universities that offer law courses that are well developed.

These top institutions provide you with a platform to pursue various fields of law and obtain great achievements in legal practice.

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 Law in Nigeria

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos
2. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan
3. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
4. Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt 
5. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). 

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos – Best University For Outstanding Excellence

Studying Law at University of Lagos (UNILAG) presents a great opportunity to achieve excellence because of the school’s status as one of the leading institutions producing lawyers in Nigeria.

UNILAG Faculty of Law understands that for a student to be thoroughly equipped, a broad curriculum is most effective.

More so, with well experienced faculties, many of which are academicians of great repute alongside practicing professionals, there is a combination of academic theories and practical exposures.

It also has one of the best and well stocked law libraries and offers you an excellent chance to participate in court competitions, internships and practice sessions with practicing lawyers to enable you practice in many areas of law.

School fees	₦60,000 to ₦80,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria
Email	info@unilag.edu.ng
Website	https://www.unilag.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	160+

What We Think 

Pros:

• Offers a prestigious reputation, which enhances the credibility and employability of its law graduates in the legal field.  
• Provides access to experienced faculty members who are experts in various legal disciplines.
• Fosters a comprehensive learning environment with a rigorous curriculum that covers multiple areas of Nigerian and international law.  
• Creates valuable networking opportunities for students to connect with legal professionals, law firms, and corporate entities.
• Enhances research capabilities by offering a well-stocked law library and access to numerous digital resources and legal databases.  

Cons :

• Faces challenges with large class sizes because of overpopulation. 
• Provides limited practical exposure, with fewer opportunities for hands-on experience compared to specialized law programmes  
• Experiences infrastructure challenges, like outdated facilities and equipment.  
• Suffers from potential academic disruptions, including strikes, that tend to  affect the academic calendar and extend the duration of study.

2. University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan – Best University For Research Excellence. 

Studying Law at the University of Ibadan (UI) provides a comprehensive legal education rooted in a tradition of academic excellence. 

UI’s Faculty of Law offers a robust curriculum that covers various areas of law, such as constitutional law, criminal law, international law, and human rights, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded understanding of both Nigerian and global laws. 

The programme is taught by highly experienced faculty, many of whom are leading scholars and practitioners in their fields. 

Additionally, you benefit from practical learning opportunities, such as moot court competitions, legal clinics, and internships, which enhance your practical skills and professional readiness. 

School fees	₦70,000 to ₦90,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	University of Ibadan (UI)Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Email	registrar@ui.edu.ng
Website	https://www.ui.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	160+

What We Think  

Pros:

• Offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of law, providing you with a solid educational foundation.
• Provides access to experienced faculty members who are knowledgeable and supportive, ensuring quality mentorship and guidance.
• Encourages community engagement through practical fieldwork and internships, allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.
• Facilitates diverse research opportunities in law, enabling you to contribute to academic scholarship and community-based projects.

Cons :

• Faces resource limitations in some areas, such as specialized law facilities and modern equipment.
• Experiences infrastructure challenges, including inconsistent maintenance of certain campus buildings and amenities.
• Suffers occasional disruptions in the academic calendar due to strikes or administrative issues, which can affect the continuity of studies.
• Encounters challenges with accommodation due to high demand, potentially making it difficult for students to secure on-campus housing.

3. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma – Best University For Holistic Education 

Studying law at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) can transform you into a more informed, analytical, and empathetic individual. 

By engaging with diverse legal theories and real-life case studies, you develop critical thinking skills that sharpen your ability to assess complex situations and make sound judgments. 

AAU’s law programme also emphasizes ethics, fostering a strong sense of justice and responsibility. This journey not only equips you with the tools to advocate effectively but also instills a deeper understanding of societal structures, making you a well-rounded person committed to fairness and positive change.

School fees	₦50,200 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
Email	info@aauekpoma.edu.ng
Website	https://www.aauekpoma.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	160+

What We Think   

Pros:

• Offers a more affordable tuition fees compared to private universities, making quality legal education more accessible.
• Utilizes a well-stocked law library with textbooks, law reports, and journals for in-depth research and study.
• Connects you with a Strong Alumni Network
• Ensures you are taught to the full accreditation standards. 

Cons:

• Deals with potential limitations in modern facilities and infrastructure.
• Has overcrowded classrooms due to high population. 
• Makes you adapt to Strikes and Disruptions
• Struggles with Limited Internship Opportunities
• Works with outdated curriculum.

4. Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt  – Best University For Standard  Education. 

Pursuing a degree in Law at Rivers State University (RSU) in Port Harcourt offers a distinctive learning experience that prepares you for a successful career in law. 

RSU’s comprehensive curriculum enables you to engage in community-based projects and gain valuable field experience. 

The university’s strategic location in the Niger Delta region provides a unique lens through which to examine social and environmental issues, which can in turn develop your unique ability to provide innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Moreover, RSU’s experienced faculty provide individualized mentorship and guidance, ensuring that you receive the support needed to excel academically and professionally. 

School fees	₦70,000 – ₦150,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Email	info@ust.edu.ng
Website	https://www.rsu.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	140+

What We Think 

Pros:

• Offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications.
• Provides opportunities for community-based projects and field experience.
• Prepares you to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
• Fosters individualized mentorship and guidance from experienced faculty.
• Equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in the legal profession.
• Enhances your understanding of social and environmental issues in the Niger Delta region.

Cons:

• Limits your exposure to international perspectives and global legal issues.
• Faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and resources.
• Restricts your access to diverse career opportunities due to location.
• Demands a high level of commitment and dedication due to rigorous academic standards.
• Exposes you to potential security concerns in the region.
• Suffers from occasional disruptions in academic calendars due to external factors.

5. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) – Best University For Guaranteed Excellence

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), stands as a pinnacle of legal education in Nigeria, this offers a holistic and dynamic learning experience that shapes the next generation of law and legal trailblazers. ABUAD provides a distinguished faculty, innovative curricula, and strong ties to the legal profession, ABUAD’s Law programme equips you with the intellectual rigor, practical skills, and ethical foundation to excel in a rapidly changing world. 

This institute hosts immersive collaborative research projects, and community outreach initiatives, ABUAD fosters a culture of excellence, that empower you upon graduation to champion justice, promote human rights, and drive transformative change in Nigeria and beyond.!

School fees	₦3,170,000 per session
Accreditation	Fully Accredited
Address	Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Email	info@abuad.edu.ng
Website	https://www.abuad.edu.ng/
Cut-Off Mark	160+

What We Think

Pros:

• Offers a holistic and dynamic learning experience that shapes the next generation of legal trailblazers.
• Equips students with the intellectual rigor, practical skills, and ethical foundation to excel in a rapidly changing world.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, that you need to champion justice and promote human rights.
• Prepares graduates to drive transformative change in Nigeria and beyond.

Cons:

• Limits access to some students due to high tuition fees.
• Faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and resources compared to other institutions.
• Restricts flexibility in course selection and specialization.
• Demands a high level of commitment and dedication due to rigorous academic standards.
• Exposes students to potential biases in the legal profession.

Overview of The Best 5 Universities to Study Law   in Nigeria 

Nigeria’s top universities for Law are University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Rivers State University (RSU), and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). These institutions provide a good campus environment, competent Lecturers and Court-like practice sessions that makes a student able to fit in and work competently in the Nigerian legal system for the creation of justice. 

These institutions are going to help you to carve a niche in Nigeria’s legal landscape particularly in intellectual property, human rights, corporate law. 

If those are the areas of law that interest you and you want to see change, then those institutions are for you and your vision.

Other Universities That Offer Law   in Nigeria

If you’re curious about other universities in Nigeria offering Law, be rest assured that you have several options to choose from, including:

Top 10 Federal Universities That Offer Law :

1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State
2. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State
3. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State
4. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State
5. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State
6. University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State
7. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State
8. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State
9. Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State
10. Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Kogi State

Top 10 State Universities That Offer Law :

1. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
2. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Enugu State
3. Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State
4. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
5. Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba, Kogi State
6. Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Abia State
7. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State
8. Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Imo State
9. Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, Osun State
10. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Top 10 Private Universities That Offer Law :

1. Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
2. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
3. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State
4. Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
5. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
6. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo
7. Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
8. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State
9. Caleb University, Lagos State
10. Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State.

How to Choose The Best University to Study Law   in Nigeria

Choosing the best university to study Law in Nigeria depends on several factors. You need to:

• Ensure the university’s Law programme is accredited by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
• Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers the full range of Law courses, including core subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Contract Law.
• Check the qualifications and experience of the lecturers, as well as their expertise in various areas of Law.
• Ensure the university has a well-stocked library with up-to-date Law texts, journals, and online resources.
• Research the university’s reputation among legal professionals, employers, and alumni.
• Consider the university’s location and its proximity to courts, law firms, and other legal institutions that can provide opportunities for practical experience..

Based on These Factors, Select:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) for its strong reputation and diverse faculty.
• University of Ibadan (UI) for its rich history and prestigious law faculty.
• Ambrose Alli University (AAU) for its modern facilities and innovative teaching methods.
• Rivers State University (RSU) for its unique location and opportunities in energy and environmental law.
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) for its state-of-the-art facilities and emphasis on ethical leadership.

Course Combination For Studying Law  In Nigeria

To study Law in Nigeria, get and combine the following subjects; English Language, Literature-in-English, and then choose any other two subjects from Government, History, Economics, Geography, Christian Religious Studies (CRS), and Islamic Studies (IS). This combination sets the foundation for a successful Law programme in Nigeria.

Eligibility Criteria For Studying Law 

• Achieve 5 credits in relevant O’level subjects within a maximum of two sittings.
• Attain a minimum score of 160 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
• Hold at least 3 B’s in A’Level subjects related to Law, such as Government, Literature- in English, and Economics, for direct entry.
• Ensure you are  at least 16 years of age.

General Cut off mark for Law 

The general cut-off mark for Law  in Nigerian universities is typically around 140-170 points  out of 400 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The following are factors that affect the cut-off mark for Law :

• Institutional policy: Each university sets its own cut-off mark based on its admission criteria and the number of available spaces.
• Number of applicants: The more applicants, the higher the cut-off mark.
• UTME scores: The overall performance of applicants in the UTME exam affects the cut-off mark.
• Post-UTME scores: The scores obtained in the Post-UTME screening exercise also influence the cut-off mark.
• Catchment area: Some universities reserve a certain percentage of spaces for candidates from specific regions or states.
• Merit: The university’s admission policy can prioritize candidates with higher scores or exceptional academic achievements.
• Quota system: Some universities may have a quota system for Medicine and Surgery, limiting the number of students to be admitted.
• Government regulations: Government policies and regulations can also impact the cut-off mark and admission process.

Law  Duration

The duration for studying Law in Nigeria typically spans Five years for a bachelor’s degree. 

Pro Tips 

• Develop a strong understanding of the basics: Make sure you have a solid grasp of legal concepts, terminology, and principles.
• Read widely and critically: Read cases, statutes, and legal commentary to gain a deeper understanding of the law.
• Organize and review regularly: Keep organized notes and regularly review material to reinforce your learning.
• Seek feedback and guidance: Ask professors, peers, and mentors for feedback and guidance to improve your understanding and skills.
• Stay up-to-date: Stay current with legal developments, new cases, and changing laws.
• Develop strong research skills: Learn to efficiently find, analyze, and apply relevant legal authorities to support your arguments.

Final Thoughts

The best Nigerian universities for Law programmes provide a strong grounding in law, people behavior in the society. 

UNILAG offers a solid programme accompanied with professional teachers and research prospects. University of Ibadan (UI) has carefully developed its programme and has a core aim of producing outstanding law practitioners. 

Through practical training of students and innovative methods in teaching, learning and assessment, Ambrose Alli University (AAU) produces competent and employable graduates. 

The law school at Rivers State University (RSU) particularly targets energy and environmental law and has specialty areas. 

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), specializes in the quality of its produced academic products, ethical leadership and overall intellectual development of students. 

Note that these institutions are committed to promoting success in Law by offering stern course work, variety and experience in training as well personal development.

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.

If you have any questions or want to book an appointment with any of our consultants, kindly contact us!

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