5 Best Universities to Study Library and Information Science in Nigeria

University of Ibadan (UI)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Covenant University

1. University of Ibadan (UI) – Best University for Research Focus

At the University of Ibadan (UI), your Library and Information Science journey thrives! You are guided by experienced faculty, utilizing cutting-edge resources in dynamic learning environments.

UI’s programme equips you with expertise in information management, digital libraries, and research.

You develop innovative skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, preparing you to drive information literacy, shape knowledge ecosystems, and lead information centers.

Graduating from UI, you become a versatile, tech-savvy, and forward-thinking professional, ready to revolutionize information landscapes and make a significant impact in the field.

School Fees	₦34,300 to ₦36,800 for freshers and ₦20,000 to ₦32,000 for returning students
Address	Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Email	ugadmissions@stu.ui.edu.ng
Website	ui.edu.ng

What We Think

Pros:

Offers a comprehensive education in library science and information management.
Provides experienced faculty and well-equipped research facilities.
Organizes internships and practical sessions to enhance learning.
Supports research projects addressing national and global information 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. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) – Best for Comprehensive Curriculum, Extensive Library Resources

At Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), your journey in Library and Information Science unfolds in a vibrant academic setting.

Visionary faculty inspire your learning, while cutting-edge facilities provide you with the tools to excel.

Here, you get to experience a seamless blend of theory and practice, deepening your understanding of the field.

In ABU’s programme, you gain expertise in information architecture, digital scholarship, and knowledge management.

You develop a unique skill set that combines technical proficiency with critical and creative thinking, equipping you to navigate the complexities of today’s information landscape.

As a graduate of ABU, you are prepared to lead in the evolving world of libraries and information systems.

You become a confident, innovative professional, ready to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and shared, making a meaningful impact in your field.

School Fees	₦26,000 to ₦30,000 per session
Address	Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Email	registrar@abu.edu.ng
Website	abu.edu.ng

What We Think

Pros:

Delivers a solid foundation in library science and information management.
Benefits from experienced faculty and historical significance.
Conducts practical sessions and field trips.
Addresses regional and national information 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. Delta State University (DELSU) – Best for Innovative Programmes, Practical Training

Your Library and Information Science journey at Delta State University (DELSU) is a path of excellence.

Surrounded by inspiring mentors, cutting-edge resources, and interactive learning, you’re empowered to ignite your creativity and growth.

DELSU’s programme equips you with expertise in information architecture, digital libraries, and knowledge management.

You hone a powerful blend of technical, analytical, and communication skills, preparing you to illuminate information pathways and drive knowledge discovery.

As a graduate of DELSU, you step into the world as a bright, innovative, and industry-ready information professional, ready to lead and transform information landscapes.

School Fees	₦64,500 to ₦84,500 per session
Address	PMB 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
Email	registrar@delsu.edu.ng
Website	delsu.edu.ng

What We Think

Pros:

Provides a thorough education in library science and information management.
Supports students with experienced faculty and academic staff.
Conducts practical sessions and field trips.
Addresses regional information 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. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) – Best for Strong Industry Connections, Modern Facilities

In the Library and Information Science programme at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), your journey takes flight within a vibrant learning community. Guided by experienced mentors and supported by cutting-edge resources, you are empowered to excel.

ESUT’s programme hones your skills in information architecture, digital scholarship, and knowledge curation.

With a unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving, you’re prepared to tackle the challenges of the field.

As a graduate of ESUT, you step into the professional world as a confident, forward-thinking leader.

Equipped to navigate complex information systems, drive innovation, and lead libraries with precision, you are ready to transform the information landscape.

School Fees	₦124,900 per session
Address	Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Email	info@esut.edu.ng
Website	esut.edu.ng

What We Think

Pros:

Offers a solid education in library science and information management.
Focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge.
Equips students with modern facilities and well-equipped libraries.
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 – Best for High Academic Standards, Excellent Infrastructure

Covenant University is where Library and Information Science excellence is cultivated. Within this vibrant academic setting, your aspirations are nurtured by visionary faculty, empowered by innovative resources, and fueled by collaborative learning.

The programme at Covenant University sharpens your expertise in information management, digital literacy, and knowledge discovery.

You gain a deep understanding of information ecosystems, honing your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

As a Covenant graduate, you step into the field as a trailblazing information professional, ready to transform information landscapes.

Equipped to navigate complex knowledge systems, drive innovation, and lead with confidence and creativity, you are prepared to make a lasting impact.

School Fees	₦950,000 to ₦1,200,000 per session
Address	Km. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Email	registrar@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
Website	covenantuniversity.edu.ng

What We Think

Pros:

Delivers a solid education in library 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 LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s information landscape benefits from exceptional Library and Information Science programmes at five leading universities.

University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Lagos State University (LASU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and Covenant University set the pace.

These institutions offer comprehensive education, combining theoretical foundations with practical skills in library management, information technology, and knowledge organization. Each university excels in unique areas: UI in archival studies, ABU in information systems, LASU in digital libraries, ESUT in technical services, and Covenant University in innovative information services.

By choosing one of these universities, you gain a solid understanding of Library and Information Science principles and practices, preparing you for successful careers in Nigeria’s evolving information sector.

OTHER UNIVERSITIES THAT OFFER LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN NIGERIA

Top 12 Federal Universities to Study Library and Information Science

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Ile-Ife
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Nsukka
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Ilorin
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – Port Harcourt
University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Benin City
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – Owerri
University of Jos (UNIJOS) – Jos
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Kano
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) – Makurdi
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – Minna
University of Uyo (UNIUYO) – Uyo

Top 8 State Universities to Study Library and Information Science

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – Ago-Iwoye
Rivers State University (RSU) – Port Harcourt
Ambrose Alli University (AAU) – Ekpoma
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

Top 9 Private Universities to Study Library and Information Science

Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – Ikeji-Arakeji
Babcock University (BU) – Ilishan-Remo
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Ado-Ekiti
American University of Nigeria (AUN) – Yola
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

How to Choose the Best University to Study Library and Information 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 information management, digital libraries, and archival studies.
Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members in the Library and Information Science department.
Check for modern facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and access to digital resources.
Consider the university’s reputation and ranking, especially in the field of Library and Information 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 information science industry.
Review the location of the university, considering factors like proximity to information hubs, cost of living, and overall environment.

Based on these factors, here’s a brief comparison:

Choose UI for its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for diverse career paths in information science.
Opt for ABU for its strong curriculum encompassing information organization, retrieval, and management, and its extensive research output.
Consider DELSU for its affordable tuition fees and supportive learning environment, making it a cost-effective option for Library and Information Science studies.
Select ESUT for its focus on practical training and modern facilities that support hands-on learning in information science.
Choose Covenant University for its state-of-the-art facilities, emphasis on practical training, and strong alumni network, which can provide valuable career opportunities.

Course Combination for Studying Library and Information Science in Nigeria

The JAMB subjects for Library and Information Science are English, Mathematics, Physics, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Economics, or Geography.

Eligibility Criteria for Studying Library and Information Science in Nigeria

Obtain five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics.
Score a minimum of 180 in UTME with required subjects like English Language and any two other subjects.
Achieve a good score in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
Possess advanced qualifications like A’ levels or a diploma in Library and Information Science.
Be at least 16 years old.

General Cut off Mark for Library and Information Science

Aiming for a Library and Information Science programme in Nigeria? The cut-off mark is generally 180 and above, though it varies by the specific university.

Library and Information Science Duration

The Library and Information Science programme generally spans over a period of four years

Pro Tips

Research universities like the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Check for experienced lecturers and modern library facilities.
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 major libraries.
Check accreditation and reputation.
Look for scholarship opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a journey in Library and Information Science (LIS) in Nigeria unlocks doors to a dynamic field, bridging knowledge gaps and fostering information literacy.

The esteemed universities of UI, ABU, DELSU, ESUT, and Covenant University offer exceptional LIS programmes, nurturing professionals equipped to navigate the evolving information landscape.

With state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and practical training, these institutions empower students to excel in librarianship, information management, and knowledge services.

As Nigeria embraces digital transformation and knowledge-driven development, the role of LIS professionals becomes increasingly vital.

Graduates from these top universities come out poised to lead innovative library services, harness information technologies, and promote lifelong learning.

By choosing UI, ABU, DELSU, ESUT, or Covenant University, aspiring LIS professionals are empowered to shape the future of information management in Nigeria, making a lasting impact on education, research, and society.

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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