Higher Education in Nigeria

Nigeria got her independence in 1960 from her British colonial ruler. It has ever since gone through many administrations. Firstly the civilian administration that lasted only till 1966 by a coup d’état. From then it has been one military to another. But since 1999 it has been enjoying civilian administration. With three military regimes notwithstanding the country has a well-laid educational foundation.

It operates a 6-3-3-4 educational system; which means six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school, three years in higher secondary school and four years in tertiary education. To gain admission into the university you have to take and pass the cut-off mark set by JAMB-the educational body that conducts   aptitude   tests . The cut-off point for admission is 200, followed by an  aptitude  test  conducted by the institution you applied. The second requirement is to get five credits relating to your discipline; including English and mathematics.

Nigeria has three types of universities: the Federal Universities, the State Universities and the Private Universities. It has ninety universities: twenty seven Federal Universities, thirty one state universities and thirty four private universities. The Federal universities are funded by the Federal government, the state universities are funded by the state government while the private universities are funded by individuals and corporate bodies. Higher education in Nigeria remains one of the cheapest in the world.

The average tuition fees Federal Universities is N16,000 which is about $160.The average tuition fees for state universities is N50, 000 which is about $400. The average for private universities is $1,200. After completing your tertiary education, if you are below thirty years you will undergo a one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in any state of the federation.

Higher Education in Nigeria