Are you searching for the best University to study law in Nigeria and fulfil your dream of becoming a lawyer.
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the best university to study law in Nigeria is crucial for your legal career.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the University of Ibadan (UI) are top choices.
The university you graduate from significantly impacts your career.
In Nigeria, employers highly value the reputation of the institutions their employees attended, as some universities do not meet certain standards.
Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider your options before choosing a university.
This article will guide you through the best and most affordable universities to study law in Nigeria.
Grab a chilled glass of water as I walk you through the best university to study law in Nigeria.
15 Best University To Study Law In Nigeria
Listed below is the 15 best University to study law in Nigeria and they include;
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Location: Lagos State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1962
Type: Public
Motto: In Deed and in Truth
Highlights:
- Ranked among the top three universities in Nigeria.
- Known for its competitive admission process, accepting about 40,000 students yearly.
- Faculty of Law is fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC) and recognized for excellence.
- Produced the highest number of first-class law graduates in recent years.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1961
Type: Public
Motto: For Learning and Culture
Highlights:
- Initially named the University of Ife, later renamed after Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
- Highly competitive with about 35,000 admissions per session.
- Known for its outstanding law faculty and success in national and international competitions.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Location: Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1960
Type: Public
Motto: To Restore the Dignity of Man
Highlights:
- The first autonomous university in Nigeria, modeled on the American educational system.
- Recognized nationally and internationally, with a top-ranked law faculty.
- Produces at least five first-class law students annually.
4. University of Ibadan (UI)
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1948
Type: Federal
Motto: Recte Sapere Fons (To Think Straight is the Fount of Knowledge)
Highlights:
- Nigeria’s first university, known for academic excellence.
- Consistently produces the highest number of first-class graduates from the Nigerian Law School.
- Encourages student participation in various legal competitions.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Location: Benin City, Nigeria
Year Established: 1970
Type: Public Research University
Motto: Knowledge for Service
Highlights:
- Highly competitive with thousands of applicants yearly.
- Faculty of Law is accredited by the NUC and has produced notable lawyers.
- Alumni include prominent figures like Babatunde Raji Fashola.
6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1962
Type: Public, Research
Motto: The First Duty of Every University is the Search for and the Spread of Knowledge and the Establishment of the Nation
Highlights:
- Named after Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria.
- One of the top universities in Nigeria, particularly known in the North.
- Law faculty has represented Nigeria in international competitions.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1975
Type: Public
Motto: Probitas Doctrina
Highlights:
- Known for producing a significant number of first-class law graduates.
- Established during the military regime to expand educational opportunities.
- Recognized for its academic excellence and contributions to high-level manpower development.
8. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Location: Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1975
Type: Public
Motto: Knowledge for Service
Highlights:
- Originally a campus of the University of Nigeria before becoming autonomous.
- Faculty of Law established in 1980, known for producing competent graduates.
- Students actively participate in national and international legal competitions.
9. Lagos State University (LASU)
Location: Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1983
Type: Public
Motto: Per la Verità e di Servizio (For Truth and Service)
Highlights:
- Renowned state university with about 35,000 students.
- Faculty of Law is highly regarded and has won numerous competitions.
- Students frequently represent Nigeria in international legal debates.
10. Covenant University (CU)
Location: Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Year Established: 2002
Type: Private
Motto: Raising a New Generation of Leaders
Highlights:
- Top private university in Nigeria, known for academic excellence.
- Competes with federal and state universities in legal competitions.
- Strong emphasis on practical training and leadership development.
11. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Location: Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Year Established: 1979
Type: State University
Highlights:
- Prestigious state university competing with federal institutions.
- Faculty of Law established in 1980, producing notable graduates.
- Participates actively in national law school competitions.
12. Babcock University
Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Type: Private, Christian
Highlights:
- Owned and run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
- Recognized for its quality education and strong law program.
- First graduating class from the Ben Carson School of Medicine was in 2017.
13. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Location: Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Type: Private
Highlights:
- Renowned for its dedication to academic excellence.
- Faculty of Law emphasizes quality teaching and practical experience.
- Offers specialized programs in various legal areas.
14. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Location: Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Type: Public
Highlights:
- Accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Faculty of Law provides a solid foundation in legal education.
- Includes practical training through mock trials and internships.
15. University of Abuja
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Type: Public
Highlights:
- Accredited by the NUC.
- Faculty of Law staffed by experienced legal professionals.
- Provides a comprehensive legal education with practical training opportunities.
How many years to study law in Nigeria?
FIVE
To graduate from the LL.B program, you must meet the following conditions:
- Duration: The minimum duration of the Bachelor of Laws program is five (5) years or 10 semesters. For direct entry students, it is four (4) years or eight (8) semesters.
Which law degree is the best?
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree is considered the highest level of a law degree, designed for professionals seeking to gain advanced expertise in the field.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) stands out as the best university to study law in Nigeria due to its rigorous academics, competitive admission process, and exceptional track record of producing top law graduates.
Choosing UNILAG and other prolific institutions mentioned above ensures a comprehensive and prestigious legal education.
