Best Universities to study Law in Nigeria-Lawyers like to address themselves as Learned fellows. On a lighter note, I will say there are two kinds of human beings on the surface of the earth, the learned fellow and others! Lawyers carry themselves with pride and dignity, that at times I become so jealous. I will advise when you are driving, especially on the streets of Lagos, never bash/ hit the car of a lawyer, else you might end up in court with a messy case on your hand. So, law is really an adventurous and exciting career to pursue. Globally, the demand for lawyers is on the increase. This article will reveal to you 20 best universities in Nigeria that you can study Law, requirements to study law and basic things you must know as a Law student. Read on!
Twenty (20) Best Universities to Study Law in Nigeria
- University of Ilorin
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Jos
- University of Benin
- Lagos State University
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Babcock University
- University of Maiduguri
- Abia State University
- Ambrose Alli University
- Delta State University
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- University of Calabar
- Afe Babalola University
- Ekiti State University
- Covenant University
- University of Abuja
University of Ilorin: It is a federal government-owned university located in Ilorin, Kwara State of Nigeria. It was instituted in 1975. Its motto is better by far. It is the only Nigerian University that in the last 11 years has not experienced any strike action!
University of Lagos: The university popularly known as UNILAG is a public research university that was established in 1962. UNILAG is well ranked among the top universities in the world. It has three campuses and a total of 12 faculties including Law.
University of Ibadan: The university started out in 1948 as University College, Ibadan in affiliation with the college of London. It became an independent university in 1962. It is ranked as the number one university in Nigeria.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): This is the very first university and remains one of the best in Nigeria. In world ranking of universities, UNN stands out in position 244. The university was founded by the Federal government of Nigeria in 1955.
Obafemi Awolowo University: Formerly known as University of Ife, the university was established in 1962. In 1987, it was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University in honor of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The university has been rated as the best university in Nigeria and as the 8th in Africa in a webometrics ranking done few years’ back.
University of Jos: This Federal university located in Jos, Plateau state was founded in 1975. The university offers Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctorate in several areas of study including law.
University of Benin: It is a public research university owned and managed by the Federal Government. It is located in Benin City, Edo State. It was established in 1970. The university is one of the best Federal universities in the country. UNIBEN as it is fondly called by many, admits students from different parts of Nigeria irrespective of race, cultural or religious background.
Lagos State University: The university commonly known as LASU was established in 1983 by the Lagos State Government. The university offers diploma, degree, post-graduate and MBA progammes. In 2020 world university rankings, LASU ranked 600.
Ahmadu Bello University: It is a Federal government- owned university founded in 1962. It is located in the very heart of Zaria in Kaduna State. The university is comprised of two campuses, 16 faculties and 99 academic faculties. The school is known to be one of the cheapest universities in Nigeria.
Babcock University: It is a private university located in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The university owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church is one of the best in Nigeria to study Law.
University of Maiduguri: It is a Federal government-owned university. It was created in 1975. This school has one of the best faculties of Law in Nigeria
Abia State University: It was founded in 1981 by the then governor of Imo State, Sam Mbakwe. The main campus is located in Etiti, Imo State while the Law department is located in Aba.
Ambrose Alli University: It was established in 1981 by the then governor of the state, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Ali. It was known then as Bendel State University, later it was changed to Edo state university and later changed to its present name in honor of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. This school also has a good faculty of Law.
Delta State University: It is a state public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta state. The university first started out as a teacher’s college in 1924 before it became in university in 1992 offering different courses in the following faculties, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Agriculture and Education.
Olabisi Onabanjo University: it is a state university that was established in 1982. It was first named Ogun State University (OSU) until May 29, 2001 when the name was changed to the current one.
University of Calabar: It is a public university that was established in 1975 in Calabar, Cross River State. It is one of Nigeria’s second generation university. UNICAL, as it is fondly called is ranked as 15th best university in Nigeria.
Afe Babalola University: it is a private-owned university that was established in 2009. The university located in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria was founded by Afe Babalola, a Lawyer and a Philanthropist. There are six colleges of study in this university and they include:
College of Science
College of Law
College of Engineering
College of Social and Management Sciences
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
College of Postgraduate Studies
It is important I mention that Law is the best course to study in Afe Babalola University
Ekiti State University: It was established in 1982. It was first named Obafemi Awolowo University after which the name had been changed about four times. It is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Covenant University: is a private Christian university located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. It was established in 2002. The university is well recognized and duly accredited by the National Universities Commission. It is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Association of African Universities. It is one of the leading universities in Nigeria.
University of Abuja: This university was established on January 1, 1988 but academic work did not begin until 1990 when the first set of students were matriculated. The university runs both conventional and distance learning mode of study.
Requirements for Studying Law in a Nigerian University
Candidates desiring to study law in a Nigerian University must meet the following requirement:
- He/she must have at least 5 credit pass in O’ levels (WAEC or NECO) including English and Mathematics and other relevant subjects, in not more than two sittings.
- Jamb subject combination for Law include; Use of English, Literature-in-English, Christian Religious Knowledge or Islamic Religious Knowledge, Government or Economics.
For Direct Entry process:
Candidates should have at least a first degree in a related course with a Second class honors.
JUPEB Candidates desiring to gain direct entry into 200 level to study law in Nigerian University must have a minimum of 13points.
Five (5) things you must know if you want to study Law in Nigeria
There is a dress code: As a Law student, you are expected to be corporately dressed all the time and the corporate dress has to be white and black. So if you are truly going to study law, you should start updating your wardrobe now!
Law books can really be capital-intensive: This is not to scare you but rather to prepare your mind and your pocket too.
You must be ready to stay strong till the end: this is because there will be times of discouragements, frustrations, etc. For example, having to read big books in a short time, having lots of assignments to finish up and submit in a short time. Don’t be scared, just focus and free yourself of every distraction.
Law is a field with high prospects: The law profession is highly respected all over the world and there are great career opportunities.
Law school can really be intense: Law which is the final stage of the law education can really be intensive. It is the final lap and you will really need to give it your best shot because if you don’t pass in law school, you are not graduating.
Why should you study Law?
#1 Critical skills which are essential and in hot demand in other sectors of the economy are acquired in law school. These skills include:
Critical analysis skill: you must have the ability to read, understand and analyze and make up your mind.
Writing skill: you must be able to write argument in simple and clear terms.
Research Skill: this is the ability to search out cases that are similar and relevant to support a legal argument.
Argument and Presentation: this is the ability to formulate and argue your positions in clear terms.
Sharing Ideas: this is the ability to argue complex ideas in simple terms so that your clients and fellow law professionals can understand you.
Note: The skills listed above are in high demand in other sectors, this makes it much easier for a lawyer to function in other sectors easily.
#2 Law graduates are in high demand:
Studying law can really be demanding on the part of the students. The rigor a student goes through in law school coupled with skills acquired makes law graduates to be much sought after in the labor market.
#3 You have a clear career pathway: There are a couple of career options as a law graduate. You can never be stranded or jobless as a law graduate most especially if you are very much dedicated to your work and hardworking too.
Conclusion
Law is a prestigious course to study, even though it can really be demanding. There are really high prospects for law profession all over the world. So if you are really interested in the law profession, summon up courage and take the plunge now.
