What is the best university to study law in Nigeria in 2025? Top 20 list

Choosing the best university to study law in Nigeria in 2025 is a crucial decision for aspiring legal professionals. These institutions have consistently ranked among the best due to their rigorous academic standards, experienced lecturers, and well-equipped law faculties. Read on to learn more about the best of these universities.

Key takeaways

• The best universities to study law in Nigeria include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ibadan (UI), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), which are known for their strong law faculties and academic excellence.
• Ensure the university is accredited by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).
• The best law universities have highly qualified lecturers, well-equipped law libraries, and modern facilities.
• Graduating from a prestigious law university increases career opportunities.

Best university to study law in Nigeria

Many prospective attorneys want to know the best law schools in Nigeria. Below is a compilation of the top 20 best law universities in Nigeria.

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20. The University of Abuja

• Location: Abuja
• Year of establishment: 1988
• Type: Public (federal)
• Motto: For Unity and Scholarship

The University of Abuja is one of the federal universities in Nigeria and is ranked among the best law universities in Nigeria. The institution has grown since its inception and is known for offering world-class education. It has a Faculty of Law known for producing competent graduates.

19. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

• Location: Ado Ekiti
• Year of establishment: 1982
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge, Honour, Service

If you are searching for the best university for lawyers, consider EKSU. This institution is known for producing competent graduates in various fields. It has a Faculty of Law with the Departments of Private and Property Law, Public Law, Business and Industrial Law, and Jurisprudence and International Law.

18. Rivers State University

• Location: Diobu area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
• Year of establishment: 1980
• Type: Public
• Motto: Excellence & Creativity

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Rivers State University has a Faculty of Law with various departments specialising in different types of law, including business, public, international, private property law, and Jurisprudence and International Law.

17. Afe Babalola University

• Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Year of establishment: 2009
• Type: Private
• Motto: Labor Servitum Et Integritas (Labor for service and Integrity)

Afe Babalola, a Nigerian attorney and philanthropist, founded this institution in 2009. It is one of the best private universities to study law in Nigeria. Afe Babalola has a College of Law that offers multiple undergraduate and post-graduate law and law-related programmes.

16. The University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Location: Calabar, Cross River State
• Year of establishment: 1975
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge for Service

UNICAL has a Faculty of Law with a rich history and competent trainers and lecturers. The department was officially launched in 1980, five years after the institution was established.

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15. Olabisi Onabanjo University

• Location: Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
• Year of establishment: 1982
• Type: Public
• Motto: Excellentia Humana et Patriae opus (The Flowering of Human Abilities and Service to the Fatherland)

Olabisi Onabanjo University was formerly known as Ogun State University. It is a state institution of higher learning. Its mission is to offer the best educational experience for all students and the public. It has a dedicated Department of Public Law.

14. Delta State University (DELSU)

• Location: Abraka-Abbi Rd, Uruoka
• Year of establishment: 1992
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge, Character and Service

DELSU is a state university with more than one campus. Abraka is home to the main campus, while Anwai-Asaba and Oleh are the other two locations. Among the nation's top legal schools, Oleh's Faculty of Law is situated on campus.

13. Ambrose Alli University

• Location: Edo State
• Year of establishment: 1981
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge for Advancement

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Previously known as Edo State University, the state currently owns Ambrose Alli University. Some of the country's most prominent and prosperous lawyers have graduated from Ambrose Alli University's law school.

12. Abia State University

• Location: Uturu
• Year of establishment: 1981
• Type: Public
• Motto: Excellence and Service

Abia State University believes in education that empowers individuals towards service and excellence. The institution runs on the collegiate system, and its College of Law is among the top-ranked colleges to study law in the country.

11. University of Maiduguri

• Location: Maiduguri
• Year of establishment: 1975
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge is Light

The University of Maiduguri is one of the best higher learning institutions located in the country's northern part. The institution is particularly renowned for its Faculty of Law, which offers quality education and training.

10. Babcock University

• Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
• Year of establishment: 1959
• Type: Private
• Motto: Knowledge, Truth, Service

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Babcock University is one of Nigeria's oldest and best private institutions of higher learning. The institution prides itself on producing competent graduates. It has a School of Law and Security Studies that offers world-class learning. Babcock University is one of the top 10 best private universities to study law in Nigeria.

9. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• Location: Zaria
• Year of establishment: 1962
• Type: Public

ABU produces thousands of graduates every year from its multiple undergraduate programmes. It is one of the best federal units in the northern part of the country. Its Faculty of Law is located at the Kongo Campus.

8. Lagos State University (LASU)

• Location: Ojo, Lagos State
• Year of establishment: 1983
• Type: Public
• Motto: Per la verità e di servizio (For Truth and Service)

Among Nigeria's state-owned institutions of higher learning, LASU stands out as a top choice. It boasts one of Nigeria's top law schools. The former vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is one of the noteworthy alumni of this faculty.

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7. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Location: Benin City, Edo State
• Year of establishment: 1970
• Type: Public
• Motto: Knowledge for Service

As a first-generation federal university, UNIBEN is among the nation's educational institutions. Josephine Anenih and Babatunde Raji Fashola are among the prominent Nigerian lawyers who have graduated from the Law Faculty.

6. The University of Jos (Unijos)

• Location: Jos, Plateau State
• Year of establishment: 1975
• Type: Public
• Motto: Discipline and Dedication

The University of Jos is a former campus of the University of Ibadan. In 1975, it got its charter. It has a Faculty of Law that offers quality education to all students.

5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
• Year of establishment: 1961
• Type: Public
• Motto: For Learning and Culture

OAU is one of the most notable institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. It is one of the most competitive institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. Its Faculty of Law has four departments specialising in business, public, international, jurisprudence and private law.

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4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Location: Nsukka-Onitsha Rd, Nsukka
• Year of establishment: 1955
• Type: Public
• Motto: To Restore the Dignity of Man

Founded before Nigeria gained its independence, UNN is one of the first federal universities in the country. It has the nation's longest-running law school. The field of law in Nigeria has benefited greatly from it.

3. University of Ibadan (UI)

• Location: Ibadan
• Year of establishment: 1948
• Type: Public
• Motto: Recte Sapere Fons (For Knowledge and Sound Judgement)

When it comes to Nigerian universities, none is more prestigious than the University of Ibadan. Many notable Nigerian attorneys have come from this school. The Faculty of Law consists of four departments.

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Location: Lagos
• Year of establishment: 1962
• Type: Public
• Motto: In deed and in truth

UNILAG is among the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. Its Faculty of Law offers specialisation in public, private and property, commercial and industrial, or jurisprudence and international law.

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1. University of Ilorin (Unilorin)

• Location: Ilorin
• Year of establishment: 1975
• Type: Public
• Motto: Better by Far

The University of Ilorin is a federal institution of higher studies in Nigeria. It is arguably the best university for lawyers in Nigeria. Its Faculty of Law inculcates in students a clear understanding of the importance of law in contemporary society.

Best university to study law in Nigeria and their cut-off mark

Selecting the best university to study law in Nigeria involves considering factors such as academic reputation, faculty expertise, and admission requirements, particularly the cut-off marks for entry into law programs.

Here are some of the best universities to study law in Nigeria and their cut-off;

• University of Lagos (UNILAG): The cut-off mark is between 240 and 260.
• University of Ibadan (UI): Prospective law students are generally required to achieve a minimum score of 240 to 260 in their JAMB examinations.
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): The university often sets its cut-off mark for law candidates between 240 and 260.
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Admission into its law program typically requires a JAMB score within the range of 240 to 260.
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): While the general JAMB cut-off mark is 140, competitive courses like law may require higher scores, often around 240 to 260.

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Which University in Nigeria is best for law?

Nigeria has many top-ranking law universities. These include the University of Ilorin, UNILAG, the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Unijos.

How much does it cost to study law in Nigeria?

The cost of studying law in Nigeria varies depending on whether the university is public or private. Here’s a general breakdown of the best universities to study law in Nigeria and their fees;

1. Public Universities – Tuition fees in federal and state universities are more affordable, typically ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦200,000 per year, depending on the institution.
2. Private Universities – Tuition fees in private universities are significantly higher, usually ranging from ₦700,000 to ₦3 million per year.
3. Nigerian Law School – After obtaining an LLB, law graduates must attend the Nigerian Law School (NLS) to become qualified lawyers.

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How many years does it take to study law in Nigeria?

To study law in Nigeria, it typically takes 5 years to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at an accredited university. However, the full process to become a qualified lawyer takes longer due to additional requirements:

1. Undergraduate Law Degree (LL.B.) – 5 Years
2. Nigerian Law School – 1 Year
3. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) – 1 Year (Optional for Some)

Is law a hard degree?

The law programme involves plenty of work that can be challenging, especially if you lack motivation and self-discipline. Even so, many people have done it, and so can you.

What are the qualities of a good lawyer?

A competent lawyer is responsive to a client's needs. They also have good analytical, research, speaking, and listening skills.

How many years will it take to study law in Nigeria?

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It will take you about seven years to become a qualified attorney in the country. You will spend the first five years in an accredited institution of higher learning, followed by two years at the Nigerian law school and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Which is the cheapest university to study law in Nigeria?

It is challenging to pick the cheapest university in the country for law. Generally, public universities are cheaper than private ones. You should look at the prospectuses of multiple institutions before choosing the most affordable one.

What type of lawyer earns the most?

Attorneys' salaries vary depending on experience, location, size of firm, and education level. The highest-paid ones have specialised in medical, intellectual property, trial, and tax law.

Does it matter what university you go to for law?

Academic achievement is crucial in the legal profession. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right institution that will give you access to plenty of opportunities beyond coursework and help you kick-start your law career.

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All prospective Nigerian attorneys are curious about the best law university in Nigeria. Many institutions are offering this prestigious course, but the best one offers quality and affordable education in your preferred area of specialisation.

Legit.ng recently published the best universities to study Computer Science in Nigeria. Among the most prestigious courses to pursue in Nigeria is Computer Science.

Computer scientists research and analyse how computers store and use information. If this is your dream job, you should find out the best university to study Computer Science in Nigeria.

Source: Legit.ng