15 Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Masters

You probably want to know whether there are Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters. This article has compiled a list of the specific universities and their requirements. Here are the universities in Nigeria that accept a third-class master's degree.

Key takeaways

• Among the 15 Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters, several require you to do a post-graduate diploma (PGD) first.
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are popular choices.
• You can also pursue the degree at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Taraba State University (TASU).

Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Masters

If you are reading this, chances are you already know that it is not that easy to find a third-class Master’s programme in Nigeria. Most respectable universities demand at least a second-class lower division in Bachelor’s degree.

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This can be quite disappointing for people who have not been all that successful in their education. Here are the universities where you can get a masters with a third-class degree.

According to Naira Land and other credible sources, there are at least 15 universities that accept students with a third class degree. Most of them also have special requirements. Checkout Nigerian universities that accept third class degrees for Master’s.

15. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)

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• Location: Agbani, Enugu State
• Founded: 30 July 1980
• PGD requirement: Yes

This university accepts candidates with third class degrees, provided they also have a university PGD with CGPA of 3.0/5.0. Students that fit these requirements can be considered for admission for Professional and Academic Master Degree Programmes.

14. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Location: Benin City, Edo State
• Founded: 23 November 1970
• PGD requirement: Yes

If you have a third-class degree, you can be considered for admission into UNIBEN if you have a PGD.

13. University of Ibadan (UI)

• Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
• Founded: 1948
• PGD requirement: Yes or work experience

This university is by far one of the most lenient when it comes to degree classes. For instance, you can apply for the following courses. The minimum additional requirements are relevant work experience or PGD, depending on the programme:

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• Master of Professional Ethics;
• Professional Masters in Business Computing;
• Professional Master’s Degree in Forensic Science;
• Master of Managerial Psychology;
• Professional Master of Science Degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology;
• Master of Social Work;
• Professional Master Degree of Agroforestry.

12. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

• Location: Jos, Plateau State
• Founded: October 1975
• PGD requirement: Yes

University of Jos is another option for Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters. The University of Jos has several options for third class degree holders, but they all require PGDs and sometimes even work experience in addition.

And even that does not guarantee admission. These are your choices:

• M.Sc. Computer Science;
• M.Sc. Microbial Biotechnology/M.Sc. Food and Industrial Microbiology/M.Sc. Environmental Microbiology;
• M.Sc. Clinical Psychology/M.Sc. Organizational Psychology/M.Sc. Social and Terrorism Psychology;
• M.Sc. Architecture;
• M.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning.

11. Lagos State University (LASU)

• Location: Ojo, Lagos State
• Founded: 1983
• PGD requirement: Yes

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Some Master’s programmes at this university consider applicants with third class degrees, as long as you also have a postgraduate diploma.

10. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
• Founded: 4 October 1962
• PGD requirement: Yes or 5 years work experience

This university’s requirements for third class degree holders include relevant qualifications and/or at least 5 years of post-graduation work experience. Ahmadu Bello University is a prestigious institution in Nigeria. The top university also insists that such applicants can be admitted in some cases, so do not get your hopes up.

9. Ambrose Alli University (AAU Ekpoma)

• Location: Ekpoma, Edo State
• Founded: 1981
• PGD requirement: 5 work experience needed

While most of the Master’s programmes at AAU require at least a second class degree, there are some exceptions. For instance, your application for LL.M. will be considered if you have at least 5 years post call.

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You can also go for M.Sc. Architecture if you have a portfolio that you have been updating for at least a year. Please note that you will have to go through an interview at the Department of Architecture before your application is considered.

8. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)

• Location: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
• Founded: 2005
• PGD requirement: Yes

Tai Solarin is one of the Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Masters. However, TASUED is quite concise about its requirements. If you have a third class degree, you will need to have a PGD in the same subject to be considered.

7. Taraba State University (TASU)

• Location: Jalingo, Taraba State
• Founded: 2008
• PGD requirement: 5 years work experience instead

This university does not have that many postgraduate programs to begin with, but it does offer an opportunity for third class degree owners. As long as they have five years of practice experience, they are free to apply for programs in Faculty of Agriculture.

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6. Kaduna State University (KASU)

• Location: Kaduna, Kaduna State
• Founded: 2004
• PGD requirement: Yes

Those who have a third class degree can apply to KASU, provided they have a PGD from a recognized institution and their CGPA is not lower than 3.50.

5. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Location: Calabar, Cross River State
• Founded: 25 October 1975
• PGD requirement: Yes

Out of all the programs at UNICAL, only the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences allows third class degrees, as long as there is also a PGD with 3.5 CGPA.

4. Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)

• Location: Calabar, Cross River State
• Founded: August 2002
• PGD requirement: No

CRUTECH goes easy on its applicants. Instead of requiring a PGD in a relevant field, with a 3.5 CGPA like the rest of the universities, it requires only 2.75 CGPA, so take your chances.

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3. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (UMYU)

• Location: Katsina, Katsina State
• Founded: 2006
• PGD requirement: 5 years working experience instead

There is only one programme at UMYU that allows for third class degrees, and it is Masters in Resource Development. Apart from your degree, you will also need at least five years of relevant working experience.

2. Covenant University (CU)

• Location: Ota, Ogun State
• Founded: 21 October 2002
• PGD requirement: Yes

Similarly to many other universities, Covenant University accepts third class degree holders, provided they have a PGD with the 3.50 CGPA. This is relevant for their Master of Business Administration programme.

1. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

• Location: Osogbo, Osun State
• Founded: December 2006
• PGD requirement: Yes

This university has several options for people with third class degrees to enrol on a masters program:

• Master in International Studies (MIS) (Professional) and Master in Intelligence and Strategic Studies (MISS) (Professional) (+ at least 5 years of working experience in a relevant field);
• M.Sc. in Environmental Management (Professional) (+ PGD or 3 years of working experience in a relevant field);
• M.Sc. in Disaster and Risk Management (Professional) (+ 3 years of working experience in a relevant field).

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How to upgrade a 3rd class degree

Upgrading a 3rd class degree is best done by pursuing a postgraduate degree mainly masters. Alternatively, you can get professional certificates to improve your skills and career opportunities. Check the list above for Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters.

Can third class go for NYSC?

Yes, with a third class, you can join the NYSC. The National Youth Service is mandatory for all Nigerian graduates regardless of their academic performance.

What is the difference between third class and pass?

A third class is grade B while a pass is grade C therefore a third class ranks higher than a pass.

Can a third class graduate do masters in Nigeria?

Yes, a third class graduate can do masters in Nigeria. Above, you is a list of 15 Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters. Check their requirements and courses offered and enroll to get your masters.

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Does NOUN accept 3rd class for masters in Nigeria?

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) needs a minimum of a second-class lower degree for master's programs. However, the university may accept a third class degree for post-graduate diploma (PDG) which can eventually lead to a master's degree.

Where can a third class graduate work in Nigeria?

A third-class graduate in Nigeria can find work in various sectors sectors like government and private sector. Alternatively, there is employment in the voluntary sector and many numerous opportunities in finance, IT, HR, accounting, among others.

Can a third class do masters abroad?

Yes, you can do a masters abroad with your third class degree. There are many excellent universities that offer masters to third class graduates. These universities can also be quite affordable and provide career opportunities post-graduation.

Here are some universities that accept third class for masters in Europe:

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• University of Alicante, Spain
• University of Geneva, Switzerland
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
• Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
• Charles University, Czech Republic
• University of Lille, France
• Politecnico di Milano, Italy
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
• University of Groningen, Netherlands
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway

The above list of Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for masters might seem limited and most need PGD. Carefully study the requirements of each university and upgrade your masters.

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