Studying Law in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have ever dreamed of studying Law in Nigeria (or you’re been pressured or coerced by peers, family, and the like as is common in this part of the world), then you must have an in-depth knowledge of what you’re getting yourself into. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to studying law in Nigeria, including the educational requirements, and career prospects.

Admission Requirements for Studying Law in Nigeria

To become a lawyer in Nigeria, you must have a degree in law from a recognized Nigerian university. The admission requirements for studying law vary from university to university, but generally, you will need to have a minimum of five O’Level credits, including Mathematics and English Language.

JAMB & WAEC Subject Combination for Law

You must have at least a Credit (C6) in each of these O’Level subjects:

• English Language,
• Mathematics,
• Literature-in-English and
• Any two (2) other Arts or Social Science subjects like Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK), Government, Economics, etc.

Additionally, you will need to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in four (4) of the above-listed subjects, which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB Direct Entry Requirements for Law

You can gain admission to study law by Direct Entry, meaning that you would be admitted into the 200 level. Below are the requirements to study law through JAMB direct entry.

i. A Level: You must have two (2) A’ Level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects. Advanced Level (A-Level) programs are approved and certified by the Federal Government and they include:

(a.) IJMB which means Interim Joint Matriculation Board is moderated by Ahmadu Bello University and accepted by many universities across Nigeria.

(b.) JUPEB which means Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) is moderated by the University of Lagos.

ii. Diploma/Certificate/First Degree: You must possess either NCE, ND, HND, or First Degree (Second Class Lower). Although not all schools accept NCE or ND, and some schools have special requirements.

NOTE: In either case, you will have to obtain a JAMB D.E. form but won’t have to sit for UTME or post-UTME, and this varies from one university to another. JAMB form enables you to be regularized and mobilized for NYSC (National Youth Service Corps).

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Law

As you most likely already know, the JAMB exam total score is over 400. Hence, most Universities like University of Lagos (UNILAG) pegged their cut-off point for studying law at 200. But some Universities like Ambrose Alli Universities (AAU) and most private universities made exceptions and still accept 180 scores.

Having 180 or 200 does not guarantee your admission, it only qualifies you to participate in the post-UTME screening organized by your school of choice. You should try to score high in your JAMB exam having nothing less than 200 marks out of 400, the higher the score, the more chance of getting admitted.

Top Universities Offering Law In Nigeria

Several universities in Nigeria offer degree programs in law. Here are some of the top universities offering law in Nigeria:

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
3. University of Ibadan (UI)
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
7. Lagos State University (LASU)
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
9. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
10. Babcock University

There are many other Universities offering law in Nigeria. These universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in law. Students need to choose a reputable and accredited institution to ensure that they receive quality legal education and certification.

Make sure to visit the websites of these universities to obtain information on the admission requirements, application process, curriculum, and other relevant information.

Career Prospects

After completing a degree in law in Nigeria, graduates can pursue a career in a variety of legal professions. Some of the career options available to law graduates in Nigeria include:

1. Legal Practitioner: This is the most common career path for law graduates in Nigeria. Legal practitioners are lawyers who represent clients in court and provide legal advice and opinions.
2. Corporate Lawyer: Corporate lawyers work for corporations and provide legal advice on corporate matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and intellectual property.
3. In-House Counsel: In-house counsel is lawyer who work for companies and organizations, providing legal advice and representing the company in legal matters.
4. Government Lawyer: Government lawyers work for federal, state, or local government agencies and provide legal advice and representation to the government.
5. Academia: Law graduates can also pursue an academic career by becoming law lecturers in universities or colleges. To do this, you will have to further your education.

There are different other areas of specialization Nigerian Lawyers are already specializing in according to Lawpadi.