Are you a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or someone who simply wants to earn a university degree without attending full-time classes? Understanding the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement is the first step toward making that goal a reality. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) offers one of the most flexible and respected part-time programmes in Nigeria, allowing you to combine work, family responsibilities, and education seamlessly.
UNILAG, often called the “University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride,” is a first-generation federal university founded in 1962. Located in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, it consistently ranks among the top universities in Nigeria and across Africa. The part-time programme is run through the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) and the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), both of which offer quality undergraduate degrees that carry the same weight as full-time degrees. If you are searching for information on UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement, this guide covers every detail you need.
About UNILAG Part-Time Programme (DLI & ICE)
UNILAG delivers its part-time undergraduate programmes through two main bodies. The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) handles programmes in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, and several Education specializations. The Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) coordinates Sandwich degree programmes in the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts, and select Social Sciences programmes like Sociology and Social Work.
Classes for DLI programmes hold primarily on Saturdays, making the schedule ideal for people who work during the week. The programme typically spans four to five years depending on your entry level. One of the biggest advantages is that candidates do not need to write JAMB UTME for admission. However, applicants are now required to have a JAMB registration number, which can be obtained from any accredited JAMB centre. The degrees awarded through the DLI and ICE are fully recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and carry the same value as UNILAG full-time degrees.
Full List of UNILAG Part-Time Courses
One of the most common questions about the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement is which programmes are available. Below is a comprehensive list of all courses currently offered under the DLI and ICE part-time structure.
DLI Programmes (Weekend / Distance Learning)
| Programme | Duration |
| B.Sc. Accounting | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Business Administration | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Economics | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Public Administration | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Finance | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Biology | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Chemistry | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Physics | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Mathematics | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Economics | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Ed. Early Childhood Education | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Ed. Educational Management | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Ed. Guidance and Counselling | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Ed. Business Education | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) English | 4 – 5 Years |
ICE Programmes (Sandwich / Evening)
| Programme | Duration |
| B.A. (Ed.) English | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) French | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) History | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) Yoruba | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) Igbo | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) Christian Religious Studies | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Sociology | 4 – 5 Years |
| B.Sc. Social Work | 4 – 5 Years |
These are the currently approved part-time programmes at UNILAG. The university may add new courses in future sessions, so always confirm the latest offerings on the official UNILAG website. When reviewing the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement, make sure your desired course is on the list before starting the application process.
General Admission Requirements for UNILAG Part-Time
Meeting the admission criteria is essential. The UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement differ slightly depending on your entry level, but the general guidelines apply across all programmes.
O’Level Entry (100 Level)
- A minimum of five O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. These must be obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
- A valid JAMB registration number is now mandatory. You can obtain this from any accredited JAMB centre without writing the UTME examination.
- Two sittings are accepted, meaning you can combine results from WAEC and NECO, or two WAEC sittings.
Direct Entry (200 or 300 Level)
Direct entry is one of the most attractive features when evaluating the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement. If you hold any of the following qualifications, you may gain admission into an advanced level.
- NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) holders may enter at 200 or 300 Level depending on the transcript evaluation and relevance to the chosen course.
- OND (Ordinary National Diploma) holders typically start from 200 Level in a related programme.
- HND (Higher National Diploma) holders enter at 300 Level, provided the course is relevant to their previous field of study.
- ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) certificate holders may enter at 300 Level for Accounting.
- All direct entry candidates must still possess the required five O’Level credits as stated above.
- Your intended part-time course at UNILAG must be directly related to what you studied at the NCE, OND, or HND level. Unrelated combinations are not accepted.
Specific Subject Requirements by Programme
Beyond the general criteria, each course under the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement has specific O’Level subject expectations. Here are some of the key ones.
| Programme | Required Subjects | Additional Notes |
| B.Sc. Accounting | English, Maths, Economics + 2 others | Commerce, Govt preferred |
| B.Sc. Business Admin | English, Maths, Economics + 2 others | Any Social Science subjects |
| B.Sc. Economics | English, Maths, Economics + 2 others | Government, Commerce useful |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Biology | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 | Physics recommended |
| B.Sc. (Ed.) Physics | English, Maths, Physics + 2 Science subjects | Chemistry, Biology, F.Maths |
| B.A. (Ed.) English | English, Maths, Literature + 2 Arts | CRS, History, Govt preferred |
| B.Sc. Public Admin | English, Maths, Government + 2 others | Economics, CRS, Commerce |
Always cross-check the specific requirements for your chosen programme on the UNILAG application portal. Some departments may update their subject expectations from one session to the next.
How to Apply for UNILAG Part-Time Admission
Once you have confirmed that you meet the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement, the application process is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully.
- Obtain a JAMB registration number from any accredited JAMB centre. This is mandatory even though you do not write the UTME.
- Visit the UNILAG application portal at applications.unilag.edu.ng.
- Select the DLI or Part-Time programme option and create an account.
- Complete the pre-application form to generate a Remita payment reference number.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of approximately ₦15,000 to ₦18,500 through any commercial bank or online via Remita.
- Return to the portal, log in with your payment reference number, and complete the full application form.
- Upload all required documents including O’Level results, passport photograph (white background), and any higher qualifications (NCE, OND, HND transcripts).
- Submit the application form online and print a copy for your records.
After submission, monitor the UNILAG portal for updates on your admission status. Selected candidates receive admission letters through the portal. For assistance during the application process, contact the DLI helplines at +234-810-960-6362 or email dlienquiries@unilag.edu.ng. Understanding the full application procedure is just as important as knowing the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement itself.
UNILAG Part-Time School Fees
A key consideration alongside the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement is how much you need to budget. UNILAG part-time fees are uniform for all students regardless of state of origin. Here is the estimated fee structure.
| Fee Component | Estimated Amount (₦) |
| School Fees (per session) | ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Acceptance Fee (one-time) | ₦50,000 |
| Application Form | ₦15,000 – ₦18,500 |
| Annual Estimated Total | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 |
Please note that fees vary slightly depending on the specific programme and session. Some sources indicate annual fees as high as ₦350,000 for certain programmes. Always confirm the exact amount on the official UNILAG portal or at the DLI office before making payment. Late payment attracts additional charges and may prevent you from sitting for examinations.
Why Choose UNILAG Part-Time Over Other Options?
When you evaluate the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement against similar programmes at other universities, several advantages stand out.
First, the UNILAG degree is globally respected. Employers recognize the value of a University of Lagos degree whether earned through full-time or part-time study. Second, the weekend schedule means minimal disruption to your career. DLI lectures hold on Saturdays, typically two to three times a month, giving you enough time for work and personal commitments. Third, there is no entrance examination. Admission is based on your qualifications and document screening, which removes a major barrier for many applicants.
Fourth, UNILAG offers a residential programme during examination periods where part-time students can stay on campus in hostels for revision and exams, typically lasting about one month. This immersive experience helps students prepare thoroughly. Finally, direct entry options for holders of NCE, OND, HND, and ICAN qualifications allow you to shorten the programme duration significantly, entering at 200 or even 300 Level.
Documents Required for Registration
After gaining admission, you need to present specific documents during clearance and registration. Being prepared with these documents ensures a smooth start to your studies. As you prepare based on the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement, gather the following items in advance.
- Original and photocopies of your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or GCE).
- JAMB registration number printout.
- Birth certificate or sworn affidavit of age declaration.
- NCE, OND, or HND certificates and transcripts (for direct entry candidates).
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate or newspaper publication (for married women or anyone with a name change).
- Recent passport photographs with a white background.
- Admission letter printed from the UNILAG portal.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Before you commit based on the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement, there are a few critical points you should keep in mind.
Your chosen part-time course must be directly related to your previous qualification if you are entering through direct entry. For instance, someone who studied Library Science cannot apply for Public Administration through direct entry. UNILAG strictly enforces this rule, and incorrect combinations lead to automatic disqualification. Additionally, all application forms must be submitted online. There is no manual or paper-based application process.
Also, note that UNILAG does not currently support installment payment of school fees for the part-time programme. All fees must be paid in full per session. The closing date for applications varies each year, so check the official portal regularly and apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the UNILAG Part-Time courses and requirement for the 2026/2027 session?
A: UNILAG offers part-time programmes in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, and several Education specializations through the DLI. The ICE also runs Arts and Social Science programmes. General requirements include five O’Level credits (including English and Maths), a JAMB registration number, and a minimum age of 21 years.
Q: Do I need to write JAMB to gain admission into UNILAG Part-Time?
A: No. You do not need to write the JAMB UTME. However, you must obtain a JAMB registration number from an accredited JAMB centre, which is now a mandatory requirement for all DLI applicants.
Q: How much is UNILAG Part-Time school fees?
A: School fees for fresh part-time students range from ₦100,000 to ₦120,000 per session. The acceptance fee is ₦50,000, and the application form costs between ₦15,000 and ₦18,500. Some programmes may cost up to ₦350,000 per year.
Q: When do UNILAG Part-Time classes hold?
A: DLI lectures take place on Saturdays, typically two to three Saturdays per month. The ICE sandwich programmes may hold during specific periods including evenings and holidays.
Q: Can I enter at 200 or 300 Level with my NCE, OND, or HND?
A: Yes. NCE holders may enter at 200 or 300 Level. OND holders typically start from 200 Level. HND holders enter at 300 Level. ICAN certificate holders can enter the Accounting programme at 300 Level. Your previous qualification must be related to your chosen course.
Q: Is a UNILAG Part-Time degree the same as the full-time degree?
A: Yes. The degree awarded through the DLI and ICE carries the same weight and recognition as a UNILAG full-time degree. It is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Q: How long does the UNILAG Part-Time programme take?
A: The programme typically lasts four to five years for O’Level entry candidates. Direct entry students with NCE, OND, or HND can complete it in a shorter period depending on their point of entry.
Q: Is there an entrance exam for UNILAG Part-Time?
A: No. There is no entrance examination. Admission is based on your academic qualifications and a screening of your submitted documents.
Conclusion
UNILAG’s part-time programme remains one of the best options for anyone looking to earn a respected university degree while maintaining their career and personal commitments. The weekend schedule, the absence of an entrance exam, and the direct entry pathway for NCE, OND, HND, and ICAN holders make it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Whether you are a fresh school leaver or a seasoned professional, UNILAG has a spot for you.
We hope this detailed guide on UNILAG Part-Time courses and their requirements has given you everything you need to make an informed decision for the 2026/2027 session. Visit the official UNILAG website at unilag.edu.ng or the DLI portal at dli.unilag.edu.ng to begin your application. Your journey to a UNILAG degree starts now.