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FederalTop Federal UniversityIJMB HeadquartersHistoric Campus Approved

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)Courses, Portals & Admission Guide

Kaduna State, Nigeria
ABU Zaria, ABU

NELFUND Loan

Approved

JAMB Cut-Off

180+

Baseline 180. Competitive courses (Medicine, Nursing, Engineering) historically require 220+.

Post-UTME Form

₦2,000

Est. Tuition

₦45k - ₦150k

Estimated range for Fresh Students. Fees vary by faculty and program type.

Acceptance Fee

₦30,000

2nd Choice

Not Accepted

Overview

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, founded in 1962, is one of Nigeria's oldest and most prestigious federal universities. It is a research-intensive institution with a reputation for academic excellence across its Samaru and Kongo campuses.

Life at ABU is defined by its two distinct environments: Samaru (the main science/engineering hub) and Kongo (the dedicated campus for Law and Administration). Both campuses offer a vibrant social and academic atmosphere with affordable living costs.

💡 Pro Tip: ABU is highly IJMB-friendly. If you are applying via Direct Entry, an IJMB certificate from an accredited center is highly valued. For UTME candidates, prioritize choosing ABU as your first choice, as they rarely consider second-choice applicants.

Admission Requirements

Admission into ABU Zaria requires a minimum of 5 O'Level credits (including English and Mathematics) in not more than two sittings.

Undergraduate UTME

Candidates must score at least 180 in JAMB and choose ABU as first choice. Post-UTME screening is mandatory.

Undergraduate Direct Entry

Direct Entry requires 'A' Level/IJMB passes or an ND/HND with Lower Credit minimum. ABU is the moderating institution for IJMB, making it a preferred entry route.

Special Note

ABU is the national headquarters for the IJMB program, offering some of the most robust pathways for Direct Entry students in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ABU Zaria accept second choice?
No, Ahmadu Bello University strictly considers only first-choice candidates for its undergraduate programs.
Is ABU the headquarters of IJMB?
Yes, ABU Zaria is the national moderating institution and headquarters for the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) examination.
Is ABU approved for NELFUND?
Yes, ABU Zaria is a federal institution and its students are eligible to apply for the NELFUND student loan.

Campuses

Samaru Campus (Main)

Samaru, Sabon Gari

Kongo Campus

Kongo, Zaria

Academic Faculties

Faculty of Administration
  • •Accounting
  • •Business Administration
  • •Local Government and Development Studies
  • •Public Administration
Faculty of Agriculture
  • •Agriculture
  • •Agricultural Economics
  • •Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
  • •Agronomy
  • •Animal Science
  • •Crop Protection
  • •Forestry and Wildlife Management
  • •Soil Science
Faculty of Arts
  • •Arabic
  • •Archaeology
  • •Drama/Theatre Arts
  • •English Language
  • •French
  • •Hausa
  • •History
  • •Literature in English
College of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Education
  • •Adult Education
  • •Business Education
  • •Christian Religious Studies Education
  • •Early Childhood Education
  • •Educational Administration and Planning
  • •Geography Education
  • •Guidance and Counselling
  • •Human Kinetics and Health Education
  • •Islamic Studies Education
  • •Language Arts Education
  • •Mathematics Education
  • •Science Education
  • •Social Studies Education
Faculty of Engineering
  • •Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering
  • •Chemical Engineering
  • •Civil Engineering
  • •Computer Engineering
  • •Electrical Engineering
  • •Mechanical Engineering
  • •Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
  • •Polymer and Textile Engineering
  • •Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Design
  • •Architecture
  • •Building
  • •Geomatics
  • •Industrial Design
  • •Quantity Surveying
  • •Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty of Law
  • •Civil Law
  • •Islamic/Sharia Law
Faculty of Life Sciences
  • •Biochemistry
  • •Botany
  • •Microbiology
  • •Zoology
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • •Pharmacy
Faculty of Physical Sciences
  • •Chemistry
  • •Computer Science
  • •Geography
  • •Geology
  • •Mathematics
  • •Physics
  • •Statistics
Faculty of Social Sciences
  • •Economics
  • •International Studies
  • •Mass Communication
  • •Political Science
  • •Sociology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  • •Veterinary Medicine

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Portal