15 Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Master's

You probably want to know whether there are Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Master's. 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 Master's, 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 institutions that accept third-class degree holders for Master's.
• 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 Master's

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 the Bachelor’s degree level.

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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 Master's 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. Check out Nigerian universities that accept third-class degrees for Master's.

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

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

Enugu State University of Science and Technology accepts candidates with third-class degrees, provided they also have a university postgraduate diploma (PGD) with a CGPA of 3.0/5.0. Students who fit these requirements can be considered for admission to professional and academic Master's degree programmes.

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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 the University of Benin. If you have a PGD, you can apply for admission. The University of Benin (formerly Midwest Institute of Technology) was founded on 23rd November 1970. It offers flexible learning through part-time and sandwich options, with applicants advised to confirm programme availability on the school portal before applying.

13. University of Ibadan (UI)

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

The University of Ibadan 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:

• Master of Professional Ethics
• Professional Master's 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's Degree in Agroforestry

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12. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

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

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

It is worth noting that having a PGD does not guarantee admission. These are your course choices if you qualify for admission:

• M.Sc. Computer Science
• M.Sc. Microbial Biotechnology/M.Sc. Food and Industrial Microbiology/M.Sc. Environmental Microbiology
• M.Sc. Clinical Psychology/M.Sc. Organisational 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

Some Master’s programmes at Lagos State University (LASU) consider applicants with third-class degrees, as long as you also have a postgraduate diploma. If you have been asking how to upgrade a 3rd class degree, consider visiting LASU for more information.

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10. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

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

The Ahmadu Bello 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 Ahmadu Bello 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 years of working 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. at Ambrose Alli University will be considered if you have at least 5 years post-call.

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.

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8. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)

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

If you have been wondering how to upgrade a 3rd class degree in Nigeria, Tai Solarin is one of the options you have. 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 for admission.

7. Taraba State University (TASU)

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

This university does not have many postgraduate programmes to begin with, but Taraba State University (TASU) does offer an opportunity for third-class degree holders. As long as they have five years of practice experience, they are free to apply for programs in the Faculty of Agriculture.

6. Kaduna State University (KASU)

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

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Those who have a third-class degree can apply to KASU, provided they have a PDG for third-class from a recognised institution and their CGPA is not lower than 3.50. Fulfilling the Kaduna State University requirements ensures a smooth application and enrollment process.

5. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

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

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

4. Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH)

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

Cross River University of Technology is among the best Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Master's. Instead of requiring a PGD in a relevant field, a 2.75 CGPA can earn you a learning spot at Cross River University of Technology.

3. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University (UMYU)

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

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

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2. Covenant University (CU)

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

Similar to many other universities, Covenant University accepts third-class degree holders, provided they have a PGD with a 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 Master's programme:

• Master's in International Studies (MIS) (Professional) and Master's 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).

Can you do a Master's with a third-class in Nigeria?

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You can. Upgrading a 3rd class degree is best done by pursuing a postgraduate diploma (PGD). Alternatively, you can get professional certificates to improve your skills and career opportunities.

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 rank is higher than a pass.

Can a third-class graduate do a Master's in Nigeria?

Yes, a third-class graduate can do a Master's in Nigeria. Above, you will find a list of 15 Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Master's. Check their requirements and courses offered, and enrol to get your Master's.

Does NOUN accept 3rd class for Master's?

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

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Where can a third-class graduate work in Nigeria?

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

Can a third-class degree holder do a Master's abroad?

Yes, you can do a Master's abroad with your third-class degree. Many excellent universities offer Master's 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 Master's in Europe:

• 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

Does UNILAG accept 3rd class for Master's?

UNILAG can accept candidates with a 3rd class degree for Master's programmes, but this applies to specific part-time courses.

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The above list of Nigerian universities that accept third-class degree holders for Master's might seem limited, and most require a PGD. Carefully study the requirements of each university and upgrade your Master's.

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