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Best Universities in Nigeria to Study Computer Science (2026): Rankings, Cut-Off Marks and Fees

Ade Adeniyi

November 3, 2026

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Last updated: 3 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy

Checked 3 November 2026. Computer Science is one of the most competitive courses in Nigerian universities. Thousands of candidates with strong UTME scores apply every year, and the best-known departments admit only a fraction of them. Choosing well means looking beyond reputation: accreditation, cut-off marks, total cost, facilities, links with tech employers and whether a related course such as Software Engineering or Cyber Security would suit you better. This guide compares the main federal, state and private options using published rankings, the latest cut-off marks and reported 2026/27 fees, and explains the alternatives if you miss admission.

A quick note on rankings: there is no official Nigerian league table for Computer Science departments. Below we use two published overall rankings: the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (July 2026 edition), which measures web presence and research visibility, and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, released on 30 September 2026, which places 29 Nigerian universities in bands. Neither ranks Computer Science specifically, so treat them as a guide to the institution’s overall strength, not a verdict on the department.

How the leading universities compare

Sources: Webometrics July 2026 as reported by Legit.ng (18 August 2026); THE World University Rankings 2027 as reported by AllAfrica (30 September 2026). Landmark University, the University of Ilorin and Bayero University Kano also rank well and offer Computer Science.

The universities in more detail

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG runs Computer Science in its Faculty of Computing and Informatics, close to Lagos’s tech employers, start-ups and banks, which helps with internships (SIWES) and networking. It is also the most competitive: for 2026/27, UNILAG’s published merit cut-off for Computer Science was an aggregate of 82.05, among the highest on campus, alongside Computer Engineering at 82.175. The JAMB brochure entry for UNILAG asks for English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry or Biology in UTME, and lists Further Mathematics among the O’level credits.

University of Ibadan (UI)

Nigeria’s top university in the July 2026 Webometrics list and in the top THE band. Its Computer Science department is strong on theory and research. UTME subjects listed for UI are Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry with English.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU in Ile-Ife has one of Nigeria’s oldest computing programmes and a long record of graduates in software and telecoms. Admission is competitive, and the campus environment is a draw for many applicants.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Ranked third in Nigeria by Webometrics. UNN is a popular choice for candidates from the South-East, and it does not accept Agricultural Science as the third UTME subject for Computer Science.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

One of the largest universities in West Africa, with a broad computing faculty. ABU accepts a slightly wider range of third UTME subjects, including Chemistry, Biology or Geography.

FUTA and FUTMinna

The federal universities of technology at Akure and Minna focus on science and engineering, with computing schools that offer Computer Science and related degrees. They are often slightly less competitive than UNILAG or UI while still well regarded by employers. FUTA lists Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics for UTME.

Covenant University and Babcock University

The two best-known private options. Covenant was placed in THE’s top Nigerian band for 2027, and both have stable academic calendars, which matters because federal universities can lose months to strikes. The trade-off is cost (see the fees chart below).

Lagos State University (LASU)

A strong state option for Lagos-based candidates, cheaper than private universities and with Lagos tech links. LASU lists Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry for UTME.

Cut-off marks: what you actually need

• JAMB minimum: for 2026 admissions, JAMB and institutions kept the national minimum at 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics. Public universities had to finish 2026 admissions by 31 October 2026 and private universities by 30 November 2026.
• Institutional cut-off: most top universities set their own minimum (often 200 or more for federal universities) and then run a post-UTME screening.
• Departmental cut-off: Computer Science is usually among the highest. UNILAG’s 82.05 aggregate for 2026/27 shows how high the bar can be. Departmental cut-offs change every year with the number and quality of applicants, so treat any figure as a guide and check the university’s own admission portal.
• Catchment and ELDS: federal universities admit part of each class on merit and part by catchment area and educationally less developed states, so your state of origin can affect the score you need.

For the full admission process, including CAPS, see our guide to university admission in Nigeria and our JAMB 2026 admission updates.

UTME subject combination and O’level

The general JAMB requirement for Computer Science is English Language, Mathematics and Physics, plus one of Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Economics or Geography. Many universities narrow that third subject: UI, FUTA, LASU and Babcock list Chemistry; UNILAG accepts Chemistry or Biology; UNN excludes Agricultural Science. At O’level you need five credits, usually including English, Mathematics, Physics and two other sciences, in no more than two sittings. Always confirm the current JAMB brochure for your chosen university before you register, because the wrong combination can disqualify you.

Fees in 2026/27

Fees differ hugely between public and private universities.

• Covenant University: ₦1,959,945 for Nigerian students in Computer Science for 2026/27, bundled with accommodation, exams, labs and other charges (Legit.ng, 30 October 2026).
• Babcock University: ₦1,734,173.50 for 100 Level Computer Science for 2026/27, described as instructional costs; feeding and accommodation are extra (Legit.ng, 14 September 2026).
• Federal universities: undergraduate tuition is free for Nigerians, but students pay registration and service charges. UNILAG’s charges for new students in courses with laboratories were set at ₦176,325 a session in 2023; other federal universities charge different amounts, plus acceptance fees and hostel costs.
• Student loans: students at public universities can apply to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for help with institutional charges.

Facilities and industry links to look for

• Working computer labs with enough machines, reliable power and internet.
• Courses that include programming, data structures, databases, networks, AI and software engineering, not just theory.
• SIWES placements with real tech firms, banks or telecoms companies.
• Active student tech communities, hackathons and developer clubs such as Google Developer Student Clubs.
• Lecturers who publish and supervise practical final-year projects.

Ask current students on X, LinkedIn or WhatsApp groups how often labs actually work. Whatever school you attend, build skills outside class too. Our guide to affordable tech courses for beginners lists free and cheap options, and skills in demand in 2026 shows what employers want.

Check accreditation before you accept

Only accept admission into a programme accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). An unaccredited programme can affect NYSC mobilisation and future postgraduate study. Check the NUC website for the list of approved universities and the programme accreditation results, and be careful with new private universities and “degree” offers from foreign institutions without NUC approval. Since the NUC’s 2022 core curriculum (CCMAS), computing has been split into separate degrees: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, Information Systems and Information Technology. Make sure the exact degree you are offered is accredited, not just the department.

Federal, state or private: how to decide

The right choice depends on your score, your budget and how much risk of delay you can live with.

• Federal universities (UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN, ABU, FUTA, FUTMinna) are the cheapest and carry strong reputations, but cut-offs are high and academic calendars can be disrupted by strikes. Good for high scorers on a tight budget.
• State universities such as LASU often have slightly lower cut-offs and moderate fees, with priority for indigenes of the state. A sensible option if you live in the state and want to stay close to home.
• Private universities such as Covenant and Babcock offer smaller classes, steadier calendars and better-maintained facilities, but cost well over ₦1.7 million a year before extras. Some newer private universities are cheaper; check accreditation carefully.

Whichever you choose, list a realistic second choice on your JAMB form and keep an eye on supplementary admission lists, which often have lower cut-offs for related computing courses. Prepare for the post-UTME as seriously as the UTME itself, because at most federal universities your final aggregate combines both. If you are thinking about studying abroad later, a good first degree at home plus strong projects can make you a competitive candidate for postgraduate scholarships; our guide to the cheapest UK universities for Nigerian students covers costs if you go that route.

Alternatives if you miss admission

• Related degrees: Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, Information Technology or Information Systems often have lower cut-offs than Computer Science and lead to similar jobs.
• Polytechnic ND and HND: polytechnics such as Yaba College of Technology offer Computer Science at ND and HND level, with a JAMB minimum of 100. HND holders can later top up to a degree or go straight into work.
• NOUN: the National Open University of Nigeria offers BSc Computer Science by distance learning at lower cost, for people who need to work while studying.
• Online universities: Miva Open University, licensed by the NUC in 2023, offers computing degrees online; check current accreditation and fees directly with the university.
• Direct Entry: an A-level, IJMB, JUPEB or ND result can take you straight into 200 Level.
• Scholarships: see our list of scholarships in Nigeria for 2026–2027.

Admission scams to avoid

Every admission season, fraudsters sell “special admission”, “change of course” or “guaranteed Computer Science slots” for cash. Admission is only valid when it appears on JAMB CAPS and you accept it there. Pay fees only through the university’s official portal, never into a personal account, and do not share your JAMB profile code or password. If you need your result or slip, use only the official channels described in our guide on how to check your JAMB result.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in Nigeria for Computer Science?

There is no official departmental ranking. UI and UNILAG lead the July 2026 Webometrics list and, with Covenant, the top THE 2027 band. UNILAG, UI, OAU and Covenant are usually considered the strongest choices for Computer Science.

What JAMB score do I need for Computer Science?

The national minimum is 150, but top federal universities usually expect much more. Plan for a high score: UNILAG’s 2026/27 merit aggregate for Computer Science was 82.05.

What are the JAMB subjects for Computer Science?

English, Mathematics and Physics, plus usually Chemistry. Some universities also accept Biology, Economics or Geography; check your chosen school’s brochure entry.

Which private university is best for Computer Science?

Covenant and Babcock are the best-known, with Covenant in THE’s top Nigerian band for 2027. Expect to pay well over ₦1.7 million a year.

Is Software Engineering better than Computer Science?

Neither is better. Software Engineering focuses more on building and managing software; Computer Science covers more theory. Both lead to tech jobs, and Software Engineering may have a lower cut-off.

Can I study Computer Science at NOUN?

Yes. NOUN offers BSc Computer Science by distance learning, which suits candidates who are working or who missed a conventional university.

Disclaimer: rankings, cut-off marks and fees in this guide come from Webometrics, Times Higher Education, university announcements and news reports, checked on 3 November 2026. Cut-offs change every year and fees can be revised, so confirm with JAMB, the NUC and the university’s official website before you apply or pay.