The top 10 law schools in Nigeria provide a rigorous legal education combining academic theory with practical training. Nigeria’s legal education combines a five-year law degree (LLB) at university with practical training at the Nigerian Law School.
Law undergraduates study core subjects (e.g. Constitutional, Criminal, Contract law) over five years. After the LLB, graduates enter the Nigerian Law School for a one-year vocational program (Bar Part II) covering courses like Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation, Corporate Law and Property Law.
Finally, students must pass the Bar Final exam to be called to the Nigerian Bar. In Nigerian legal education, these steps ensure both theory and practice are covered. For example, one guide notes the LLB is a five-year course covering 12 core law subjects, followed by compulsory vocational courses at law school. Key features of this path include:
- Undergraduate LLB: A five-year university degree with courses such as Constitutional Law, Nigerian Legal System, and Criminal Law.
- Nigerian Law School (Bar Part II): One-year practical training with mandatory courses (e.g. Criminal/Civil Litigation, Corporate Law, Property Law).
- Bar Examination: Completion of Law School involves a final bar exam; passing it leads to being called to the Nigerian Bar.
The Top 10 Law Schools in Nigeria
Choosing where to study law in Nigeria can significantly affect one’s legal career. The following list presents the top 10 law schools in Nigeria, ranked by academic reputation, curriculum quality, and graduate success.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Yaba, Lagos
UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, founded in 1962, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most established law programs. It has four main departments (Jurisprudence & International Law, Public Law, Private & Property Law, Commercial Law).
Superprof describes UNILAG as “the nation’s pride” and says it “offers one of the best law programs in Nigeria”. The law faculty is known for its academic rigor and is very affordable (tuition around ₦50,000/year). Notable alumni include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Justice Minister Bayo Ojo, SAN, underscoring its strong track record.
2. University of Ibadan (UI) – Ibadan, Oyo State
UI has Nigeria’s oldest university and a renowned Faculty of Law. Its law department, independent since 1984, has built a strong reputation. Professions.ng notes UI’s law faculty is “renowned” for a long history of producing top-quality legal professionals.
Another source calls UI “an excellent school that answers the question of where to study law in Nigeria”. The faculty includes departments of Public & International Law and Private & Business Law. UI’s tuition for law is also modest (around ₦50,000/year), reflecting its status as a federal university.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Ile-Ife, Osun State
OAU’s Faculty of Law is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and practical training. It was noted as “rigorous” and geared to prepare students for legal challenges. The program covers major areas of law (civil, criminal, business, etc.).
The faculty also encourages hands-on experience through legal clinics and pro bono work as part of student training. Like other federal schools, OAU’s law degree is affordable (tuition under ₦50,000/year) and admission is competitive. OAU’s strong research output and publications help maintain its reputation.
4. University of Nigeria (UNN) – Nsukka, Enugu State
UNN’s Faculty of Law emphasizes a holistic legal education with integrity and professionalism. Professions.ng notes that UNN “prides itself on providing a holistic legal education that focuses on integrity, professionalism, and ethical values”.
Its law curriculum includes a wide range of courses and student-run legal clinics. UNN is often cited for instilling strong ethical standards in its graduates. The school’s law graduates are widely represented in Nigerian legal practice.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Zaria, Kaduna State
ABU in northern Nigeria has one of the country’s prominent law faculties. As Superprof puts it, ABU “makes the cut as one of the best universities for law in Nigeria”. Its Faculty of Law is noted for emphasizing legal research and international law.
For example, ABU’s program stresses areas like human rights, comparative law, and public policy. ABU also offers law clinics and internship programs. Yearly fees at ABU are very low (around ₦25,000–₦50,000), making it accessible, and its graduates frequently pursue careers in government and academia.
6. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Ilorin, Kwara State
Unilorin’s law faculty has earned a reputation for academic excellence in recent decades. According to EduRank (2025), Unilorin’s law program ranks 7th in Nigeria. The faculty offers a standard five-year LLB program (with departments like Public & Administrative Law, and Private & Business Law) and emphasizes strong scholarship.
Unilorin is known for having a capable teaching staff and a high acceptance rate (around 75%). As with other federal universities, tuition is low (under ₦50,000/year), and many of its graduates join the bar or public service.
7. Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State
Covenant is a private, faith-based university with a growing law school. It is ranked by EduRank as the #5 law school in Nigeria. Covenant offers a five-year LLB under its College of Leadership Development Studies. The program is relatively new (founded 2002) but features modern facilities and technology.
Tuition is much higher than at public schools (about ₦950,000 per year), which is typical for private universities. Covenant’s law curriculum integrates faith-based values with legal studies and aims to produce graduates for various sectors. Its graduates are increasingly entering private practice and corporate law roles.
8. University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Calabar, Cross River State
UNICAL’s Faculty of Law is among the top-ranked in southern Nigeria. EduRank places University of Calabar 6th in the nation for law.
The law faculty offers courses across the major areas of Nigerian law and has an active student moot court and journal. UNICAL is the main law school in Cross River State and draws students from across the south.
Fees are low (around ₦50,000/year) and admission is competitive (UTME cut-off often above 200). UNICAL alumni include judges and legal professionals in both government and private practice.
9. University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) – Port Harcourt, Rivers State
UniPort’s Faculty of Law is a respected choice in the Niger Delta region. It is ranked 9th in Nigeria by EduRank. In addition to core subjects, UniPort offers specialized courses like Petroleum Law and Environmental Law, reflecting its oil-rich location. The school has strong links to the legal and business community in Port Harcourt, giving students practical exposure.
Tuition at UniPort is very low (about ₦20,000/year) and the LLB program typically admits high-scoring UTME candidates. Many UniPort graduates work as lawyers and in energy-sector firms after graduation.
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Awka, Anambra State
UNIZIK’s law faculty has grown in prominence over the years. It ranks 8th in Nigeria for law according to EduRank. The program covers a full law curriculum and emphasizes legal research and scholarship. UNIZIK also offers a strong student moot court program.
Annual fees are modest (around ₦50,000/year), and admission requires good UTME scores. Graduates of UNIZIK law often go on to practices in the southeast and national legal institutions, contributing to Nigeria’s legal profession.
Selecting one of these top 10 law schools in Nigeria can lay a strong foundation for a successful legal career. Each of these top institutions offers accredited law degrees and forms an important part of Nigerian legal education. Choosing one of these schools is a strong step toward a law degree in Nigeria and a career in the legal field. Their graduates often become judges, lawyers, or policy makers, reflecting the high standards of their law programs.
Many students also explore alternative fields with promising careers, such as some of the highest paid art courses in Nigeria, which have grown in popularity. For those considering different education routes, cheap private universities in Nigeria without JAMB requirements offer flexible options. Moreover, sectors like aviation continue to attract learners, with several aviation schools in Nigeria providing specialized training for aspiring professionals.
Article updated 24 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
