Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria • Founded 1962 • THE 2026 #1201-1500
Updated May 2026 · Source: abu.edu.ng
Overview
Established in 1962, the Ahmadu Bello University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Zaria (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Kaduna.
Officially recognized by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is a very large-sized coeducational Nigerian higher education institution. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 61-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this Nigerian higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
ABU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Ahmadu Bello University is listed below.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Ahmadu Bello University: scale, staffing, and accreditation.
Academic Structures
The academic units of Ahmadu Bello University are listed below.
Unit 12 items
- Faculty of Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Design
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Degrees
Also Certificate; Preliminary French Programme; Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) Part-Time; Advanced Diploma in Public Administration; MBA; MPA (Public Administration); Doctor of Medicine (MD) in: Human Physiology, Medicine, Clinical Haematology, Chemical Pathology
Bachelor's 99 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Anatomy
- Aquaculture
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Automotive Engineering
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Ceramics and Glass Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dental Surgery
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Foreign Languages Education
- Forestry
- French
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Government
- Hausa
- Health Education
- History
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Design
- Information Sciences
- Insurance
- International Studies
- Islamic Law
- Laboratory Techniques
- Library Science
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechatronics
- Medicine
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Public Administration
- Radiology
- Regional Planning
- Religious Education
- Science Education
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Technology
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Veterinary Science
- Water Science
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Master's 197 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Equipment
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Archiving
- Art Education
- Art History
- Artificial Intelligence
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Ceramics and Glass Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Communication Arts
- Community Health
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Control Engineering
- Criminal Law
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Data Processing
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Entomology
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Epidemiology
- Farm Management
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Government
- Haematology
- Harvest Technology
- Hausa
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Herbalism
- History
- Home Economics Education
- Horticulture
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Hygiene
- Immunology
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Design
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Insurance
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Irrigation
- Islamic Law
- Journalism
- Laboratory Techniques
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Library Science
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Machine Building
- Management
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Metal Techniques
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Microelectronics
- Native Language Education
- Network Technology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Organic Chemistry
- Painting and Drawing
- Parasitology
- Parks and Recreation
- Pathology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Performing Arts
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Police Studies
- Political Sciences
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Power Engineering
- Private Law
- Production Engineering
- Protective Services
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Public Law
- Radiophysics
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Religious Education
- Road Engineering
- Rural Planning
- Rural Studies
- Safety Engineering
- Science Education
- Sculpture
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Soil Science
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Taxation
- Teacher Training
- Technology Education
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Technology
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Toxicology
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transport Engineering
- Transport Management
- Veterinary Science
- Video
- Vocational Education
- Water Management
- Water Science
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Doctoral 142 programs
- Accountancy
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Ceramics and Glass Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commercial Law
- Communication Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Control Engineering
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Entomology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Government
- Haematology
- Hausa
- Health Education
- History
- Home Economics
- Horticulture
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Immunology
- Industrial Design
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Laboratory Techniques
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Museum Management
- Native Language Education
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Organic Chemistry
- Painting and Drawing
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Political Sciences
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Power Engineering
- Private Law
- Production Engineering
- Protective Services
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Law
- Regional Planning
- Religious Education
- Road Engineering
- Rural Planning
- Science Education
- Sculpture
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Solid State Physics
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Technology
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Toxicology
- Transport Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Water Science
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
Central Bank of Nigeria Centre of Excellence (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Development Communication (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Distance Learning (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Energy Research and Training (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
Islamic Legal Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Law
Public Procurement Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Veterinary Public Health (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Medicine (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Dental Surgery
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Agriculture (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
Administration (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Government
- Public Administration
Agriculture (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Botany
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Rural Planning
- Soil Science
Allied Health Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Arts (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- English
- French
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Literature
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Theatre
Basic Clinical Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Haematology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Basic Medical Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Medical Science
- Physiology
Clinical Sciences (Faculty) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Dental Surgery (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Surgery
Education (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Health Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Physical Education
- Science Education
- Technology Education
- Vocational Education
Engineering (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Technology
- Water Science
Environmental Design (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Building Technologies
- Ceramics and Glass Technology
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Regional Planning
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Law (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Islamic Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Life Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Microbiology
- Zoology
Pharmacy (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Physical Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Social Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
- Mass Communication
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Veterinary Medicine (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Veterinary Science
Administration (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
Agricultural Research (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Development Research and Training (Institute) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cinema and Television
- Design
- Mass Communication
- Social Sciences
- Technology
- Welfare and Protective Services
Education (Institute) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Native Language Education
- Science Education
- Teacher Training
ICT (Iya Abubakar) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
National Animal Production Research (NAPRI) (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Africa Center of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Africa Center of Excellence on New Pedagogies in Engineering Education (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Center For Climate Change Economics, Policy and Innovation (CCCEPI) (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Centre For Biotechnology Research and Training (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Centre For Historical Documentation and Research, Arewa House (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Counselling and Human Development Centre (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
International Centre of Excellence for Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
International Institute Online Education - National Center (IIOE-NC) (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (Research Division) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Fishery
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- Home Economics
- Irrigation
Venom, Anti-Venom and Natural Toxins Research Centre (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Basic Remedial Studies (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
Business (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Insurance
- Marketing
Postgraduate Studies (School) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Dental Surgery
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacy
- Social Sciences
- Veterinary Science
Programs Offered
Ahmadu Bello University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
130 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Nigeria
Bachelor's Degree 124 programmes
Showing 10 of 124.
Master's Degree 1 programme
Doctorate 5 programmes
How to apply to Ahmadu Bello University
A short guide to applying to Ahmadu Bello University — five steps.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Ahmadu Bello University's catalogue includes 130 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Ahmadu Bello University's admissions process.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
-
4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Ahmadu Bello University's official website at abu.edu.ng. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +234 (69) 50 691. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ahmadu Bello University
Below are key facts about Ahmadu Bello University, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was Ahmadu Bello University established?
Ahmadu Bello University was founded in 1962 (approximately 64 years ago).
What city is Ahmadu Bello University in?
Ahmadu Bello University operates from Zaria, Nigeria.
Is Ahmadu Bello University a public or private institution?
Ahmadu Bello University is a public institution.
How big is Ahmadu Bello University's student body?
Ahmadu Bello University serves approximately over-50,000 students.
What is Ahmadu Bello University's ranking?
Ahmadu Bello University is ranked THE 2026 #1201-1500.
What programmes are available at Ahmadu Bello University?
Ahmadu Bello University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Ahmadu Bello University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 12 academic units.
Is Ahmadu Bello University accredited?
Ahmadu Bello University is accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC).
How do I find Ahmadu Bello University online?
Ahmadu Bello University's official website is abu.edu.ng.
Top-Ranked Universities in Nigeria
Selectivity at the top Nigeria universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Ahmadu Bello University. The selectivity gap between Ahmadu Bello University and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Ahmadu Bello University and the universities below are both members of Association of African Universities (AAU).
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Zaria: universities located close to Ahmadu Bello University.
Where Else to Study Agriculture
Other institutions in Nigeria teaching Agriculture are listed below for comparison with Ahmadu Bello University.
Universities Compared with Ahmadu Bello University
Comparable universities to Ahmadu Bello University are listed below.
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