University of Ilorin is a public research university in Ilorin, Nigeria. It suits applicants who want a broad, multi-faculty university with many programme choices and a large international student presence.
University of Ilorin has 16 faculties, more than 100 academic departments, and 103 programmes. It is a public research university, so applicants can expect a wide academic spread rather than a narrow specialist college; the current programme list should be checked on the university website before applying.
International applicants should apply through the university’s official admissions process and check the entry requirements for their chosen programme on the university website. Because specific international-admissions rules are not published here, confirm document requirements, deadlines, and any country-specific steps directly with the admissions office.
The university does not publish a tuition fee range for international students; confirm the current rate with its admissions office. Living costs in Ilorin will depend on housing, transport, food, and personal spending, so budget separately for those.
The university says it has the highest enrolment of foreign students in Nigeria, which may make it a practical option for applicants moving from abroad. The language of instruction is not stated here, so confirm it on the official website, along with visa steps, accommodation options, and any health or registration requirements before you apply.
Among Nigeria’s 115 universities, University of Ilorin stands out for its scale, with one of the country’s largest land areas and a very large academic structure. Its broad programme range and high foreign-student enrolment make it a strong option for applicants who want a large public university rather than a smaller specialist institution.
Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.
It is a public research university.
It is in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
It has 16 faculties.
It offers 103 programmes.
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is a federal government-owned public research university in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The university's main campus sits on an expansive area of land, about 5,000 ha (60,000,000 yd2) in the ancient city of Ilorin; making it the largest university in Nigeria and one of the largest in Africa by landmass. The university comprises 16 faculties and over 100 academic departments offering 103 programmes. It was established by a decree of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria in August 1975. The University of Ilorin has the highest enrollment of foreign students in Nigeria. The establishment aimed to implement one of the educational directives of the Third National Development Plan, which was aimed at providing more opportunities for Nigerians aspiring to acquire university education and to generate high-level manpower, which is vital for the rapidly expanding economy. Compared to other higher institutions of learning in the country, the institution has one of the largest land areas, covering approximately 15,000 hectares of land. It is reported by Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to be the most sought-after Nigerian university in 2021. And again in 2023, and also in 2024, it was announced by the JAMB Head, Professor Ishaq Oloyede to be the sought-after University, for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), making it for the 10th consecutive year.
Indicative annual tuition
On request
Indicative living cost
—
Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.
St. Pauls University
This scholarship honors Elder Chul Woo 'Gene' Hyun and aims to mentor 'Disciple-Makers' who will transform the African church.
Nigeria · Public University
Nigeria · Public University
Nigeria · Public University
Nigeria · Public University
Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.
Stay updated
Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news — free.