Universities in Nigeria offering biotechnology include the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others. These NUC-accredited institutions provide biotechnology as a four- to five-year undergraduate program and a two-year postgraduate degree. Top universities in Nigeria offering biotechnology prepare graduates for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
Key Takeaways
- More than 30 universities in Nigeria offer biotechnology as an undergraduate course.
- These universities offer biotechnology as a four- to five-year undergraduate course and as a two-year master's program. The minimum JAMB cut-off mark for biotechnology is 150 points, but leading institutions require at least 200 points.
- Tuition fees for biotechnology students at federal universities can be as low as ₦69,360 per academic session, while those at private universities can pay up to ₦1.7 million.
Top Universities in Nigeria Offering Biotechnology
To rank the top universities in Nigeria offering biotechnology, we have reviewed teaching quality, infrastructure, and learning and research environment. The data was sourced from official university portals, EduRank, and Times Higher Education to ensure accuracy. However, academic fees may change with new academic sessions. Have a look at the best universities in Nigeria offering biotechnology and their cut-off marks and tuition costs.
| Rank | University | Cutoff Point | Tuition Fee Per Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Ibadan | 200 | ₦133,050–₦293,050 |
| 2 | University of Nigeria, Nsukka | 200 | ₦225,900–₦243,900 |
| 3 | University of Lagos | 200 | ₦140,250–₦176,300 |
| 4 | University of Ilorin | 150 | ₦69,360–₦138,240 |
| 5 | Obafemi Awolowo University | 200 | ₦101,200–₦190,200 |
| 6 | Ahmadu Bello University | 180 | ₦70,250–₦84,500 |
| 7 | Federal University of Technology, Minna | 150 | ₦231,000–₦275,000 |
| 8 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta | 160 | ₦107,500–₦205,000 |
| 9 | Covenant University | 200 | ₦905,570–₦1.7 million |
| 10 | Federal University of Technology, Akure | 180 | ₦68,000–₦258,000 |
10. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
The Department of Biotechnology at FUTA offers a five-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree program. FUTA tuition fees for new and returning students make it one of the cheapest universities. The minimum general requirement is 180, though this is subject to change based on applicant competitiveness.
9. Covenant University
Covenant University is ranked third overall in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings. As a private institution, its fees are significantly higher than state and federal universities. For Biology (applied biology and biotechnology), B.Sc. tuition is ₦1,733,797, M.Sc. is ₦905,570, and PhD is ₦1,142,410.
8. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
FUNAAB offers biotechnology as an undergraduate course under the College of Natural Sciences. The school's Biotechnology Centre provides seven training programmes with fees between ₦20,000 and ₦40,000. The centre includes specialized laboratories for animal biotechnology, plant biotechnology, and food microbiology biotechnology.
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)
FUTMinna offers biotechnology under the School of Life Sciences. The World Bank-funded Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology focuses on bioinformatics, nanotechnology, malaria, vaccines, and drug discovery. Tuition is free; students pay only university charges: ₦121,000 for 100 and 200 levels, ₦106,000 for returning students, and ₦104,000 for final students, plus faculty charges.
6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
ABU is a leading institution in biotechnology. In 2014, the Africa Centre for Excellence on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB) was established. Students benefit from the Biotechnology Research Programme, ACENTDFB, the Bioscience Centre, and the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training. Advanced courses include PGD, M.Sc., and PhD in biotechnology and forensic biotechnology.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU offers biotechnology through the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In February 2026, a research team recorded a breakthrough in malaria research by depositing the first crystal structure of Plasmodium falciparum transketolase bound to an inhibitor. Freshers in science courses pay ₦163,200–₦190,200 per semester; returning students pay ₦101,200–₦128,200.
4. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin offers biotechnology through the Unilorin Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology (established 2009/2010) and the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology. According to Times Higher Education, it ranks second in research quality. New students pay ₦138,240 per semester; returning students pay ₦69,360, making it one of the cheapest.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG's biotechnology program is in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology. In 2026, it recorded the highest research quality score among Nigerian universities. New students in lab-intensive courses pay ₦176,300; returning students pay ₦140,250.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN offers B.Sc., PGD, M.Sc., and PhD programs in biotechnology across several faculties: Agriculture (biochemistry and biotechnology, food microbiology and biotechnology), Biological Sciences (molecular genetics, industrial biochemistry, plant, algal, fungal, bagel biotechnology), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and the Institute for Drug-Herbal Medicine (nanobiotechnology). Fees range from ₦225,900 to ₦243,900.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
UI offers biotechnology under the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, including an M.Sc. in public health biotechnology. The minimum post-UTME score is 200, with O-level credits in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Fees range from ₦133,050 (500 level) to ₦293,050 (200 level).
What is the best university to study biotechnology in Nigeria?
UNILAG and the University of Ibadan record the highest research quality scores among Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings.
Which universities offer M.Sc biotechnology in Nigeria?
Ahmadu Bello University, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and University of Ibadan, among others, offer PGD, M.Sc., and PhD biotechnology programs.
What JAMB score do I need to study biotechnology in Nigeria?
On average, universities require a national minimum JAMB score of 150 to 180 points. The most competitive institutions—UNN, UNILAG, UI, and Covenant University—require 200 points.
The universities in Nigeria offering biotechnology range from globally ranked federal institutions to private universities with modern campuses, research facilities, and industry links. Federal universities remain the most affordable and competitive, with UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNN leading on research quality and impact.
