Best Universities to Study Accounting in Nigeria

There is no official ranking of accounting programmes in Nigeria — but the strongest choices are consistently the universities with established accounting departments, full NUC accreditation, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) accreditation or exemption arrangements for the programme, and competitive departmental cut-offs. The institutions below are those most consistently mentioned for accounting, grouped by departmental strength, not ranked in order. Verify accreditation for the session you apply in.

Accounting is judged on professional progression as much as on the degree: ICAN (and, for public-sector and other specialisations, ANAN and CITN) exemptions and accreditation arrangements shorten the path to chartered status, and a department with strong professional-body links gives you a head start that a degree alone does not.

How to judge an accounting programme

• NUC accreditation: full accreditation for the programme, for the session. Verify, do not assume.
• ICAN accreditation/exemptions: ICAN accreditation for the programme, and the exemption arrangements it carries (which ICAN examination stages the degree exempts you from). A programme with strong ICAN arrangements shortens your path to ACA qualification — ask for the current arrangement, for the session.
• Faculty and curriculum: faculty specialisation (financial accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, forensic accounting, and more), curriculum currency, and industry links (internships, SIWES, firm placements).
• Departmental cut-off: accounting cut-offs run high at the most competitive institutions (approaching the top of their ranges, as reported). Meeting the institution minimum is not enough.
• Programme structure: BSc Accounting runs 4 years, plus SIWES as the programme structures it. Confirm the structure for the session you apply in.

Institutions most consistently mentioned for accounting

University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Department of Accounting, Akoka, Lagos. Consistently the most competitive accounting cut-offs, strong ICAN links, Lagos financial-market proximity.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife — Department of Management and Accounting, Ile-Ife. Established department, strong professional-body tradition, competitive cut-offs.

University of Ibadan (UI) — Department of Accounting, Ibadan. Established department, broad specialisation.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — Department of Accountancy, Enugu campus. Established department, strong professional-body tradition.

Covenant University, Ota — Department of Accounting, Ota. Private university with strong accounting infrastructure and (typically) stable calendars, at private fees.

University of Benin (UNIBEN) — Department of Accounting, Benin City. Established department, competitive cut-offs.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — Department of Accounting, Zaria. Major northern accounting department.

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — Department of Accounting, Ilorin. Consistently competitive, with a reputation for stable academic calendars.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka — Department of Accountancy, Awka. Established department, competitive cut-offs.

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) — Department of Accounting, Kano. Major northern accounting department.

Related Guides & Next Steps

• Admission Requirements for Nigerian Universities
• How to Choose a University in Nigeria
• How University Admission Works in Nigeria
• Best Universities to Study Medicine in Nigeria
• Best Universities to Study Mass Communication in Nigeria

Frequently asked questions

Which university is best for accounting in Nigeria? There is no official ranking. UNILAG, OAU, UI, and UNN are the most consistently mentioned, on departmental strength and professional-body links — but “best” for you depends on your score, your budget, and the ICAN arrangements for the specific programme. Verify accreditation and exemptions for the session.

How many years is accounting in Nigeria? BSc Accounting runs 4 years, plus SIWES as the programme structures it. Confirm the structure for the session you apply in.

Does an accounting degree make me a chartered accountant? No — the degree qualifies you for ICAN (or ANAN/CITN) professional examinations, with exemptions as the programme’s accreditation arrangements provide. Chartered status follows successful completion of the professional examinations and practical experience.

What UTME subjects do I need for accounting? English, Mathematics, Economics, and one of Government, Geography, Commerce, or a related subject (as the brochure states for the course and institution — check the brochure for the session, as subject requirements vary by institution).

Should I choose accounting or a related course (banking and finance, business administration)? Accounting is the most direct route to chartered accountancy and audit careers; banking and finance suits banking and investment careers; business administration suits general management. Choose by the career you want, not by which course sounds broadest — and check each course’s professional-body links before deciding.

Sources and last update

• Institution shortlist (UNILAG, OAU, UI, UNN, Covenant, UNIBEN, ABU, UNILORIN, UNIZIK, BUK) from departmental-history and professional-body reporting, grouped by strength, not ranked — no official ranking is asserted.
• Accreditation (NUC + ICAN arrangements), 4-year BSc structure, and professional-examination route from programme and professional-body guidance as reported, with per-session verification directed.

Last updated: 24 October 2026. Guide — review every 3–6 months and on every NUC/ICAN accreditation update.