Discover Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges that offer part-time, sandwich or distance learning programmes in 2025. Learn entry requirements, how to apply and important tips.
Many Nigerian universities, several polytechnics and a number of private institutions run part-time, sandwich or distance learning programmes in 2025. These options let working adults, parents and others study without giving up jobs or family responsibilities.
Below you’ll find a practical list of institutions (examples), common admission requirements, step-by-step application tips and links to source pages so you can confirm details.
What “part-time”, “sandwich” and “distance learning” mean
Part-time programmes usually run on weekends or evenings; sandwich programmes mix periods of full-time study with vacation classes; distance learning / DLI blends online study with occasional on-campus sessions. Each university calls and structures these programmes differently — always check the university’s official unit (School of Part-Time Studies / DLI / Institute for Continuing Education) for exact details.
Universities & institutions running part-time / sandwich / DLI programmes (examples to check)
Below are institutions that currently advertise part-time, sandwich or distance options for 2025. Use the links to the official pages to confirm programme availability, application dates and fees.
Federal & Major Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Institute of Continuing Education & Distance Learning Institute run part-time and DLI degree programmes. Check UNILAG ICE / DLI for application details and available courses. 0
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — advertises part-time and distance learning programmes and has an active centre for open and distance learning. Confirm advertised programmes on Unilorin’s site. 1
- University of Jos (UNIJOS) — runs long vacation part-time programmes (Institute of Education and related units) and advertises forms for such sessions. 2
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU) — School of Part-Time Studies (SPTS) publishes available part-time degree programmes and admissions notices for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 cycles. 3
- Other state universities often run similar part-time units — check your state university’s website for “School of Part-Time Studies”, “Continuing Education” or “Sandwich” pages.
Private Universities & Colleges
- Babcock University — advertises part-time undergraduate programmes with weekend class schedules for working students (Friday & Sunday structures). 4
- Many private institutions (and some faith-based universities) also run part-time or weekend degree options — always use the official admissions portal to confirm.
Other universities & polytechnics with part-time offerings (examples)
- Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (part-time listings / admissions). 5
- Several polytechnics and colleges run sandwich/HND part-time schedules and long-vacation programmes — check the school’s official notice board or admissions page for current adverts.
Note: The National Universities Commission (NUC) reviews and regulates part-time programme approvals; their list of approved institutions is periodically updated — check NUC if in doubt. 6
Common admission requirements for part-time / sandwich / DLI programmes
Requirements vary by institution and programme level (UTME, Direct Entry, HND, PG). The typical checklist is:
- Minimum O’level passes: 5 credits (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) including English and Mathematics for most undergraduate programmes.
- JAMB UTME / Part-time JAMB registration: Some schools require candidates to register with JAMB for part-time programmes (UNILAG DLI & some SPTS ask for part-time JAMB registration). 7
- Direct Entry / HND: ND, NCE, HND holders follow Direct Entry or HND to degree conversion rules — present certified certificates and transcripts.
- Age and documentation: Birth certificate or age declaration, passport photographs, payment receipts and filled application forms.
- Experience (sometimes): For professional or part-time postgraduate programmes, work experience may be required or preferred.
How to apply — step-by-step
- Visit the university’s official School of Part-Time Studies / DLI / Continuing Education page (links above are examples).
- Download and read the admission advert/brochure carefully for the academic year (2025/2026 where applicable).
- Purchase the application form online or at specified bank branches. Keep payment evidence.
- Prepare documents: scanned O’level results, certificates, passport photo, birth certificate, JAMB slip (if required), NIN and any work-experience letters.
- Submit online and attend any required screening or biometric capture at the accredited center.
- Follow up with the admissions office for offers and registration dates (part-time programmes often run in batches or weekend cohorts).
Fees, duration and study pattern (what to expect)
Part-time programmes are usually cheaper per year than full-time, but may take longer to complete (typical durations: 4–6 years for part-time bachelor’s depending on entry level). Sandwich programmes often run in blocks during vacations. Expect weekend classes, evening lectures or a blend of online modules and short campus residencies.
Important cautions & common mistakes
- Verify approval: Ensure the programme is NUC-approved (for universities) or NBTE-approved (for polytechnics). NUC warns it will sanction violations. 8
- Don’t rely on third-party agents: Use only official university portals for application and payments.
- Check the academic calendar: Part-time intakes may differ from full-time cycles — missing a cohort can delay graduation by a year.
- Confirm JAMB requirements: Some part-time programmes still require UTME/JAMB registration or specific JAMB part-time procedures. 9
Quick checklist before you apply
- Read the official advert and programme brochure.
- Confirm accreditation with NUC/NBTE.
- Have certified copies of certificates and O’level results ready.
- Keep digital scans and printed copies of payment receipts.
- Confirm mode of delivery (weekend, evening, online) to ensure it fits your schedule.
Selected official pages (sources you can trust)
- University of Lagos — Institute of Continuing Education / DLI (part-time & distance learning). 10
- Lagos State University — School of Part-Time Studies (SPTS) — programmes & adverts. 11
- University of Ilorin — Centre for Open & Distance Learning / part-time adverts. 12
- Babcock University — Part-Time weekend degree programmes advert. 13
- University of Jos — Long vacation / part-time institute adverts. 14
- NUC guidance on part-time courses (approval & regulation). 15
Conclusion
Part-time, sandwich and distance learning programmes are excellent routes for working professionals and others who need flexible study options. They are legitimate, regulated and widely available — but it’s your responsibility to confirm accreditation, programme mode, fees and application windows on the university’s official pages before you pay or apply.
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