Ahmadu Bello University ABU
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria – ABU

History of the Institution

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is one of the largest and oldest universities in Nigeria. It was established on 4 October 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria before being renamed after Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the first Premier of Northern Nigeria.

The university was created to provide higher education and research opportunities for Northern Nigeria and the country at large. Over the years, ABU has grown into a major centre for academic excellence, offering programmes in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, social sciences, arts, and law.

ABU operates several campuses, with the main campus located at Samaru in Zaria, while other academic and research activities are carried out at Kongo Campus and other specialized research institutes.

Location

Ahmadu Bello University
Samaru, Zaria
Kaduna State
Nigeria

Faculties / Colleges / Schools

  • Faculty of Administration

  • Faculty of Agriculture

  • Faculty of Arts

  • Faculty of Education

  • Faculty of Engineering

  • Faculty of Environmental Design

  • Faculty of Law

  • Faculty of Life Sciences

  • Faculty of Physical Sciences

  • Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • Faculty of Social Sciences

  • College of Medical Sciences

  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Courses Offered

Faculty of Administration

  • Accounting

  • Business Administration

  • Public Administration

  • Local Government and Development Studies

Faculty of Agriculture

  • Agricultural Economics

  • Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

  • Agronomy

  • Animal Science

  • Crop Protection

  • Soil Science

Faculty of Arts

  • Arabic

  • English and Literary Studies

  • French

  • Hausa

  • History

  • Theatre and Performing Arts

  • Archaeology and Heritage Studies

Faculty of Education

  • Arts and Social Science Education

  • Educational Foundation and Curriculum

  • Educational Psychology and Counselling

  • Library and Information Science

  • Physical and Health Education

  • Science Education

  • Vocational and Technical Education

Faculty of Engineering

  • Agricultural Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Metallurgical Engineering

  • Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

Faculty of Environmental Design

  • Architecture

  • Building

  • Industrial Design

  • Quantity Surveying

  • Urban and Regional Planning

  • Geomatics

Faculty of Sciences

  • Biochemistry

  • Microbiology

  • Zoology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Statistics

  • Computer Science

College of Medical Sciences

  • Medicine and Surgery

  • Nursing Science

  • Medical Laboratory Science

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

Faculty of Law

  • Civil Law

  • Sharia Law

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

  • Candidates must sit for the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

  • Applicants must obtain at least five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics and other relevant subjects.

  • Candidates must select Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as their preferred institution during UTME registration.

  • Applicants must participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the university.

Direct Entry Admission

  • Candidates with ND, NCE, IJMB, or equivalent qualifications may apply through the JAMB Direct Entry process.

School Fees

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Cut-off Mark

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Post-UTME Information

Candidates seeking admission into ABU must participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the university through the screening portal.

Post-UTME Portal
https://screening.atbu.edu.ng/

Hostel / Accommodation

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Notable Alumni

  • Umaru Musa Yar’Adua – Former President of Nigeria

  • Atiku Abubakar – Former Vice President of Nigeria

  • Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State

  • Sanusi Lamido Sanusi – Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria

Official Website/Login Portal Links

Official Website
https://abu.edu.ng/

Student Portal
https://abu.edu.ng/login/

Students Information Page
https://abu.edu.ng/students/

Admissions Page
https://abu.edu.ng/admissions/

Application Forms Portal
https://portal.abu.edu.ng/forms

Distance Learning Centre
https://abudlc.edu.ng/

Contact Information

Ahmadu Bello University
Samaru, Zaria
Kaduna State
Nigeria

Phone: Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.
Email: Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Ahmadu Bello University located?

Ahmadu Bello University is located in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

When was ABU established?

The university was established in 1962.

What courses are offered at ABU?

ABU offers programmes in agriculture, engineering, sciences, arts, education, law, medicine, environmental design, and social sciences.

Does ABU conduct Post-UTME screening?

Yes, candidates seeking admission must participate in the ABU Post-UTME screening exercise.

What is the cut-off mark for ABU?

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

ABU Latest News

Ahmadu Bello University ABU

Apply: ABU 2026 NHEF Scholars Programme for Undergraduates

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, through its Directorate of Advancement and International Education (DA&IE), has...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria – ABU

History of the Institution Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is one of the largest and...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

ABU Zaria Extends Postgraduate Application Deadline for 2025/2026

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has announced an extension of the deadline for the online...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

ABU Releases Its Academic Calendar for 2025/2026

Ahmadu Bello University has released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. It covers...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

ABU Important Admission Notice to Candidates 2025/2026

The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has issued an important update for candidates awaiting the 2025/2026 admission...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

ABU 1st Batch Merit Admission List 2025/2026 is Out

Ahmadu Bello University has published the admission list for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants are...
Read More
Ahmadu Bello University ABU

ABU 1st Bacth Merit Admission List 2025/2026 is Out

Ahmadu Bello University has published the admission list for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants are...
Read More

Ahmadu Bello University ABU
Apply: ABU 2026 NHEF Scholars Programme for Undergraduates

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, through its Directorate of Advancement and International Education (DA&IE), has invited eligible undergraduate students to apply for the 2026 Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Scholars Programme.

The announcement was made in a Special Bulletin released on 11 February 2026. According to the university, the programme is particularly open to students in their penultimate year who are interested in gaining global exposure and advancing their professional development.

About The NHEF Scholars Programme

The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) is a United States–based non-governmental organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in Nigerian universities.

The Scholars Programme provides selected students with opportunities to work with leading organisations across major sectors, including:

  • Financial Services

  • Human Resources and Operations

  • Engineering

  • Technology

  • Consulting

  • Healthcare

  • Law

EducationNGR gathered that ABU is one of the partner institutions in the initiative, which seeks to develop global scholars and future leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria and the wider African continent.

The university described the programme as a highly recommended career and professional development opportunity for eligible students.

How To Apply

Interested applicants are required to apply online via www.thenhef.org.

  • Application Deadline: 13 March 2026

  • Closing Time: 11:59 p.m. (WAT)

Enquiries

For further information, students may contact:

  • Ubaidullah Alhassan – 09065512665

  • Mu’azu Farida Sani – 08032120790

Summary Of Important Details

Item Details
Institution Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Programme 2026 NHEF Scholars Programme
Target Applicants Penultimate-year undergraduates
Partner Organisation Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF)
Application Deadline 13 March 2026
Closing Time 11:59 p.m. (WAT)
Application Portal www.thenhef.org
Enquiry Contacts 09065512665, 08032120790
Ahmadu Bello University ABU
ABU Zaria Extends Postgraduate Application Deadline for 2025/2026

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has announced an extension of the deadline for the online sale of postgraduate application forms for the 2025/2026 academic session. The original closing date of Friday, 31 October 2025, has now been moved to Sunday, 30 November 2025.

This extension gives prospective applicants more time to complete their forms and prepare supporting documents. Interested candidates can access detailed information about the available programmes and admission requirements on the Postgraduate College website or purchase the forms directly through the university’s online portal .

Application Process and Requirements at ABU

  • The postgraduate application form costs ₦10,000, excluding bank charges.
  • PhD applicants must upload a concise proposal of no more than 300 words.
  • All applicants must provide valid phone numbers and email addresses for correspondence.
  • Candidates are required to have at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.

These requirements uphold the academic standards of ABU’s postgraduate programmes.

Support for Applicants

For inquiries or assistance, candidates can contact the Postgraduate College Call Centre through the following numbers:
📞 09131273978 or 08062961194.

Support staff are available to help with form payments, document uploads, and navigation of the online portal.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) encourages all interested graduates to take advantage of this deadline extension and complete their applications before 30 November 2025.

Ahmadu Bello University ABU
ABU Important Admission Notice to Candidates 2025/2026

The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has issued an important update for candidates awaiting the 2025/2026 admission list. Students who have secured admission are advised to accept their offers and print their JAMB admission letters through the JAMB CAPS portal without delay.

Within the first few days of release, many candidates were found to have been recommended by their faculties but had yet to upload their O’ level results on the JAMB portal. Until this step is completed, their admission process remains incomplete. Affected students should visit any JAMB-accredited CBT centre to upload their results immediately to avoid losing their admission.

 

 

Admission Closing Date and Important Deadlines

In line with the 2025 JAMB policy, the ABU admission exercise closes on 31 October 2025. Candidates who are yet to be admitted, especially into oversubscribed programmes like Architecture, MBBS, Nursing Science, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Dental Surgery, Civil Law, Mass Communication, Computer Engineering, and International Studies, are encouraged to consider other available courses.

Programmes with Limited Slots and Recommended Alternatives

Architecture

Students with Geography, Mathematics, and Physics can switch to:
Building, Geomatics, Quantity Surveying, Geography & Environmental Management, Urban & Regional Planning, Sustainable Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.

MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Related Courses

Applicants with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry may change to:
Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Polymer & Textile Engineering, Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.

Those offering Biology, Botany, Chemistry, or related subjects can apply for:
Fisheries & Aquaculture, Forestry & Wildlife Management, Geology, Health Education, Glass & Silicate Technology, Biology Education, Chemistry Education, or Home Economics Education.

Computer and Civil Engineering

Candidates with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry can move to:
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Agricultural & Bio-Resources Engineering, or related fields.
Those offering Computer Studies can also opt for Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.

Civil Law and Sharia Law

Law candidates can switch to History, Literature in English, Language Arts, Sociology, Guidance and Counselling, or Islamic Studies, depending on their subject combinations.

International Studies and Mass Communication

Students can transfer to Sociology, Social Studies, Guidance and Counselling, Archaeology, or Local Government and Development Studies.

Checking and Updating Results

After making a change of course, students should confirm their O’ level uploads remain visible on the JAMB portal. Sometimes, the results may drop after a course change, so double-checking prevents issues later.

Contact and Support

For ABU admission enquiries, candidates, parents, or staff can reach out between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm daily via:

  • 07076086821
  • 08114569297
  • 09090170145

Those advised to switch to another programme should do so by Friday, 24 October 2025, or risk having their slots reallocated.

Ahmadu Bello University ABU
ABU Releases Its Academic Calendar for 2025/2026

Ahmadu Bello University has released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. It covers registration, lectures, breaks, and examination dates for both semesters. Students are urged to check the timetable closely and prepare ahead.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has now rolled out its official academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. The approval was sealed during the Senate’s 554th meeting held on Thursday, 25 September 2025. For many students, this calendar is the compass guiding their year. Miss a week, and you might feel lost in the shuffle.

First Semester Schedule

The semester is packed, yet balanced with breaks here and there:

  • Registration: Monday 5 January – Saturday 17 January 2026 (2 weeks)
  • Lectures Begin: Monday 12 January – Saturday 21 March 2026 (10 weeks)
  • Mid-Semester Break: Monday 23 March – Saturday 28 March 2026 (1 week)
  • Lectures Resume: Monday 30 March – Saturday 25 April 2026 (4 weeks)
  • Final Examinations: Monday 27 April – Saturday 16 May 2026 (3 weeks)
  • End of Semester Break: Monday 18 May – Saturday 30 May 2026 (2 weeks)

Add or drop courses? That window opens from Monday 2 February – Saturday 14 February 2026.

Second Semester Timetable

Students will need to gather their strength, as the second half moves quickly:

  • Lectures: Monday 1 June – Saturday 25 July 2026 (8 weeks)
  • Mid-Semester Break: Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2026 (1 week)
  • Lectures Resume: Monday 3 August – Saturday 12 September 2026 (6 weeks)
  • Final Examinations: Monday 14 September – Saturday 3 October 2026 (3 weeks)

The add/drop period comes early, from Monday 22 June – Saturday 4 July 2026.

And yes, all national and state public holidays will be observed.

Processing of Results: First Semester

The calendar also carves out dates for results processing and approvals:

  • Departmental uploads: 5 – 10 January 2026
  • Course evaluation & exam card printing: 13 – 18 April 2026
  • Marking of exams: 18 May – 13 June 2026
  • Departmental Board meetings: 15 – 27 June 2026
  • Faculty Board meetings: 29 June – 4 July 2026
  • Senate Standing Committee: 6 – 18 July 2026
  • Graduating results to Senate: 30 July 2026

Processing of Results: Second Semester

A similar flow is set for the second half of the year:

  • Departmental uploads: 25 – 30 May 2026
  • Course evaluation & exam card printing: 31 August – 5 September 2026
  • Marking period: 5 – 31 October 2026
  • Departmental Board meetings: 2 – 14 November 2026
  • Faculty Board meetings: 16 – 21 November 2026
  • Senate Standing Committee: 23 November – 5 December 2026
  • Graduating results to Senate: 24 December 2026
Ahmadu Bello University ABU
ABU 1st Batch Merit Admission List 2025/2026 is Out

Ahmadu Bello University has published the admission list for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants are to check their status through JAMB CAPS and follow the next steps. Read below for guidance and meanings of the possible responses.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has finally rolled out its admission list for the 2025/2026 academic session. The news has spread quickly, stirring excitement and some nervous tension among candidates who took part in the screening. For many, this marks the start of a fresh chapter, a door creaking open into the long-awaited university life.

How to Check the ABU Admission List

At the moment, all checking must be done through the JAMB CAPS portal. The process is not hard, though a bit tricky for first-timers. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Visit the JAMB EFacility portal.
  • Enter your JAMB username and password to log in.
  • Scroll down until you see Check Admission Status and click it.
  • Select Access my CAPS.
  • Click on Admission Status to view your offer.

Phone users may need to tweak their browser. If you only see the welcome page, switch to desktop mode. On Chrome, this is done by selecting request desktop site, and the full page will load.

What the Different Responses Mean on JAMB CAPS

You might not always see the word “congratulations.” Here is what each message stands for:

  • Admission Offered: JAMB has given the green light. You can accept or reject the admission right there.
  • Admission in Progress (AIP): The school has pushed your name forward, but JAMB is still reviewing.
  • Recommended: Your name is on the school’s desk, waiting for JAMB to stamp approval.
  • Not Admitted: Your name is not on the list yet. Either the school has not uploaded all names, or your case is still hanging.
  • Pending: No decision yet. Your application is still being weighed.

After Admission, What Next?

If you see that golden “Admission Offered,” do not sit on it. Quickly send ACCEPT or REJECT to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number tied to your JAMB profile. Once you accept, go on to print your JAMB admission letter. This letter will be needed later for clearance and record keeping.

Ahmadu Bello University ABU
ABU 1st Bacth Merit Admission List 2025/2026 is Out

Ahmadu Bello University has published the admission list for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants are to check their status through JAMB CAPS and follow the next steps. Read below for guidance and meanings of the possible responses.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has finally rolled out its admission list for the 2025–2026 academic session. The news has spread quickly, stirring excitement and some nervous tension among candidates who took part in the screening. For many, this marks the start of a fresh chapter, a door creaking open into the long-awaited university life.

How to Check the ABU Admission List

At the moment, all checking must be done through the JAMB CAPS portal. The process is not hard, though a bit tricky for first-timers. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Visit the JAMB EFacility portal.
  • Enter your JAMB username and password to log in.
  • Scroll down until you see Check Admission Status and click it.
  • Select Access my CAPS.
  • Click on Admission Status to view your offer.

Phone users may need to tweak their browser. If you only see the welcome page, switch to desktop mode. On Chrome, this is done by selecting request desktop site, and the full page will load.

What the Different Responses Mean on JAMB CAPS

You might not always see the word “congratulations.” Here is what each message stands for:

  • Admission Offered: JAMB has given the green light. You can accept or reject the admission right there.
  • Admission in Progress (AIP): The school has pushed your name forward, but JAMB is still reviewing.
  • Recommended: Your name is on the school’s desk, waiting for JAMB to stamp approval.
  • Not Admitted: Your name is not on the list yet. Either the school has not uploaded all names, or your case is still hanging.
  • Pending: No decision yet. Your application is still being weighed.

After Admission, What Next?

If you see that golden “Admission Offered,” do not sit on it. Quickly send ACCEPT or REJECT to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number tied to your JAMB profile. Once you accept, go on to print your JAMB admission letter. This letter will be needed later for clearance and record keeping.