The University of Ibadan (UI) is a federal government-owned institution, which means undergraduate tuition for Computer Science, like most other courses at the university, is heavily subsidized. Students in the Computer Science department, which falls under the Faculty of Science, do not pay a large tuition bill in the way a private university student would. Instead, fees are structured around registration, departmental, and service charges that apply broadly across most faculties at UI, with only minor variations by department. This article explains exactly what a Computer Science student at UI pays for the 2026/2027 session, how the fee structure works, and what determines admission into the department.
Computer Science at the University of Ibadan
Computer Science at UI is domiciled in the Faculty of Science, alongside departments such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, and Geology. It is a four-year undergraduate programme that trains students in programming, systems design, software development, data structures, and the broader theoretical and applied foundations of computing. As one of the more competitive departments within the Faculty of Science, Computer Science consistently draws a large volume of applicants each admission cycle, given the strong career prospects associated with the field.
UI School Fees Structure for Computer Science (2026/2027)
UI’s school fees are structured around a relatively low base tuition figure, consistent with its status as a federal university, supplemented by registration, library, ICT, and other departmental service charges. The table below summarises the fee pattern that applies to Computer Science students for the 2026/2027 session.
| Fee Category | Fresh Students | Returning Students |
|---|---|---|
| General school fees (tuition, registration, library, ICT, medical) | ₦34,300 – ₦36,800 | ₦20,000 – ₦32,000 |
| Acceptance fee (one-time, after admission offer) | Charged separately from school fees; paid once by fresh students | Not applicable |
| Hostel accommodation (optional, varies by hall) | ₦30,000 for most halls; ₦80,000 for Alexander Brown Hall (medical students) | Same range, subject to availability |
| Faculty of Science departmental charges | Included within general school fees, with minor variation by department | Included within general school fees |
Computer Science does not carry a significantly different fee bracket from other departments within the Faculty of Science at UI. The general school fees figure applies broadly across most undergraduate programmes, with only small adjustments for departments requiring additional laboratory access, field trips, or professional accreditation charges, none of which apply heavily to Computer Science compared to, for example, Chemistry or Geology.
What the School Fees Cover
The charges paid by a Computer Science student at UI fund several categories of university service across the academic session:
- Tuition and registration: covers the core academic cost of lectures, coursework, and administrative processing for course registration each session.
- ICT and computer laboratory access: particularly relevant for Computer Science students, this covers access to departmental computer laboratories, software licensing where applicable, and campus internet infrastructure.
- Library services: access to the university’s library system, which holds the largest book collection among Nigerian universities.
- Medical services: access to the university health centre for routine treatment during the session.
- Examinations: administration of continuous assessments and semester examinations.
- Students’ union and sports charges: a smaller component covering extracurricular activities and student representation.
Hostel accommodation is billed separately from the general school fees and is optional, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability within the specific hall a student is assigned to or applies for.
Admission Requirements for Computer Science at UI
Gaining admission into Computer Science at UI requires meeting both the university’s general entry requirements and the department’s specific academic conditions:
- O’Level credit passes: a minimum of five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and two other science subjects, obtained from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB in not more than two sittings.
- JAMB subject combination: Mathematics, Physics, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Economics, or Geography.
- UTME score: UI’s general JAMB cut off mark for the 2026/2027 session sits at 200 points, which is the minimum required to qualify for the university’s post-UTME screening exercise. However, Computer Science is one of the more competitive departments within the Faculty of Science, and candidates should realistically target a score of 230 or higher, since departmental aggregate cut off marks are calculated from a combination of JAMB and post-UTME performance rather than the raw JAMB score alone.
- Post-UTME screening: UI conducts a computer-based post-UTME test covering subjects from the candidate’s UTME combination, and this score contributes significantly to the final aggregate used for departmental ranking.
- First choice requirement: UI only considers candidates who selected the university as their first choice during JAMB registration, and it does not process second-choice applications.
How UI Calculates the Departmental Aggregate for Computer Science
Admission into Computer Science, like most competitive departments at UI, is based on an aggregate score combining a candidate’s JAMB result with their post-UTME performance, rather than the JAMB score in isolation. Since the post-UTME component carries a substantial weight in this calculation, a candidate with a strong JAMB score but a weak post-UTME performance can still lose out to a candidate with a slightly lower JAMB score but a stronger post-UTME result. For this reason, candidates aiming for Computer Science should prepare seriously for both stages rather than assuming a high JAMB score alone secures admission.
Meeting the general UI cut off mark of 200 only qualifies a candidate for post-UTME screening; it does not guarantee a place in the Computer Science department, since the department’s aggregate cut off mark, determined after screening, is set based on the competitiveness of that year’s applicant pool and the number of available slots.
Direct Entry Admission into Computer Science
Candidates holding relevant qualifications can also apply for Computer Science through UI’s Direct Entry route, which admits directly into a later stage of the programme rather than the first year. Acceptable qualifications include:
- A-Level passes in relevant science subjects, including Mathematics and Physics.
- National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or National Certificate of Education (NCE) in a related computing or science field, from a recognised institution.
- IJMB qualifications from an approved centre, with strong grades in relevant science subjects.
Direct Entry requirements and cut off marks are evaluated separately from the standard UTME route, so candidates applying through this channel should confirm the specific requirements published for Computer Science each admission cycle, since these can differ from the UTME-based requirements outlined above.
Payment Procedure
Paying school fees at UI follows a standard sequence for both new and returning Computer Science students:
- Log in to the UI student portal using the credentials issued after admission confirmation.
- Select the correct session and level on the portal to generate the appropriate fee structure.
- Generate and print a payment invoice reflecting the amount due for that session.
- Complete payment online through the portal or at any designated bank listed as an approved payment channel.
- Confirm payment on the UI portal once the transaction has been processed, and print the payment receipt for registration purposes.
Students should note that UI enforces a payment deadline each session, after which the payment portal closes. Late payment after this deadline typically requires a formal petition to the Bursary and registry to reopen the portal, a process that can delay course registration and, in some cases, affect examination eligibility. Because of this, fresh and returning Computer Science students are strongly advised to complete payment well ahead of the stated deadline rather than waiting until the final days of the payment window.
FAQs
Does Computer Science cost more than other courses at UI?
No. UI applies a broadly uniform school fees structure across most undergraduate departments, including Computer Science, with only minor variations tied to specific laboratory, field trip, or accreditation needs in certain science and technical departments.
What JAMB score is needed for Computer Science at UI?
The general UI cut off mark is 200, which qualifies a candidate for post-UTME screening. However, Computer Science is competitive, and candidates should aim for 230 or higher to have a realistic chance, since final admission depends on an aggregate score combining JAMB and post-UTME performance.
Is hostel accommodation included in the UI school fees for Computer Science students?
No. Hostel accommodation is billed separately from the general school fees and is optional, with fees varying by hall of residence and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can a candidate gain admission into UI Computer Science through Direct Entry?
Yes. Candidates with A-Level passes, ND, HND, NCE, or IJMB qualifications in relevant science subjects can apply through Direct Entry, which follows a separate evaluation process from the standard UTME admission route.
Where can a student confirm the exact current school fees for Computer Science?
The UI student portal generates the most accurate and current fee invoice once a student’s admission and department are confirmed, since fees are reviewed periodically by the university and should be verified each session rather than assumed from previous years’ figures.