A master’s degree can help you develop specialist knowledge and qualify for new career opportunities. However, attending weekday lectures may be difficult if you work full-time or manage other responsibilities. Part-time master’s programmes offer an alternative by allowing students to complete postgraduate studies over a longer period.
Several Nigerian universities offer selected master’s programmes through part-time study. Options include academic degrees such as MSc, MA and M.Ed., as well as professional qualifications such as MBA, MPA and other specialised master’s degrees.
The available courses differ by institution and department. Before applying, confirm that your preferred programme accepts part-time students and check its current admission requirements, class schedule and duration.
Universities Offering Part-Time Master’s Programmes in Nigeria
The following universities publish information about selected part-time master’s programmes. The examples below reflect the programmes identified in their institutional listings, but applicants should confirm current availability before applying.
| University | Examples of Part-Time Master’s Programmes |
|---|---|
| Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | MA English, MSc Accounting, MSc Political Science, MSc Psychology, M.Ed. programmes |
| Bells University of Technology | Part-time MBA |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Selected academic and professional master’s programmes |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Selected professional master’s programmes |
| University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) | MSc Health Professions and Biomedical Education |
| Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | Selected master’s programmes through its part-time studies structure |
| University of Ilorin | Selected master’s programmes, subject to the department’s available study mode |
1. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State offers a broad range of postgraduate programmes through its Postgraduate School. Its published 2026/2027 admission list identifies several master’s programmes available in both full-time and part-time modes.
Examples include:
- MA English Language and Literature
- MA Yoruba Language and Literature
- MSc Accounting
- MSc Finance
- MSc Business Administration
- MSc Political Science
- MSc Psychology
- M.Ed. Science Education
- M.Ed. Mathematics Education
- M.Ed. Educational Technology
The university also lists professional master’s programmes, including Master in Banking and Finance and Master in Transport Studies, with part-time options for selected courses.
OOU provides a useful starting point for applicants who want to compare academic and professional postgraduate qualifications across different disciplines.
2. Bells University of Technology
Bells University of Technology in Ota, Ogun State, offers a part-time Master of Business Administration programme.
The university’s published admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, generally at least second-class lower, in an eligible discipline. It also considers certain applicants with relevant postgraduate diplomas or HND qualifications who meet its additional conditions.
The programme targets people who want to develop management and business skills while maintaining other commitments. Bells University describes its part-time postgraduate arrangement as offering evening and weekend classes.
Applicants should confirm the current MBA admission conditions and class timetable before applying.
3. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos offers postgraduate programmes across academic and professional disciplines. Its 2026/2027 postgraduate admission information identifies full-time, part-time, executive and open distance learning options, depending on the programme.
Its postgraduate offerings include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- MSc and MA programmes in selected disciplines
- Professional master’s programmes in management and other specialised fields
Not every programme offers part-time admission. Check the study mode listed against your intended course before submitting an application.
UNILAG is worth considering if you want to compare academic postgraduate study with professional programmes designed for people already working in their fields.
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife offers postgraduate diplomas, academic master’s degrees and professional master’s qualifications.
Its postgraduate admission information states that part-time enrolment is available at the professional master’s level, subject to the university’s regulations and the candidate’s circumstances.
Applicants interested in professional postgraduate education should review the current programme list to identify eligible courses. Do not assume that every MSc, MA or other academic master’s programme accepts part-time students.
OAU may suit candidates who want a postgraduate qualification in a professional field while continuing their employment.
5. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED)
The University of Medical Sciences in Ondo offers an MSc in Health Professions and Biomedical Education through a part-time, virtual arrangement.
The programme includes options in:
- Biomedical Education
- Health Professions Education and Medical Education
UNIMED states that applicants need a bachelor’s degree in a health, allied health or related discipline, subject to the university’s admission requirements. The programme’s published duration ranges from six to nine semesters.
This option is particularly relevant to health professionals who want to develop their teaching or medical education skills without following a conventional full-time campus schedule.
6. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
FUOYE provides postgraduate education through its Institute of Part-Time Studies. Its programme listings include professional and academic qualifications across management and related fields.
Examples associated with its postgraduate offerings include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master’s programmes in Banking and Finance
- Master’s programmes in Strategic Management
- Master’s programmes in Environmental Management
Applicants should verify the current part-time admission list and confirm the study mode for their preferred course. A programme’s presence in the general postgraduate catalogue does not automatically mean that the university offers it part-time in every admission session.
7. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin offers postgraduate programmes across several faculties, including Arts, Education, Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Engineering.
Its postgraduate regulations provide for part-time master’s study, although the available mode depends on the specific programme and department.
Applicants should identify their intended course and confirm whether the department accepts part-time candidates for the current session. They should also ask about the expected lecture schedule, research requirements and minimum completion period.
The university is an option for graduates who want to investigate postgraduate study in a range of academic disciplines without assuming that every course has a part-time route.
Admission Requirements for Part-Time Master’s Programmes
Admission conditions vary between universities and courses. However, applicants should prepare to meet the following common requirements:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree: Most academic master’s programmes require a recognised bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline or an accepted related field.
- Minimum degree classification: Many programmes require at least a second-class lower degree, although some professional courses have additional entry routes.
- O’Level credits: Applicants generally need the university’s required O’Level subjects, often including English Language and Mathematics.
- Academic transcript: Some universities require an official transcript from the institution where you completed your first degree.
- Professional experience: Certain professional programmes may require relevant work experience.
- Additional screening: Some departments may require an entrance examination, interview or supporting documents.
A postgraduate diploma may offer an alternative route for some candidates who do not meet direct master’s entry requirements. However, each university determines which qualifications it accepts.
How Long Does a Part-Time Master’s Degree Take?
A part-time master’s degree generally takes longer than its full-time equivalent. The exact duration depends on the university, programme structure and whether the course requires a research project or dissertation.
For example, OOU’s postgraduate regulations specify a minimum of four semesters and a maximum of eight semesters for academic and professional master’s programmes under part-time study. Other institutions may set different limits.
Before enrolling, confirm the minimum and maximum completion periods for your chosen course. Consider your work schedule and the time you will need for assignments, examinations and research.
How to Choose the Right University
Start by identifying the master’s programme that matches your academic background and career plans. Then confirm that the university offers it part-time for the current admission session.
Next, compare the admission requirements, total fees, lecture timetable and programme duration. Some part-time courses use weekend or evening lectures, while others may require attendance at scheduled sessions during the week.
Finally, verify the university’s approval for the specific programme. The National Universities Commission requires approval for part-time programmes on a programme-by-programme basis. A university’s general recognition does not automatically establish that every programme it advertises has approval for part-time delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nigerian universities offer part-time master’s programmes?
Examples include Olabisi Onabanjo University, Bells University of Technology, the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Medical Sciences Ondo, Federal University Oye-Ekiti and the University of Ilorin. Available courses and study modes vary by institution.
Can I work full-time while studying for a part-time master’s degree?
Yes. Part-time study can accommodate employment, but you must still meet the programme’s lecture, coursework, examination and research requirements.
Are part-time master’s degrees recognised in Nigeria?
A part-time master’s degree can be recognised when the university and specific programme satisfy the applicable regulatory requirements. Confirm the programme’s approval before paying fees.
Do all master’s programmes at these universities offer part-time admission?
No. Universities offer part-time study only for selected programmes. Always check the current admission list for the exact course and study mode.
Can an HND holder apply for a part-time master’s degree?
Some universities may accept HND holders through a relevant postgraduate diploma or another approved entry route. The conditions vary, so check the requirements for your intended programme.
Conclusion
Part-time master’s programmes give Nigerian graduates a way to pursue postgraduate qualifications while managing work and other responsibilities. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Bells University of Technology, UNILAG, OAU, UNIMED, FUOYE and the University of Ilorin provide starting points for comparing available options.
The right choice depends on your preferred course, qualifications, budget and schedule. Confirm the current programme list, admission requirements, duration and approval status before applying.
