What Are Weekend Degree Programmes?
Weekend degree programmes allow students to attend university classes mainly outside the traditional weekday schedule. They are designed to provide a more flexible route for people who work, run businesses or have other responsibilities during the week. Depending on the university, classes may take place on Saturdays, Sundays or a combination of weekend and evening periods.
Weekend study is usually associated with part-time education, but the exact arrangement differs between universities. Some programmes may have physical weekend classes, while others combine weekend attendance with online learning. Students should therefore confirm the timetable before applying rather than assuming that every part-time programme operates exclusively on weekends.
How Weekend University Programmes Work
A weekend programme generally follows a structured academic timetable while reducing the need for weekday attendance. Students still complete lectures, assignments, examinations and other academic requirements, but the schedule is arranged to accommodate people who cannot attend conventional weekday classes.
The National Universities Commission states that approved part-time programmes must meet relevant academic standards and operate within approved university campuses. It also specifies that admission into part-time programmes must go through JAMB and that the approved full-time equivalent must exist at the university.
This makes it important to distinguish a legitimate university weekend degree from informal courses advertised as university programmes. Before paying an application fee, students should verify the institution, programme and current admission arrangement.
Universities Offering Weekend Degree Programmes
Several Nigerian universities have operated part-time programmes with weekend study arrangements. However, programme availability changes by academic session, faculty and department, so there is no permanent list of every university offering weekend degrees.
Lagos State University
Lagos State University is one example with a clear reference to weekend degree programmes. Its Faculty of Management Sciences states that some departments run degree part-time programmes on weekends through the LASU School of Part-Time Studies. The faculty includes disciplines such as Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Insurance, Marketing and Public Administration.
This makes LASU particularly relevant for working adults interested in management and business-related degrees. Applicants should still confirm which departments are accepting applications for the current admission cycle.
Other Nigerian Universities
Other universities have operated part-time and flexible programmes, but students should verify current offerings individually. The NUC regulates part-time programmes and publishes guidelines covering their approval, admission and academic requirements.
A university may offer part-time study without every course being available on weekends. The schedule can also differ between faculties, so checking the exact programme is more reliable than choosing a university based only on its reputation for part-time education.
Popular Weekend Degree Courses
Weekend degree courses are commonly found in disciplines that can be delivered through classroom instruction without extensive laboratory or clinical requirements. Business and management programmes are particularly suitable for working students because they can fit naturally around professional schedules.
Common options may include:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Banking and Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
- Public Administration
- Industrial Relations
- Insurance
- Management
- Mass Communication
- Political Science
- Education
LASU’s Faculty of Management Sciences, for example, lists departments covering Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Insurance, Marketing and Public Administration alongside its reference to weekend part-time degree programmes.
Not every university offers all these courses through weekend study. Students should therefore identify their preferred course first and then find universities where that specific programme is currently available.
Weekend Degree Programme Requirements
Admission requirements vary according to the university and course. For many undergraduate programmes, applicants need the required O’Level credits for their chosen discipline, while some routes may have additional requirements.
JAMB is also an important consideration. The NUC’s current part-time programme guidelines state that admissions into part-time programmes must be through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Applicants should prepare their academic documents before applying. These may include O’Level results, JAMB documentation, identification documents and other materials specified by the university.
HND and ND holders may have additional entry opportunities depending on the programme. However, the applicant should confirm whether the university offers Direct Entry, conversion or another advanced-entry route instead of assuming that every weekend degree accepts previous qualifications.
How Much Do Weekend Programmes Cost?
There is no standard fee for weekend degree programmes in Nigeria. The amount depends on the university, course, academic session, level of entry and payment structure.
Students should look beyond the tuition figure when comparing programmes. Application fees, acceptance fees, registration charges, examinations, course materials and other institutional charges can increase the total cost of study.
A useful budget should include:
| Cost | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Application | Fee for submitting the admission application |
| Acceptance | Payment after receiving admission |
| Tuition | Main academic charge |
| Registration | Session or semester charges |
| Examinations | Separate examination costs where applicable |
| Transport | Travel to campus for weekend classes |
| Accommodation | Relevant for students travelling from another city |
| Learning materials | Books, internet and other study resources |
The cost of travelling every weekend can also make a major difference. Someone living near the university may find a weekend programme affordable, while a student travelling several hours each week could spend considerably more.
How Long Do Weekend Degrees Take?
The duration depends on the programme and university. Part-time programmes can take longer than their full-time equivalents because students generally carry a lighter academic workload.
The NUC guidelines state that the minimum duration of approved part-time programmes should be 150% of the approved duration of the equivalent full-time programme.
This means students should not expect every weekend degree to take the same number of years as a conventional full-time programme. The exact duration should be confirmed from the university’s current admission information.
Who Should Consider a Weekend Degree?
Weekend degrees are particularly suitable for people who cannot attend university during normal working hours. This includes full-time employees, entrepreneurs, business owners and other adults whose weekday schedules make conventional study difficult.
They can also suit students who prefer face-to-face learning instead of completely online education. A weekend programme can provide regular physical interaction with lecturers and classmates while allowing the student to remain available for work during the week.
However, flexibility still requires discipline. Weekend students may have to spend additional time during weekdays reading, completing assignments and preparing for examinations.
How to Choose a Weekend Programme
Start with the course rather than the university. Identify the degree you need for your career plans, then compare universities that offer that course through a genuine part-time or weekend structure.
Next, examine the timetable carefully. Find out whether classes take place every Saturday, on selected weekends or on both weekends and weekday evenings. Also ask whether examinations, practical sessions or other compulsory activities follow the same schedule.
Cost should be the next consideration. Compare tuition and other institutional charges, but also calculate transportation, accommodation, internet and learning-material expenses.
Finally, verify the programme’s status before paying. The NUC states that commencement of a part-time programme is subject to its approval, so applicants should be cautious about programmes advertised by unofficial agents or third parties.
Read More: Cheapest Distance Learning Universities in Nigeria: Fees, Courses and Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study for a degree only on weekends?
Some universities structure specific part-time degree programmes around weekend classes, but not every programme is exclusively weekend-based. Confirm the timetable for your chosen course before applying.
Are weekend degrees available for working adults?
Yes. Weekend programmes are specifically useful for people who work during weekdays and need a more flexible university schedule.
Is a weekend degree the same as a full-time degree?
Both can lead to university degrees, but the mode and duration of study can differ. Part-time programmes generally have a longer minimum duration than their full-time equivalents under NUC guidelines.
Do I need JAMB for a weekend degree?
For approved Nigerian university part-time programmes, NUC guidelines state that admissions must go through JAMB. However, applicants should follow the specific admission instructions issued by their university.
How much does a weekend degree cost?
Fees vary by university and programme. Students should compare tuition with application, acceptance, registration and other costs before choosing a programme.
Can HND holders enrol in weekend degree programmes?
Some universities provide advanced-entry or conversion routes for HND holders. The available option depends on the university, course and admission requirements.
Are weekend degree programmes suitable for people outside the university’s city?
They can be, but regular physical attendance may make the arrangement expensive or difficult. Students living far away should calculate transportation and accommodation costs before enrolling.
Conclusion
Weekend degree programmes in Nigeria provide a practical route for people who need to combine university education with employment or other weekday responsibilities. They offer more flexibility than conventional full-time study while retaining the classroom experience that many students prefer.
However, the best programme is not simply the one with the lowest fee or the most convenient timetable. Students should compare the course, university, admission requirements, total cost, duration and actual class schedule before making a decision.
For anyone considering a weekend degree, the safest approach is to verify the current programme directly with the university and confirm that the specific course is approved and accepting applications. This can help you find a flexible degree route that fits both your work schedule and long-term education goals.
