Everything You Need To Know About The University Of Abuja, Gwagwalada (Updated 2025)

Let’s talk about one of Nigeria’s most uniquely positioned federal universities—literally and figuratively. If you’ve ever driven past Gwagwalada, FCT, and noticed a sprawling university with palm trees lining its entrance and the Abuja sun giving it that golden hue, chances are you just spotted the mighty University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

Founded with the dream of combining academic excellence with the prestige of Nigeria’s capital city, UniAbuja isn’t just another federal university. It’s a living, breathing community of scholars, dreamers, rebels (yes, rebellious students are everywhere), and future leaders. So, whether you’re considering admission into UniAbuja, you're a curious parent, or you're just someone with a passion for Nigeria’s educational landscape, this post has your name written all over it.

Let’s dive into the full story—campus gist, admission wahala, the good, the bad, and even the sometimes hilarious.

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Brief History of the University of Abuja

Let’s go back to 1988, the same year Nigeria was dancing to Ras Kimono and Sunny Ade. That’s when UniAbuja was officially established, with a bold vision to combine both conventional and distance learning models. If that sounds like two-for-the-price-of-one, that’s because it kind of is.

The first academic session kicked off in 1990, and like every baby trying to walk, the university started small—three faculties, less than 500 students, and some lecture halls that looked more like renovated primary school blocks. But what it lacked in size, it made up for in ambition.

Today? UniAbuja has transformed into a university with over ten faculties, postgraduate programs, a college of health sciences, law, engineering, and of course, its cherished Centre for Distance Learning.

Where is UniAbuja?

Let’s clear the confusion. UniAbuja has two campuses—the Mini Campus located at Gwagwalada town (this used to be the main campus) and the Permanent Site at Airport Road, which now houses most faculties and administrative buildings.

Students often joke that UniAbuja’s permanent site is located somewhere between "nowhere and somewhere," especially for JJC (newcomers) who aren’t familiar with Abuja’s road network. But don’t worry, once you find your way there once, your body’s internal GPS will adjust.

Faculties and Programmes

UniAbuja is not playing games when it comes to academics. The university has grown significantly and now boasts:

• Faculty of Arts

• Faculty of Sciences

• Faculty of Social Sciences

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Management Sciences

• Faculty of Agriculture

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

• College of Health Sciences (including Medicine and Surgery)

Whether you want to become a lawyer defending the innocent, a doctor saving lives, or an agriculturist feeding the nation, there’s something here for you.

Admission: The Struggle is Real

Let’s talk about admission. Getting into UniAbuja can feel like trying to win a Grammy award. It’s competitive, it’s fierce, and yes—sometimes, it’s unpredictable.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. UTME Admission: You need a decent JAMB score (don’t play with this), a good post-UTME score, and at least five credits in your O’Level results including Mathematics and English.

2. Direct Entry (DE): For those with OND, NCE, A-levels, or equivalent, the direct entry route is your golden ticket. Just make sure your documents are intact.

3. Postgraduate Studies: Oh yes, UniAbuja has a solid postgraduate school for those who want to level up their degrees.

4. Distance Learning: Remember when we said UniAbuja started with dual-mode teaching? That legacy lives on through the Centre for Distance Learning. So if you're a working-class warrior who still wants a degree, UniAbuja sees you.

But here’s the funny part—every year, you’ll hear stories of people who scored 280 and didn’t get Law, while someone with 220 got admitted. Sometimes, you just have to pray along with your paperwork. It’s Nigeria, after all.

Campus Life: Between Lectures, Laundry, and Late-Night Noodles

Now to the juicy part—campus life. UniAbuja isn’t just a school; it’s a lifestyle.

Students live in hostels both on-campus and off-campus. If you're lucky, you get to stay in the school’s own hostels—cheaper, more secure, and gives you that real "campus experience." If you're not lucky, well, welcome to the outside world of private hostels and landlords who think they're running a 5-star hotel.

There’s also a healthy blend of academic and social life. While the lecture halls are filled with future intellectuals, the common rooms, cafeterias, and student centers are filled with gist, chess matches, love triangles, and debates over who’s the GOAT: Wizkid or Burna Boy.

UniAbuja also has a vibrant religious life. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, or somewhere in between, you’ll find student fellowships, mosque associations, and Bible study groups that suit your vibe.

Security and Infrastructure

Let’s be honest—no university is perfect. And like many public universities in Nigeria, UniAbuja has had its fair share of challenges. In the past, there were reports of insecurity, theft, and even kidnapping incidents that made headlines. But the good news is, the university and the federal government have taken noticeable steps to beef up security—more patrols, better lighting, and even community partnerships.

Infrastructure-wise, UniAbuja is developing steadily. New buildings are coming up, laboratories are improving, and even the ICT infrastructure is catching up. But hey, there’s still room for growth—especially with power supply and internet access. Baby steps, yeah?

Fees and Expenses

UniAbuja is a federal university, so the fees are relatively affordable compared to private universities. Depending on your course, you may pay somewhere between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per session. Courses like Law and Medicine may cost a little more (no surprises there).

Of course, add cost of living—accommodation, feeding, transport, handouts (aka “compulsory textbooks”), and your budget begins to stretch. On the bright side, Abuja students are smart with side hustles. Some do graphic design, sell thrift wear, or run food delivery gigs from their hostels.

Alumni and Reputation

One of the lesser-known facts about UniAbuja is that it has produced a growing number of successful alumni in politics, law, health, and business. The university is steadily gaining a reputation as a serious academic institution, especially in disciplines like Political Science, Law, and Public Administration.

And let’s not forget its unique edge—it’s in Abuja. That alone makes it a hub for internships, government agency placements, and opportunities you might not easily find elsewhere.

Events, Strikes, and Academic Calendar

Ah yes, the dreaded “S-word”—Strike. Like most public universities under ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities), UniAbuja has had its fair share of academic halts. If you're planning to graduate in four years, maybe just pray and prepare for five. That’s the Nigerian federal university system for you.

Still, the university tries to keep its academic calendar running as smoothly as possible. When there are no national strikes, UniAbuja usually completes sessions on time.

Campus events include:

• Students’ Union elections (that feel more like real national elections)

• Faculty dinners

• Sports tournaments

• Stage dramas and art showcases

• And of course, the legendary Mr & Miss UniAbuja

Final Thoughts

So, should you consider the University of Abuja? Absolutely. It's got solid academic programs, a growing infrastructure, national recognition, and all the Abuja vibes to keep you inspired.

Sure, there are occasional bumps—like unpredictable strikes or hostel issues—but that’s the reality of schooling in Nigeria. What makes UniAbuja special is how it continues to rise above these challenges with resilience and character.

If you’re lucky enough to gain admission, take it seriously. Build friendships, stay focused, and make the most of the resources around you.

And who knows? Maybe someday, someone will write a blog post about your achievements as a proud UniAbuja alum.