AbdulAhmadu Bello University in Zaria is one of Nigeria’s largest and most respected universities.
It runs dozens of departments across roughly 18 faculties with close to 100 undergraduate programmes.
Whether you are deciding what to study, writing your JAMB profile, or planning a degree that actually leads somewhere, the right course matters more than brand alone.
Here I highlight the most popular and strategically useful courses at ABU, explain what each course covers, where graduates end up, and give pragmatic tips on getting admitted and getting value out of the degree. Use this like a map, not a checklist. abu.edu.ng
How I picked these top courses
I prioritized programmes that combine demand in the job market, strong departmental reputation at ABU, and clear career pathways.
Some are professional courses that lead to licensure or clear employment routes.
Others are high-value degrees for entrepreneurship or further study. The list is grouped by faculty purpose, not prestige hierarchy.
1. Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
Why it’s top
Medicine is high-stakes and high-reward. ABU’s Faculty of Medicine trains doctors through intensive clinical and pre-clinical programmes. Admission is competitive and usually restricted to top JAMB and Post-UTME performers. moodle.abu.edu.ng+1
What you study
Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, clinical rotations, community medicine, and specialty clerkships.
Career outcomes
Clinical practice, hospital employment, research, public health roles, and specialist training. Many graduates pursue residencies and further medical specialties.
Tips to win admission
Aim for top subject scores in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Prepare for rigorous screening, and strengthen personal statements with clinical volunteering or health projects.
2. Engineering programs (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, Chemical)
Why it’s top
ABU’s Faculty of Engineering is broad and long-established. Engineers from ABU often move into construction, energy, manufacturing, telecoms, and consulting. The engineering degree combines theory and practical labs. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Core mathematics, mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, circuits or fluid mechanics depending on specialization, plus final-year design projects.
Career outcomes
Project engineering, design consultancies, construction management, energy sector roles, manufacturing, and further professional accreditation with COREN or relevant bodies.
Tips to win admission
Strong maths and physics scores are essential. Showcase any hands-on projects, CAD work, or internships.
Read Also: UI Direct Entry: How To Apply For DE Admission in 2025
3. Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Why it’s top
Pharmacy at ABU prepares students for roles in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulation, and research. The programme is professional and regulated. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, clinical pharmacy practice, and pharmacognosy.
Career outcomes
Hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, drug regulatory agencies, and research labs.
Tips to win admission
Chemistry must be strong. Practical lab experience and internships with pharmacies add weight.
4. Law (LLB)
Why it’s top
Law is a flexible professional degree with many downstream options. ABU’s Faculty of Law offers civil and sharia law courses in some departments, giving graduates varied legal pathways. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, property law, and legal research methods.
Career outcomes
Barrister or solicitor roles via Law School, legal consulting, corporate counsel, public service, and human rights work.
Tips to win admission
Read widely on current legal issues, prepare for Post-UTME, and build debate or moot court experience.
5. Accounting, Economics and Business Administration (Management Sciences)
Why it’s top
These are high-demand degrees with broad employability. ABU’s Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences host strong programmes in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, and Public Administration. Graduates are attractive to banks, consulting firms, NGOs, and public sector agencies. abu.edu.ng+1
What you study
Financial accounting, corporate finance, micro and macroeconomics, marketing, operations, and management theory.
Career outcomes
Accounting roles, banking and finance, consultancy, entrepreneurship, policy, and graduate studies in business or economics.
Tips to win admission
Strong numbers help, but internships, extra courses in Excel or financial modelling, and involvement in campus societies boost applications.
6. Computer Science and ICT
Why it’s top
ABU’s Institute of Computing and Faculty of Physical Sciences run Computer Science and related programmes. Tech skills are hot in the job market and graduates can freelance, join startups, or work in corporate IT. moodle.abu.edu.ng+1
What you study
Programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, networking, and software engineering. Emerging electives include AI and cybersecurity.
Career outcomes
Software development, systems engineering, data analysis, and startup founding.
Tips to win admission
Have a GitHub portfolio, take part in hackathons, and learn core languages like Python or Java.
7. Mass Communication and Media Studies
Why it’s top
ABU’s mass communication programmes are well-regarded for practical training in journalism, media production, and public relations. Media graduates often move quickly into the private sector or public broadcasting. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Journalism, broadcast production, media law, advertising, and digital media strategies.
Career outcomes
Broadcasting, print and online journalism, PR, content strategy, and social media management.
Tips to win admission
Build a portfolio of writing, podcasts, or video. Volunteer at campus radio or student publications.
8. Agricultural Sciences and Agronomy
Why it’s top
Given Nigeria’s agricultural focus, ABU’s agricultural programmes are strategic. The university has colleges and departments focused on agronomy, animal science, soil science, and agricultural economics. Practical farm-based training is a key advantage. moodle.abu.edu.ng+1
What you study
Crop science, animal production, agronomy, soil fertility, and agribusiness management.
Career outcomes
Agribusiness management, research, extension services, food processing, and entrepreneurial farming.
Tips to win admission
Show interest in practical agricultural projects and internships with farms or research stations.
9. Veterinary Medicine
Why it’s top
ABU has an established Veterinary Medicine faculty that trains vets for animal health, public health, and food safety roles. This course is professional and widely respected. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Animal anatomy, veterinary surgery, pathology, public health, and disease control.
Career outcomes
Clinical practice, government veterinary services, livestock management, and research.
Tips to win admission
Science-heavy scores are required. Volunteer with clinics when possible.
10. Environmental Design, Architecture and Fine Arts
Why it’s top
This cluster includes Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Quantity Surveying, and Fine Arts. ABU’s Environmental Design faculty trains creative professionals with practical studio work. moodle.abu.edu.ng
What you study
Design studio, building technology, urban planning, materials, and project practice.
Career outcomes
Architectural practice, urban planning, interior design, and creative industries.
Tips to win admission
A portfolio is essential for architecture and fine arts. Participate in workshops and build design sketches or small projects.
How to choose among these courses
Stop thinking only about popularity. Ask these questions instead
- What kind of day-to-day work do I enjoy, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.?
- Do I want a clear professional pathway or flexibility to pivot?
- What are the realistic employment prospects in my region and the skills employers actually need?
- Am I okay with long professional training like medicine or law?
Use your answers to narrow choices. Then compare course content and contact the department to ask about practical training, industrial attachments, and graduate outcomes.
Quick career and salary reality check
Degrees matter, but outcomes depend on skill, internship experience, and networking. For example, Computer Science graduates who can code and build projects often out-earn peers in some disciplines early in their careers. Medical and engineering professionals usually see higher earning potential long term but require professional exams and internships.
Final checklist before you pick a course
- Confirm JAMB subject combinations for your top 3 choices. programmes.abu.edu.ng
- Visit department social pages and read alumni testimonials.
- Build at least one evidence item that proves interest: project, internship, portfolio, or volunteering.
- Draft a fallback plan that includes work, skill certifications, or pathway degrees.
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