Understanding Catchment Areas in Nigerian University Admissions: If you’ve ever applied for admission into a Nigerian university, you’ve probably come across the term “catchment area.” It’s one of the lesser-known but important factors that can influence who gets admitted and who doesn’t.
So, what exactly is a catchment area, and why does it matter? Let’s walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Catchment Area?
A catchment area is a group of states that receive preferential consideration during the admission process into a particular university. This system was introduced under Nigeria’s federal character policy, which aims to ensure that every region has fair access to education.
In other words, if your state of origin is among the states listed in a school’s catchment area, you may be considered even if your score is slightly lower than someone from a non-catchment state.
But don’t get it twisted catchment doesn’t mean automatic admission. It only offers a slight advantage, especially in competitive courses.
Real-Life Scenarios: UNIBEN and UNILAG
Let’s use two well-known universities as examples:
If you’re from Edo State and applying to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), you stand a better chance of being admitted compared to someone applying from a non-catchment state, assuming all other factors are equal.
The same applies to UNILAG (University of Lagos), whose catchment states include:
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Oyo
- Osun
- Ondo
- Ekiti
During the admission process, these states are given special consideration, meaning the cut-off marks assigned to them are often lower than the general merit cut-off.
Want to see how this plays out in real life? Check the image below for comparison.
Why Do Catchment Areas Exist?
This system exists to recognize the host communities of federal institutions and maintain balance in regional representation. It also explains why each state in Nigeria has at least one university to ensure that no state is left behind in educational access.
That said, universities still prioritize merit. The catchment policy only applies when there’s a close competition or tie in scores.
Some Nigerian Universities and Their Catchment Areas
If you want to improve your admission chances, you should know whether your state is included in your target school’s catchment list. Below is a compiled list of popular Nigerian universities along with their catchment areas.
1. FUTYola – Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
2. UNILAG – Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun
3. UNIBEN – Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers
4. UNIMAID – Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
5. OAU – Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Ondo
6. ATBU – Bauchi, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
7. FUTO – Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu
8. UNICAL – Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers
9. FUTMinna – Niger, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara
10. UNIZIK – Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo
11. UNIJOS – Plateau, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger
12. BUK – Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara
13. FUTA – Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Oyo
14. UNILORIN – Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara
15. UNIUYO – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers
16. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Kaduna, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Taraba.
17. UDUSOK – Sokoto, Jigawa, Kwara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Zamfara
18. UNIPORT – Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom
19. UI, UNIABUJA, MOUAU, FUNAAB, FUPRE, FUAM – (Refer to the school portals for official lists)
20. UNN (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) – Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Rivers
A Quick but Important Tips about Catchment Areas.
Being from a catchment state does not mean you’re guaranteed admission.
Let’s clear this up:
If a student from outside the catchment state meets the merit cut-off for a course, they will be admitted.
If you’re from a catchment state but fail to meet the catchment cut-off, you will not be admitted either.
Admission into Nigerian universities is a competitive game. The catchment system might give you a push, but only if you meet the basic requirements.
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Conclusion
- Check if your state is listed under your school’s catchment area
- Choose universities wisely during JAMB registration.
Work hard to meet or exceed cut-off marks catchment or not. Don’t put your mind on the Catchment area just studying hard and score high.
Stay updated on admission updates from official school channels.
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