If I were again beginning my studies, I would follow the advice of Plato and start with mathematics - Galileo Galilei
Do you love the subject, mathematics? Are you thinking of studying maths as a degree in Nigeria? Do you want a career path in mathematics?
Studying maths helps us find patterns and structures in our lives. Everyone relies on numbers in their daily activities. A degree in mathematics will help you develop skills for concluding, dealing with abstract concepts, analysing large quantities of data and approaching problems analytically and rigorously.
A degree in mathematics affords graduates diverse career paths. Maths is a versatile subject. You can pursue careers in scientific research, engineering, business and finance, teaching, defence, computing and various types of analysis.
You can only become a mathematician when you pursue your passion in the subject. One way of doing that is getting a university degree in it. While some universities are known to be good at lecturing maths, others are known for other degrees. It does not mean the others are not great at maths.
It only means that some come highly recommended to study a particular course.
Some universities in Nigeria are known for their expertise in a particular degree. The best way to get the ones suitable for your career is by researching them. Most of the universities in Nigeria offer maths degrees. However, some are better than others in this subject field.
We have done our research and have come up with some of the best universities for studying maths in Nigeria, in no particular other.
University Of Nigeria (UNN)
The University of Nigeria is commonly known as UNN and is a federal university located in Nsukka., Enugu State. The school was founded in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe.
They are ranked as the number one university in Nigeria and number twenty-two in Africa for studying applied mathematics. UNN is the fourth-best university in Nigeria.
The university of Nigeria's entry requirements to gain admission to the department of mathematics is a minimum of credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry or Biology at the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
For their course modules, the stress areas are:
- Service Courses
- Pure Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry)
- Pure Mathematics (Calculus, Analysis, Differential Equations)
- Applied Mathematics (Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics)
- Mathematical Methods
It will take four years to complete a degree in mathematics. During your programme in the school, students are expected to take faculty courses, required ancillary courses, general study courses and elective courses.
Their course structure is similar to the others in this article. It includes algebra, probability and statistics, differential equations, modelling and dynamical systems, vector calculus and partial differential equations.
University Of Lagos
The university of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is another good university to get a degree in mathematics. While rated the fourth-best university in the country for mathematics, the university of Lagos is also the second-best university in Nigeria.
UNILAG is one of the first-generation universities in Nigeria and is among the top universities in the world in educational publications. The university was established in 1962 and was one of the first five universities created in Nigeria. Mathematics is under the faculty of Science.
The entry requirements for the University of Lagos are five O/Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and any one of Economics, Chemistry and Geography. It takes four years to graduate from the department of mathematics at UNILAG.
Students will take compulsory faculty and elective courses during their four years. Most courses will include Calculus, Differential Equations, Mathematical Proof, Algorithms, Mathematical Modelling with Computers, Linear and Abstract Algebra, Complex Analysis, etc.
University Of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan, commonly referred to as UI, is the first university in Nigeria and was established in 1948. Before they gained full-fledged independence in 1962, they were under the College of the University of London, which supervised its academic programmes and awarded degrees.
Mathematics was one of the foundation departments established in 1948. A mathematics degree in UI covers both pure and applied mathematics.
The course includes modules like Algebraic Topology, Algebraic Number Theory, Algebraic Geometry, Differential Geometry, Stochastic Analysis, Mathematical Physics, Functional Analysis and Applications, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Stochastic Analysis and Applications, Financial Mathematics, Probability Theory/Stochastic Processes, Mathematical Computation, Mathematical Modeling etc.
The O'level entry requirement to study mathematics at this university is English Language, Mathematics, and any Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics, and Geography.
University Of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin, popular as Unilorin, is a federal government university in Ilorin, Kwara State. The school was established in 1975 and ranked as the sixth-best university in Nigeria. It is also the second-best university in Nigeria for Applied mathematics.
Much like almost every other university on our list, to study a BSc in Maths at Unilorin, you are required to possess at least CREDIT in the below subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Any two of Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, Further Mathematics
Their course structure is similar to the others we have discussed.
Bayero University Kano
Bayero University, known as BUK, is located in Kano state and was founded in 1975. It is a federal University and the first university in the Kano State of Nigeria. It is one of the best universities in Nigeria and ranked the third best university in Nigeria for Applied mathematics.
The entry requirement is five O-Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The Department of Mathematical Science, established in 1976, is one of the pioneer departments of the Faculty of Science.
As for modules, students will learn calculus, Differential Equations, Mathematical Proof, Algorithms, Mathematical Modelling with Computers, Linear and Abstract Algebra, Complex Analysis, etc.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University is a federal university located in Anambra State. It is also known as UNIZIK. Mathematics at this university is a four years course. Their entry requirements are similar to most of the universities we have discussed.
The department's course descriptions are:
Core Courses
Core or compulsory courses are courses students must take and pass before graduation. However, students may be allowed to proceed to the next level of study if they failed some Core-Courses but have earned enough credit units to qualify for the next level. The failed Core -Course will always reflect in the remark column as outstanding.
Elective Courses
Elective courses are courses students take based on their areas of specialisation and interest. In addition, to the Core- Courses, students are allowed to take these courses to enable them to register for the minimum allowable per semester.
However, there are restrictive and un-restrictive electives, depending on areas of specialisation and faculty. Students may consult their academic advisers for guidance in selecting Elective Courses.
Pre-Requisite Courses
Pre-requisite courses are those that students must take and pass before registering for the higher level course.
General Studies Courses (GS)
All students must pass all the General Studies Courses.
Industrial Training
Industrial attachment is crucial for all students in the Sub-Department of Mathematics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The minimum duration for this training is six months.
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is conducted with strict supervision by the department. Students cannot graduate without passing it. All the students will know various equipment, manufacturing processes and quality control procedures during their industrial attachment.
Gombe State Univerisity
The Gombe state university in the Shamakhi ward in Gombe State came into existence in 2003. The university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
The entry requirement to study mathematics at Gombe State university is five O-level credits in English language, Mathematics and at least three subjects from Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Economics and Geography.
The Duration of the B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics program is four years.
At the 300 level, students will go for a 6-month Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). At the end of the training, the student has to write, present and defend a report on it. At the 400 level, students must undertake a one-year project in any field of Mathematics.
Of course, these aren't the only universities for undergraduate maths courses in Nigeria and sending applications for only these universities would not be advised, especially if you do not meet their requirements. Other universities are good that you can research and sit for their exams.
Because the entry requirements are lower doesn't necessarily mean that the university will be worse for you.
You might also want to consider the town, cost, accommodation and the social aspect of the university before applying.
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