Have you delayed getting your degree because work, family, or other commitments make full-time study impossible?
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) in Katsina offers a well-established part-time degree program through its School of Continuing Education (SCE), designed for people who want to earn a qualification without putting their lives on hold.
This guide explains what to expect from the UMYU Part-Time Degree Programmes Admissions for the 2026/2027 session, who is eligible, how to apply, and answers to common questions from prospective part-time students.
Please note: UMYU has regularly offered this part-time admission in previous years (including 2024/2025 and 2025/2026), but the official notice for 2026/2027 is not yet available.
The information here is based on recent sessions.
When UMYU publishes the 2026/2027 notice, rely on the official announcement at umyu.edu.ng for the latest details on dates, fees, and available courses, not this article or any other blog.
What Is the UMYU Part-Time Degree Programme?
Contents
The School of Continuing Education (SCE) at UMYU offers part-time degree programs for people who want a full university degree but cannot attend regular full-time classes.
Courses are delivered in organised contact sessions. In previous years, each contact period included about 15 weeks of lectures, 3 weeks of exams, and 2 weeks of vacation.
This schedule helps working adults, civil servants, and others with busy lives move through their degree at a pace they can handle.
Courses on offer have historically concentrated in Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences, including programmes such as:
- B.Sc.Ed. Biology
- B.Sc.Ed. Chemistry
- B.Sc.Ed. Economics
- Other Education-combined and Social Science/Humanities degree options
The list of available courses can change each session, so be sure to check the latest list on the SCE section of UMYU’s website before you apply.
Who Should Apply for the Part-Time Programme?
This route suits:
- Working adults, civil servants, and professionals who need a degree to advance their careers but cannot attend full-time classes during the day.
- People who already have the required O’Level qualifications but prefer a more flexible study schedule instead of the regular full-time UTME or Direct Entry path.
- Applicants who missed out on full-time admission but still want to earn a recognised degree at their own pace.
Entry Requirements
Based on recent years, candidates usually need the following to apply:
- A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics from SSCE, GCE, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- A valid JAMB Registration Number, as all candidates must be registered with JAMB, even for part-time admission.
- To be at least 16 years of age at the time of admission.
- Upload qualifying results to the JAMB portal, as this is a compulsory step for confirming eligibility.
- If you did not choose UMYU as your preferred institution on JAMB, you can still apply, but you must complete the JAMB institution-change process first.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the UMYU Part-Time Programme
- Visit the official UMYU website at umyu.edu.ng and navigate to the School of Continuing Education (SCE) section.
- Create an applicant profile on the university’s admission portal using a valid email address and phone number.
- Select your intended part-time course from the list published for that session.
- Buy the application form online. In recent years, the fee has been about ₦4,000, but always check the current amount before paying.
- Fill in your bio-data, O’Level details, and JAMB Registration Number accurately, matching your original certificates.
- Upload your O’Level results, passport photo, and any other required documents directly to the portal.
- Submit your completed application before the stated closing date.
- After the admission list is released, check both the UMYU portal and your JAMB CAPS profile to see your status. If you are admitted, accept your offer and complete your registration.
Fees and Payment Notes
The part-time application form usually costs a flat fee (about ₦4,000 in recent years), paid directly on the official UMYU website.
In addition to this fee, admitted part-time students should plan for tuition costs for each contact or session, which differ from full-time tuition because of the shorter lecture and exam periods.
Always check the latest fees on umyu.edu.ng before making any payment, as these amounts can change.
How the Contact/Session Structure Works
At UMYU, part-time programs are organised around contact periods instead of regular semesters.
Each contact period usually includes:
- Roughly 15 weeks of lectures.
- Followed by about 3 weeks of examinations.
- Then a short 2-week vacation period before the next contact begins.
This setup lets the university fit a full academic term into a schedule working students can manage.
However, it also means that part-time students should be ready for a fast-paced workload during each contact period, rather than a slower pace overall.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Make sure your chosen course is available for the 2026/2027 session before you buy the application form, as course offerings can change.
- Keep your JAMB registration up to date and upload your qualifying results as soon as possible. This step is required.
- Apply as soon as the portal opens. In previous years, admissions were processed in batches, so applying late could delay your registration.
- Plan your budget to cover both the application form fee and the tuition for your first contact period. Do not assume the low form fee is the total cost of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UMYU part-time degree treated the same as a full-time degree by employers?
Degrees from UMYU’s part-time program are awarded by the same accredited university and have the same certification as full-time degrees.
2. Can someone without a JAMB registration number still apply for the part-time programme?
No. Part-time applicants also need a valid JAMB Registration Number and must upload their qualifying results to the JAMB portal, as this is a key requirement.
3. How long does it typically take to complete a part-time degree at UMYU compared to full-time?
Because part-time programs use structured, more intensive contact periods instead of regular semesters, the total duration may differ from full-time programs.
Check with the School of Continuing Education for the exact length of your chosen course.
4. Can a candidate switch from a part-time to a full-time programme after admission?
This generally requires a separate application and institutional approval, not an automatic transfer, so candidates who want to switch study modes should contact the university’s admissions office directly.
5. Are part-time students required to attend classes in person, or is there a distance/online option?
In the past, part-time classes have usually required students to attend in person during scheduled contact periods.
However, you should check the current format for your specific course.
6. Does UMYU offer part-time programmes outside Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences?
In the past, most part-time courses have been in these fields.
However, the list of available courses can change or grow each session, so always check the current SCE course list before deciding a program is not offered.
7. Is there an age limit for part-time applicants, or just a minimum age?
The published requirements usually set a minimum age of 16 at the time of admission.
There is no widely known upper age limit, which makes this program appealing to working adults.
8. What happens if a part-time student fails to complete a contact period’s examinations?
Resit and progression policies depend on the session and department.
If you are affected, contact the School of Continuing Education directly for advice about your course and contact period.
Final Thoughts
UMYU’s part-time degree program through the School of Continuing Education is still one of the most accessible ways for working adults in Northern Nigeria to earn a full university degree without giving up their current responsibilities.
Make sure your chosen course is available for 2026/2027, keep your JAMB registration and documents up to date, and apply early when the official portal opens.
Always check the latest fees and dates on umyu.edu.ng before paying.
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