Lead City University (LCU) in Ibadan is now accepting postgraduate applications for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Graduates from Nigeria and other countries can apply for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s degree, M.Phil, or PhD at this top private university in Oyo State.
If you want simple, practical details about the application process, costs, and required documents, this guide explains everything clearly.

Contents
About Lead City University’s Postgraduate School
Lead City University offers its postgraduate programmes through the School of Postgraduate Studies, which also has a Part-Time division for working professionals.
You can study at the postgraduate level in many areas, such as Business Administration, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Public Administration, Mass Communication and Media Technology, Politics and International Relations, Environmental Management and Toxicology, Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry, Membrane Biochemistry, and Hospital Services Administration.
Doctoral programmes are also available in fields such as Computer Science, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, and Business Administration.
This shows how the university has expanded its research programmes over time.
LCU offers both full-time and part-time study options.
This helps people who are working and cannot move to campus full-time.
Levels of Study and Duration
LCU’s postgraduate programmes are divided into four main levels, and each level has its own entry requirements:
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): This is open to graduates from LCU or any university recognised by the Senate.
People with a Higher National Diploma (HND) or professional qualifications like ACA, ANAN, ACIB, ACCA, or ACTI can also apply.
The PGD programme lasts two semesters for full-time study.
Master’s Degree (M.Sc, M.A, MBA): You can apply if you graduated from LCU or another recognised university and have at least a Second Class Lower Division.
A full-time Master’s degree takes 18 months, which is three semesters. Some departments or programmes may have extra requirements, so check your chosen programme for details.
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil): This programme is meant for people who want to move on to doctoral research.
It has its own academic requirements based on your previous postgraduate results.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): To apply directly for a PhD, you usually need an M.Phil from LCU or another university recognised by the Senate, with a CGPA of at least 4.00 (or 60%). The PhD programme lasts six semesters if you study full-time.
Cost of the Postgraduate Application Form
For the 2026/2027 session, the postgraduate application form costs ₦20,000.
You pay this through the university’s approved channels.
The Part-Time School of Postgraduate Studies also charges ₦20,000 for its form, and you can pay in installments if needed.
Prices can change, so always check the official LCU portal for the latest amount before you pay.
Documents You Will Need
Based on the university’s standard postgraduate application checklist, candidates are typically required to submit:
- Original academic transcript (or evidence that one has been requested from the previous institution)
- Two photocopies of a valid means of identification
- Evidence of payment for the admission form
- Three completed copies of the Reference form, which referees typically return directly to the university
You usually send your completed reference forms and other documents to the School of Postgraduate Studies using the university’s official email address.
Follow the exact submission instructions on the application portal for your intake.
How to Apply for the LCU Postgraduate Form
The exact steps may change a little each year, but the general application process is as follows:
- Visit the official Lead City University website and locate the postgraduate admissions page.
- Select your preferred programme (PGD, Master’s, M.Phil, or PhD) and confirm you meet the stated entry requirements.
- Pay the application fee through the approved payment channel.
- Complete the online application form with your personal, academic, and programme details.
- Upload or submit the required documents, including your transcript, identification, and proof of payment.
- Arrange for your referees to complete and return the Reference forms as instructed.
- Submit your application before the stated closing date and retain your payment evidence and application reference for follow-up.
Where Lead City University Is Located
LCU’s main campus is on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State.
If you cannot visit the main campus, you can also contact the Lagos office at the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex in Surulere or the Port Harcourt office in Rivers State.
These offices can help with enquiries, document submission, or support for part-time study, depending on the session.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start your application early. Postgraduate forms usually have a set closing date, and late applications are rarely accepted.
- Check the entry requirements for your chosen programme before you pay the form fee. Some departments have extra criteria beyond the general PGD or Master’s requirements.
- Ask your previous school for your transcript as soon as you can. Processing can take several weeks, depending on the university.
- Choose referees who know your academic or professional work well and can return the Reference form quickly.
- Keep both digital and paper copies of all your documents and payment receipts during the application process.
- If you want to study part-time because you are working, check the class schedules and campus attendance rules before you apply. These details can vary by programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for LCU’s postgraduate programme if I studied at a different university?
Yes. Applicants do not need to be LCU graduates.
Candidates from any university recognised by the LCU Senate are eligible, provided they meet the specific academic requirements for their chosen programme.
2. Is an HND accepted for postgraduate admission at LCU?
For the Postgraduate Diploma specifically, HND holders or those with equivalent professional qualifications such as ACA, ANAN, ACIB, ACCA, or ACTI are considered.
Master’s degree admission generally requires a first degree rather than an HND alone, unless the department states otherwise.
3. What CGPA or class of degree do I need for a Master’s programme?
The university’s general baseline is a minimum of Second Class Lower Division, though individual departments may set additional or stricter conditions for competitive programmes.
4. How long does it take to complete a Master’s degree at LCU?
Full-time Master’s study runs for about 18 months, structured across three semesters.
5. Does Lead City University offer part-time postgraduate study?
Yes. The School of Part-Time Postgraduate Studies runs a separate admission process for candidates who need flexible or evening/weekend study arrangements, particularly working professionals.
6. Can I proceed straight from a Master’s degree to a PhD without an M.Phil?
The direct PhD route as described by the university is generally tied to holding an M.Phil with a strong CGPA.
Candidates without an M.Phil should check with the School of Postgraduate Studies whether an alternative pathway applies to their specific programme.
7. How do I submit my reference forms?
Reference forms are typically completed by your chosen referees and forwarded directly to the School of Postgraduate Studies through the university’s designated postgraduate email address, alongside your other application documents.
8. Where can I get help if I have questions about my application?
You can direct enquiries to the main campus in Ibadan or through the Lagos and Port Harcourt liaison offices, in addition to the contact details published on the official LCU postgraduate admissions page.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the Lead City University Postgraduate Form for the 2026/2027 session is simple once you know your programme’s requirements, whether it’s a PGD, Master’s, M.Phil, or PhD.
To make the process smooth, start early, check your programme’s entry criteria, gather your documents on time, and use only the official university channels.
This helps you avoid missing deadlines or delays with your transcript or reference forms.
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