Bauchi State University, now officially known as Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), is a prominent state-owned institution in Nigeria, established in 2011 to provide high-quality education and foster innovation in various academic fields. Located in Gadau, Bauchi State, with additional campuses in Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are, the university has become a hub for students seeking affordable, quality education in northern Nigeria. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Bauchi State University, covering its admission portal, courses and fees, admission list, cut-off marks, faculties, and more.
Overview of Bauchi State University
Bauchi State University was founded by the Bauchi State Government to expand access to tertiary education and promote academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The university, recently renamed Sa’adu Zungur University in honor of a notable Nigerian figure, operates under the accreditation of the National Universities Commission (NUC). With its main campus in Gadau and additional campuses in Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are, it caters to a diverse student population through undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time programs. The institution is committed to creating a conducive learning environment, emphasizing freedom of thought, expression, and inquiry for all students and staff, regardless of creed, gender, or religious belief.
The university’s mission is to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to contribute to regional and national development. Bauchi State University has grown significantly since its inception, offering programs across multiple faculties and attracting students from across Nigeria and beyond. Its affordability, with tuition fees as low as N25,000 per year for some programs, makes it an attractive option compared to other institutions like Maryam Abacha University of Technology, where fees can reach N250,000 annually. This article delves into key aspects of the university, including its admission processes, academic offerings, and facilities.
Bauchi State University Admission Portal
The Bauchi State University admission portal, accessible at www.basug.edu.ng (transitioning to sazu.edu.ng), serves as the primary platform for prospective students to apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time programs. The portal facilitates a streamlined application process, including account creation, payment of fees, and submission of personal and academic details. To apply, candidates must follow these steps:
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Account Creation: Visit the portal and create an account using your name and phone number. The phone number serves as the login password.
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Payment: Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and pay the application fee of N2,000 (plus N300 for transaction charges) at a designated bank or via online payment methods.
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Form Completion: Log in to the portal, enter personal details, JAMB score, registration number, and course preferences, and upload required documents, such as O’Level results.
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O’Level Verification: Candidates must upload their O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) to the JAMB portal at an accredited center before physical screening.
The portal also provides updates on admission lists, screening dates, and other requirements. For the 2024/2025 academic session, physical screening for shortlisted candidates occurred between August 27 and October 20, 2024, at respective campuses. Candidates are advised to bring original and photocopied credentials, including JAMB admission letters, O’Level certificates, birth certificates, state of origin certificates, and recent passport photographs. The portal’s user-friendly interface ensures accessibility, though students facing issues can contact the registrar at registrar@basug.edu.ng or visit their department for support.
Bauchi State University Courses and Fees
Bauchi State University offers a wide range of NUC-accredited courses across its faculties, designed to meet the needs of various academic and professional aspirations. The courses are housed under six main faculties at the Gadau campus, with specialized offerings at the Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are campuses. Below is a breakdown of some key programs offered, organized by faculty:
Faculty of Arts
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Arabic
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English Language
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English Literature
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Islamic Studies
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History
Faculty of Education
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Education and Biology
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Education and Mathematics
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Education and English
Faculty of Science
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Microbiology
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Biochemistry
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Computer Science
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Physics
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Chemistry
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
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Human Anatomy
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Physiology
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Public Health
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Pharmacology
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Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Faculty of Agriculture
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Agricultural Economics and Extension
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Animal Production
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Crop Production
The university also offers postgraduate programs, including Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees (e.g., M.A. English, M.Sc.), and Ph.D. programs, managed by the School of Postgraduate Studies.
School Fees
Bauchi State University is known for its affordability. The general tuition fee for undergraduate programs is approximately N25,000 per year, though additional fees, such as examination, library, and sports fees, may apply. Fees vary slightly by program and campus. For comparison, Kwara State University charges N22,000 annually, while private institutions like Maryam Abacha University of Technology charge significantly higher fees. Postgraduate programs may have higher fees, depending on the course and duration (e.g., 2–3 sessions for Master’s, 3–5 for Ph.D.). Candidates should check the university portal for the latest fee schedules and payment procedures, which can be completed online or at designated banks.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for undergraduate programs, candidates must:
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Have at least five O-Level credit passes (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), including Mathematics and English, in no more than two sittings.
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Score at least 160 in the JAMB UTME for most courses, though competitive programs like Medicine and Surgery (280) and Public Health (220) require higher scores.
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Participate in the Post-UTME screening and meet departmental cut-off marks.
Postgraduate applicants need a minimum of a third-class degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) with an upper credit pass for Master’s programs, and a relevant Master’s degree for Ph.D. programs. Part-time studies are also available for working professionals.
Bauchi State University Admission List
The Bauchi State University admission list for the 2024/2025 academic session has been released in multiple batches, including merit, first, second, and third batches, with a supplementary list also published. Candidates can check their status on the university’s official website (www.basug.edu.ng) or the JAMB CAPS portal. The process involves the following steps:
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Visit the BASUG portal or JAMB CAPS.
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Log in using your JAMB registration number and other required details.
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Accept or reject the admission offer on JAMB CAPS.
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Print the JAMB admission letter after acceptance.
Physical screening for admitted candidates requires presenting original credentials at the respective campuses. For the 2024/2025 session, screening occurred from August 27 to October 20, 2024. Candidates who fail to upload O-Level results to the JAMB portal or complete physical screening risk forfeiture of their admission. The university has emphasized the timely completion of these steps to secure admission. For the 2025/2026 session, the admission list is not yet out, but updates will be posted on the university portal.
Common issues reported by candidates include discrepancies in names between JAMB and O’Level documents, which can complicate clearance. Students are advised to resolve such issues at JAMB-accredited centers before screening. The university also encourages candidates to join its WhatsApp channel for real-time updates on admission processes.
Bauchi State University Cut-Off Mark
The general JAMB cut-off mark for Bauchi State University for the 2024/2025 academic session is 160 for all degree programs, making it accessible compared to institutions like the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, which has a cut-off of 180. However, departmental cut-off marks vary based on program competitiveness:
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Medicine and Surgery: 280
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Public Health: 220
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Law: 250
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Mass Communication: 230
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Architecture: 230
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Agricultural and Education Courses: 120
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Arts, Commercial, Physical, and Natural Sciences: 180
Candidates scoring below the general cut-off of 160 are automatically disqualified from applying for the Post-UTME screening. Those meeting the cut-off must also pass the Post-UTME, with minimum scores ranging from 20% for agricultural and education courses to 85% for highly competitive programs like Medicine and Law. Departmental cut-off marks are not always publicly disclosed, but candidates are advised to aim for scores well above the minimum to improve their chances, especially for competitive courses. The quota and catchment systems also influence admission, prioritizing candidates from Bauchi State and neighboring regions to promote regional balance.
Bauchi State University Faculties
Bauchi State University’s academic programs are organized into six faculties, primarily based at the Gadau campus, with specialized offerings at the Misau, Bauchi, and Jama’are campuses. These faculties are designed to provide comprehensive education and training in various disciplines:
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Faculty of Arts: Focuses on humanities, offering programs like Arabic, English, and History, fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding.
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Faculty of Education: Trains future educators in subjects like Biology, Mathematics, and English, emphasizing pedagogical skills.
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Faculty of Science: Provides rigorous training in fields like Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Computer Science, preparing students for careers in research and technology.
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Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences: Includes programs like Human Anatomy and Public Health, laying the foundation for medical and health-related careers.
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Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Offers specialized training in pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
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Faculty of Agriculture: Focuses on agricultural innovation, with programs in Animal Production and Crop Production to support food security and economic development.
The School of Postgraduate Studies oversees advanced degrees across these faculties, with programs like M.A. Arabic, M.Sc., and Ph.D. English Oral & Comparative Literature. The faculties are supported by modern facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and lecture halls, creating a conducive learning environment.
Admission Process and Requirements
To gain admission into Bauchi State University, candidates must meet both general and departmental requirements. The general requirements include:
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O’Level Results: Five credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English, in no more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
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JAMB UTME: A minimum score of 160, with higher scores required for competitive programs.
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Post-UTME Screening: Candidates must participate in the university’s screening exercise, which includes document verification and, for some programs, an aptitude test.
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Direct Entry: Candidates with Advanced Level GCE, IJMB, NCE, or ND qualifications, along with O’Level credits, may apply for 200-level admission.
Postgraduate applicants need a minimum CGPA of 2.75 (for Master’s) or a relevant Master’s degree (for Ph.D.), with additional requirements like a probationary period or qualifying examination for Ph.D. candidates. Part-time programs require similar O’Level credentials and are ideal for working professionals.
Challenges in the Admission Process
Candidates often face challenges such as:
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Low JAMB Scores: Scores below the departmental cut-off (e.g., 162 for Microbiology or 177 for Public Health) may disqualify applicants, though a change of course to less competitive programs is an option.
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Document Discrepancies: Mismatches in names or incomplete O’Level uploads to JAMB can delay clearance.
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Competitive Courses: Programs like Medicine and Law have high cut-offs and limited slots, requiring exceptional performance.
Students are advised to verify subject combinations for their chosen courses, as incorrect combinations can lead to disqualification. The university’s portal and JAMB brochure provide detailed guidance on subject requirements.
Maximizing Opportunities at Bauchi State University
To make the most of their experience at Bauchi State University, students can:
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Apply Early: Monitor the admission portal for application deadlines and screening dates to avoid missing opportunities.
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Aim High in JAMB: Scoring above the minimum cut-off (e.g., 200+ for competitive courses) increases admission chances.
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Explore Scholarships: While specific scholarship details are not widely publicized, students can inquire through the registrar’s office or explore external funding options.
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Engage in Campus Life: The university offers a supportive environment with extracurricular activities, fostering leadership and networking.
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Leverage Postgraduate Studies: The School of Postgraduate Studies provides opportunities for advanced research and career development.
Recent Developments (2020–2025)
Bauchi State University has undergone significant changes in recent years. The transition to Sa’adu Zungur University, announced in 2024, reflects its growth and alignment with regional heritage. The university has expanded its infrastructure, with modern facilities across its four campuses. The 2024/2025 admission cycle saw the release of multiple admission lists, with physical screenings conducted to ensure transparency. The university’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its catchment system, which prioritizes local candidates while maintaining open access to all.
The institution has also strengthened its postgraduate programs, with the School of Postgraduate Studies overseeing a growing number of Master’s and Ph.D. offerings. The low tuition fees and flexible part-time programs make Bauchi State University a viable option for diverse learners. However, candidates should stay updated via the official website, as the transition to sazu.edu.ng may affect access to information.
Conclusion
Bauchi State University, now Sa’adu Zungur University, stands as a beacon of accessible, high-quality education in northern Nigeria. With its diverse faculties, affordable fees, and streamlined admission processes, it offers opportunities for students to excel in fields ranging from arts to medical sciences. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, supported by modern facilities and a transparent admission system, makes it an ideal choice for aspiring undergraduates and postgraduates. By understanding the admission portal, course offerings, cut-off marks, and faculty structure, prospective students can navigate the application process with confidence.
For the latest updates, candidates should regularly visit www.basug.edu.ng (or sazu.edu.ng once fully transitioned) and follow the university’s WhatsApp channel. Whether pursuing Medicine, Public Health, or Education, Bauchi State University provides a nurturing environment to achieve academic and professional goals. Embrace the opportunity to join this dynamic institution and contribute to Nigeria’s educational and developmental landscape.
