If you have been searching for an affordable way into computing, without going through the usual UTME and Post-UTME route, this announcement from Ahmadu Bello University is worth your attention.
The Iya Abubakar Institute of ICT (IAIICT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has commenced the sale of application forms for its full-time Diploma and Short Courses for the 2026/2027 academic session. This guide walks you through everything currently confirmed: the courses on offer, who qualifies, how much it costs, and how to apply.
About the Iya Abubakar Institute of ICT
IAIICT is a specialised ICT training institute within Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Main Campus, Zaria. It was formerly known as the Iya Abubakar Computer Centre and has existed since 1967, originally as a detachment from the university’s Department of Mathematics, before growing into a dedicated centre for computing education and university-wide ICT services.
The Institute now runs Diploma programmes and short, skills-based ICT courses aimed at secondary school leavers, undergraduates, and working professionals who want practical computing skills.
This means you do not need to be an ABU degree student to enrol. The Diploma and Short Course programmes have their own separate entry routes.
What’s on offer for 2026/2027
IAIICT is currently selling forms for two categories of programme: full-time Diploma courses and short, certificate-based courses.
Diploma courses
| Course | Entry requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Computer Science | Minimum of five O’Level credit passes in WAEC or NECO, including Mathematics, English Language, and Physics, plus any other two subjects in sciences and/or social sciences, at not more than two sittings | Two years |
| Diploma in Computer System Engineering | Minimum of five O’Level credit passes in WAEC or NECO, including Mathematics, English Language, Physics, and Chemistry, plus any other one subject in sciences and/or social sciences, at not more than two sittings | Two years |
| Diploma in Cybersecurity | Minimum of five O’Level credit passes in WAEC or NECO, including Mathematics, English Language, and Physics, plus any other two subjects in sciences and/or social sciences, at not more than two sittings | Two years |
The Diploma application form can be purchased online through forms.abu.edu.ng at ₦2,500. Tuition and other fees for the Diploma programmes are put at ₦60,000.
Short courses
Short courses are for anyone who wants a specific, practical ICT skill without committing to a full diploma. According to the bulletin, they include:
| Course | Minimum requirement | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Digital Skills for Work and Study | At least one credit pass in WAEC or NECO | 8 weeks | ₦15,000 for students and ABU staff; ₦20,000 for others |
| Data Analysis Skills for Students and Professionals (Microsoft Excel and SPSS) | Basic computer operations and some knowledge of statistics | 4 weeks | ₦20,000 |
| Web Design and Development I (Front-End) | Basic computer operations | 4 weeks | ₦15,000 for students and ABU staff; ₦20,000 for others |
| Python Essentials | Basic computer operations | 4 weeks | ₦15,000 for students and ABU staff; ₦20,000 for others |
| Data Management and Statistical Data Analysis Using R | Basic computer operations | 4 weeks | ₦15,000 for students and ABU staff; ₦20,000 for others |
The short course application form costs ₦2,000 and is sold physically at the Accountant’s Office, in the Institute Building.
Who should apply
You are a good fit for the Diploma programmes if you:
- Have completed WAEC or NECO with the required credit passes.
- Want a two-year, practical route into computing, computer engineering, or cybersecurity.
- Are considering IAIICT as an alternative or a stepping stone alongside your degree admission plans.
You are a good fit for the Short Courses if you:
- Are a student or professional who wants to add a specific digital skill, such as Excel, Python, R, or front-end web development, to your CV.
- Need something short and focused rather than a multi-year commitment.
- Are an ABU student or staff member who wants the discounted rate.
If you already hold a WAEC or NECO result and are simply unsure which of these three diploma options fits you best, it is worth thinking about this practically: Computer Science leans toward programming and software; Computer System Engineering leans toward hardware, networks, and systems; Cybersecurity leans toward protecting systems and data. All three share the same basic O’Level requirement, so your interest, not just your eligibility, should guide your choice.
How to apply
Based on the details published in the bulletin, here is what the process looks like.
For the Diploma courses:
- Visit forms.abu.edu.ng.
- Locate the Diploma application form for IAIICT.
- Pay the ₦2,500 form fee online.
- Complete and submit the form with your O’Level details.
For the Short Courses:
- Go to the Accountant’s Office in the Institute Building at IAIICT, ABU Samaru Main Campus, Zaria.
- Purchase the ₦2,000 application form there.
- Complete the form based on the course you are interested in.
Classes for the 2026/2027 session are scheduled to begin on Monday, 8 September 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the Institute Building.
A few things worth knowing before you apply
The bulletin that announced this doesn’t state a closing date for form sales, so it’s sensible to apply early rather than wait, especially since IAIICT’s diploma admission list for the previous session was already processed by December. Institutes like this one tend to move through their cycles fairly quickly.
It also doesn’t specify whether the diploma tuition figure of ₦60,000 covers the full two-year duration or a single session, so you should confirm this directly with the Institute before making financial plans.
If you’re unsure about anything, IAIICT can be reached on 08059965471 or by email at iaiict@abu.edu.ng.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need JAMB or UTME to apply for these programmes?
The bulletin doesn’t mention UTME as a requirement for either the Diploma or Short Courses. Entry into the Diploma programmes is based on your O’Level results, as shown in the table above. If this changes, it should be confirmed on the official ABU forms portal.
Can I take a short course without being an ABU student?
Yes. The fee structure clearly distinguishes between rates for “students and ABU staff” and rates for “others,” which confirms that non-ABU applicants are welcome, just at a higher fee.
Is the Diploma in Cybersecurity new?
It appears alongside the more established Computer Science and Computer System Engineering diplomas in this bulletin, alongside a growing demand for cybersecurity skills in Nigeria. If you want details on its curriculum or accreditation status, it’s worth contacting the Institute directly, since the bulletin only covers entry requirements and duration.
What happens after I submit my form?
The bulletin does not detail a separate screening exercise for this specific announcement. Based on how the Institute has handled admissions in the past, successful applicants can expect further instructions, including a possible screening or registration exercise, once the application window closes. Keep checking your email and the ABU forms portal for updates.
Final thoughts
IAIICT’s Diploma and Short Course programmes give you a practical, relatively affordable way to build ICT skills, whether you are just leaving secondary school or already working and looking to upskill. The requirements are clear, the fees are modest compared to full degree programmes, and classes begin in September 2026.
Before you pay for any form, confirm the current details directly through forms.abu.edu.ng or by contacting IAIICT on 08059965471, since fees and requirements at Nigerian institutions can be reviewed from one session to the next.
Got a question or something you’re unsure about? Feel free to drop it in the comment section, we’ll be happy to assist you!
