The Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has announced the commencement of admissions into its professional, postgraduate, and certificate programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The Institute is welcoming applications from suitably qualified candidates across a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including Engineering, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts, Military and Paramilitary Studies, Agriculture, Education, Taxation, and Law. While applicants may come from diverse disciplines, all admission requirements remain strictly applicable, and candidates are advised to review them carefully before applying.

Programmes Available

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
    •    Peace And Security Studies
    •    Leadership And Discipline
    •    Society And Development Studies
    •    Criminology And Security Studies
    •    Emergency And Disaster Management Studies

Master’s Degree (MSc)
    •    Peace And Security Studies
    •    Leadership And Discipline
    •    Society And Development Studies
    •    Criminology And Security Studies
    •    Emergency And Disaster Management Studies

Professional Doctorate (Professional PhD)
    •    Peace And Security
    •    Leadership And Discipline
    •    Society And Development Studies
    •    Criminology And Security Studies
    •    Emergency And Disaster Management Studies

Certificate Programmes
    •    Oil And Gas Security Studies
    •    Maritime Security Studies
    •    Disaster And Safety Management Studies
    •    Election And Violence Management Studies

General Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
    1.    A minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
    2.    A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least a Second Class Lower division. For PGD programmes, holders of HND with a minimum of Lower Credit (or equivalent) are eligible.
    3.    A valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate or exemption letter.
    4.    For admission into the Professional PhD programmes, candidates must meet the university’s matriculation requirements and possess a basic degree, a professional master’s degree, and an MSc in a relevant field.

Screening And Programme Duration

All applicants will be subjected to a screening exercise to verify their eligibility. Candidates are therefore expected to ensure that all required documents are complete and readily available.

The approved duration for the programmes is as follows:
    •    PGD: 9 to 24 months
    •    Master’s Degree: 18 to 35 months
    •    Professional PhD: 3 to 7 years
    •    Certificate Programmes: Duration varies as applicable

Application Procedure And Fees

Applications are to be submitted online through the official UNIABUJA application portal for the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies.

The application fee is N20,500 for Nigerian applicants. Foreign candidates are required to pay the equivalent amount.

Closing Date And Enquiries

All applications must be submitted on or before 10 November 2026.

For further information or enquiries, interested applicants may contact 0803 654 5393.

Bottom line: the door is open, the programmes are diverse, and the timeline is generous—but only candidates who meet the requirements and apply correctly will make it through.