Applications are now open for University of Benin (UNIBEN) National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)’s 2026/2027 intake, and eligible candidates are expected to follow the process described in this post.
Since this process feeds directly into the school’s official admission records, any error at this stage can cost a candidate valuable time correcting it later.
The sections below walk through the eligibility requirements and the exact steps candidates need to follow to complete their application.
Offered Programmes
Masters’ Programmes
- Masters in Parliamentary Administration
- Masters in Legislative Studies
- Masters in Laws (LL.M), Legislative Drafting
- Masters in Elections and Party Politics
- Masters in Constitutional Law and Development
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Elections and Political Party Management
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Parliamentary Administration
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Legislative Studies
Higher National Diploma (HND) Programmes:
- HND Official Reporting
- HND Parliamentary Administration
- HND Public Administration
Essential Admission Requirements
Masters’ Programmes
To secure a spot in any of the master’s programs, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a minimum of 5 ‘O’ Level credits, including English Language and other pertinent subjects, secured in a maximum of 2 attempts.
- Be a graduate from a recognized university with at least a Second Class Lower Division degree in relevant fields.
- Possessors of a 3rd Class Degree must have a Post Graduate Diploma for consideration.
- Alternatively, a relevant Post Graduate Diploma from a recognized institution would suffice.
Post-Graduate Diploma Programmes
For potential candidates eyeing a place in the Post-Graduate Diploma programmes, they should:
- Have at least 5 ‘O’ Level credits, which include English Language and other key subjects, acquired in up to 2 sittings.
- Own a university degree in a relevant area with at least a Second Class (Lower Division), especially for backgrounds not closely associated.
- Alternatively, hold a bachelor’s degree in law, Social Sciences, History, International Relations, and Philosophy, but not lower than a 3rd Class Division from a recognized university.
- Have a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a respected institution, securing at least a Lower Credit.
- All Master’s and PGD applicants must provide an NYSC discharge/exclusion/exemption certificate.
Higher National Diploma Programmes
Aspiring candidates aiming for HND Programmes should:
For Parliamentary/Public Administration:
- Have at least 5 O’ Level Credits, including English and relevant subjects, obtained within two sittings.
- Possess a National Diploma from recognized polytechnics in areas such as Public Administration, Computer Science, Mass Communication, and others.
- Score a minimum of 2.5 on a four-point scale and complete at least one year of related work experience post-ND.
- Alternatively, relevant degree and HND certificates from NUC and NBTE-approved institutions are acceptable.
For Official Reporting
- Secure at least 5 ‘O’ Level Credits, including English and pertinent subjects, in a maximum of 2 attempts.
- Own a National Diploma in Official Reporting, Computer Science, and Mass Communication from a recognized Polytechnic.
- Achieve a minimum of 2.5 on a four-point scale and have at least a year of related post-ND work experience.
- Degree and HND certificates from institutions approved by the National Universities Commission and NBTE can also be considered.
Program Duration
- Full-time HND and Master’s programs span at least four semesters and can extend up to 6 semesters.
- Post Graduate Diploma Programmes have a minimum duration of 2 semesters, extending to a maximum of 4 semesters.
Program Delivery Mode
Courses are primarily delivered face-to-face, albeit potentially complemented with electronic aids.
Enrolment and Further Information
- For Post Graduate Programmes applications, please visit https://waeup.uniben.edu/applicants.
- For HND program applications, head to the Department of Studies at NILDS.
- For additional queries, reach out via +2348037168276, +2348036155701, or +2348033025221.
A Quick Recap of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Application Requirements
Completing the steps above and submitting through the right channel is what keeps your University of Benin (UNIBEN) National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) application for 2026/2027 moving forward.
Treat the steps above as a guide rather than the final word, since the school’s own portal carries the version that applies to your specific case.
Applying early and double-checking every entry spares you the back-and-forth that catches out candidates who rush at the last minute.