Salem University, Lokoja
• Est. 2007
About Salem University, Lokoja
Salem University, Lokoja (SMU) is a private Christian university owned by the Salem International Christian Centre. The institution operates colleges spanning the natural and applied sciences, social and management sciences, humanities, computing and information technology, and law. Student enrolment is moderate across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The institution is recognised for its law programme and management studies. Salem operates with strong Christian ethos and emphasises academic discipline and character formation. The institution serves Kogi State and the broader Middle Belt, providing private university education in central Nigeria.
History
Salem University was established in 2007 by the Salem International Christian Centre (founded by Apostle Sam A. Aboyeji), as the centre\'s flagship higher education institution. The Lokoja location, the Kogi State capital and the historic confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, was selected for available land and central position in Nigeria. The name "Salem" reflects the biblical city of Salem (later Jerusalem) and is associated with the Hebrew word "shalom" meaning peace. Salem admitted its first students in 2007 with founding colleges in management sciences, sciences and humanities. Through subsequent decades the institution has expanded faculty offerings, building reputation as one of the established Christian private universities in central Nigeria.
Core values: ExcellenceIntegrityServiceInnovation
Key Facts at a Glance
Leadership
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Alewo Johnson Akubo |
Courses Offered (35)
Admission Requirements
Salem University, Lokoja considers candidates who meet the institutional JAMB cutoff and pass the Post-UTME screening. Direct Entry applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course.
Entry modes accepted: UTMEDirect Entry
✓ Accepts Direct Entry — Accepts inter-university transfers
Admission timeline (recent)
| Event | Year | Window | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Utme | 2026 | Jun 26 → Jul 19, 2026 | Upcoming |
Sample Cutoff Marks (2025)
| Course | JAMB | Post-UTME | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | 228 | 77 | High |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 218 | 80 | Moderate |
| Crop Science | 209 | 74 | Moderate |
| Chemical Engineering | 205 | 63 | Moderate |
| Aerospace Engineering | 205 | 51 | Moderate |
| Physiology | 195 | 63 | Low |
| History | 194 | 58 | Low |
| Urban and Regional Planning | 194 | 75 | Low |
| Marketing | 192 | 58 | Low |
| Architecture | 192 | 77 | Low |
Tuition & Fees (2026/2027)
| Tuition fee | ₦850,000 |
| Acceptance fee (fresh students only) | ₦250,000 |
| On-campus accommodation | ₦350,000 |
| Development levy | ₦75,000 |
| Other fees (ID card, medicals, sport, etc.) | ₦100,000 |
| Estimated total per session | ₦1,625,000 |
For incoming undergraduate students in the 2026/2027 academic session. Returning students pay 60-70% of this amount.
Campus & Infrastructure
Salem University operates from a campus in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and historic confluence town. The campus features academic infrastructure including faculty buildings, research laboratories, the university library, lecture theatres, student halls of residence, the chapel and sports facilities. Lokoja sits at the historic confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers and is connected by road to Abuja (about 2.5 hours north), Okene (1.5 hours south) and Ilorin (3 hours west). Air access is via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja with daily international and domestic flights.