B.Sc. Cybersecurity

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Science > Department of Computer Science > B.Sc. Cybersecurity

The B.Sc. Cybersecurity programme equips you with the knowledge and technical skills needed to protect digital systems, networks, data, and critical infrastructures from cyber threats. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise across all sectors. This programme helps you understand how cyberattacks occur, how vulnerabilities are exploited, and how to design effective defence mechanisms.

At Olabisi Onabanjo University, you will be trained to think like both a defender and an attacker. You will learn to analyse risks, secure information systems, investigate cyber incidents, and apply industry-standard tools and techniques to safeguard digital environments. The programme blends theoretical foundations, hands-on laboratory work, ethical considerations, and practical exposure to real cybersecurity challenges.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Cybersecurity programme offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to information security and digital protection. You will explore core areas such as computer systems, ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, network security, malware analysis, and security governance. The curriculum prepares you to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from a wide range of cyber threats.

You will study topics such as:

  1. Fundamentals of cybersecurity and information assurance
  2. Secure programming and software security
  3. Network defence, intrusion detection, and penetration testing
  4. Cryptographic principles and secure communication
  5. Cybercrime, digital forensics, and incident response
  6. Security policies, governance, risk, and compliance frameworks
  7. Cloud and mobile security
  8. Artificial intelligence applications in security

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. 

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is drawn directly from the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Computing. It builds your competence gradually, starting with foundational computing and moving into advanced cybersecurity operations, digital investigation, and security management. Your training includes laboratory exercises, SIWES placement, practical case studies, and a final-year project.

Your first year establishes the computing foundation required for understanding cybersecurity concepts and tools.

  1. Introduction to Computer Science
  2. Fundamentals of Programming
  3. Logic and Critical Thinking
  4. Elementary Mathematics for Computing
  5. Introduction to Web Technologies
  6. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  7. Communication in English
  8. Introduction to Information Systems
  9. General Physics and Laboratory Sessions

At this stage, you advance into core cybersecurity principles and the technical structure of computer systems and networks.

  1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
  2. Object-Oriented Programming
  3. Data Structures and Algorithms
  4. Computer Architecture and Organisation
  5. Operating Systems I
  6. Fundamentals of Computer Networks
  7. Secure Coding Practices
  8. Database Systems
  9. Entrepreneurship Studies

Your training becomes more specialised, focusing on areas such as threat detection, secure system design, and forensic investigation.

  1. Network Security and Defence
  2. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  3. Security Operations and Monitoring
  4. Cryptography and Secure Communication
  5. Operating Systems II
  6. Digital Forensics I
  7. Cybersecurity Risk Management
  8. Systems Analysis and Design
  9. Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)

Your final year enhances your analytical and investigative abilities, preparing you for professional practice in the cybersecurity field.

  1. Advanced Digital Forensics
  2. Cyber Incident Response and Recovery
  3. Cloud and Mobile Security
  4. Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering
  5. Cybersecurity Governance, Policies, and Compliance
  6. Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
  7. Final-Year Project / Dissertation

Electives in specialised domains such as Blockchain Security, Secure Software Engineering, or Advanced Network Threat Modelling

Entry Requirements

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Five credit passes in relevant O-level subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory performance in the UTME with English Language, Mathematics, and other required science subjects.
  3. A successful performance in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.
  4. Your O-level subjects should provide you with strong grounding in mathematics and the sciences to support your training in computing and security.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. At least two A-Level passes in relevant science subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or NCE in Computer Science or related fields with at least upper credit or its equivalent.
  3. Any other qualification acceptable to the University and in line with departmental standards.

All applicants must also meet the general entry requirements of Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Cybersecurity at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you access to a modern and industry-relevant programme that prepares you for one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. Our teaching approach combines rigorous academic knowledge with hands-on experience using real tools and technologies. You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum aligned with national and international cybersecurity standards.
  2. Experienced lecturers with expertise across digital forensics, ethical hacking, secure networks, cryptography, and security governance.
  3. Practical training using modern cybersecurity tools and laboratory environments.
  4. Opportunities for SIWES placements where you gain real-world experience in industry or government settings.
  5. A learning environment that develops your analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ethical responsibility.
  6. Scalability of skills that prepare you for specialist roles in digital security, cyber defence, and emerging technology fields.

This programme is designed to make you a competent cybersecurity professional capable of protecting digital systems and responding effectively to cyber threats.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to investigate cybersecurity problems and propose solutions using scientific and technical methods. This project allows you to explore areas such as digital forensics, malware analysis, network defence, secure system design, or incident response. Your research project will require you to:

  1. Identify and justify a relevant cybersecurity problem or investigation.
  2. Explore theories, frameworks, and technologies related to your topic.
  3. Conduct practical experiments, develop tools, analyse data, or simulate attack and defence scenarios where applicable.
  4. Present your findings in a well-organised written report and defend your work before a panel.

This project is a critical component of your training and serves as evidence of your readiness for both professional roles and advanced study in cybersecurity.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the university. 

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all core and elective courses specified in the programme.
  2. Earn the minimum credit load required:
    1. 120 credit units for UTME entrants
    2. 90 credit units for Direct Entry students
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and successfully defend your final-year research project in a recognised area of cybersecurity.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Cybersecurity, a qualification recognised for its relevance in safeguarding digital systems and supporting national and global cyber defence efforts.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in Cybersecurity, you are prepared for a wide range of careers across industries that depend on secure computing and information protection. Your training equips you with the ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats across various digital systems.

You may pursue roles such as:

  1. Cybersecurity Analyst
  2. Incident Response Officer
  3. Digital Forensics Investigator
  4. Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
  5. Network Security Specialist
  6. Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
  7. Vulnerability Analyst
  8. Cyber Risk and Compliance Associate
  9. Malware Analyst (entry-level)
  10. Cloud Security Support Technician
  11. Information Security Officer
  12. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Technician

You may work in:

  1. Government ICT and security agencies
  2. Banks and financial institutions
  3. Telecom and internet service providers
  4. Cybersecurity and digital forensics firms
  5. Defence and intelligence establishments
  6. Technology companies and software development organisations
  7. Consulting firms
  8. Research institutions
  9. NGOs and international bodies concerned with digital safety and cybercrime prevention

The programme also offers a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Computer Science, or Information Security Management.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Admission

  1. Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice in UTME and select Cybersecurity as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language, Mathematics, and other required science subjects.
  3. Obtain at least five O-level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental requirements.

2. Direct Entry Admission

  1. Possess A-Level passes or an ND/HND/NCE in Computer Science or a closely related field with at least upper credit or equivalent.
  2. Provide the required O-level credits.
  3. Upload your transcript and supporting documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.

All applications must be completed through the University’s official undergraduate admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Cybersecurity programme is managed by dedicated academics and cybersecurity professionals within the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Faculty = Science
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Science, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities