As an arts student, studying any of the best arts courses gives you an advantage in the current rising rate of graduate unemployment in Nigeria. Considering the increasing rate of unemployment in the country, it would be wise to consider certain factors before venturing into studying any course. Some of the factors to consider are the job opportunities available for such courses in Nigeria. On this list of the best arts courses in Nigeria, we will focus more on the commercial and pure arts courses in Nigeria.
Best Art Courses to Study in Nigeria
Art subjects in the secondary school or O’ level education is segmented into commercial arts and pure art subjects. It is from these arts subjects one gets qualified to study any tertiary arts course in social sciences, management sciences, educational courses, etc. The best arts courses we listed below contain some of these tertiary arts courses.
There are a lot of tertiary institutions in Nigeria where students can study art courses. The truth remains that there are a lot of courses that have no value in the country. Here, we have outlined some highly-rated art courses one can study in Nigeria. We further provided the opportunities that come with these courses and the likely areas of practice within the country. Below are the best arts courses to study in Nigeria:
1. Law
Many people believe that Law is by far the highest arts course offered in Nigerian universities. It is also one of the most popular courses and a large number of Nigerians register for a Law degree every year. All things considered, available employment for attorneys is in high demand, which is why the course constantly attracts a large number of applicants.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Law in Nigeria
To study law in any tertiary institution in Nigeria, you must have the following:
- The candidate must have 5 credit passes in SSCE. The subjects are to include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Any other two related to arts
- The student must obtain the approved score on the UTME examination
- For Direct Entry, the student must possess the following:
- Must have 2 A-Level passes in arts subjects in IJMB/GCE
- Or first degree with a minimum grade of second class lower from any university in Nigeria
Areas of Specialization for Law Graduates in Nigeria
Law graduates are sought after in a variety of fields. Media, academics, trade, social work, estate management, politics, and a wide range of other fields require legal services. As a result, you’ll find that studying law exposes you to almost every field of endeavor.
Below are areas of specialization for law graduates:
- Criminal Law
- Property Law
- Commercial and Business Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
The following are the job prospects and career opportunities for law graduates in the country:
- Solicitor
- Patent Attorney
- Arbitrator
- Financial Legal Adviser (Tax Laws)
- Property Management
- Other areas in government and private establishments
Best Universities For Law in Nigeria
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Benin
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
2. Mass Communication
This is without a doubt one of the most fascinating art courses available in Nigerian universities. Mass communication refers to distributing and exchanging data to a large number of people in a timely and productive manner. The course looks at the whole communication world, therefore projecting a wide scope of specialization.
Undergraduates with a mass communication degree will develop their knowledge of broadcasting communications, editing, and innovation skills, as well as examination and relational abilities. Those skills can actually be useful regardless of whether you wind up working for yourself or getting employed.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Necessary Requirements to Study Mass Communication in Nigeria
It is important that students who wish to study mass communication in any university in Nigeria, should have the following basic requirements:
- Candidates are expected to have 5 credits in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). They are to pass the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- English literature
- and two other art-related subjects
- For direct entry admission, you will need a pass in 2 A-Level subjects in a tertiary institution in Nigeria, coupled with O’ level requirements
- The JAMB subject combination must include Literature in English with other two relevant subjects
Areas of Specialization for Mass Communication Graduates in Nigeria
People with a degree in mass communication can pursue careers in the following fields:
- Journalism
- Radio and Television Production
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Reporting
- Broadcasting
- Film Production
- Media Editing
- Photography
- Publishing
- Media Marketing
- Education
The above are a few of the areas where a graduate of mass communication can develop a profession. Even when graduates find it difficult to venture into any of the above-listed areas, they definitely have an edge in moving into the world of entertainment. This is because of the innovative skills that the course impacts on its graduates.
Best Universities for Mass Communication in Nigeria
The following are universities in Nigeria known to be the best in mass communication:
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)
3. Fine and Applied Art
This is one of Nigeria’s best arts courses to consider. Right after graduating from the Department of Fine and Applied Art department, you can work as an ensemble creator, style fashioner, decorator, painter, and so on. Aside from the open positions associated with this course, if you have a strong passion for the arts, turning it into a profession will be excellent.
The main reason why this course is highly-rated is the fact that it promotes the economic independence of an individual. It encourages self-employment as it has a lot of angles where one can specialize and be self-employed.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Fine and Applied Art in Nigeria
There are requirements the candidate must meet to study this course in any Nigerian university or institution of higher learning. These requirements include:
- The O’Level result must have a minimum of 5 credits, which will include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Other three arts subjects
- Direct entry requirements include the following:
- Two A ‘Level credit passes in Fine and Applied Arts or any related course in a recognized tertiary institution passed
- The National Certificate Examination with honors in the Fine and Applied Arts double major
- Required JAMB subjects for Fine and Applied Art include:
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Any other subjects related to the course
Areas of Specialization for Fine and Applied Arts Graduates in Nigeria
It is unarguable that this course stands as one of the best with numerous areas of specialization. Even before graduation, if you are innovative, you will notice that the course will empower you in one way or another. Below are some areas one can specialize in after graduating with a certificate in Fine and Applied Arts:
- Art History
- Art Education
- Fashion Design
- Ceramics
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Textile Design
- Graphics
Areas to work as a Fine and Applied Arts graduate include:
- As an exhibition designer
- Teacher/ Lecturer
- A community art worker
- Commercial art gallery manager
- Illustrator
- Printmaker
- Museum/ gallery exhibitions officer
- Arts administrator
Best Universities for Fine and Applied Arts in Nigeria
The following are universities with the best facilities for Fine and Applied Arts courses in the country:
- Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
- University of Benin, Benin City
- University of Jos, Jos
4. Political Science
Political science is one of Nigeria’s best arts courses that deals with the scientific study of politics. Undergraduates in this department are trained to understand the system of government, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of how power works.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Political Science in Nigeria
The following are the requirements to study political science in any tertiary institution in Nigeria:
- For O’Level: The candidates are required to have a 5 credit pass in the following major subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Government
- Then any other two subjects under the O’ level art subjects
- For direct entry candidates, 2 A-level credit passes in government and any other art or social science subject are required.
- JAMB subject combination requirements include government, English language, and any other art or social science subject.
Areas of Specialization for Political Science Graduates in Nigeria
Graduates of political science have numerous areas in which they can specialize and practice. The fact that the course deals more with theory means it still has a wide market for the practical aspect. Here are the few areas a political science graduate can specialize:
- Public Administration
- Different Levels of Government Administration
- International Relations
- Education
Best Universities for Political Science in Nigeria
Here are some of the universities in Nigeria with some of the best facilities for the study of political science:
- University of Lagos, Lagos State
- University of Ibadan
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
5. English Language
The study of the English language is vast and has many areas of specialization. This increases your chances of landing a good job in a global firm in your home country or finding work abroad.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study English Language in Nigeria
Below are the subject requirements to study English Language in Nigeria:
- O’ Level requirements: The candidate must possess 5 credit pass in the following important subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Any other 2 related subjects
- For direct entry, the candidate must have 2 A‘ Level passes, which must include Literature in English.
JAMB requirements must include the following:
-
- Literature in English
- English Language
- Any other related subject
Areas of Specialization for English Language Graduates in Nigeria
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Literary Criticism
- Public Speaking
- Play Writing
- Technical Communication
- Digital Media
- Electronic Publishing
- Screen Writing
- Philology
Best Universities to Study English Language in Nigeria
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Calabar
6. Music
Music deals with the study of history and culture in many ways. It has many branches and covers a broad spectrum of abilities in both music-related and non-music-related fields.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Music in Nigeria
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) SSCE credits, which include:
- English Language
- Music
- Then any other 3 subjects that must relate to Arts or Social Sciences
Direct entry candidates must have at least 2 A-Level passes that must include music.
JAMB subject combination
UTME candidates must take the following four (4) JAMB subject combinations:
- English Language
- Music
- Two other art-related subjects
Areas of Specialization for Music Graduates in Nigeria
- Music therapist
- Music education
- Sound engineer
- Music producer
- Sound designer
- Special effects technician
- Sound technician, broadcasting/video/film
- Songwriter
Here are also some jobs that your degree in music can fetch you in Nigeria:
- Event manager
- Radio broadcast assistant
- Talent agent
- Theatre stage manager
- Choreographer
- Broadcast engineer
- Radio producer
Best Universities That Study Music in Nigeria
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- University of Ibadan
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
7. Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human languages, systematic investigation of the properties of a particular language, and the general characteristics of languages. Linguistics explores phonology, morphology, language structure, and semantics.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Linguistics in Nigeria
O’ level candidates must possess at least five (5) SSCE credit passes (NECO, GCE, WAEC):
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Two other O’ level arts subjects
To be eligible to study Linguistics in the Arts & Humanities faculty, Direct Entry candidates must meet prerequisites given below:
- Must have 2 A’ level pass credits in any language. Most preferably, an African language, including any of the languages in Nigeria.
JAMB subject combination
- English Language
- Literature and two other art courses
Areas of Specialization for Linguistics Graduates in Nigeria
Linguistics is also one course that covers a wide scope. The country is a land full of opportunities for anyone that wishes to specialize in any of the areas listed below:
- Public librarian
- Translator
- Information officer
- Speech and language therapist
- Lexicographer
- Publishing copy editor or proofreader
- International aid worker
- Subtitler
Best Universities to Study Linguistics in Nigeria
- University of Ibadan
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Lagos, Lagos State
8. International Relations
In a globalized society, international relations are valuable because of the following:
- Successful trade policies between states are aided by international relations
- International relations promote business, tourism, and immigrant travel, giving people the opportunity to better their lifestyle
- It allows countries to work together, pool resources, and share information to address global issues that affect more than just one country or region
- Through cultural exchanges, diplomacy, and policy formulation, international relations enhance the human culture
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study International Relations in Nigeria
To study International Relations in any Nigerian university, candidates must have at least five (5) credits in NECO, GCE, or WAEC. The compulsory subjects include the following:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Government
- Two other arts-related subjects
For direct entry candidates, two A-level credits are required, which must include government or history.
JAMB Subject Combination for International Relations
UTME subject requirements include:
- English Language
- Government or History
- Two other subjects that are related to arts
Areas of Specialization for International Relations Graduates in Nigeria
When it comes to starting a career, an International Relations degree can lead you down a variety of paths which include:
- Diplomat
- Journalism
- Corporate consultancy
- Intelligence or policing
- Foreign aid or development staff
- NGO
- Government parastatals
Best Universities to study International Relations in Nigeria
- Madonna University Nigeria
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Covenant University Ota, Ogun State
9. Theater Arts
Theater arts is also one of Nigeria’s best arts-based courses and it focuses on the performing arts. The department explores the world from various perspectives while strengthening innovative capacities, developing abilities for teamwork, decisive reasoning, critical thinking, and persuasive communication in the students.
O’ Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Theatre Arts in Nigeria
The O’Level subjects needed to study theatre arts are:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Two (2) more arts subjects
Direct Entry candidates are to possess the following:
Two (2) passes at ‘A’ level in Arts, Social Sciences, or Science.
JAMB Subject Combination Requirements
Candidates for the UTME should possess the following subjects:
- English language
- Literature in English
- Two (2) other subjects that are related to arts
Areas of Specialization for Theater Arts Graduates in Nigeria
- Advertising Arts
- Concept artist
- Movie directing
- Scriptwriting/coordinating
- Marketing
- Archivist
- Special effect technology
- Talent agency
- Public relations
- Media agency
Best Universities to Study Theatre Arts in Nigeria
- University of Portharcourt, Rivers State
- University of Jos, Plateau State
- University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State
10. Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about reasoning, values, mind, language, and many more. In Nigeria, philosophers are seen as valuable in almost all sectors of the economy. They are rated higher when they acquire more degrees, aside from the graduate degree level.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Philosophy in Nigeria
O’ Level requirements
This course requires you to have five (5) O’Level credit passes in the necessary subjects:
- English Language
- Any other four relevant art subjects
Admission Requirements for Direct Entry
To gain admission to study anthropology at any Nigerian university, the candidate should ensure a 2 A‘level credit pass in the relevant courses.
JAMB Subject Combination
To study philosophy, the candidate must take English with three other art subjects (social sciences, history, religious studies, government, and geography) in JAMB.
Areas of Specialization for Philosophy Graduates in Nigeria
Philosophy is one of the courses that are vast and can land its graduates a career in different sectors of the economy. Graduates of philosophy have a place in the Nigerian labor market in the following areas:
- Law
- Architecture and art
- Teaching
- Publishing
- Public relations
- Politics and public policy
- Religion and ministry
- Business and management
- Journalism
- Fundraising and nonprofit work
- Psychotherapy
Best Universities for Philosophy in Nigeria
- University of Lagos
- University of Benin
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Ibadan
11. Criminology and Security Studies
Criminology and security studies involve the study of illegal human behavior and crime prevention techniques. The course has many areas of specialization which makes it easier for graduates to land good jobs nationally and internationally.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Criminology and Security Studies in Nigeria
O’ Level subject requirements
You must have five (5) SSCE credit passes, including
- English Language
- Mathematics and
- Any additional three courses.
Admission Requirements for Direct Entry
- Two (2) A-Level passes in Social Science or Arts are required
- A diploma or degree in law, public administration, or criminal justice with lower credit or higher grade passes
JAMB Subject Requirements
For Criminology and Security Studies, the JAMB subject required include:
- English
- Three other courses (Government, economics commerce, and geography).
Areas of Specialization for Criminology and Security Studies Graduates in Nigeria
Criminology and Security Studies offer a wider range of job opportunities in a variety of disciplines, based on interests. Below are the few areas one can find a career with this course:
- Nigerian Correctional Service
- Nigerian Police
- Forensic science agencies
- Loss prevention agencies
- Probation and community control
Best Universities to study Criminology and Security Studies in Nigeria
- Federal University Dutse (FED-DUTSE)
- University of Ilorin (ILORIN)
- Federal University Oye Ekiti (FED_OYEEKITI)
12. History and Archaeology
This is one of the best arts courses in Nigeria, which focuses on ancient human behaviors. Nigeria, being one of the countries that value history and culture, needs the services of people with this knowledge in finding these ancient, unique historical identities.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study History and Archaeology in Nigeria
O’ Level requirements
The SSCE subject combinations for History and Archaeology are listed below:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Religious studies
- Economics
- And any other subject related to arts
JAMB subject combination
English Language and any three (3) related art subjects are necessary JAMB subjects for History and Archaeology.
Areas of Specialization for History and Archaeology in Nigeria
In history and archaeology, there are many areas where one with a degree can build a career in Nigeria.
- Conservator
- Archivist
- Tourism officer
- Heritage manager
- Social researcher
- Record manager
- Museum education officer
- History consultant
Best Universities to study History and Archaeology in Nigeria
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Jos
13. Sociology
Sociology deals with the study of society, including how people relate and interact. Those with a degree in the course are tasked with understanding and globalizing the world. They are equipped with the necessary tools to contribute to solving difficult social issues.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Sociology in Nigeria
O’ Level requirements
Candidates must have at least (5) five credits in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Three other art-related subjects (government, history, economics, geography, commerce)
Direct entry candidates should have 5 O’level credits mentioned and a pass in at least two social science subjects at an advanced level.
JAMB subject combination
The following UTME subjects are needed to study sociology:
- English language
- Three other social science subjects or art subjects
Areas of Specialization for Sociology Graduates in Nigeria
Sociology provides a wide range of areas where its graduates can specialize, and they include:
- Policy analyst
- Human resource representative
- Law
- Guidance and counselor
- Management consultant
- Public relation analyst
- Media planning
- Market research analyst
Best Universities to study Sociology in Nigeria
- Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Jos
14. French
French is the study of French culture and language. The course is broad and has many areas of specialization, which increases your chances of getting a good job within and outside your home country.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study French in Nigeria
O’ Level requirements
To study French at any Nigerian university, you must have a minimum of 5 credits in your WAEC or NECO results.
- English language
- French
- One arts-related subject
- Two other relevant subjects of your choice
JAMB subject combination
Jamb subjects required for French are as follows:
- English language
- French
- Two other arts-related subjects
Areas of Specialization for French Graduates in Nigeria
There are numerous areas of specialization French graduates can thrive in. Below are some areas of specialization for graduates of French:
- Curator
- Attache/Diplomat/Foreign service officer
- Publisher
- Education
- Law
- Public Relations
- Speech therapist
- Journalist/writer
- interpreter/translator
- International businessperson
- Proofreading and Editing
- Foreign exchange trader
- Film director
- Travel and tour instructor
Best Universities to Study French in Nigeria
Here are some of the best universities where one can study French in Nigeria
- University of Portharcourt
- Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
15. Literature in English
Literature in English covers a wide range of opportunities in the labor market. With a degree in the course, you can work in many sectors, including education, the admin department of any firm, and many more.
O’Level, Direct Entry, and Other Requirements to Study Literature in English in Nigeria
O’ Level requirements
To secure admission to study Literature in English in any Nigerian university, the student must acquire a minimum of 5 credit passes in the following subjects:
- English language
- Literature in English
- Any other three art-related subjects
Direct Entry Requirements
They must obtain two A-level passes, including Literature in English and any other arts subject.
JAMB subject combination
Below are the UTME requirements to study the course:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- One arts subject
- One social science subject
Areas of Specialization for Literature in English Graduates in Nigeria
Graduates of Literature in English can work in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, which include:
- Media and journalism
- Publishing
- Education
- Advertising/ marketing
- Freelance writing
- Editorial assistant
- Paralegal
- Law
- Librarian
- Public relations
- Content management
Best Universities to Study Literature in English in Nigeria
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Jos