The list of every course under the arts department in Nigeria ranges from Law, Mass Communication, Music, Theatre and Film Studies, History and International Relations, etc.
For decades, the Arts department in Nigerian universities has maintained a standing position as that which remains an integral part of education in Nigeria. Every course in the Arts department help to expand one’s knowledge of human cultures and aid in intercultural understanding. It also creates a foundation for a civically engaged life. Rather than just having a degree certificate, several courses in the Arts department can stimulate essential aspects of life that include problem-solving, creativity, and building self-confidence.
At present, there are many Universities in Nigeria since the first – the University of Ibadan was made a full-fledged university in Nigeria in 1962. As time progresses, about 169 other Universities have surfaced. While others are public, others are private. Regardless of what these universities fall under, many of them have one thing in common – having the faculty of arts that comes! The Arts department graduates many students every year and takes many students. Here are all the courses under the department of arts in Nigerian universities.
A Complete List of Courses Under Arts Department In Nigerian Universities
- Archaeology
- Archaeology and Tourism
- African and Asian Studies
- Anthropology
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Arabic Language
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Arabic Studies; Archaeology
- Arts (Combined Honours)
- Arts Education
- Chinese Studies
- Christian Religious Knowledge/Studies
- Christian Studies
- Classical Studies
- Communication Arts
- Communication and Language Arts
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Religious Studies
- Counseling and Psychology
- Creative and Visual Arts
- Creative Arts
- Criminology and Security Studies
- Drama/Dramatic Arts/Performing Arts/Theatre Arts
- Economics
- Economics and Development Studies
- Education Arts
- Efik-Ibibio
- English and International Studies
- English Language
- English Language and Literature
- English Language and Communication Studies
- English and Literary Studies
- English Studies
- European and Nigerian Language
- Film Arts
- Fine Art and Applied Arts
- Fine Arts and Design
- Foreign Languages and Literature
- French
- French and International Relations
- French and International Studies
- French with German or Russian
- Fulfulde
- Geography
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- German
- German Combined with French or Russian
- Guidance and Counselling
- Hausa
- History
- History and Archaeology
- History and Diplomacy
- History and Diplomacy Studies
- History and International Studies
- History and Political Studies
- History and Strategic Studies
- Igbo
- Igbo/Linguistics
- International and Comparative Politics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies and Diplomacy
- Islamic Studies
- Kanuri
- Kiswahili
- Languages
- Languages and Linguistics
- Languages and Literature
- Languages Arts
- Languages Arts and Yoruba
- Library and Information Science
- Linguistics
- Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
- Linguistics of Urhobo
- Linguistics of Yoruba
- Linguistics of Edo
- Linguistics and African Languages
- Linguistics, Igbo and other African Languages
- Literature in English
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies and Mass Communication
- Modern and European Language
- Modern Language and Translation
- Music; Nigerian Languages
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Performing Arts
- Performing Arts and Culture
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy Political Science
- Political Science and Conflict Resolution
- Portugues
- Psychology
- Psychology and Human Development
- Religion and Science
- Religious and Human Relations
- Religious Studies or Theology
- Religious and Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Religious and Cultural Studies
- Russian with French or German
- Russian
- Sociology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Theatre and Film Studies
- Theatre and Performing Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre and Media Arts
- Theology
- Visual and Applied Arts
- Yoruba
- Yoruba and Communication Arts
5 Nigerian Universities That Offer Best Art Programmes
There are about 170 accredited universities in Nigeria, which are unique in many ways. However, a number of these institutions have been regarded as the best so far. Coming down to Arts courses, several Nigerian universities offer the best. Although these rankings may differ depending on the source, some Nigerian institutions have made it to the list of 2022 World University Ranking.
Also, Times Higher Education has listed 7 Nigerian Universities among the best in the world. Hence, the list here is a selection of Nigerian Universities to appear numerously in different notable sites. In addition, other criteria used to judge the best universities in Nigeria to study arts courses are based on performance measured by teaching, research, research impact, innovation, and international outlook, among others. Also, they are the notable people who have graduated from the universities under arts.
1. University of Ibadan
It is also known as UI, and it is the first university in Nigeria. This university is ranked the best in Nigeria, 5th in Africa, and between 401-500 globally.
Departments/Courses in UI Arts
- Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Department of Classics
- Department of English
- Department of European Studies
- Department of History
- Department of Communication and Language Arts
- Department of Linguistics and African Languages
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Religious Studies
- Department of Theatre Arts
Notable Personalities that Studied Arts in UI
- Prof. Wole Soyinka (Nobel laureate, poet, and writer)
- Late Pa Adebayo Faleti (Poet and writer)
- Late Chinua Achebe (writer)
- Prof. Femi Osifisan (writer)
- Mike Omoighe (critic and painter)
- Amka Igwe (Nigerian filmmaker and broadcasting executive)
- Chief Jim Nwobodo (politician)
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
In the list of 2022 best universities in the world, UNILAG ranks between 501-600. In Nigeria, it is often considered the second-best and 14th in Africa.
Arts Courses in UNILAG
- Creative Arts
- English
- European Languages & Integration Studies
- History & Strategic Studies
- Linguistics African Asian Studies
- Philosophy
Notable People who studied Arts at the University of Lagos
- Genevieve Nnaji (actress, model, singer, movie producer, and director)
- Linda Ikeji (blogger, writer, entreprnuer)
- Joke Silva (actress, director and entreprenuer)
- Stella Damasus (actress, singer, TV personality)
- Dele Olejede (journalist)
- Reekado Banks (musician)
- Ramsey Nouah (actor, film director, and producer)
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
In northern Nigeria, ABU Zaria and the University of Jos always compete on which university is the best. Nonetheless, ABU Zaria, according to many rankings, is a better university that takes the 2nd and 3rd places in Nigeria and about a thousand in the world.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Art Courses
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- English
- French
- History
- Philosophy
- Theater and Performing Art
- African Languages & Culture
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- English
- French
- History
- Philosophy
- Theater & Performing Art
Renowned People that Studied Art Courses at ABU Zaria
- Late Sadiq Daba (broadcaster, actor)
- Awam Amkpa (actor, playwright, professor of Dramatic Arts)
- Bruce Onobrakpeya (printmaker, painter, and sculptor)
- Late Rachel Bakam (actress)
- Tope Alabi (musician)
4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife
This is one of the best universities in Nigeria as it often ranks as 4th in the country and above 3 thousand in the world. The institution offers nine art courses.
Arts courses that OAU offers
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- English
- History
- Foreign Languages
- Linguistics and African Languages
- Dramatic Arts
- Music
- Institute of Cultural Studies
Famous People that Studied Arts at OAU, Ile Ife
- Lagbaja (musician)
- Lai Mohammed (politician)
- Prof. Rose Aziza (academician)
- Clarion Chukwura (actress)
- Fireboy DML (musician)
- Afeez ‘Saka’ Oyetoro (comedian, actor)
- Kola Oyewo (scholar, actor)
5. University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka
This University ranks among the top universities in Nigeria. In Africa, it ranks as 18 and slightly above 1600 in the world. The university offers numerous art courses.
Arts Courses at UNN
- History &International Studies
- Mass Communication
- Archaeology & Tourism
- English & Literary Studies
- Fine & Applied Arts
- Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages
- Music
- Theatre And Film Studies
- Foreign Language and Literature
Notable People who Studied Art Courses at UNN
- Lam Adesina (politician)
- Prof. Ossie Onuora Enekwe (academician)
- Marcia Kure (artist)
- Meki Nzewi (academician, professor of music)
Highest Paid Art Courses in Nigeria
Here is a list of some of the highest-paid art courses in Nigeria.
- Law
- Fine and Applied Arts
- English Language
- Mass Communication
- Music
- Theatre Arts
- International Relations
- Fashion Design
Which Course Is Best For Art Students in Nigeria?
The best course for art students in Nigeria is Law. Here are some of the best courses for art students in Nigeria:
- Law: Law is one of the most respected degrees in Nigeria and offers excellent employment opportunities after graduation. It is a popular field of study since it is necessary for maintaining order and law in society. There are many areas of law you can concentrate on if you choose to study them, such as business law, environmental law, criminal law, family law, and more.
- Fine and Applied Arts: Fine and Applied Arts is a broad field that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, and more. It is a highly creative field that requires a lot of skill and talent. Graduates can work as artists, designers, or art teachers.
- English Language: English Language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is also the language of media, the internet, and international communication. Graduates can work as writers, editors, journalists, or teachers.
- Mass Communication: Mass Communication is a field that deals with the process of creating, producing, and distributing messages to a large audience through various media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet. Graduates can work as journalists, public relations specialists, advertising executives, or media planners.
- Music: Music is a field that involves creating and performing music. Graduates can work as musicians, composers, music producers, or music teachers.
- Criminology and Security Studies: Criminology and Security Studies is a field that deals with crime prevention and security management. Graduates can work as security analysts, intelligence analysts, or crime prevention specialists.
- Theatre Arts: Theatre Arts is a field that involves creating and performing plays and other theatrical productions. Graduates can work as actors, directors, producers, or theatre teachers.
- International Relations: International Relations is a field that deals with the relationships between countries and international organizations. Graduates can work as diplomats, foreign service officers, or international business consultants.
- Fashion Design: Fashion Design is a field that involves designing clothing and accessories. Graduates can work as fashion designers or fashion merchandisers.
Jobs Under Art Courses in Nigeria
Below is a list of some of the job opportunities under art courses in Nigeria.
| Art Course | Potential Job Opportunities |
| Arabic and Islamic Studies | Arabic Language Teacher, Islamic Studies Teacher, Translator, Interpreter |
| Christian Religious Knowledge/Studies | Religious Studies Teacher, Christian Education Officer, Church Administrator |
| Civil Law | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Legal Consultant |
| Classical Studies | Historian, Archaeologist, Museum Curator |
| Common Law | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Legal Consultant |
| Communication and Language Arts | Journalist, Public Relations Officer, Advertising Executive |
| Comparative Religious Studies | Religious Studies Teacher, Researcher |
| Creative and Visual Arts | Artist, Art Director, Art Teacher, Graphic Designer |
| Criminology and Securities Studies | Criminologist, Security Analyst |
| Customary and Indigenous Law | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Legal Consultant |
| Drama/Dramatic/Performing Art | Actor/Actress, Director, Playwright |
| Economics | Economist, Financial Analyst |
| Efik/Ibibio | Language Teacher |
| English and International Studies | English Language Teacher, International Relations Officer |
| English and Literary Studies | English Language Teacher, Writer/Author |
| Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneur, Business Owner |
| European and Nigerian Languages | Language Teacher, Translator |
| Fine Art/Fine and Applied Arts | Artist, Art Director, Art Teacher |
| French | Language Teacher, Translator |
| French and International Relation | Language Teacher, Translator |
| Fulfulde | Language Teacher |
| Geography | Geographer, Cartographer |
| German | Language Teacher, Translator |
| Hausa | Language Teacher |
| History | Historian, Archivist |
| History and Archaeology | Historian, Archaeologist |
| History and Diplomacy | Historian, Diplomat |
| History and Diplomatic Studies | Historian, Diplomat |
| History and International Studies | Historian, International Relations Officer |
| History and Strategic Studies | Historian, Strategist |
| Igbo/Linguistics | Language Teacher |
| International Studies and Diplomacy | Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer/International Relations Officer/Policy Analyst/Researcher/Consultant/NGO Worker/International Business Manager/International Development Worker. |
| Islamic Studies | Arabic Language Teacher/Islamic Studies Teacher/Translator/Interpreter. |
| Islamic/Sharia Law | Lawyer/Legal Advisor/Legal Consultant. |