In December 2022, the federal government of Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (NUC) announced the introduction of bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, data science and software engineering, among other information and communication technology (ICT) courses as new programmes in the Nigerian university system curriculum.
The addition of new programmes to curricula of Nigerian universities, according to the NUC executive secretary, Abubakar Rasheed, was a move “to meet global standards and international best practices towards preparing Nigerian graduates for relevance in the fourth revolution world economy with the skills needed for the future.”
According to a report by TechCabal, which places cybersecurity at second place among five tech skills to make you a high demand employee, cybersecurity skills include knowledge of network protocols, operating systems and programming languages.
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), the technology company which provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology, defines cybersecurity, computer security, or otherwise, information technology security (IT security) as the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks.
The measures of cybersecurity are said to be designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organisation.
The main reason for cybersecurity is to help reduce the risk cyber attackers or cyber threats have caused and as such, helps in protecting system networks from all unauthorised exploitation from other technologies. Therefore, the demand for cybersecurity analysts and professionals who possess the technical skills that are relevant in today’s ever-changing job market will continue to grow.
There are job opportunities abound for cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria. They may work with titles such as cybersecurity analyst/engineer/architect, information security officer (ISO), security architect, computer forensics analyst, or malware analyst, among others.
Cybersecurity professionals may work with ICT companies/firms, social media platforms, financial institutions such as banks, insurance and fintech companies, digital stores and marketplaces, data management companies and governmental organisations/firms, among others.
Admission requirements for cybersecurity in Nigeria
The admission requirements may vary across different institutions. Consult the JAMB brochure for specifics.
Direct entry requirements
- 2 A Level passes in mathematics and 1 other science subject
- NCE merit in mathematics and 1 other science
UTME requirements
- 5 SSCE passes in mathematics, english language, physics and other 2 science subjects, including any of further mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology or agricultural science (depending on the institution)
- A JAMB UTME score of 200 or above
25 accredited universities offering degrees in cybersecurity in Nigeria
Edugist had earlier reported that Igbinedion University, the first private university licensed in Nigeria, has added new departments and programmes, including cybersecurity, to become the Nigerian private institution offering the highest number of degree programmes.
Here are 25 accredited universities, including federal, state and private, that are already offering degrees in cybersecurity in Nigeria:
- Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State
- Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State
- Bayero University, Kano State
- Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State
- Bowen University, Osun State
- University of Delta, Delta State
- Nigerian Army University, Borno State
- Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna State
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna State
- Augustine University, Lagos State
- Lead City University, Oyo State
- Mountain Top University, Ogun State
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
- Elizade University, Ondo State
- Kings University, Osun State
- KolaDaisi University, Oyo State
- Skyline University, Kano State
- Confluence University Of Science and Technology, Kogi State
- NOK University, Kaduna State
- Novena University, Delta State
- Ritman University, Akwa Ibom
- Chrisland University, Ogun State
