Choosing a course to study in the university is one of the most critical decisions students make, as it shapes their future careers and personal growth. With the registration for UTME 2025 about to begin, thousands of Nigerian students are evaluating their options, wondering which course will align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
This comprehensive guide highlights the top 25 courses to study in Nigerian universities in 2025.Each of these 25 courses offers unique opportunities for academic and professional growth in Nigeria and globally. Take time to assess your interests, strengths, and the market demand for your preferred field. With proper preparation and determination, you can unlock your potential and achieve your goals.
1. Medicine and Surgery
Overview: Medicine remains one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria. It equips students with the knowledge to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
High UTME and post-UTME scores, with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as key subjects.
Career Opportunities: General practitioner, surgeon, paediatrician, medical researcher, or public health specialist, among many others.
2. Law
Overview: Law focuses on the principles and application of legal systems, preparing students to uphold justice and interpret the law.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits, including English, Literature in English, Government, and any other two relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Literature, and two social science or arts subjects.
Career Opportunities: Lawyer, judge, legal adviser, corporate attorney, or human rights activist.
3. Computer Science
Overview: With technology driving industries, computer science is essential for learning programming, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other science subject.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Computer Scientist, Computer Engineer, Software developer, data analyst, cybersecurity expert, or artificial intelligence specialist (while some universities still have some of these courses separately, others have them combined under Computer Science).
4. Nursing
Overview: Nursing trains individuals to provide compassionate and skilled care to patients in hospitals and communities.
Admission Requirements:Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Career Opportunities:Registered nurse, midwife, health educator, or nurse practitioner.
5. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
Overview: Engineering courses develop problem-solving skills for designing and building infrastructure, machines, or electrical systems.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other science subject.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, or project manager.
6. Accounting
Overview: This course focuses on financial management, bookkeeping, and auditing practices for organisations.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Economics, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government/Commerce.
Career Opportunities: Chartered accountant, auditor, tax consultant, or financial analyst.
7. Mass Communication
Overview: A versatile course that teaches media ethics, journalism, and public relations.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Literature in English, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Literature, Government, and Economics.
Career Opportunities: Journalist, broadcaster, public relations officer, or content creator.
8. Pharmacy
Overview: Pharmacy trains students in drug formulation, usage, and patient care.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Career Opportunities: Pharmacist, pharmacologist, or pharmaceutical researcher.
9. Economics
Overview: Economics focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is the study of scarcity and its implications for the use of resources, production of goods and services, growth of production and welfare over time, and a great variety of other complex issues of vital concern to society.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Economics, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government/Commerce.
Career Opportunities: Economist, financial analyst, banker, or policy advisor.
10. Architecture
Overview: This course teaches the art and science of designing buildings and structures.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, and two other science or art subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Architect, urban planner, or landscape designer.
N:B: If you did technical drawing in school, then this might be an added advantage.
11. Political Science
Overview: Political science delves into governance, public policies, and political theories.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Government, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Government, Economics, and Literature.
Career Opportunities: Politician, policy analyst, diplomat, or public administrator.
12. Public Health
Overview: Public health focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations, community health, and health equity.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Career Opportunities: Public health officer, epidemiologist, or community health educator.
13. Education
Overview: Education courses revolve around the study of the process of teaching and learning, including the history, psychology, and sociology of education. It prepare students to become teachers, education consultants, or administrators.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, and three subjects relevant to the teaching area.
UTME subjects depend on the specific teaching area.
Career Opportunities: Teacher, educational consultant, or curriculum developer.
14. Agriculture
Overview: This course emphasises modern farming techniques, agribusiness, and sustainable development.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Agriculture.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Agriculture/Physics.
Career Opportunities:Agronomist, agricultural scientist, or farm manager.
15. Psychology
Overview: Psychology examines human behaviour, mental processes, and emotional well-being.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Government, and Economics.
Career Opportunities: Clinical psychologist, counsellor, or organisational psychologist.
16. Entrepreneurship
Overview: This course equips students with the skills to start and manage businesses effectively.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Economics, and two other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Economics, Government, and Commerce.
Career Opportunities: Business owner, business consultant, or startup founder.
17. Cybersecurity
Overview: Cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital assets and networks from cyber threats.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, and two other science subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, or information security consultant.
18. Software Engineering
Overview: This course teaches the design, development, and maintenance of software applications.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, and two other science subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Software engineer, app developer, or systems architect.
19. Mechatronics Engineering
Overview: This interdisciplinary course combines mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other science subject.
UTME subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career Opportunities: Robotics engineer, automation specialist, or systems engineer.
20. Theatre Arts/Dramatic Arts
Overview:
Theatre Arts, also known as Dramatic Arts (in some tertiary institutions) is a dynamic and creative course that explores the world of performance, storytelling, and stagecraft. It involves studying and practising acting, directing, playwriting, stage design, and other theatrical elements. This course equips students with the skills to entertain, inform, and inspire audiences through live performances, film, television, and other media.
Admission Requirements: O’Level Requirements: Five credits, including English Language and Literature in English. Credits in Arts-related subjects such as Fine Arts, Music, or Government may be advantageous.
UTME Subjects: English Language, Literature in English, and any two other subjects from Arts or Social Sciences.
Career Opportunities: Actor/Actress, Director, Playwright, Stage Manager, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Drama Therapist, Cinematographer, Content Creator.
21. Foreign Languages
Overview: This course focuses on the study of languages like French, Spanish, German, and Chinese.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Literature, and three other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Literature, and two arts or social science subjects.
Career Opportunities: Translator, language teacher, diplomat, or cultural consultant.
22. Biochemistry
Overview: Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within living organisms.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
UTME subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Career Opportunities: Biochemist, research scientist, or medical laboratory technologist.
23. International Relations
Overview: This course focuses on diplomacy, global politics, and international affairs.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Government, and three other relevant subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Government, History, and Economics.
Career Opportunities: Diplomat, international consultant, or policy analyst.
24. Criminology
Overview: Criminology studies criminal behaviour, justice systems, and crime prevention.
Admission Requirements: Five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Government, and two other social science subjects.
UTME subjects: English, Government, Economics, and Sociology.
Career Opportunities: Criminologist, law enforcement officer, or forensic analyst.
25. Human Resource Management (HRM)
Overview: Human Resource Management (HRM) focuses on the strategic management of people within an organisation. This course prepares students to recruit, train, and manage employees while fostering a productive and harmonious work environment. HRM is integral to the success of any organisation, as it ensures that the workforce aligns with the company’s goals and values.
Admission Requirements: O’Level Requirements: Five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and any two other relevant subjects (such as Commerce, Government, or Accounting).
UTME Subjects: English Language, Economics, Government, and any other relevant social science subject.
Career Opportunities: HR Generalist, Recruitment Specialist, Training and Development Officer, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Employee Relations Specialist, HR Consultant, Talent Acquisition Manager, etc.
