If you’re passionate about Drama, drama, or Performing Arts and aspire to pursue a degree in this field, understanding the admission requirements is crucial.
Admission Requirements for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts in Nigerian Universities
This blog post aims to provide you with comprehensive information on the admission prerequisites for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts courses in Nigerian universities.
We will cover the necessary subject combinations for both the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and Direct Entry routes, as well as highlight universities in Nigeria offering this course.
JAMB UTME Subject Combination
To begin with, when registering for the UTME examination, you must choose the following three compulsory subjects for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts:
- Literature in English
- Any other two relevant subjects
Please note that English Language is compulsory for this course, even if it is not explicitly mentioned above.
Waiver/Special Considerations
- UNIBEN accepts any two Arts subjects and another subject.
- ABU requires Literature in English and other relevant subjects.
- OAU requires Literature in English and another Arts subject, along with any other subject.
- LASU requires another Arts subject in addition to any Arts or Social Science subject. However, ILORIN accepts Science subjects.
O’Level Subject Combination
Candidates aspiring to study Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts in Nigerian universities must possess a minimum of five (5) SSC credit passes. The required O’Level subjects are:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Any other three Arts subjects
Waiver/Special Considerations
- UNIBEN requires Literature in English and one Arts subject.
- UNIPORT requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes in Literature in English, English Language, and any two other Arts or Social Science subjects.
- ABU requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including Literature in English, English Language, and other subjects from Arts or Social Sciences.
- DELSU requires an ‘O’ level credit pass in Literature in English.
- UNIABUJA accepts five (5) credit passes in Literature in English, Mathematics, English Language, and any other two subjects.
- LASU requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including Literature in English, English Language, and other Arts/Social Science subjects.
- OAU requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including Literature in English, English Language, one Arts subject, and any other two subjects.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
If you wish to apply for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts directly without going through the UTME process, the following conditions must be met:
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Arts, Social Sciences, or Science subjects.
Waiver/Special Considerations
- LASU requires NCE merit in Communication Arts or Theatre/Performing/Creative Arts, along with five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language (not in more than two sittings). Alternatively, a recognized certificate in Dramatic Arts and another certificate from the Faculty of Humanities, or an ‘A’ level pass in any other subject with five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language, are accepted.
- ABU accepts two (2) ‘A’ level passes or NCE in Mass Communication, Performing Arts, Journalism, Music and Dance, Creative Arts, Literature in English, or any Nigerian Language at IJMB. General English/Use of English at NCE satisfies the UTME requirements. Candidates with ND must also have an ‘O’ level credit pass in Literature in English.
- UNIBEN, OAU, and DELSU require an ‘A’ level pass in Literature in English.
- UNIABUJA accepts upper credit or a minimum of ten (10) points in NCE, or two (2) ‘A’ level passes (including Literature in English and one Arts subject). Alternatively, ND upper credit or NCE merit in Theatre Arts with four (4) ‘O’ level credit passes are accepted.
- NDU accepts NCE merit or ‘A’ level pass in Literature in English and one other art subject, Theatre Arts, or Fine and Industrial Arts.
- UNIBEN accepts two (2) ‘A’ level passes in HSC or GCE in any two (2) Arts subjects. They also accept NCE merit in Music from a recognized institution.
- DELSU requires a certificate in Drama, Theater Arts – Mass Communication, or Music. Additionally, ‘A’ level passes must include Literature in English and English Language, along with meeting the UTME requirements.
- UNIPORT does not offer Direct Entry admission for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts.
- OAU accepts two (2) ‘A’ level passes, one of which should include Yoruba or Literature in English.
- DELSU accepts ND upper credit in Theatre Arts and NCE merit in Music, along with ‘A’ level passes in two (2) Arts subjects.
Nigerian Universities Offering Drama/Dramatic/Performing Arts
The following Nigerian universities offer Drama/Dramatic/Performing Arts under the Faculty of Arts & Humanities:
- UNIABUJA (University of Abuja)
- UNIBEN (University of Benin)
- UNIPORT (University of Port-Harcourt)
- ABU (Ahmadu Bello University)
- DELSU (Delta State University)
- LASU (Lagos State University)
- OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University)
- KASU (Kaduna State University)
FAQs
What are the general admission requirements for a Drama or Performing Arts program?
Admission requirements for Drama or Performing Arts programs typically include:
- Educational Qualifications: Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may accept an equivalent international qualification.
- Audition or Performance: A key component is often an audition or performance showcasing your acting, dance, or musical talents. This might include monologues, scenes, or songs.
- Application Form: You’ll need to complete and submit an application form, which may include personal statements or essays outlining your interest and experience in the field.
- Letters of Recommendation: Some programs require letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can vouch for your skills and suitability for the program.
Do I need previous experience in Drama or Performing Arts to apply?
While previous experience in Drama or Performing Arts can strengthen your application, many programs accept students with varying levels of experience. It’s important to demonstrate your passion, dedication, and potential through your audition or performance. Some programs offer preparatory courses or workshops for beginners, so it’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the program you’re interested in.
How can I prepare for the audition or performance component of the admission process?
To prepare for an audition or performance:
- Select Appropriate Material: Choose monologues, scenes, or songs that highlight your strengths and fit the style of the program. Follow any specific guidelines provided by the program.
- Practice Regularly: Rehearse your material extensively and consider working with a coach or taking classes to refine your skills.
- Understand the Program: Research the program’s style, faculty, and focus to tailor your performance to what they are looking for.
- Prepare for an Interview: Some programs also include an interview component. Be ready to discuss your background, motivation, and goals in the field.
Conclusion
If you are passionate about Drama, Dramatic, or Performing Arts, this blog post has provided you with valuable information on the admission requirements for pursuing this course in Nigerian universities.
By understanding the subject combinations for both UTME and Direct Entry routes, as well as the specific waivers and special considerations, you can better prepare for a seamless registration process and improve your chances of gaining admission based on merit. Good luck with your academic journey!