Are you interested in pursuing a degree in Religious Studies in Nigeria?
Admission Requirements for Religious Studies in Nigerian Universities
In this blog post, we will provide you with comprehensive information about the subjects and requirements for studying Religious Studies at the university level.
We will also explore the various career opportunities available to graduates in this field. Let’s dive in!
O’Level Subjects and Requirements
To gain admission into a Nigerian university to study Religious Studies, you must have a minimum of five (5) credits in your O’Level examinations (NECO, GCE, or WAEC). These credits must include the following subjects:
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS).
- English Language.
- Mathematics (a minimum pass is usually required).
- Two (2) subjects from the Arts or Social Sciences.
Special Considerations
Some universities have specific requirements or waivers for the O’Level subjects. Here are a few examples:
- AUE (Augustine University) requires a credit pass in Mathematics and accepts credits in Arabic, IS, Government, or any Nigerian Language.
- UNIKINGS (Kings University) requires a pass in Mathematics.
- NDU (Niger Delta University) requires five (5) credits in Religious Studies, English Language, and three (3) other subjects, two (2) of which must be Arts subjects.
- UNIUYO (University of Uyo) requires five (5) credits in English Language, CRS, and any other three (3) subjects from Arts or Social Sciences.
JAMB Subjects Combination and Requirements
When registering for the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) UTME exam, you must select the appropriate subjects for Religious Studies. The recommended JAMB subject combination for Religious Studies is as follows:
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS).
- English Language (compulsory for all courses).
- Any other two (2) subjects.
Special Considerations
Different universities may have additional requirements for JAMB subject combinations. Here are a few examples:
- AUGUSTINE requires CRS/IS and any other Arts subjects.
- OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University) and AAU (Adekunle Ajasin University) require CRS/IS and an Arts or Social Science subject.
- UNIUYO requires CRS and two (2) other subjects from Social Sciences or Arts.
- EKSU (Ekiti State University) and AAUA (Adekunle Ajasin University) require two (2) Arts subjects and one (1) other subject.
- UNIBEN (University of Benin) accepts any three (3) subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements
If you plan to apply for Direct Entry admission to study Religious Studies, you must meet specific requirements. Here are the general Direct Entry requirements:
- Two (2) ‘A’ level subjects, including Religious Studies (CRS/IS).
Special Considerations
Different universities may have unique considerations for Direct Entry applicants. Here are a few examples:
- DELSU (Delta State University) and ABSU (Abia State University) accept HND/ND/NCE in Religious or Social Studies or ‘A’ level in three (3) subjects, including Religious Studies.
- JABU (Joseph Ayo Babalola University) accepts five (5) O’ level credit passes in relevant subjects, including HND or ND.
- AAU (Adekunle Ajasin University) accepts ND, NCE, or two (2) ‘A’ level passes from the Social Sciences or Arts program.
- UNIZIK (Nnamdi Azikiwe University) accepts NCE merit in Religious Studies with four (4) O’ level credit passes in other subjects.
Universities Offering Religious Studies: Several universities in Nigeria offer Religious Studies as a degree program.
Here is a list of some of these universities
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Augustine University (AUI)
- Adeleke University (ADELEKE)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- Babcock University (BABCOCK)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Evangel University (EVANGEL)
- Kings University (UNIKINGS)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Madonna University (MADONNA)
- McPherson University (MCU)
- Mountain Top University (MTU)
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
- Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI)
- Paul University (PAUL)
- Samuel Adegboyega University (SAU)
- Summit University Offa (SUMMIT)
- Tansian University (TANSIAN)
- Veritas University, Abuja (VERITAS)
Career Opportunities
With a degree in Religious Studies, you can explore various career paths. Here are some job options available to graduates in this field:
- Chaplain
- Primary school teacher
- Higher education lecturer
- Secondary school teacher
- Archivist
- Mediator
- Counselor
- Advice worker
- Police officer
- Youth worker
- Charity fundraiser
- Newspaper journalist
- Civil Service administrator
- Community development worker
- International aid/development worker
FAQs
What is the recommended JAMB subject combination for studying Religious Studies?
To study Religious Studies at most Nigerian universities, you should take the following subjects in JAMB:
- English Language (compulsory)
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (depending on the specific focus of the course)
- History or Government
- Any other relevant subject as specified by the particular university.
Always check the specific requirements of the university you are applying to, as they might have slight variations.
Are there any specific O’level subjects required for admission into a Religious Studies program?
Yes, for admission into a Religious Studies program, you generally need:
- English Language (minimum of a credit pass)
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (depending on the focus of the course)
- Mathematics (in some institutions, although not always mandatory)
- Any other three relevant subjects which could include subjects like History, Government, or language.
Ensure you meet the minimum O’level requirements set by the university of your choice.
Can I combine results from different examination bodies for the Religious Studies program?
Yes, you can combine results from different examination bodies (such as WAEC and NECO) for admission into a Religious Studies program, provided you meet the minimum requirements for each subject. This combination is often referred to as “Result Combination” and is accepted by most universities in Nigeria. Ensure that the combined results are submitted before the university’s deadline and meet the specific entry requirements of the program.
Conclusion
Studying Religious Studies in Nigeria offers a wide range of opportunities in various sectors. By fulfilling the necessary subject combinations and requirements, you can embark on a rewarding academic journey.
Remember to research specific university guidelines and make informed decisions based on your interests and aspirations. Good luck with your educational pursuits!