Are you fascinated by ancient civilizations and the mysteries they hold?
If you have a passion for unraveling the secrets of the past, studying Archaeology might be the perfect path for you.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Archaeology, focusing on the requirements to study this captivating field in Nigerian universities, as well as the exciting career prospects it offers.
O’Level Required Subjects for Archaeology:
To pursue Archaeology as a course at any Nigerian university, you will need to meet certain subject requirements in your O’Level examinations. The following subjects are typically required:
- English Language
- One of the following subjects: Geography, Religious Studies, History, or Economics
While this subject combination is applicable to various examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO, and GCE, it is essential to earn a minimum of five (5) credit passes in these subjects.
Waiver/Special Consideration:
Different universities may have specific requirements or waivers for Archaeology. Here are a few examples:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language and other subjects from Arts, Sciences, or Social Sciences.
- University of Jos (JOS) requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language, Geography, History/Government, and any Arts/Social Sciences subjects.
- University of Ibadan (IBADAN) requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes at one sitting or 6 ‘O’ level credit passes at two sittings. The subjects must include English Language, Literature in English, History, Religious Studies, Government, Geography, Biology, Economics, and a Nigerian language (Hausa/Igbo/Yoruba).
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language, a pass in Mathematics or its equivalent, and any Science subjects.
JAMB Required Subjects for Archaeology:
When applying for admission to study Archaeology, you must also meet the subject requirements set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The required JAMB subjects for Archaeology include:
- English Language
- Three (3) relevant Science subjects
It is important to note that the JAMB cut-off mark for Archaeology is typically 180 for Nigerian universities, although it is advisable to aim for a score of 200 and above.
Waiver/Special Consideration:
Here are a few examples of waiver or special considerations for Archaeology:
- UNN accepts any three (3) subjects.
- ABU accepts Government or History and two other subjects from Arts/Social Sciences or any three Science subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements for Archaeology:
If you intend to apply for admission to study Archaeology through Direct Entry (DE) rather than the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you must meet the following requirements:
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Social Sciences or Arts and one Science subject.
Waiver/Special Consideration:
Several universities may have specific waivers or special considerations for Direct Entry applicants in Archaeology. Here are a few examples:
- ABU accepts two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Arts/Science/Social Sciences at IJMB/NCE and considers General English/Use of English from NCE as satisfying the ‘O’ level English Language requirement.
- JOS accepts NCE Merit or ND lower credit.
- UNN requires two (2) ‘A’ level passes or ND/HND credit or NCE merit, in addition to the UTME requirements. Candidates combining Archaeology with Science or Social Sciences must meet the respective program requirements.
Universities in Nigeria Offering Archaeology:
If you aspire to study Archaeology in Nigeria, several universities offer this course, including:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ibadan (IBADAN)
- University of Jos (JOS)
Career Opportunities in Archaeology:
A degree in Archaeology opens up a world of diverse career opportunities. Here are some potential job roles for archaeologists:
- Maritime Archaeology
- Archivist
- Conservator
- Cartographer
- Tourism Officer
- Archaeologist
- Social Researcher
- Records Manager
- Heritage Manager
- Museum/Gallery Curator
- Higher Education Lecturer
- Museum Education Officer
- Museum/Gallery Exhibitions Officer
- Historic Buildings Inspector/Conservation Officer
Conclusion
Archaeology offers a captivating journey into the past, allowing you to uncover and preserve ancient civilizations.
By meeting the required subject combinations and admission criteria, you can pursue your passion for Archaeology at various universities in Nigeria.
Upon graduation, you will have a wide range of exciting career paths to explore, contributing to the preservation and understanding of our historical heritage.
Embark on this fascinating academic and professional journey today, and unlock the secrets of our ancestors through the study of Archaeology.