In the past, Nigerian students often pursued educational courses without giving much thought to the career prospects associated with their chosen field of study. However, the modern generation of Nigerian students are more purposeful in their decision-making process, recognizing that their chosen field can significantly impact their future. As a result, many Nigerian students now prioritize studying commercial courses that align with the high-demand job market.
Nigerian students often feel confused when exploring their choice of course options, as well as the career benefits attached to the course of study. Meanwhile, students will find various course options that are most likely to earn them high-paying jobs after graduating from any accredited Nigerian university.
Nigerian students are encouraged to choose courses that match their career goals. For example, a person who dreams about working in a banking firm ought to study any course in the field of management sciences such as banking and finance, industrial relations, human resource management, business administration, etc.
This article will show you the best 10 commercial courses to study in Nigeria that will in turn qualify you for high-paying jobs after graduation, and equip you with the right skills, and principles that can help you become a successful entrepreneur.
What are the Best Commercial Courses to Study In Nigeria?
Business Administration
- Average Salary: ₦85,000
If you desire to study a commercial course in Nigeria that will provide unlimited job opportunities, then business administration is the right one for you. Business administration students learn the art of running a business, as well as collaborating with other departments for the expansion of the business.
Although it’s no news that every business administration is a potential business manager or supervisor, they can also function effectively in the sales, marketing, customer service, and human resource management departments.
Students studying business administration acquire a comprehensive understanding of both fundamental and advanced concepts, equipping them with the skills necessary to start up their own businesses.
Accounting
- Average Salary: ₦150,000
The accounting area of study is highly rated in Nigeria and also provides high-paying employment opportunities after graduation. There are lots of benefits that come with studying accounting, this is because every organization requires an accounting department to manage financial resources, carry out budgeting, and be a major stakeholder in budgeting processes.
You can look beyond pursuing a career in the banking sector with your accounting degree, and accounting graduates can also seek employment in a government institution. This is because every industry requires the expertise of an accountant to manage their financial affairs.
However, do not study accounting in Nigeria because of the career benefits, you should also consider it if you are good with mathematics and basic accounting methods such as balancing a double ledger cash book, understanding a trial balance, etc.
Marketing
- Average Salary: ₦70,000
Every organization needs a prolific marketing department that will help drive sales through the use of communication, promotion, and diverse marketing techniques. This means graduates of marketing can fit into every industry thereby boosting the chances of employment after graduation.
The career opportunities available to marketing fields of study are limitless, and marketing graduates can carry out different roles in an organization such as advertising, activation/promotion, market research, online marketing, etc. In summary, marketing students are equipped with the right skills that can enable them to function in any sector.
Insurance
- Average Salary: ₦155,000
Insurance is an interesting course program for commercial students. Every thriving organization is expected to take certain precautions while they carry on with their daily activities, an insurance team or insurance company could help an individual or a company reduce risks of bad debts, and losses in general.
Insurance professionals are also equipped with critical analysis, and problem-solving skills making them an important factor in every organization’s decision-making process. Insurance graduates can work in insurance firms or independently by offering their services to business start-ups.
International Business
- Average Salary: ₦240,000
International business is similar to business administration, but more advanced since it involves putting a thriving or rising business on the international radar. International business experts know how to collaborate with International agencies and also attract foreign investments.
International business students are taught how to utilize different marketing techniques in promoting businesses to the global market. International business graduates are also equipped with skills to help them leverage demands and supplies in order to make profits for an organization.
Public Administration
- Average Salary: ₦130,000
Public administration is not only one of the best courses for commercial students in Nigeria, but it’s also one of the easiest course programs you can find in Nigerian universities with little or no calculation included in the syllabus. Incredibly, public administration graduates are highly paid and mostly work in the civil service commission.
Public administration graduates can take on roles of a receptionist, admin officer, human resource team, public relations, marketing, supervisor/director, and manager, just to name a few. The course covers all vital areas in managing the affairs of an organization and the system of government.
Economics
- Average Salary ₦300,000
Economics is another viable option for commercial students who want to explore a wide range of career opportunities after schooling. Students will be equipped with knowledge of how the economy works, manage limited resources, and how to tackle economic problems.
These skills are highly sought after in the government sector, in a non-governmental organization, or in the banking sector.
Economics graduates possess problem-solving skills related to income management, making them suitable candidates for roles as business consultants, where they can help companies address financial challenges and optimize their financial performance.
Human Resources Management (HRM)
- Average Salary: ₦140,000
Human resource management is another good course to study in a Nigerian university. It involves the selection, training, and management of the right persons to work in a specific department, role, or position in order to maximize output.
Every government and non-governmental organization needs the services of a human resource manager making it a very lucrative course. Human resource management graduates also help manage conflicts in any organization and can also help protect employees’ interests in order to achieve maximum productivity.
Banking and Finance
- Average Salary ₦250,000
A degree in banking and finance provides students with valuable insights into various financial institutions and policies aimed at enhancing the Nigerian economy. Graduates from this program have excellent prospects for employment in the banking sector, although they are also well-suited for opportunities in a wide range of industries.
This is because they are equipped with writing and interpreting financial statements, decision-making skills, managing monetary resources, etc. You will also be able to offer financial consulting services, financial analysis, and many other financial services to other business firms as a banking and finance graduate if you have managed to gather enough experience.
Entrepreneurship
- Average Salary ₦250,000
This course teaches students about the process of running a business from scratch. It is an interesting course of study for every commercial student in Nigeria since it helps unleash their creativity.
In addition, the course is an eye-opener for Nigerian students who want to earn well. The fact remains that 65% of graduates in Nigeria are unemployed or working under unfavorable working conditions, and that’s where entrepreneurship comes in as it enables students to think outside the box.
Students will discover how to start their own business through the art of identifying the market demands, and coming up with creative market solutions. For example, Dangote Cement was selling above ₦5,000 which is unaffordable for the lower class, but BUA another cement-producing company came up with a solution to the high costs of cement and Nigerians were able to get BUA cement which is almost as good as Dangote at NGN3,450.
Aside from learning how to provide creative solutions to market demands, students will learn how to write a business plan, analyze business problems, manage costs and expenses, etc. All of these skills are also required in every organisation making entrepreneur graduates qualified to work as supervisors or directors in a business firm.
Management
- Average Salary ₦245,000
Commercial students are potential leaders in every organization, and management course programs help students learn how to oversee the affairs of an organization as well as the use of collective efforts in achieving organizational goals.
Management graduates are well-equipped with data analysis skills, budget process, risk management, project management, conflict resolution, communication, resource management, and decision-making skills. These skills are highly valuable in every organization, and management graduates can get employment opportunities at the top level of any organization.
Office Management
- Average Salary ₦150,000
Office management is an interesting course for commercial students in Nigeria. Students with a BSC degree in office management can work in virtually all industries that have a physical or digital office.
The course equips Students with the right skills for the job. The work salaries vary from each other, and graduates can mostly find jobs in tech firms, banking firms, healthcare, etc.
Office managers are in charge of managing the operations of a business.
Estate Management
- Average Salary: ₦225,000
Estate management is another lucrative course program for commercial students in Nigeria. It teaches students how to make short or long-term investments in land properties.
Graduates of estate management usually have no trouble finding employment after school however work salary is not fixed, and they usually partner with different business organizations and other estate agencies.
However, this is not a pure commercial course as you will need at least two science subjects along with other requirements to study the course at any Nigerian university. However, its practice also aligns with the commercial field.
Information Technology Management
- Average Salary: ₦150,000
Information Technology Management is another viable option if you meet the course requirements. These typically include obtaining credit-level passes in subjects like Mathematics, English Language, Economics, and one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, or Agricultural Science, along with any other subject in your WAEC/NECO examinations.
The world is adapting to various technology developments, and there is no doubt that business start-ups often require a technology expert who will help supervise or manage their tech activities.
Tech guys can also merge other part-time jobs with their normal day jobs. Tech experts have the option of also working from home without having to be physically present in an office unless there is a situation that requires their presence.
Are Commercial Courses Lucrative In Nigeria?
Yes, commercial courses are lucrative, the students get to explore vast employment opportunities in diverse industries. You can take advantage of the loopholes in the commercial industry and make yourself a high income by applying the knowledge to any industry you find yourself in after graduation.
What Are Subject Combinations For Major Commercial Course Programs?
- Use of English
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Economics
- Government
- Civic Education
Where Can Commercial Students Work In Nigeria?
There are no restrictions to where commercial students can work in Nigeria. The good news is that you can work in any industry of your choice as a commercial student. You can find jobs in a hospital, engineering firms, IT centers, marketing agencies, consulting firms, and many more.
What Are the Major Areas Of Study Under the Commercial Department in Nigeria?
Commercial students have lots of choices when it comes to commercial course programs, but the following are top choice options for students looking to get high-paying jobs after graduation;
- Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- Industrial relations
- Human resource management
- Public Administration
- Management
- International Business
- Entrepreneur studies
- Insurance
- Office information management, etc.
- Economics and statistics
What Are Examples Of Commercial Courses In Nigeria That Does Not Require Mathematical Knowledge?
Knowledge of English and mathematics is essential in all areas of study, you can however find different course options that require little or no mathematical problems.
Examples of commercial courses that do not require mathematics are;
- Public Administration
- International studies and diplomacy
- International relations
- Adult Education, etc.
- Office management or Secretariat Studies
Conclusion
Selecting a professional course of study as a commercial student in Nigeria is very important if you want to find employment opportunities faster, as well as to attract high-paying jobs. This article has highlighted some of the course programs for commercial students that are worth studying at any accredited university in Nigeria.
In addition, students are expected to select courses that match their interests when choosing a course program. You will find the course programs in this publication very helpful and interesting to study in any Nigerian university.
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