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Geography as a course needs no introduction, as the course stands out as one of the most prestigious. The opportunities in this field are vast and varied, making it a valuable choice to consider. Admission can be highly competitive, underscoring the importance of a clear understanding of the requirements.
The program is open to both O’Level and Direct Entry students. O’Level applicants are required to submit their results from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Direct Entry candidates, on the other hand, can apply with qualifications such as National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree. Exploring the field of Geography and Energy and Petroleum Studies can open doors to a diverse range of exciting career paths.
1 What is Geography?
Geography is all about exploring our planet—studying everything from its natural features like mountains and climate to how people interact with their surroundings. It’s like solving a puzzle that connects the Earth’s landscapes and human activities, helping us understand our world better.
2 Why Should I Study Geography as a Course?
Studying Geography offers a fascinating journey to understand the Earth, its landscapes, and the relationships between humans and their environments. It provides valuable insights into global issues, environmental challenges, and the interconnectedness of our world, making it a meaningful and impactful course of study.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, it is recommended to refer to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information.
3 O’Level Requirements to Study Geography
Faculty of Science
To pursue Geography in a Nigerian university under the Faculty of Science, students need to meet the O’Level Requirement of obtaining five (5) SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and any other two (2) Science subjects.
Faculty of Engineering, Environmental, and Technology
To qualify for a program in Geography, you need to have obtained five (5) SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Mathematics, and Geography.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
To study Geography at a university in Nigeria, you need to meet the following entry requirements: obtain five SSCE credit passes. These must include English Language and Geography. Additionally, you need to have three credit passes in subjects from either the Arts or Social Sciences.
4 Direct Entry Requirements to Study Geography
Faculty of Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Geography and one (1) other science subject.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Faculty of Engineering, Environmental, and Technology
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes including Geography
- ND or HND in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Geography and any one (1) of Economics., Government, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
- ND/HND credit in relevant programmes
5 Jamb Subject Combination for Geography
Faculty of Science
- English
- Geography
- Any two (2) of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Agricultural Science
Faculty of Engineering, Environmental, and Technology
- English
- Geography
- Any two (2) Arts subjects.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- English
- Geography
- Two (2) other Arts or Social Science subjects
6 Universities that Offer Geography
Faculty of Science
- ABU – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
- ADSU – Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State
- BAYERO – Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
- GSU – Gombe State University, Tudun Wada, Gombe State
- IBADAN – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- KASU – Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- MINNA – Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
- NASARAWA – Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State
- UMYUK – Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State
- UNN – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
Faculty of Engineering, Environmental, and Technology
- KUST: Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State
- MAUTY: Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- ABSU: Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State
- ABUJA: University of Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- BAYERO: Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
- BSU: Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State
- EKSU: Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
- FED-DUTSINMA: Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
- FED-GASHUA: Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State
- FED-KEBBI: Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- KSU: Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State
- KWARARAFA: Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
- KWASU: Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State
- LAGOS: University of Lagos, Lagos State
- LAPAI: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State
- MAIDUGURI: University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
- NDA: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- NDU: Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
- MAITAMA: Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- PLASU: Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State
- SOSU: Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- TSUJ: Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State
- UDU: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- UNIOSUN: Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State
- UNN: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
- YOSU: Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State
7 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Geography a Science course?
Yes, Geography is basically a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, the course falls under the Faculty of Science nd the Faculty of Engineering, Environmental, and Technology.
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Geography?
Yes, Commercial or Art Students will be able to study Geography. However, individuals aspiring to pursue this course, irrespective of their background in Commerce or Arts, should carefully examine the specific entry criteria of the university they plan to apply to. Certain institutions might specify particular subject requirements for admission, and candidates may find information on these criteria in the special consideration section.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Geography?
Studying Geography opens up opportunities for careers such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant, Cartographer, Land Surveyor, Climatologist, Conservation Officer, and Geographic Analyst.
How many years does it take to Study Geography?
Earning a degree in Geography typically requires a minimum of 4 years. However, for direct entry students, the duration may be shortened to at least 3 years, as they are likely to commence from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Geography at Nigerian universities?
Admission into the Geography programme is highly competitive, typically considering a combination of high academic performance, especially in relevant science subjects, along with success in entrance examinations such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and, in some cases, post-UTME screenings conducted by individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Geography?
Students who score a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Geography in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.