Studying Philosophy is a fantastic decision with ample opportunities for success. Whether you’re completing secondary school or already have some college experience, this course is open to you.
If you’re graduating from secondary school, ensure you have strong grades in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. For those who have already commenced their college journey, qualifications like National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree are accepted. Before applying, carefully review these requirements to ensure you meet them accurately. Pursuing Philosophy can open doors to diverse intellectual pursuits and contribute to a well-rounded education.
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about life, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It involves thinking deeply about concepts and beliefs to better understand reality and human existence. Philosophy explores topics like what is real, what we can know, what is right or wrong, and how we think and communicate. It encourages critical thinking and helps us ponder the complexities of life.
Why Should I Study Philosophy as a Course?
Studying Philosophy is beneficial as it prompts profound thinking about life’s fundamental aspects, like existence and ethics. It develops critical and analytical skills, encouraging a thoughtful approach to complex questions. Philosophy enhances communication skills, promotes open-mindedness, and lays a foundation for exploring diverse intellectual interests. The knowledge gained is applicable in various fields, contributing to a well-rounded education and empowering individuals to engage meaningfully with the world’s challenges and questions.
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.
O’Level Requirements to Study Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
To study Philosophy at a university in Nigeria, you typically need to have five SSCE credit passes, which must include English language. Additionally, you should have four other relevant subjects to meet the admission requirements for the program.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
Five (5) SSCE credit passes, including Government or History, English Language, and three (3) other subjects. A pass in Mathematics is required.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Any two (2) ‘A’ level passes.
- 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 Social and Management Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes including Government or History.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- English
- Any three (3) subjects.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- English
- Government
- Any other two (2) subjects
Universities that Offer Philosophy
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- AAU: Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
- AAUA: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State
- ABUJA: University of Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- AKSU: Akwa Ibom State University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- AUGUSTINE: Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State
- BENIN: University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
- BMSE: Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State
- BOWEN: Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
- BSU: Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State
- CALABAR: University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State
- CLARETAIN: Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Nekede, Imo State
- COOU: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State
- DELSU: Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
- DOMINICAN: Dominican Institute, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State
- DOMINICAN-UNI: Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State
- EBSU: Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- EVANGEL: Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State
- FED- LAFIA: Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State
- FED-NDUFU: Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
- FED-WUKARI: Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
- FOUNTAIN: Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- IMSU: Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State
- JABU: Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
- KSU: Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State
- LAGOS: University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State
- MADONNA: Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State
- NATIONAL: National Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Gwagwalada
- NDU: Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
- OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- OOU: Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
- PHC: University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State
- POPE: Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
- SAU: Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State
- SPIRITAN-NSK: Spiritan School of Philosophy, Issienu, Nsukka, Enugu
- ST-ALBERT: Saint Albert the Great Institute of Philosophy, Akure, Ondo State
- ST-JOSEPH: Saint Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
- SWSO: Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, Imo State
- TANSIAN: Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State
- UHIELE: Seminary of All Saints, Ekpoma, Edo State.
- UNIZIK: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
- UYO: University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- VERITAS: Veritas University, Abuja
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- CALEB: Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
- GOUU: Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State
- DELSU: Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
- UNN: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Philosophy an Arts course?
Yes, Philosophy is an Arts course. In Nigerian Universities offering the course, it falls under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Can Science Students Study Philosophy?
It would be very difficult for Science Students to have the requirements needed to study Philosophy at the University due to the combination of Arts Subjects that are often required. However, It is a good idea to check with the university or college you are interested in to find out their specific requirements. If you’re thinking about switching from science to arts, talking to academic advisors or the admissions office can provide helpful information. Alternatively, you can always use the Jamb Brochure to check if you are eligible to study the course.
Can Commercial Students Study Philosophy?
Yes, students from commercial or business backgrounds can also choose to study Philosophy in the university if they meet the criteria. However, the specific requirements might vary depending on the institution. It’s a good idea for students interested in art courses to check the admission requirements of the college or university they want to apply to. Some schools may have additional conditions to help students transition to art courses. So it is advisable to check the school’s website or the Jamb Brochure for more information
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Philosophy?
Studying philosophy opens doors to a variety of career opportunities. Graduates can explore roles such as writer/editor, policy analyst, teacher/educator, researcher, human resources specialist, public relations specialist, legal assistant/paralegal, counselor/therapist, business analyst, and entrepreneur. The critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills developed through a philosophy degree make graduates adaptable to diverse job positions in various industries.
How many years does it take to Study Philosophy?
Getting a Philosophy degree usually takes at least 4 years. But, if you enter through the direct entry program, it might be shorter, usually about 3 years, especially if you start at the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Philosophy at Nigerian universities?
Securing admission to study Philosophy at Nigerian universities is easy, yet it remains crucial to fulfill all the necessary requirements for the application process. Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth and successful admission process, emphasizing the importance of careful attention to detail when applying for the program.
What is the cut-off mark for Philosophy?
The cut-off mark is 140. If you score at least 140 in the JAMB UTME, you can take the POST UTME exam. This exam is one of the criteria for getting admission to study the course you want at the university.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, checking the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details is advisable. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
