Choosing Religious Studies is an excellent decision with ample opportunities for success. Whether you’re completing secondary school or have some college experience, this course welcomes students with various backgrounds.
For secondary school graduates, strong grades in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB are essential. If you’re currently in college, you can apply with credentials such as National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree. Before applying, carefully review these requirements to ensure eligibility for this rewarding academic journey.
What is Religious Studies?
Religious Studies is an academic discipline that delves into the beliefs, practices, and cultural dimensions of various religions, exploring sacred texts, historical developments, and the societal impact of religious traditions worldwide. This multidisciplinary field offers a comprehensive understanding of how people express and engage with their religious beliefs, fostering insights into the complex interplay between faith, culture, and society throughout history and in contemporary contexts.
Why Should I Study Religious Studies as a Course?
Studying Religious Studies is like taking a fascinating journey into the world of different beliefs and cultures. It helps you understand how religions shape people’s lives and societies throughout history. This course encourages you to think critically and appreciate diverse perspectives. Whether you’re curious about history, philosophy, or different cultures, Religious Studies provides a rich exploration of how people express their beliefs and values. It’s a way to gain insights into the profound aspects of human experience and the world around us.
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 Religious Studies
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
To study Religious Studies at a university in Nigeria, you need to have five SSCE credit passes. These must include English Language and Christian Religious Studies/Islamic Studies (depending on your preference).
Faculty of Social and Management Science
To study Religious Studies at a university in Nigeria, you typically need to have obtained at least five (5) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) credit passes. These credits must include English Language and either Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Studies, depending on your religious affiliation.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Religious Studies
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Two (2) ‘A’ level subjects to include religious studies (CRS/IS).
- 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 subjects to include Religious Studies (Christian Religious Studies/Islamic Studies)
- National Diploma (ND)
Jamb Subject Combination for Religious Studies
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- English
- CRS/IS
- Any other two (2) subjects.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- English
- Christian Religious Studies/Islamic Studies
- Any two (2) other subjects.
Universities that Offer Religious Studies
- UNN: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- AAUA: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State
- ABSU: Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State
- AKSU: Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State
- APOSTOLIC: Apostolic University, Cotonou, Benin Republic
- AUE: Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State
- AUGUSTINE: Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos State
- BABCOCK: Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
- BENIN: University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
- BSU: Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State
- CALABAR: University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State
- CALVARY: Calvary Polytechnic, Owa-Oyibo, Delta State
- CIWA: Catholic Institution of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- COOU: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State
- DELSU: Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
- EBSU: Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- EKSU: Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- EVANGEL: Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State
- GOUU: Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State
- HARVEST: Harvest Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- IMMANUEL: Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan, Oyo State
- IMSU: Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State
- JABU: Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
- JOS: University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
- MADONNA: Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State
- MCPHERSON: McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State
- MOUNTAIN TOP: Mountain Top University, Makogi Oba, Ogun State
- NCBC: Nigerian Christian Bible College, Ukpom, Abak, Akwa Ibom State
- NDU: Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
- OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- PAUL: Paul University, Awka, Anambra State
- PTC: Pilgrims Theological College, Abak, Akwa Ibom State
- SAU: Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State
- ST PETER & PAUL: St. Peter and Paul Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State
- SUMMIT: Summit University, Offa, Kwara State
- SWSO: Southwest School of Theology, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State
- TANSIAN: Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State
- UMCA: Umca Theological College, Ilorin, Kwara State
- UNIKINGS: University of Kings, Adeyemi, Ondo State
- VERITAS: Veritas University, Abuja, FCT
- WATSI: West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos State
Faculty of Social and Management Science
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Religious Studies an Arts course?
Yes, Religious Studies is an Arts course. In Nigerian Universities offering the course, it falls under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Can Science Students Study Religious Studies?
It would be very difficult for Science Students to have the requirements needed to study Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies?
Yes, students from commercial or business backgrounds can also choose to study Religious Studies at 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 Religious Studies?
Studying Religious Studies can lead to diverse career opportunities. Some potential job positions include Religious Educator, Clergy/Religious Leader, Chaplain, Counselor, Nonprofit Worker, Writer/Journalist covering religious topics, Interfaith Coordinator, Museum or Cultural Institution Curator, Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist, and Researcher specializing in religious practices and beliefs.
How many years does it take to Study Religious Studies?
Getting a Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies at Nigerian universities?
Securing admission to study Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies?
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, 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.
