Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Accounting |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Management / Administrative Sciences |
| Professional body / certification | Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) & ANAN (chartered accountancy) |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other Social Science subject |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Accounting is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Accounting & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Accounting is about
Accounting is often called the language of business — the practice of recording, summarising, analysing and reporting an organisation’s financial information so that owners, managers, investors and regulators can make sound decisions and stay accountable.
A brief history of the discipline
Accounting grew from simple bookkeeping into a rigorous profession covering financial reporting, auditing and taxation. Nigeria has a strong professional structure, led by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN, founded 1965) and ANAN.
What you will study
You study financial accounting, cost and management accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation, business and company law, finance, and accounting information systems — with an industrial attachment and a project.
Why study Accounting & who it suits
Accounting suits numerate, detail-oriented students with integrity and an interest in business and finance. Strong Mathematics and Economics help.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work as accountants, auditors, tax consultants and financial analysts in firms, banks, government and industry. Earning a chartered qualification (ICAN or ANAN) to become a chartered accountant sharply boosts prospects and pay.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Accounting pay climbs significantly once you qualify as a chartered accountant (ICAN/ANAN) and move into senior finance roles.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate accountant) | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Experienced / newly chartered | ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Senior finance / chartered with experience | ₦800,000 – ₦2,000,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Accounting is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, Covenant University, University of Ilorin and Bayero University Kano, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Accounting admission guide.
Is Accounting a good course to study in Nigeria?
Accounting is a stable, versatile and always-in-demand degree — and it pays off strongly once you qualify as a chartered accountant (ICAN or ANAN).
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Every organisation needs accountants, so demand is stable and broad.
- A clear professional ladder: qualify with ICAN/ANAN to become a chartered accountant and unlock senior roles.
- Versatile across audit, tax, banking, consulting, industry and your own practice.
- Strong long-term earning potential once chartered, plus international routes (e.g. ACCA).
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry pay can be modest before you qualify professionally.
- The professional examinations (ICAN) are demanding and take time.
- Competition is fierce for places in the top audit and finance firms.
- Detail-heavy, deadline-driven work that demands precision and integrity.
It suits numerate, detail-oriented and disciplined students who value a clear professional path.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Accounting builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Financial analysis and reporting
- Numeracy and precision
- Attention to detail and integrity
- Problem-solving
- Use of accounting software and data
- Business awareness
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Accounting (4 years) → NYSC → employment while writing the professional examinations (ICAN/ANAN) to qualify as a chartered accountant, then career progression into senior finance roles.
How to get in: Accounting UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Accounting is Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other Social Science subject. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics.
Confirm the exact requirement for your university, and aim well above the national minimum.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
- Plus your fourth (Social Science) subject, e.g. Government or Commerce
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Accounting, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Accounting in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Accounting?
Use of English, Mathematics, Economics and one other Social Science subject.
Do I need to become chartered (ICAN) after Accounting?
Not compulsory, but a chartered qualification (ICAN or ANAN) greatly improves your career and earning prospects and is expected for senior accounting and audit roles.
What jobs can I get with Accounting?
Accountant, auditor, tax consultant, financial analyst, and roles in banking, government and consulting.
Is Accounting a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — demand is stable across every sector, and earnings climb strongly once you become chartered (ICAN/ANAN). Early, pre-qualification pay is modest, so the professional exams are key.
Do I need ICAN after studying Accounting?
It is not compulsory, but becoming chartered (ICAN or ANAN) greatly improves your career and pay and is expected for senior accounting and audit roles.
What is the difference between Accounting and Banking & Finance?
Accounting focuses on recording, reporting and auditing financial information, while Banking & Finance focuses on money, markets, investment and how funds are managed.
Can accountants work abroad?
Yes — international qualifications such as ACCA, and the global demand for finance skills, make it a strong course for working abroad.
Sources: Course content and professional pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of management sciences and the relevant professional institutes; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.