Accounting

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. Here is what the course involves, where it can take you, and how to get in.

Course at a glance

Degree awardedBachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Accounting
Duration4 years, then NYSC
Faculty / collegeFaculty of Management / Administrative Sciences
Professional body / certificationInstitute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) & ANAN (chartered accountancy)
UTME subjectsUse of English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other Social Science subject
CompetitivenessCompetitive

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.

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.

Full admission details: see the complete Accounting subject combination, cut-off & O’Level guide, or confirm any course with our subject combination checker.

Practise the UTME subjects free

Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:

Ready to practise? Take a free mock exam or focused CBT practice with worked explanations.

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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.

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.