Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Economics |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Career field / body | Nigerian Economic Society (learned society); careers across finance, policy and research |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Economics, Mathematics, and one other Social-Science or Arts subject |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Economics is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Economics & 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 Economics is about
Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and societies allocate scarce resources — how goods are produced, distributed and consumed, and how markets, money and government policy shape prosperity.
A brief history of the discipline
From Adam Smith’s classical economics to modern micro- and macroeconomics, the discipline has become central to business and government policy worldwide. In Nigeria it informs decisions from the Central Bank to the boardroom.
What you will study
You study microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, statistics and econometrics, development economics, monetary economics and public finance, and international economics — with a project.
Why study Economics & who it suits
This course suits analytical, curious students interested in people, society and how the world works, with good reading and writing skills. Strong Mathematics is a real advantage here.
Careers & where graduates work
Economics is highly versatile. Graduates work as economists and financial or data analysts, in banking and finance, in policy and the public sector (the Central Bank, ministries, agencies), in research and consulting, and in academia.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Economics graduates work across finance, policy and research; pay is strongest in banking, consulting and senior policy roles.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Mid-level (analyst) | ₦350,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Senior (finance, policy, research) | ₦900,000 – ₦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
Economics is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, University of Ilorin and Covenant University, 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 Economics admission guide.
Is Economics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Economics is a versatile, respected social science that opens finance, policy, data and business roles — with strong prospects, especially when you add quantitative and data skills.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Highly versatile — finance, banking, policy, research, data and consulting.
- Analytical and quantitative skills that employers value.
- A strong foundation for many careers and for further study.
- Prospects rise sharply with data/analytics or professional certifications.
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry pay can be modest and the job market is competitive.
- A general degree — you often need to add skills or specialise to stand out.
- Can feel theory-heavy without applied/data skills.
- Top roles usually reward postgraduate study or certifications.
It suits analytical, numerate students interested in how economies, markets and policy work.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Economics builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Economic and quantitative analysis
- Data interpretation
- Critical thinking
- Research
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Economics (4 years) → NYSC → roles across finance, business, policy and research; a postgraduate degree strengthens specialist and research careers.
How to get in: Economics UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Economics is Use of English, Economics, Mathematics, and one other Social-Science or Arts subject. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
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 Economics, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Economics in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Economics?
Use of English, Economics, Mathematics, and one other Social-Science or Arts subject
What can I do with an Economics degree?
Work as an economist, financial or data analyst, in banking, policy and the public sector, research or consulting — it is one of the most versatile social-science degrees.
Do I need Mathematics for Economics?
Yes — Economics is increasingly quantitative, and strong Mathematics helps a lot; it is also a required UTME subject.
Is Economics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is one of the most versatile social sciences, leading into finance, policy, data and business, and it pairs powerfully with data/analytics skills.
What jobs can I get with an Economics degree?
Economist, financial or data analyst, roles in banking and the public sector, research and consulting — among many others.
Economics vs Accounting vs Banking & Finance?
Economics studies how economies and markets work; Accounting records and reports financial information; Banking & Finance focuses on money, markets and investment. All lead into finance careers.
Do I need to be good at Mathematics for Economics?
Yes — modern Economics is increasingly quantitative, so comfort with Mathematics is a real advantage.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of social sciences and relevant professional/learned bodies; 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.