Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology is about putting computing to work for organisations — running the networks, systems, software and data that businesses depend on. Here is what it involves and how to get in.

Course at a glance

Degree awardedBachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Information Technology
Duration4 years, then NYSC
Faculty / collegeFaculty of Computing / Science
Regulatory bodyComputer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) — CPN; curriculum aligned to the NUC CCMAS
Professional bodyNigeria Computer Society (NCS)
UTME subjectsUse of English, Mathematics, Physics, and one other science subject
CompetitivenessCompetitive

What Information Technology is about

Information Technology applies computing to the real needs of organisations: selecting, deploying, securing and supporting the hardware, networks, software and data that keep a business running. Compared with Computer Science, IT is more applied and operations-focused — it is about making technology work reliably for people.

A brief history of the discipline

IT grew as businesses and governments computerised and the internet spread, creating huge demand for people who could deploy and manage systems. In Nigeria it is a distinct computing programme under the NUC’s CCMAS framework.

What you will study

Typical areas include programming fundamentals, computer networks, databases, systems administration, web technologies, information systems, cloud computing, the basics of cybersecurity, and IT project management — plus SIWES industrial training and a final-year project.

Why study Information Technology & who it suits

IT suits practical problem-solvers who enjoy keeping systems working and helping people use technology well. Strong Mathematics and logical thinking help.

Careers & where graduates work

Graduates work as IT support specialists and administrators, network administrators, systems analysts, database administrators, cloud/IT operations engineers, ERP specialists and IT consultants across virtually every industry.

Salary outlook in Nigeria

Information Technology skills are needed by every organisation, giving broad, steady demand and solid pay.

Career stageTypical monthly pay (approx.)
Entry (junior developer/analyst)₦150,000 – ₦400,000
Mid-level₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000
Senior / remote-international₦1,000,000 – ₦3,000,000+

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

Information Technology is offered by a growing number of Nigerian universities, including Covenant University, Bells University of Technology, the Federal University of Technology Akure and Bowen 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 Information Technology admission guide.

Is Information Technology a good course to study in Nigeria?

Information Technology is a practical, broadly employable degree — every organisation needs people to run its systems, networks and data.

Why it’s a strong choice:

Challenges to weigh:

It suits practical problem-solvers who enjoy keeping systems running and helping people use technology.

Skills you’ll gain

Beyond subject knowledge, Information Technology builds transferable skills valued across many careers:

Licensing, professional bodies & further study

B.Sc Information Technology (with SIWES) → internships → NYSC → industry. Register with the CPN and add vendor certifications (networking, cloud, security) to boost your prospects.

How to get in: Information Technology UTME requirements

The JAMB UTME combination is Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, and one other science subject (one of Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Economics or Geography). You need five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics and Physics.

Full admission details: see the complete Information Technology 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.

Related guides

If you like Information Technology, you may also want to explore these related courses:

← Browse all course profiles

Frequently asked questions

How long is Information Technology in Nigeria?

4 years for the B.Sc, plus the one-year NYSC.

What is the difference between IT and Computer Science?

Computer Science is more theoretical (algorithms, computation), while IT is more applied — deploying, managing and supporting the systems organisations use.

What are the JAMB subjects for IT?

Use of English, Mathematics, Physics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Economics or Geography.

What jobs can I get with an IT degree?

IT support/administrator, network admin, systems analyst, database admin, cloud/IT operations and IT consulting roles.

Is IT a good course to study?

Yes — every organisation needs IT professionals, so the skills are broadly employable.

Is Information Technology a good course to study in Nigeria?

Yes — every organisation needs IT professionals, so the skills are broadly employable, and certifications quickly raise your value.

IT vs Computer Science — what’s the difference?

Computer Science is more theoretical; IT is applied — deploying, managing and supporting the systems organisations use.

What certifications help in IT?

Vendor certifications in networking, cloud and security (for example CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft or AWS) strongly boost prospects.

Can IT graduates work remotely?

Yes — many IT, cloud and support roles can be done remotely, including for foreign employers.

Sources: Summarised from Nigerian universities, the NUC (CCMAS) and the CPN; 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.