Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Arts (B.A) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Arts / Humanities |
| Career field / body | Teaching, scholarship, NGOs and public service |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Islamic Studies or CRS, and two other Arts or Social-Science subjects |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive |
On this page
- What Islamic Studies is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Islamic Studies & 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 Islamic Studies is about
Islamic Studies is the academic study of Islam — the Qur’an, hadith, Islamic law and theology, history and civilisation — and of religion in society.
A brief history of the discipline
The study of Islam has a long scholarly tradition and remains important to education, law and community life in Nigeria.
What you will study
You study Qur’anic and hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and law, Islamic theology, history and civilisation, and Arabic — with a project.
Why study Islamic Studies & who it suits
This course suits students who love reading, language, culture and ideas, with strong writing and communication skills. An interest in Islamic scholarship, ethics and society is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in teaching, Islamic scholarship, NGOs and humanitarian organisations, media, the civil service, and Sharia-related roles, and it complements study in law.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Pay is strongest in teaching, scholarship, NGOs and public-service roles.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior / media, writing, management | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
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
Islamic Studies is offered at many Nigerian universities, including Bayero University Kano, the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Lagos, 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 Islamic Studies admission guide.
Is Islamic Studies a good course to study in Nigeria?
Islamic Studies is the academic study of Islam, opening teaching, scholarship, NGOs, media and public service.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Teaching, Islamic scholarship, NGOs, media and public service.
- Sharia-related and values-based roles.
- Complements the study of Law.
- Community relevance.
Challenges to weigh:
- Teaching pay is modest.
- A narrower job market.
- Competitive.
- Value grows with roles and further study.
It suits students interested in Islamic scholarship, ethics and society.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Islamic Studies builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Knowledge of the Qur’an, hadith and Islamic law
- Arabic foundations
- Teaching
- Communication
- Research
- Scholarship
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.A Islamic Studies (4 years) → NYSC → careers in teaching, scholarship, NGOs and public service; teaching requires TRCN registration.
How to get in: Islamic Studies UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Islamic Studies is Use of English, Islamic Studies or CRS, and two other Arts or Social-Science subjects. 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
- Islamic Studies — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- History — 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 Islamic Studies, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Islamic Studies in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Islamic Studies?
Use of English, Islamic Studies or CRS, and two other Arts or Social-Science subjects
What can I do with an Islamic Studies degree?
Teaching, Islamic scholarship, NGOs, media, the civil service and Sharia-related roles — and it complements the study of law.
Does it include Arabic?
Yes — Arabic is usually part of the programme, since it is the language of the primary Islamic sources.
Is Islamic Studies a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes for those drawn to scholarship and service — it leads into teaching, scholarship, NGOs, media, public service and Sharia-related roles.
What jobs can I get?
Teaching, Islamic scholarship, NGOs, media, the civil service and Sharia-related roles — and it complements the study of law.
Does it include Arabic?
Yes — Arabic is usually part of the programme, since it is the language of the primary Islamic sources.
Does it pay well?
Teaching pay is modest, but scholarship, NGO and public-service roles pay better.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and relevant professional 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.