Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Statistics |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Science |
| Career field / body | Data analysis, research and finance; national statistics agencies |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Physics, Chemistry or Economics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Statistics is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Statistics & 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 Statistics is about
Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, interpreting and presenting data to inform decisions — the backbone of research, business and policy in a data-driven world.
A brief history of the discipline
As data became central to every field, statistics grew into one of the most in-demand quantitative disciplines, now closely linked to data science.
What you will study
You study probability, statistical inference, regression, sampling and survey methods, design of experiments, statistical computing and econometrics — with a project.
Why study Statistics & who it suits
This course suits curious, analytical students who enjoy science and laboratory or field work. Strong Mathematics and an interest in data are essential.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in data analysis and data science, research, government statistics (such as the National Bureau of Statistics), finance and actuarial work, health and biostatistics, and quality control.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Statistics is in high, rising demand in data and analytics; pay grows strongly with data-science skills.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Senior / data & finance | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000+ |
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
Statistics is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the Federal University of Technology Akure.
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 Statistics admission guide.
Is Statistics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Statistics is one of the most in-demand quantitative degrees — the backbone of data science, analytics and research.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- High, rising demand in data and analytics.
- Strong pay, especially with data-science skills.
- Applies across finance, health, government and tech.
- A clear path into fast-growing data roles.
Challenges to weigh:
- Mathematically demanding.
- Best pay needs coding and data-science tools.
- Competitive.
- Some parts are theory-heavy.
It suits students strong in Mathematics who are comfortable working with data.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Statistics builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Statistical analysis and inference
- Data handling
- Programming (R or Python)
- Interpretation and reporting
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Statistics (4 years) → NYSC → strong careers in data, research and finance, with data-science and analytics skills highly sought after.
How to get in: Statistics UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Statistics is Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Physics, Chemistry or Economics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics and the core science subjects. 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
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
- Physics — 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 Statistics, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Statistics in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Statistics?
Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Physics, Chemistry or Economics
What can I do with a Statistics degree?
Work in data analysis and data science, research, government statistics, finance and actuarial roles, and health/biostatistics — all in high demand.
Is Statistics good for a data-science career?
Yes — statistics is one of the strongest foundations for data science and analytics.
Is Statistics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is one of the strongest foundations for the in-demand data and analytics field, with good pay when combined with coding.
Statistics vs Data Science vs Mathematics?
Statistics is the science of data; Data Science adds programming and machine learning; Mathematics is the broader foundation. Statistics is an excellent route into data science.
Does Statistics pay well?
Yes, especially in data, finance and analytics roles, and it grows further with data-science tools.
What jobs can I get with Statistics?
Data analyst/scientist, statistician, research and biostatistics roles, and positions with agencies such as the National Bureau of Statistics.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of science 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.