Are you interested in studying criminology in Nigeria but don’t know where to start? Well, look no further, because we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about studying criminology in Nigeria and the list of the best universities to study criminology in Nigeria.
First things first, let’s define criminology. It’s the scientific study of crime, including its causes, prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice system. If you’re interested in becoming a federal law enforcement investigator or detective, studying criminology at university might be the perfect fit for you.
What is required to study criminology?
Are you considering a career in criminology and wondering what it takes to study it in Nigeria? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got all the information you need right here!
First and foremost, to be eligible to study criminology at a university in Nigeria, you need to have credit passes in five subjects, including English language, mathematics, economics, and any two arts or social science subjects, in your Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at a maximum of two sittings.
But that’s not all. You also need to know the right combination of subjects to take in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). For criminology, the UTME subject combination is Mathematics, Economics, and any of Geography, Government, History, Literature in English or French, Christian Religious Studies, or Islamic Studies. However, some universities may accept a combination of Economics, Government, and any one of Geography, History, and Literature in English, French, or Hausa.
Now that you know what it takes to study criminology in Nigeria, the next step is to find a school that offers the program. You can as well check on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure or visit the eBrochure at ibass.jamb.gov.ng/ebrochure.html for more information.
The Best Universities to Study Criminology in Nigeria
But where can you study criminology in Nigeria? Not all universities in the country offer this course, so it’s important to know which ones do. Here are the best accredited universities that offer criminology degrees:
Criminology:
- Bayero University (BAYERO)
- Caleb University (CALEB)
- Nigerian Police Academy (POL-ACAD)
Criminology and Penology:
- Salem University (SALEM)
Criminology and Security Studies:
- University of Jos (JOS)
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- Achievers University (ACHIEVERS)
- Chrisland University (CHRISLAND)
- Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FED-OYEEKITI)
- University of Ilorin (ILORIN)
- Kwararafa University (KWARARAFA)
- Federal University of Dutse (FED-DUTSE)
The Many Career Opportunities in Criminology
Criminology is a fascinating field that offers a diverse range of career opportunities for individuals who have completed a course in this area. Whether you aspire to be a scientist, research assistant, criminologist, forensic scientist, or investigator, the field of criminology has something for everyone.
Once you have completed a course in criminology, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of areas such as the forensic department, police, research, medical hospitals, CBI, DSS, court, FBI, crime laboratories, private hospitals, colleges, institutions, MNCs (for legal matters), prison reform programs, and many more. The possibilities are endless!
If you have a passion for teaching, you could become a professor at a college or university. Alternatively, you could work as a professional in the legal field or as a member of the judiciary. With so many career paths to choose from, criminology is a field that offers something for everyone.
Criminology Direct Entry Requirements:
To gain direct entry admission to study criminology in Nigeria without using the UTME, you need to fulfill certain conditions. These requirements include having two “A” level passes in Economics and any one of the following subjects: mathematics, statistics, geography, physics, chemistry, agricultural science, accounting, business management, history, or government. These are the conditions you need to fulfill to gain direct entry admission to study criminology if you don’t intend to use the UTME.
Criminology UTME Requirements:
If you’re interested in studying criminology and you’re planning to use the UTME, here are the O-level subject combinations and requirements you need to meet. You must have obtained at least five credit passes in SSCE, which should include English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and any two other arts or social science subjects.
UTME Subject Combination for Criminology
If you’re interested in studying criminology, it’s important to know which UTME subject combination to choose. Firstly, keep in mind that English is a compulsory subject for the course. In addition to English, the other three UTME subjects you’ll need for criminology are economics, mathematics, and any one of government, history, geography, or literature in English, French, CRK, or IRK. Make sure to choose the correct combination to boost your chances of being admitted to your preferred university.
Skills required to become a criminologist
- Analytical Skills
- Data Collection
- Crime Techniques
- Criminal Behaviour
- Research Skills
- knowledge of computers
- Investigative skills
- Observation skills.
What can I become if I study criminology in Nigeria?
- Private detectives
- Crime investigators
- Crime scene analyst
- Crime laboratory analyst
- F.B.I. agents
- Forensic surgeon
- Forensic engineer
- Police officers
- Crime intelligence analyst
- Community corrections coordinator
- Law reform researcher
- Regional crime prevention coordinator
- Consumer advocate
- Drug policy advisor
- Environment protection analyst
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several universities in Nigeria that offer criminology as a course of study. The choice of which university to attend ultimately depends on personal preference and other factors such as location, tuition fees, and academic reputation. It is important to conduct thorough research before making a decision to ensure that the chosen university aligns with your academic and career goals.
