Are you a commercial student wondering which courses in Nigeria offer the best career opportunities and high earning potential?
You're not alone. Choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a student, it can shape your future and determine your chances of landing a good job after graduation.
In this post, we'll reveal the top 10 best commercial courses to study in Nigeria, courses that not only pay well but are also in high demand across industries.
So, if you're ready to make a smart academic choice that sets you up for success, read on!
1. Accounting
Accounting, also known as accountancy, is the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions.
It also includes analyzing, verifying, and reporting the results.
This is the best career for anyone who wants to study accounting.
Why? Because it plays a significant role in any organization or business.
Moreover, this career offers strong earning potential and a stable, growing job market.
Nearly every business needs an accountant or the services of an external accounting firm.
If you are passionate about something like this, you should consider studying Accounting.
Some of the best universities to study Accounting are Bayero University, UNICAL, ABUAD, Landmark University, and FUOYE.
2. Marketing
Marketing is one of the best commercial courses to study at the university.
Studying marketing helps you understand customer behaviour, business, and the wider business environment.
Students studying marketing are responsible for developing and executing strategies to promote brands, products, and services.
Careers in marketing include:
- Social Media Marketer
- Email Marketer
- Content and Copywriting Marketer
- Product Marketer
- Brand Manager
If you love fields like these, consider studying Marketing.
Some of the best universities to study Marketing are OAU, Covenant University, UNILAG, UI, and Rivers State University.
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3. Insurance
Insurance is another good course for students in the commercial department. It is one of the most competitive management courses in Nigeria.
Students in this field are exposed to concepts in law, business, finance, economics, and more.
Well-paying careers in Insurance include:
- Insurance Underwriter
- Consulting Actuary
- Final Expense Agent
- Life Insurance Actuary
- Risk Analyst
If you're interested in selling and managing customer experiences, working as an agent or broker might be your path.
Some of the best universities to study Insurance are ABU, UNILAG, UNIUYO, Redeemer’s University, and UNIJOS.
4. Economics
Economics is another significant course you can study in Nigeria.
Getting a degree in Economics as a commercial student is highly valuable.
You will gain a toolkit of skills, approaches, and ways of thinking that you can apply to many problems.
It’s also a gateway to the future, offering better understanding of market dynamics—knowledge you can apply in various organizations.
You can get well-paying job opportunities in careers such as:
- Portfolio Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Loan Officer
- Economic Consultant
- Personal Finance Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Credit Analyst
Some of the best universities to study Economics are UI, UNILORIN, ABU, UNN, and Bayero University.
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5. Business Administration
This course focuses on the research and theory behind how members of an organization behave.
Studying Business Administration helps sharpen and develop your management skills—skills highly valued by business employers.
A degree in this field can launch a successful career. You can also start your own business or personal brand.
There are plenty of job opportunities for graduates in this field.
Common careers include:
- Information Technology Manager
- Financial Manager
- Office Administrator
- Industrial Production Manager
- Procurement Officer
Some of the best universities to study Business Administration are UNILORIN, UNILAG, ABU, UNN, and Covenant University.
6. Banking and Finance
Banking and Finance is one of the most lucrative sectors in Nigeria and among the best commercial courses to study.
There are many job opportunities for graduates in this field.
So, what can you do with a degree in Banking and Finance?
Careers include:
- Bank Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Banker
- Banking Consultant
- Business Analyst
- Accountant
As a graduate, you can work almost anywhere a financial secretary is needed.
Top universities to study this course include Ambrose Alli University, Afe Babalola University, Covenant University, Babcock University, and Bowen University.
7. Public Administration
Public Administration is another excellent commercial course to study.
Graduates in this field are among the highest-paid government workers in Nigeria.
Why? Because they study and implement government policies and often work as civil servants.
Career paths include:
- City Manager
- Tax Examiner
- Budget Analyst
- Public Administration Consultant
- Fundraising Manager
- Political Communication Specialist
Top universities to study Public Administration include OAU, LASU, ABU, UNIUYO, and UNIBEN.
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8. Human Resources Management
This is another top commercial course focused on managing organizational resources.
Almost every organization needs HR professionals.
With a degree in this field, you can even work for your own business and earn a decent income.
Career options include:
- Information Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Recruiting Manager
- Training Manager
- Specialist Manager
Top universities to study Human Resources Management include UNIOSUN, JABU, Veritas University, and Elizade University.
9. Transport Planning and Management
Transport Planning and Management is another great commercial course in Nigerian universities.
It’s a lucrative and profitable field to venture into.
This course prepares you to tackle challenges in developing transportation systems.
Career opportunities include:
- Logistics Engineer
- Purchasing Manager
- Consultant
- Inventory Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Driver
- Transport Manager
Top universities to study this course include Tai Solarin University of Education, FUTMINNA, FUTA, and FUTO.
10. International Relations
International Relations is an excellent course for commercial students.
It offers a deeper understanding of global issues and international affairs.
High-paying careers include:
- Diplomat
- Political Analyst
- Intelligence Specialist
- Lobbyist
- Communication Specialist
Top universities to study International Relations include OAU, Lead City University, UNIBEN, Caleb University, and Godfrey Okoye University.
Conclusion
Some courses indeed have more potential than others. There’s no point in spending years studying a course with little or no job opportunities.
That would be a waste of time.
So, if you are a commercial student, consider studying one of these top 10 best commercial courses in Nigeria.
Why? Because they offer greater potential and more job opportunities than many other commercial courses.
I hope you find this article helpful and that it guides you toward making a better decision in your academic career.
Also, remember to share this article with your friends!
