Introduction: Why Knowing Easy Courses Matters
Every year, millions of Nigerian students apply for admission into universities, and many face rejection—not because they are not intelligent, but because they choose highly competitive courses.
Some courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering have thousands of applicants fighting for very few slots. But there are other less competitive courses that are easier to get into, have good career prospects, and can still help you succeed in life.
This article is a complete guide to the easy courses to gain admission into Nigerian universities, especially for 2025/2026. We will explain:
- What “easy course” really means
- A full list of easy courses with details
- Subject combinations and O’Level requirements
- Career options for each course
- Tips for boosting your chances of admission
Let’s begin!
What Are Easy Courses in Nigerian Universities?
“Easy courses” are courses that:
- Have fewer applicants, so your chances of getting admitted are higher
- Have lower cut-off marks in most schools
- Require less competitive UTME subject combinations
- Often offer direct admission or use screening only
- Are offered in many universities, increasing your chances Note: “Easy” doesn’t mean the course is not important or useful. It simply means easier to gain admission into compared to others like Medicine or Law.
Why Students Should Consider Less Competitive Courses
Here’s why choosing an easy course might be the smart choice:
1. Higher Chances of Admission
Most students want to study Law, Medicine, or Engineering. But these courses are very hard to enter. If you go for a course with low competition, you’ll stand a better chance.
2. Faster University Entry
You won’t waste years rewriting JAMB if you choose a course that welcomes more students with reasonable scores.
3. Good Career Prospects
Many of these courses lead to jobs in education, business, media, agriculture, or government. Some even pay well!
4. Less Stress During Admission Process
Screening may be easier, and some schools may not even require Post-UTME for these courses.
Top 25 Easy Courses to Gain Admission Into Nigerian Universities (With Details)
Below is a list of 25 less competitive courses Nigerian students can consider. These courses are offered in many universities, have lower cut-off marks, and are still relevant.
1. Agriculture / Agricultural Science
- Why it’s easy: Offered by almost every federal and state university
- Career options: Farm management, research, agribusiness, food production
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and either Agriculture or Physics
2. Education Courses (e.g., Education & Biology, Education & English)
- Why it’s easy: Many slots, low cut-off, and high demand for teachers
- Career options: Teaching, school admin, education consultancy
- UTME Subjects: English and 3 related subjects to your teaching course
3. Library and Information Science
- Why it’s easy: Fewer applicants, low competition
- Career options: Librarian, digital archivist, information manager
- UTME Subjects: English, and any 3 subjects
4. Sociology
- Why it’s easy: Offered widely, moderate requirements
- Career options: NGOs, civil service, social research, HR
- UTME Subjects: English, Government, Economics, CRS/IRS
5. History and International Studies
- Why it’s easy: Often ignored by students, easier to enter
- Career options: Diplomat, researcher, lecturer, historian
- UTME Subjects: English, History, Government, CRS/IRS
6. Religious Studies / Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
- Why it’s easy: Low competition
- Career options: Clergy, teacher, counselor
- UTME Subjects: English, CRS, and 2 other subjects
7. Philosophy
- Why it’s easy: Minimal JAMB competition
- Career options: Academia, law (postgraduate), writing, ethics boards
- UTME Subjects: English, CRS, Literature, Government
8. Linguistics and Nigerian Languages
- Why it’s easy: Often overlooked
- Career options: Translation, publishing, research, education
- UTME Subjects: English, Literature, CRS, another Art subject
9. Geography and Environmental Science
- Why it’s easy: Low applicant rate
- Career options: Surveying, planning, environmental consultancy
- UTME Subjects: English, Geography, Chemistry, Biology
10. Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Why it’s easy: Offered in newer universities, low awareness
- Career options: UN jobs, conflict mediation, research
- UTME Subjects: English, Government, CRS, Economics
11. Home Economics
- Why it’s easy: Less demand, practical-based
- Career options: Teaching, catering, fashion, interior design
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Agriculture
12. Anthropology
- Why it’s easy: Niche course, low competition
- Career options: Cultural research, NGOs, academics
- UTME Subjects: English, Government, Literature, CRS
13. Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Why it’s easy: Available in many agriculture-focused schools
- Career options: Aquaculture business, fishery tech, food processing
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture
14. Forestry and Wildlife Management
- Why it’s easy: Less known, yet valuable
- Career options: Forestry department, environmental NGOs, wildlife parks
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture
15. Plant Science and Biotechnology
- Why it’s easy: Less competitive alternative to medicine/biochemistry
- Career options: Research, biotech firms, agriculture
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
16. Zoology
- Why it’s easy: Lower cut-off than core medicine/biology courses
- Career options: Research, conservation, academia
- UTME Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
17. Mathematics
- Why it’s easy: Most avoid it due to fear of math
- Career options: Data analysis, research, teaching, actuarial science
- UTME Subjects: English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry
18. Statistics
- Why it’s easy: Niche and technical
- Career options: Data science, market research, government
- UTME Subjects: English, Maths, Economics, Physics
19. Physics
- Why it’s easy: Low enrollment in most universities
- Career options: Physics research, tech industries, teaching
- UTME Subjects: English, Physics, Maths, Chemistry
20. Pure Chemistry
- Why it’s easy: Less attractive to many
- Career options: Lab analyst, chemist, food industry
- UTME Subjects: English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
21. Mass Communication (in some schools)
- Why it’s easy: In some less popular universities only
- Career options: Media, journalism, PR, advertising
- UTME Subjects: English, Literature, Government, CRS
22. Political Science (in some state universities)
- Why it’s easy: Some state schools have low cut-off for this
- **
Career options:** Government, NGOs, civil service
- UTME Subjects: English, Government, CRS, Literature
23. Islamic Studies
- Why it’s easy: Available mainly in northern schools
- Career options: Religious teacher, cleric, counselor
- UTME Subjects: English, IRS, Government, Arabic
24. Fine and Applied Arts
- Why it’s easy: Skill-based and underapplied
- Career options: Art, design, branding, teaching
- UTME Subjects: English, Fine Art, Literature, CRS
25. Public Administration
- Why it’s easy: Some schools accept low JAMB scores
- Career options: Civil service, management, NGOs
- UTME Subjects: English, Government, Economics, CRS
Subject Combinations and WAEC Requirements
Most courses require at least:
- Five (5) O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics
- JAMB subjects that match the course (see above list)
⚠️ Always check each university’s specific subject requirements to be sure.
Best Universities Offering These Courses
Some universities with flexible admission policies for these easy courses include:
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Federal University Lafia
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM)
Common Myths About Less Competitive Courses
Myth | Reality |
---|---|
These courses are for dull students | False. Many brilliant people choose them strategically. |
You can’t earn well | False. Many of these careers pay better over time. |
Only science courses matter | Not true. Arts, education, and social sciences are vital too. |
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission (Even With a Low JAMB Score)
- Choose less competitive courses
- Apply to more than one university
- Use JAMB change of course/institution wisely
- Prepare well for Post-UTME or screening
- Upload your O’Level results on time
- Check JAMB CAPS regularly
- Avoid common errors like wrong subject combination
Comparison Table: Easy Courses vs. Competitive Courses
Category | Easy Courses | Competitive Courses |
---|---|---|
Cut-off mark | 140–180 | 200–320 |
Admission slots | More available | Very limited |
Examples | Agric, Education, Philosophy | Law, Medicine, Engineering |
Number of applicants | Low–Moderate | Very high |
Admission chance | Higher | Lower |
Summary Table: Easy Courses to Consider
Course Name | UTME Subjects | Career Opportunities |
---|---|---|
Education & Biology | English, Biology, Chemistry | Teacher, lecturer |
Agric Science | English, Biology, Chemistry, Agric | Farmer, consultant |
Library Science | English + 3 any subjects | Librarian, records manager |
Home Economics | English, Biology, Chemistry | Fashion, catering |
Philosophy | English, CRS, Literature | Writer, ethicist |
Public Admin | English, Government, Economics | Civil servant |
Conclusion
If you’ve been struggling to gain admission into a Nigerian university, it may be time to change your strategy. Choosing a less competitive course can give you an easier path, less stress, and quicker admission.
Whether you aim to teach, farm, design, analyze data, or manage public affairs, there’s a path for everyone. Remember—what matters is what you do with the opportunity, not just the course name.
Choose smart. Start early. Stay informed.