If you love to study and understand human behavior, you might want to consider studying psychology in Nigeria.
Some Nigerian universities offer a variety of psychology courses that can help you become a clinical psychologist, a counsellor, or a researcher.
This blog post will walk you through the best universities for psychology courses in Nigeria and explain what you need to do to get in.
Table of contents
- What is Psychology?
- What Does A Psychologist Do?
- How Much Does Psychologist Earn in Nigeria?
- What Science Courses Are Required For Psychology Majors?
- What High School Courses Do You Need For Psychology?
- List of Psychology Courses in Nigeria
- 1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- 2. University of Ibadan (UI)
- 3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- 4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- 5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- 6. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- 7. Covenant University
- 8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- 9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- 10. Lagos State University (LASU)
- 11. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- 12. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- 13. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- 14. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- 15. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- 16. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- 17. Delta State University (DELSU)
- 18. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- 19. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- 20. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What is Psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association, psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It looks at many parts of human life, like feelings, thinking, what drives us, who we are, and how we get along with others.
This field tries to grasp how people think, feel, and behave independently and in groups.
Psychologists use scientific methods to see what’s behind our thoughts and actions.
They can use this knowledge to make mental health better, help people learn more, and fix real problems in many areas.
These include places like therapy offices, schools, companies, and communities.
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What Does A Psychologist Do?
A psychologist is a learned professional who studies and deals with people’s thoughts and feelings. They conduct therapy and counselling sessions to support people with mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Psychologists also research to learn more about the mind and behavior. They use their expertise to promote better mental health and enhance job performance.
In addition, they also conduct research in addition to working for hospitals, schools, private practices, and corporations.
This means that psychologists try to impact human life by building well-being and understanding human nature.
How Much Does Psychologist Earn in Nigeria?
How much a psychologist depends on years of training and how long they’ve been working where they work.
A psychologist starting out might make between ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 monthly. But you can make more money if you’ve been working longer and have more training and certifications.
Some top psychologists can earn up to ₦300,000 or even more monthly if they have their practice or work in a special area. People who work at schools or do research might get paid depending on what they do and what they’re in charge of.
Keep in mind that these numbers can go up and down and depend on what jobs are out there and how the economy in Nigeria is doing.
What Science Courses Are Required For Psychology Majors?
If you study psychology, you’ll need science courses like physics, chemistry, biology, and statistics.
You might need some extra courses like physiology to help you understand how certain body functions happen. You might also need a peep into pharmacology and neuroscience.
What High School Courses Do You Need For Psychology?
To get a psychology degree in Nigeria, secondary school students should take classes that give them a good base in science and social science. Here’s what you need to study:
Biology: You need this to get how behavior and mental stuff work in the body.
Math: This helps with figuring out research methods and doing stats in psychology.
English: You need this to read psychology books and communicate with your patients.
Social Sciences: Subjects like Government or Economics can help you understand how society affects how people act.
Chemistry (optional but good to have): Helps understand how brain chemicals work.
To study psychology, you need to score at least five credits in these subjects on the West African Senior School Certificate Exam (WASSCE) or something similar.
Also, you need to do well in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) in the right subjects. This is just part of what you need to do to get in.
List of Psychology Courses in Nigeria
Here is the list of universities with psychology courses in Nigeria:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Covenant University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
UNILAG is one of the best schools that offers psychology. The school gives students lots of choices for both undergraduate and graduate studies.
People know UNILAG for its great academics, lively campus, and big impact on research and new ideas. The school has up-to-date facilities where students get a good education.
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2. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s oldest university. The school began in 1948 in Ibadan, Oyo State. People know UI for its tough academic programs and top-notch teachers.
University of Ibadan is one of the best schools that offers a B.Sc. in Psychology.
This program aims to give students a solid grasp of psychology basics and methods. The university has a long track record of producing world-class psychologists.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University is located in Zaria, Kaduna State. It ranks among Nigeria’s biggest and most respected schools in Nigeria.
ABU started in 1962 and now offers many undergrad and graduate programs, including a full B.Sc. in Psychology.
The school strives to be the best in teaching, research, and helping the community. This makes ABU a top pick for students who want to do well in psychology and all other careers.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria Nsukka remains one of the best universities in Nigeria.
UNN provides a wide range of programs, including a B.Sc. in Psychology. Over the years, the university prides itself on pushing for top-notch academics and groundbreaking research.
UNN remains a go-to choice for learners seeking a solid education in many areas.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) started in 1961 in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Students can choose from many programs, including a B.Sc. in Psychology.
The school aims to raise graduates who excel in their work and help society grow. It draws students from all over the country and even other places.
6. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
The University of Jos was established in 1975 in Plateau State. The school is popular for its quiet and calm atmosphere.
The University of Jos offers quality academic programs, including a B. Sc. in Psychology.
The Psychology program aims to equip the students with a proper understanding of theories and practice in psychology.
UNIJOS has a conducive environment that supports learning and research and embraces technological advancement.
7. Covenant University
Covenant University is a private Christian university established in 2002 in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
They are particularly famous for their educational and religious programs.
Covenant University has a lot of Psychology programs to enhance graduates’ ethical standards and give them adequate background knowledge of the principles of psychology.
Covenant University has modern infrastructure and teaching methodologies, providing students with a complete educational curriculum.
8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, popularly known as UNIZIK, is a hothouse of academic brilliance and hosts arguably one of Nigeria’s most competitive psychology programs today.
The offered programs in the university’s Department of Psychology prepare students for diverse job positions in psychology.
Some include but are not limited to clinical psychology and industrial and organizational psychology, among others.
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9. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is a premier institution that has long been recognized for its excellence in psychology.
With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, the university’s psychology department offers a comprehensive curriculum covering this captivating discipline’s full spectrum.
From cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience to in-depth explorations of social and developmental psychology, UNIBEN’s program prepares students to tackle the complexities of the human mind with confidence and critical thinking.
10. Lagos State University (LASU)
LASU’s psychology department equips students with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of human behavior and cognition.
From clinical interventions to organizational consulting, the university’s graduates are highly sought after for their well-rounded expertise and ability to apply psychological principles in real-world settings.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse faculty, LASU provides an unparalleled learning experience for aspiring psychologists.
11. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin has long been recognized as a leading institution for studying psychology.
The university’s psychology department is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, combining a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on practical experiences.
UNILORIN’s program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in various psychological fields.
Its focus on raising graduates ready to face world problems adds to its status as a leading university.
12. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) is a premier institution firmly established as a leading center for studying psychology in Nigeria.
The university’s psychology department boasts a comprehensive curriculum covering this captivating discipline’s full spectrum, from clinical interventions to organizational behavior.
With a strong emphasis on practical training and hands-on research, BUK’s program prepares students to tackle the complexities of the human mind with confidence and critical thinking.
Bayero University, Kano, provides an exceptional learning environment for aspiring psychologists to hone their craft and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
13. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti is another top-notch school that offers a psychology course. Their BSc in Psychology prepares its students to face real-world cases and challenges.
FUOYE has up-to-date facilities and emphasizes research, pushing its students to aim for the stars. The school’s aim to train skilled professionals helps build its growing name as a top school in Nigeria.
14. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
Another school where you can find psychology courses in Nigeria is Adekunle Ajasin University in Ondo State. The school offers a B.Sc. in Psychology, which also teaches and helps students to learn critical thinking and research skills.
AAUA has earned a reputation for its dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. The university has a cozy learning environment with up-to-date facilities and a varied student population.
The long-standing aim of AAUA is to produce well-rounded graduates who can benefit society.
15. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
The University of Uyo was founded in 1991, in Akwa Ibom State. The school is one of the best places to acquire a psychology course.
UNIUYO has a lively campus, skilled teachers, and many other facilities to help students learn better.
UNIUYO focuses on great academics, making it a good pick for students who want to grow in their studies and jobs.
16. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ambrose Alli University is one of Nigeria’s best schools to study psychology.
The school is located in Ekpoma, Edo State. The AAU Psychology gives students a full grasp of psychological concepts.
Students at AAU learn in a lively setting with up-to-date facilities. AAU aims to produce graduates who can help society, making it a key player in Nigerian higher education.
17. Delta State University (DELSU)
Delta State University is another school where you can get a psychology course. DELSU offers top-notch education and boosts research and new ideas.
If you are looking to pursue a career in psychology, you may want to consider DELSU. The curriculum is rigorous and quite impactful.
18. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU) is one of the places to pursue your psychology career in Nigeria.
The school has firmly established itself as a premier destination for studying psychology in Nigeria.
EKSU’s psychology department boasts a comprehensive curriculum combining a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on practical experiences.
Its program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various psychological fields.
The school also provides an exceptional learning environment for aspiring psychologists to hone their craft and make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.
19. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) has emerged as a leading institution for studying psychology in Nigeria.
The university’s psychology department is renowned for its innovative teaching methods and strong emphasis on practical training, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand human behavior and cognition.
OOU’s program prepares graduates to excel in various psychological fields, from clinical practice to organizational consulting.
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20. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has long been recognized as one of Nigeria’s best institutions for studying psychology.
The university’s psychology department offers clinical psychology to in-depth explorations of organizational behavior.
Furthermore, UNIPORT’s program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various psychological fields.
The University of Port Harcourt provides an exceptional learning environment for aspiring psychologists to hone their craft and make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many universities in Nigeria offer a variety of psychology courses, including Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and more specialized programs at the postgraduate level.
What are the general entry requirements for studying psychology?
Typically, candidates need at least five credits in their O’level results (including Mathematics and English) and may also need to meet specific JAMB cut-off marks set by individual universities.
Yes! Some Nigerian universities offer online or blended learning options for their psychology programs, making it easier for students to balance studies with other commitments.
Conclusion
Taking a psychology course in Nigeria opens up many chances to grow in your career. Different universities offer special programs that match various interests.
You may need to pick one that fits your interest. It’s also important to know your requirements to take this program.
When you pick one of these courses, you can make big moves toward having a fulfilling career in psychology. Don’t wait. Check out these courses now and begin your journey into this exciting field.
References
- edurank.org– 34 Best universities for Clinical Psychology in Nigeria
- universitycompass.com– PSYCHOLOGY