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Human Resource Management in Nigerian universities

Management

A four-year programme covering HR strategy, organisational behaviour and labour relations.

National minimum
180
Duration
4 yrs
RIASEC type
SEC
Demand
high

What this course covers

Human Resource Management is a 4-year management programme offered by Nigerian universities under the National Universities Commission framework. The programme covers strategy, finance, operations and the quantitative tools of management, with a balance of theoretical foundations and applied practice. Graduates leave with a recognised undergraduate degree that opens up entry-level roles in industry, research and the public sector, as well as the foundation for postgraduate study.

Why study Human Resource Management?

Human Resource Management suits candidates who want to work in business, finance or the operational side of organisations. The programme aligns with the wider Nigerian sector demand profile in its field and offers practical career routes through both private sector employers and government institutions. It is well-suited to candidates planning to combine the undergraduate degree with later professional certification or a master's programme.

UTME subjects

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • one of Commerce or Accounting

O'level subjects

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • one Commercial subject
  • one other

Five credit passes at one sitting (or two acceptable sittings) are typically required.

Typical career pathways

Typical career destinations for Human Resource Management graduates include banks, the Big Four accounting firms, multinationals, fintechs and the federal civil service. Some graduates move into postgraduate research, while others pivot to adjacent fields such as project management, consultancy and entrepreneurship. The professional and regulatory bodies tied to the field provide structured certification routes that lift earnings and open senior roles within a few years of practice.

Honest challenges to expect

Like any undergraduate programme, Human Resource Management has challenges. The workload is significant in the middle years, with practical and project requirements alongside theoretical coursework. Candidates should plan for time-intensive practicals or industrial training and budget realistically for textbooks, lab fees and the typical Nigerian student living costs.

Career outlook

Entry-level earnings band
₦180,000 - ₦500,000/month
Mid-career earnings band
₦450,000 - ₦2,500,000/month
Typical employers: Banks, Big Four, multinationals, fintechs, federal civil service
Professional body: ICAN / CIBN / CIIN / ANAN / CIPM

Earnings vary widely by employer, sector and individual performance. These bands reflect typical 2026 ranges across the public and private sectors.

Find out if Human Resource Management suits you

Take our free 8-minute career quiz to see whether Human Resource Management matches your interests, JAMB readiness and preferences - plus four other realistic options for you.

Take the career quiz

Related courses

Frequently asked questions

What is Human Resource Management?

Human Resource Management is a 4-year management programme offered by Nigerian universities under the National Universities Commission framework. The programme covers strategy, finance, operations and the quantitative tools of management, with a balance of theoretical foundations and applied practice. Graduates leave with a recognised undergraduate degree that opens up entry-level roles in industry, research and the public sector, as well as the foundation for postgraduate study.

How long does Human Resource Management take?

Human Resource Management typically runs for 4 years in Nigerian universities, with a final-year project or thesis and (for engineering programmes) industrial training.

What JAMB subjects do I need for Human Resource Management?

Human Resource Management requires the UTME subject combination English Language, Mathematics, Economics, one of Commerce or Accounting. Confirm with the JAMB brochure each cycle.

Which Nigerian universities offer Human Resource Management?

We are still building the institution list for Human Resource Management. Use the JAMB brochure or the NUC course-finder to confirm where the programme is currently accredited.

What career options does Human Resource Management open up?

Management graduates target banks, multinationals, consultancies and the federal civil service, with professional certifications adding to the degree. The professional body relevant to this programme is ICAN / CIBN / CIIN / ANAN / CIPM. Career progression typically comes from a combination of experience, postgraduate study and professional certifications.