Complete List of Commercial Courses in Nigeria with UTME & O’Level Subjects and Career Paths
Your Ultimate Guide to Commercial Courses in Nigeria: Subjects, Requirements, and Career Paths
As an educational counselor, mentor, and passionate teacher wit a legacy, I’ve worked with countless students navigating their academic journey. One of the most common questions I receive is, “What are the best commercial courses to study in Nigeria, and what subjects do I need?” This guide is designed to help you — whether you’re a student, a parent, or a fellow educator — understand the broad landscape of commercial courses and what they offer in terms of academic and career prospects.
The commercial field in Nigeria is rich with opportunities — from finance and business administration to marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. If you’re drawn to solving problems, managing people, analyzing markets, or leading businesses, this field is for you.
Below is a curated list of top commercial courses, with their required UTME and O’Level subjects, and the rewarding career paths they can lead to.
1. Accounting
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one other Social Science subject
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O’Level: Five credits including English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Geography, or Accounting
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Careers: Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Banker
2. Business Administration
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one other Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Business Methods
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Careers: Business Manager, Entrepreneur, Operations Officer, Sales Executive
3. Banking and Finance
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one other
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Accounting
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Careers: Banker, Investment Analyst, Credit Officer, Financial Consultant
4. Marketing
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UTME: Maths, Economics, + one other
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Accounts, Government
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Careers: Brand Manager, Digital Marketer, Sales Strategist, Product Manager
5. Insurance
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UTME: Maths, Economics, + one other
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Accounting, Commerce, Government
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Careers: Underwriter, Risk Analyst, Claims Assessor, Insurance Broker
6. Economics
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science/Arts
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Geography, Accounting, Government
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Careers: Economist, Data Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Consultant
7. Public Administration
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UTME: Government, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Government + two from Economics, Civic Education, Commerce
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Careers: Civil Servant, NGO Manager, Policy Advisor, Administrative Officer
8. Human Resource Management
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UTME: Economics, Government, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: HR Manager, Training Officer, Labour Relations Consultant
9. Actuarial Science
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Accounting
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Careers: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Pension Planner
10. Cooperative Economics and Management
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Accounting, Government
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Careers: Cooperative Officer, Business Developer, Microfinance Specialist
11. International Relations
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UTME: Government, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Government + two from History, Literature, Economics
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Careers: Diplomat, Foreign Service Officer, Policy Analyst
12. Entrepreneurship
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one other
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: Business Owner, Startup Founder, Franchise Manager
13. Estate Management
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Geography, Commerce, Government
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Careers: Property Valuer, Estate Surveyor, Real Estate Consultant, Facilities Manager
14. Hospitality Management
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UTME: Economics, Biology or Agricultural Science, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Biology, Food & Nutrition, Geography
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Careers: Hotel Manager, Event Planner, Catering Director, Tourism Consultant
15. Mass Communication
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UTME: Literature in English, Government, + one Arts/Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Literature + two from Government, Economics, CRS/IRS
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Careers: Journalist, Media Strategist, TV/Radio Presenter, PR Consultant
16. Transport Management
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Geography, Commerce, Government
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Careers: Transport Planner, Logistics Officer, Fleet Manager
17. Purchasing and Supply
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UTME: Mathematics, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Accounting, Government
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Careers: Procurement Officer, Inventory Manager, Supply Chain Analyst
18. Tourism Management
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UTME: Geography, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Geography, Biology, Government
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Careers: Tourism Officer, Tour Guide, Travel Consultant, Events Manager
19. Office Technology and Management
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UTME: English, Economics, + two Social Sciences
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: Secretary, Administrative Executive, Office Manager
20. Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
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UTME: Economics, Government, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: Labour Relations Officer, HR Specialist, Organizational Consultant
21. Business Education
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: Business Educator, School Administrator, Curriculum Designer
22. Cooperative and Rural Development
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government
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Careers: Community Development Officer, Rural Development Expert, NGO Coordinator
23. Hospitality and Tourism Management
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UTME: Economics, Geography, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Food & Nutrition, Biology, Geography
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Careers: Resort Manager, Hospitality Director, Travel Coordinator
24. Development Studies
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UTME: Government, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Geography
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Careers: NGO Worker, Policy Strategist, Community Planner
25. Management Science
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: Business Analyst, Project Coordinator, Operations Director
26. Taxation
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Accounting, Government, Commerce
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Careers: Tax Consultant, Revenue Officer, Auditor
27. Project Management
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Accounting, Government, Commerce
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Careers: Project Manager, Program Planner, Strategy Consultant
28. Shipping Management
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UTME: Economics, Geography, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Geography, Commerce
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Careers: Port Operations Manager, Maritime Consultant, Logistics Officer
29. Event Management
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UTME: Economics, Government, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Literature
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Careers: Event Planner, Corporate Event Manager, Conference Organizer
30. Retail Management
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Government, Accounting, Commerce
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Careers: Store Manager, Merchandiser, Franchise Developer
31. Logistics and Supply Chain Management
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Commerce, Government, Geography
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Careers: Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Manager, Warehouse Supervisor
32. Financial Management
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Accounting, Commerce, Government
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Careers: Finance Manager, Investment Analyst, Business Financial Consultant
33. E-Commerce
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UTME: Economics, Mathematics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from ICT, Commerce, Accounting
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Careers: E-commerce Specialist, Online Store Owner, Digital Business Consultant
34. Media and Communication Studies
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UTME: Literature in English, Government, + one Arts/Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Literature + two from Economics, CRS/IRS, Government
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Careers: Media Consultant, Content Strategist, PR Executive
35. Tourism and Event Management
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UTME: Geography, Economics, + one Social Science
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O’Level: English, Maths, Economics + two from Geography, Biology, Government
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Careers: Destination Manager, Event Director, Tour Consultant
Final Thoughts from a Counselor’s Desk
Choosing the right course isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about aligning your passion with purpose. Every course listed here opens doors to impactful careers that shape destiny and our economy and society.
Before deciding, take time to reflect on your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Talk to your teachers, career mentors, or reach out to professionals in the industry. Remember, as someone who believes deeply in the potential of every student, I encourage you to dream big, plan wisely, and step boldly into your future.
If you need personalized guidance or mentoring on choosing the right career path, don’t hesitate to connect with me. Your success story can begin today.