Best Professional Courses for Nigerian Students After Secondary School
In Nigeria, the end of secondary school is a new stage in the lives of students where higher education and the development of career begin. To most people the question arises on what are the most desirable professional course to be undertaken after high school.
The increasing need to develop employability skills and the high level of competitiveness in traditional academic programs means that professional courses put the students at a better position in the job market. Nigeria today is blessed with a myriad of opportunities be it higher education in a university or polytechnic or even professional certifications by setting a short term target.
This guide examines the most popular professional subjects that could be studied by SSCE/WAEC/NECO students who may have the prospect of earning well, having secure jobs and being satisfied by their professional life.
What Is a Professional Course?
A professional course is a specialized training program designed to equip students with practical skills, certifications, and industry-relevant knowledge. Unlike conventional degree courses, professional courses often focus on employability and are recognized by industry bodies.
These courses typically lead to:
- Certifications (e.g. ICAN, CCNA, PMP)
- Licensing or registration (e.g. Nursing, Medical Laboratory, etc.)
- Hands-on experience and technical know-how
Why Should Nigerian Students Consider Professional Courses?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider professional certifications after secondary school:
- Improves employability in a competitive job market
- Shorter duration than university degrees (weeks/months)
- Increases earning potential with specialized skills
- Alternative route to success without JAMB
- Opens global opportunities in tech, health, and business sectors
Best Professional Courses After Secondary School in Nigeria
Let’s now explore the most in-demand and reputable professional courses for Nigerian secondary school leavers in 2025:
1. ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria)
Overview:
ICAN is Nigeria’s most respected professional body for accountants. Students can register under the Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) immediately after WAEC.
Duration:
- ATSWA: ~18 months
- Full Chartered Program: 3–4 years (depending on your qualification level)
Benefits:
- Recognized across Nigeria and internationally
- Leads to high-paying jobs in accounting, banking, and auditing
- Opens doors to entrepreneurship in financial services
Entry Requirements:
- O’Level with credits in English, Math, and Economics
2. Nursing and Midwifery
Overview:
One of the most reliable professional fields, nursing remains a top choice for science-inclined students. You can enroll directly into a School of Nursing or College of Health Sciences.
Duration:
- Basic Nursing Programme: 3 years
- Midwifery: 18 months to 2 years
Benefits:
- Strong job market demand in Nigeria and abroad
- Opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics, or travel nursing
- Eligibility for global nursing exams like NCLEX, IELTS, or HAAD
Entry Requirements:
- O’Level credits in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
3. Computer Programming & Software Development
Overview:
Tech skills are in massive demand globally. Learning coding, web development, app development, or Python/JavaScript programming after secondary school can kickstart your career in tech.
Duration:
- 3 months to 1 year, depending on depth
Benefits:
- Remote job opportunities (local & foreign)
- High-paying freelance and full-time tech jobs
- Low barrier to entry and rapid learning curve
Popular Certifications:
- Front-End/Back-End Developer Bootcamps
- Google Developers Training
- Cisco IT Essentials
4. Digital Marketing
Overview:
Digital marketing involves promoting businesses online using tools like SEO, social media, email marketing, and Google Ads.
Duration:
- 1–6 months depending on specialization
Benefits:
- Freelancing or agency work opportunities
- In-demand across all industries
- Can be combined with entrepreneurship
Top Certifications:
- Google Digital Skills for Africa (Free)
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Meta (Facebook) Blueprint Certification
5. Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Overview:
This is a health-based course where students learn to run laboratory tests used in disease diagnosis and research.
Duration:
- 3 years in an accredited College of Health Technology
Benefits:
- Practical career with lab roles in hospitals and research centers
- Easily transition to medical laboratory science degrees later
Requirements:
- O’Level credits in sciences, including Biology and Chemistry
6. Data Analysis and Data Science
Overview:
A fast-growing area of tech and finance, data analysis teaches students how to use tools like Excel, SQL, Power BI, or Python to analyze large sets of information.
Duration:
- 3–12 months
Benefits:
- High salaries in finance, banking, research, and consulting
- Freelancing and remote job opportunities
Recommended Platforms:
- Coursera (Google Data Analytics)
- Microsoft Learn
- IBM Data Analyst Certificate (Coursera)
7. Project Management (PMP or CAPM)
Overview:
Project management involves the ability to plan, execute, and close projects across business, construction, or development sectors.
Duration:
- 3 to 6 months
Benefits:
- Versatile and applicable in multiple industries
- Increases your chances of promotion or managerial jobs
Certification Bodies:
- PMI (Project Management Institute)
- PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner
8. Professional Driving and Logistics Training
Overview:
With Nigeria’s booming logistics industry, professional training in transport management, fleet logistics, and certified driving schools can lead to solid self-employment.
Duration:
- 1–3 months
Benefits:
- Start work immediately after training
- High demand in e-commerce and haulage firms
9. Fashion Design and Tailoring
Overview:
Fashion remains one of the largest industries in Nigeria. With formal training in garment construction, fashion illustration, and machine handling, young students can become fashion entrepreneurs.
Duration:
- 3–12 months
Benefits:
- Lucrative entrepreneurship path
- Apprenticeship or fashion school options
- Opportunity to build a personal brand or label
10. Graphic Design
Overview:
Graphic design is an essential tool in branding, marketing, and content creation. Courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, CorelDraw, etc., are widely available.
Duration:
- 1–6 months
Benefits:
- Work with businesses or start your agency
- Combine with digital marketing or UI/UX skills
11. Photography and Videography
Overview:
Students with creative flair can pursue professional photography or video production using courses in lighting, editing, and storytelling.
Duration:
- 3–6 months
Benefits:
- Suitable for freelancing, weddings, or content creation
- Opportunities in the entertainment and social media industries
12. Catering and Hotel Management
Overview:
This is a professional hospitality course covering cooking, pastry, event management, and hospitality service.
Duration:
- 6 months to 1 year
Benefits:
- Start your own catering business
- Work in restaurants, hotels, or event planning firms
13. Welding and Fabrication
Overview:
Welders are in high demand in the oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
Duration:
- 6 months to 2 years (depending on certification)
Benefits:
- Technical and practical career path
- High-paying roles for skilled workers
14. ICT and Computer Engineering
Overview:
Courses include computer hardware maintenance, networking, and repair, all of which are essential in Nigeria’s growing tech sector.
Duration:
- 3–12 months
Benefits:
- Establish a personal repair center
- Work in IT support roles or start a business
15. Auxiliary Nursing (Health Assistant)
Overview:
Some private medical schools offer Auxiliary Nursing courses that prepare students for caregiving and clinical assistant roles.
Duration:
- 1–2 years
Benefits:
- High job demand in private hospitals and clinics
- Easy pathway to full Nursing school
16. Professional Teaching Certification (TRCN, Montessori, etc.)
Overview:
Students aspiring to become educators can undergo NCE, Montessori training, or register for TRCN (Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria) exam.
Duration:
- 1–3 years depending on program
Benefits:
- Career in education, early childhood, or private tutoring
- Certification is now compulsory for teachers in Nigeria
Where to Take These Professional Courses in Nigeria
- School of Nursing/Health Technology (Federal and State institutions)
- Accredited ICT training centres
- Private academies (fashion, design, culinary)
- Vocational Training Centres (e.g., NDE, ITF)
- Online platforms: Coursera, Udemy, Google Digital Skills, Alison, etc.
- Technical Colleges and Polytechnics
Cost of Professional Courses in Nigeria
| Course | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Nursing | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 per year |
| ICAN (ATSWA) | ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 per stage |
| Digital Marketing | ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Fashion Design | ₦40,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Computer Programming | ₦50,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Data Science | ₦100,000 – ₦400,000 |
RECOMMENDED: List of Accredited Polytechnics in Nigeria and Their Courses
Conclusion
When making the right career choice on professional courses that you decide to pursue after high school, you are able to change your life and career. When we have the present day world, skills are as crucial (even more than degrees). You can have a career in technology, you can be medical, you can creatively so it can be creative, you can business, any career avenue awaits you.
Start small. Learn fast. Practice consistently. Despite a lack of university degree, you can make a nice future out of right skills.
