Information technology (IT) has to do with the study and use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information as a career or profession. In many cases, information technology is a term used to refer to all areas of computing. Information technology is the name of an undergraduate degree program that prepares its students to meet the computer technology needs and provide information technology-based solutions in all areas of life, be it business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations.
In a technologically advanced world, a career in IT is considered one of the most high-paying jobs and is full of opportunities. This article covers all you will need to know about Information Technology, courses under this term and career opportunities available to you upon graduation. You will also learn about the O’ level and direct entry requirements needed to study this course, as well as the UTME subject combination and other information you will need to successfully gain admission to study Information Technology.
IT Courses in Nigeria & Requirements
In different institutions, you will find Information Technology under differing Faculties. Some universities put the course under the Faculty of Engineering, while some others under the Faculty of Information and Communication Science. It is the same course but a different approach.
Courses related to Information Technology
Below are courses related to Information Technology
- Information and Management Technology
- Information and Media Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
Direct entry requirements for Information and Communication Technology
A’ level passes or its equivalent in a minimum of two subjects chosen from any of the following: Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Economics and Geography
A National Diploma with Upper credit in disciplines in the Physical sciences or Engineering
UTME entry-level requirements
Five credit passes in O’ level examinations, SSCE/NECO/GCE or their equivalent. The subjects must include English language, Mathematics and three others chosen from Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Computer Studies, Economics, Data processing or Geography
JAMB UTME subject combination
Candidates applying for Information and Communication Technology must take the following courses at JAMB
English language and three others chosen from Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Computer Studies, Economics, Data processing or Geography
Career Opportunities and Job Options in Information Technology
- Software applications developer
- Computer and Information Systems Managers (IT managers)
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- IT technical support officer
- Systems analyst
- Systems developer
- Applications developer
- Business analyst
- Forensic computer analyst
- Network engineer
- IT sales professional
- UX analyst
- Web content manager
-
Computer Science and Information Technology
UTME entry-level requirements
- Candidates applying for Computer Science and Information Technology via UTME must have five O’ level credit passes in English language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology
Direct entry-level requirements
Candidates applying via direct entry should have any of the following qualifications:
A’ level passes in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry
Diploma in Computer Science
Career Opportunities available for graduates of Computer Science and Information Technology
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Data Control Admin
- Data Processing Manager
- Database Manager
- Information Scientist
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Programmer
- Frontend Developer/Engineer
- Backend Developer/Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Digital Marketer
-
Library and Information science
UTME entry-level requirements
Candidates via UTME must have five credit passes in SSCE/NECO/GCE or its equivalent in English language, Mathematics and three other subjects from the Arts, Social science or Sciences.
Direct entry-level requirements
Candidates applying for Library and Information science via direct entry must have either of the following qualifications:
Two A’ level passes in a subject related to Library and Information science in addition to O’ level credit passes from science subjects
Three passes at A’ level in addition to two credit passes at SSCE/GCE from the Arts, Social sciences or Sciences.
Upper credit at National Diploma in Library and Information Sciences from recognized Polytechnics
Credit level at Diploma in Library and Information Science from any recognized institution.
Merits pass in Diploma of Library Science
Upper credit in Diploma of Library Science
Career opportunities for Graduates of Library and Information Science
- Electronic resource librarian
- Information Architect
- Information Officer
- Internet trainer
- Knowledge management specialist
- Learning resource centre librarian
- Librarian and media specialist
- Program consultant
- Data Management Services Librarian
- Digital Scholarship Librarian
- Media specialist
- Archivist
- Library director
- Information broker
- Telecommunications and Information Technology
- Telecommunications and Wireless Tech
- Telecommunications and Information Technology
UTME requirements
Five credit passes at O’ level, SSCE/NECO/GCE or its equivalent to include English language, Physics, Chemistry and any other of the following: Mathematics, Economics, Technical drawing and Geography
Direct entry-level requirements
Candidates applying via direct entry must have either of the following requirements:
Two A’ level oases or its equivalent in Physics, Mathematics and any of the following: Chemistry, Biology, and Geography
Upper credit in National Diploma in the Physical sciences or Engineering in addition to a minimum of one-year Industrial attachment after qualification.
Careers opportunities in Telecommunication Engineering include:
- Mobile/Telecommunication Operators, e.g. MTN, NITEL, NTA, NOKIA, AUN, etc.
- Consulting Engineering Firms
- Information Technology firms
- Engineering Sales
- Ministry of Communications
- Research & Development
- IT Project Manager
- Systems engineer
- IT Director
When applying for any Information Technology course, it is best you aim for a JAMB score of 200 or above instead of 180. This is because the admission process into the course is highly competitive. Anything short of the required cut off might deny you of admission.
Information and Communication Technology is available in the following Nigerian Universities:
- The American University of Nigeria, Yola (AUN)
- Crescent University (CUAB)
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Salem University, Lokoja
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Bells University of Technology, Otta
- Salem University, Lokoja
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTY)
- Covenant university
- University of Ilorin