What Is Accounting And Best Universities That Offer It

💼 What Is Accounting — And Why It Matters

Accounting is often described as “the language of business.” It involves recording, classifying, summarizing and reporting financial transactions to produce information useful for decision-making. This covers a wide range of activities: financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, financial reporting, and more.

Graduates with good accounting knowledge are in high demand across:

• Private and public companies
• Banks and financial institutions
• Auditing firms
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Entrepreneurship / self-employment

With Nigeria’s growing economy, the need for skilled accountants — capable of ensuring transparency, compliance, financial planning, and efficient resource management — remains high. A solid university degree in Accounting gives you the foundation, and often qualifies you to sit for professional exams (e.g. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria — ICAN, or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants — ACCA). (Nigeria University)

🎓 What It Takes to Study Accounting in Nigeria

To study Accounting at university, you typically need:

• Five (5) O’Level credit passes including Mathematics and English Language, plus business-related subjects (Economics, Commerce, etc.) (jambandwaec.com)
• For UTME (undergraduate admission), JAMB subject combination usually includes English, Mathematics, Economics (or other social science), sometimes plus one additional subject depending on institution. (Campus Informant)
• Good performance in Post-UTME/screening (where applicable), and meeting the cut-off mark set by the university for Accounting. (Schoolings)

Because Accounting blends numerical skill, analytical thinking, ethics, and business understanding, strong foundation in mathematics and social-science reasoning helps.

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✅ What Makes a “Good” Accounting Programme / University

When choosing a university for Accounting, consider:

1. Accreditation & Recognition — Program must be recognized by regulators and ideally by accounting professional bodies like ICAN/ACCA.
2. Quality of Faculty & Curriculum — Up-to-date courses (financial accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, accounting information systems, ethics, etc.).
3. Practical Exposure & Internship Opportunities — Access to real-world accounting environments, internship programmes, labs or software training.
4. Graduate Outcomes / Professional Exam Success — High pass rates in ICAN/ACCA, and strong employment records for alumni.
5. Institutional Reputation & Academic Environment — Strong academic standards, resources (library, research, labs), and academic support.
6. Affordability / Logistical Considerations — For many students, tuition fee, location, and cost of living also matter.

Using these criteria, several Nigerian universities consistently stand out for Accounting. Below are some of the best.

🏆 Top Universities in Nigeria for Accounting — with Strengths

Based on recent reviews, national rankings, student outcomes, and breadth of offerings, the following universities are among the best places to study Accounting in Nigeria. (Genius Brain Blog)

University	Strengths / What Makes It Stand Out
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	One of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities — located in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Its Accounting department offers a broad, up-to-date curriculum covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting. UNILAG students are frequently among top performers in professional exams (ICAN, ACCA). Also provides good internship and networking opportunities due to Lagos’ business density. (Genius Brain Blog)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife	Strong reputation for academic excellence and rigorous programmes in Accounting & Management. Emphasizes analytical thinking, ethical standards, and professional readiness. OAU produces many top-level accountants and auditors across sectors. (Nigeria University)
University of Ibadan (UI)	Oldest university in Nigeria, known for academic rigor and a comprehensive curriculum in Accounting, often with good integration of ethics, governance, and sustainability topics — valuable in modern accounting roles. Graduates often excel in professional exams and have strong academic backgrounds. (Nigeria University)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria	A leading federal institution in Northern Nigeria with a respected Accounting programme. Known for affordability, large alumni network across public and private sectors, and strong grounding in accounting fundamentals. (Edusiastic)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)	Offers a robust accounting curriculum, and its graduates are competitive in banking, auditing, government agencies and private sectors. Balanced exposure to theory and practical aspects. (EDUPEDIA)
Babcock University (Ilishan-Remo)	As a private university, Babcock offers smaller class sizes and more personalised attention. Its accounting programme often integrates ethical training and may suit students who prefer a more intimate academic environment. (Nigeria University)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	Offers Accounting with solid academic structure; many graduates succeed in professional exams. Located in a region accessible to students from Edo State and nearby areas. (Portal Guide)
Other Notable Universities	Universities such as Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Calabar (UNICAL), and others also offer accredited accounting programmes, useful for students with various preferences regarding state, cost, and environment. (jambandwaec.com)

“UNILAG has consistently produced top-rated sets from among its graduates sitting for professional account exams including ICAN and ACCA.” (Nigeria University)

Because of these strengths, these universities tend to attract high-performing applicants and produce graduates who are competitive in the accounting profession of Nigeria.

🧮 What You Learn in an Accounting Degree (Typical Curriculum)

When you study Accounting at university, you generally cover:

• Financial Accounting & Reporting
• Managerial / Cost Accounting
• Taxation (Nigerian tax laws)
• Auditing & Assurance
• Accounting Information Systems
• Business Law / Commercial Law
• Business Mathematics & Statistics
• Economics, Finance, and Business Management fundamentals
• Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Research methods (especially in universities with strong academic orientation)

Higher levels may include courses in advanced auditing, financial management, public sector accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting, and electives depending on specialization (e.g. tax, auditing, auditing, management accounting, etc.).

Many universities with strong programmes also encourage students to register for professional accounting bodies (ICAN, ACCA, etc.) while studying — which enhances employability after graduation. (Genius Brain Blog)

✅ What to Consider When Choosing an Accounting University (Your Checklist)

If you’re deciding where to study Accounting, use this checklist — it will help you pick the school that best matches your career goals, budget, and personal preferences.

• Is the Accounting programme accredited and recognized?
• Does the university have history/success in producing professionals (good ICAN/ACCA pass rate)?
• What is the tuition / cost of attendance — is it affordable for you or your family?
• What is class size — do you prefer large public universities with lots of peers, or smaller private universities with more attention?
• Does the university offer practical exposure — internships, labs, accounting software training, guest lectures from industry practitioners?
• What is the geographical location / living cost / safety / convenience for you?
• Post-graduation, does the university help with job placement, networking, or career services?
• Are there opportunities for further specialization, postgraduate studies, or professional certifications?

Using this checklist, you can weigh pros and cons before deciding your preferred institution.

🎯 Career Paths & Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Nigeria

An Accounting degree opens many possible career avenues:

• Public Accounting & Auditing Firms — Audit, tax, advisory services
• Corporate Accounting and Finance Departments — Financial accountant, cost accountant, management accountant, internal audit, financial planning
• Banking & Financial Services — Credit control, risk assessment, financial analysis
• Government Agencies & Parastatals — Budgeting, public financial management, auditing, taxation
• Consultancy & Advisory Services — Business consulting, tax advisory, compliance
• Entrepreneurship / SME Financial Management — Running or managing your own business, bookkeeping, financial consultancy
• Non-profit and Social Sector — Financial management in NGOs, NGOs accounting, grant accounting, budgeting
• Professional Accounting Qualifications — After undergrad, you can pursue ICAN, ACCA, or other accounting certifications (cost accounting, management accounting, forensic accounting, etc.)

Therefore, a good Accounting degree gives you both flexibility and specialization options.

⚠️ Common Mistakes Students Make When Studying Accounting (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Choosing a University Solely for Prestige

Some pick famous universities but ignore whether the Accounting programme is strong or suited to their needs.
Avoid by: Using the checklist above — ensure accreditation, strength of programme, and your personal fit.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Practical/Professional Exam Preparation

Some students focus only on their B.Sc./B.A. but neglect to prepare for ICAN/ACCA or practical skills (software, auditing, tax laws).
Avoid by: Get involved early — join accounting clubs, internships, trainings; register for professional exams as early as allowed.

Mistake 3: Poor O’Level / UTME Preparation

Because Accounting requires Mathematics and other quantitative subjects, weak O’Level/UTME results may hinder admission.
Avoid by: Study well for O’Level and UTME; ensure good credit passes; choose correct subject combination.

Mistake 4: Not Considering Cost & Location

Some students pick private universities without checking affordability or cost of living, leading to financial stress.
Avoid by: Compare tuition costs, living expenses, scholarship or financial aid options before admission.

Mistake 5: Overlooking Long-Term Career Goals

Accounting can lead to many paths — some require additional certifications (audit, tax, forensic, etc.).
Avoid by: Plan early. Decide whether you want public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship — and choose courses / electives accordingly.

🌍 The Bigger Picture: Accounting as a Key Profession in Nigeria’s Economy

In Nigeria — like many countries — sound accounting practices, transparency, and accountability are fundamental for both private and public sector growth. Skilled accountants:

• Promote financial discipline in firms and public agencies
• Help businesses manage costs, profitability, investments
• Assist governments and NGOs to manage budgets, funding and reporting transparently
• Help attract foreign investment by ensuring financial compliance and reporting standards

Given growing globalization, more cross-border transactions, and regulatory demands (tax, auditing, corporate governance), qualified accountants remain in high demand. This makes Accounting not only a viable but a high-potential career choice in Nigeria.

📚 Summary & Recommendation

Accounting is a versatile, respected, and high-demand course in Nigeria. Choosing the right university — one with a strong Accounting programme, good accreditation, solid track record, and suitable environment — is a crucial first step.

If I were advising a student today, I’d recommend institutions such as UNILAG, OAU, UI, ABU, UNN, Babcock, UNIBEN (among others) depending on your location, budget, and career ambition.

As with any professional path, success in Accounting depends not just on where you study, but how seriously you take the programme: strong academic performance, mastery of fundamentals, continuous learning (software, tax laws, updates), and readiness for professional certification exams (ICAN, ACCA, etc.).