Top 5 Related To Law That You Can Study & Actually Pay: JAMB is Showing You Shege?
Let’s be real: In Nigeria, everyone wants to be a “Learned Colleague.” Your parents probably want to see you in that white wig and black gown, and you might even have dreams of shouting “Objection, My Lord!” in a heated courtroom. But then JAMB happens. Or maybe you see the 6-7 year journey (LLB + Law School + NYSC + the struggle for a placement) and your heart sinks.
Here is the good news: You don’t need to be a “Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court” to make a killing in the legal space. From tracking “Yahoo boys” with EFCC to handling multi-million Naira oil spill settlements in the Delta, there are courses that give you the legal “vibes” and the paycheck without the stress of the Bar Finals.
The “What You Need to Know” Summary (Fast Gist)
- Average Cost: ₦50k – ₦250k (Public) | ₦500k – ₦1.5M+ (Private)
- Duration: 4 years (unlike Law’s 5 years + 1 year Law School).
- Key Requirements: 5 O’Level Credits (English & Maths are non-negotiable).
- Top Prospects: Banks, Fintechs, Oil & Gas, DSS, EFCC, and NGOs.
- The Vibe: High demand, faster entry into the job market, and professional respect.
1. Criminology and Security Studies
The Real Gist: With the way things are in the country, security is the biggest “hustle” right now. Criminology isn’t just about catching thieves; it’s the science of why people commit crimes and how the system responds.
Why it’s basically Law-lite: You will study Criminal Law, the Law of Evidence, and the Nigerian Judicial System. You just won’t be the one wearing the wig in court.
- Where to go: UI, UNN, and OAU are the heavy hitters. If you need flexibility because you’re already working or you missed the regular admission window, NOUN is your best bet and their certificate is now widely accepted.
- Admission Deep Dive: * UTME Subjects: English, Government/Economics, and any other Arts/Social Science subject (Literature helps but isn’t always compulsory).
- Direct Entry: If you have an OND in Social Work or Legal Studies with Upper Credit, you can jump straight to 200 Level.
- Job Market Reality: You aren’t just limited to the Police. Think DSS, NIA, EFCC, and ICPC. In the private sector, big banks (GTB, Zenith, etc.) hire Criminologists for their “Internal Security and Fraud” units.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t just get the degree. Get professional certifications in Forensics or Intelligence Gathering. That’s where the real money (₦500k+ monthly) is for private consultants.
2. Environmental Science (with a focus on Environmental Law)
The Real Gist: If you live in Port Harcourt or anywhere near the Niger Delta, you know this is a goldmine. Companies are constantly being sued for oil spills and gas flaring. They need experts who understand the NESREA guidelines and international treaties.
The “Inside” Connection: You’ll be the one writing the reports that Lawyers use to argue in court. Without your technical/legal input, the Lawyer has no case.
- Where to go: UNN (CEMAC) or UI (CPEEL). These centers are elite and have direct links to the oil industry.
- Requirements: You’ll need more “Science” here—Biology, Chemistry, and Geography are usually required alongside English.
- Career Path: You can work as an Environmental Compliance Officer. Your job is to make sure your company doesn’t break the law and avoids those heavy ₦50M+ fines from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
- The Hustle: International NGOs (like the UN or Greenpeace) pay in Dollars for experts who understand Nigerian environmental legislation.
3. Cybersecurity (The “Tech-Law” Hybrid)
The Real Gist: Forget the “Digital Landscape” talk. In simple terms: Nigeria is a Fintech hub (think Kuda, OPay, Moniepoint). These guys are terrified of hackers and the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
The Legal Angle: When a “hustler” bypasses a bank’s security, it’s a legal issue. You are the expert witness who explains how the law was broken in digital terms.
- Where to go: LAUTECH, Nile University, or NDA (Nigerian Defence Academy).
- Admission Deep Dive: Physics and Maths are compulsory. This isn’t for the “I hate numbers” crowd.
- Job Market Reality: This is currently the highest-paying entry-level field. A junior analyst in a Lagos fintech can start at ₦350k – ₦500k. If you get international certs like CEH (Ethical Hacking), you can work remotely for US companies and earn in “hard currency.”
- The Law Connection: You’ll focus on Data Privacy laws (NDPR) and Digital Forensics.
4. Business Administration (Corporate/Commercial Focus)
The Real Gist: Not every legal battle happens in a courtroom. Most happen in boardrooms. Every time a new “Limited Liability” company is registered with the CAC, they need someone who understands business law, contracts, and compliance.
The “Barrister” Vibe: You will spend your days reading the CAMA (Companies and Allied Matters Act). You’ll know how to set up a company, how to fire people legally, and how to handle mergers.
- Where to go: Unilorin, UNN, or private unis like ABUAD.
- The Hustle: You can work as a Compliance Officer. Every bank and insurance company in Nigeria has a whole floor dedicated to people who just make sure they are “obeying the law.”
- Pro-Tip: Once you graduate, sit for the ICSAN (Chartered Secretaries) exams immediately. A Chartered Secretary in a top firm can earn more than a junior lawyer in a “charge and bail” chamber.
5. Industrial and Labour Relations
The Real Gist: In Nigeria, strike is a “national anthem.” From ASUU to NLC, there is always a dispute. Labour Law experts are the “middlemen” who keep the peace between workers and the government (or big bosses).
The Legal Core: You’ll become a “mini-lawyer” in the National Industrial Court (NIC). You’ll understand the Trade Unions Act and the Labour Act better than many general lawyers.
- Where to go: UNILORIN is arguably the king of this course in Nigeria.
- Requirements: Strong Social Science background—Government and Economics are your friends here.
- Job Market Reality: Every big company (Shell, Dangote, MTN) has a “Labour Relations” or “HR Compliance” unit. They need people who can talk to angry workers and resolve issues before they reach the court.
- The Vibe: It’s high-stakes and very professional. You’ll be the one negotiating with the NLC Chairman while the CEO is sweating in the office.
The “Big Brain” Move: ICSAN
If you really want that “Lawyer” respect without the 7-year wait, listen close: Become a Chartered Secretary (ICSAN).
- You can start these exams once you have your B.Sc.
- In many Nigerian companies, the Chartered Secretary is the one who sits next to the Chairman during board meetings.
- You’ll be handling legal filings, board minutes, and regulatory compliance.
- The pay? It’s “heavy.” We’re talking 7 figures for senior roles in Lagos or Abuja.
Common Struggles (The Reality Check)
- “Is it as prestigious as Law?” In a Nigerian wedding, maybe not. But in a bank’s HR or a tech firm’s security unit, your skills are actually more in demand than a general lawyer.
- Accreditation: Before you pay school fees, check the NUC website. Don’t go and study “Criminology” in a school where the course isn’t accredited. You’ll just end up with a “fancy paper.”
- The “No-Law-School” Factor: Remember, you cannot practice in court. If your dream is strictly to wear the wig and defend “notorious” politicians, then these courses are not for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To practice as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria, you must have an LLB degree from an NUC-accredited university, attend the Nigerian Law School, and be Called to the Bar. However, with these related degrees, you can work as a Legal Consultant, Compliance Officer, or Expert Witness in specialized fields like security, fintech, or environmental protection.
For most Nigerian universities (like UNILORIN, UNN, or OAU), the UTME subject combination for Criminology is: Use of English (Compulsory),Government or History, Economics or Any other Social Science or Arts subject (like Literature or Geography).
Always check the latest JAMB Brochure for specific school requirements to avoid admission issues.What is the JAMB subject combination for Criminology and Security Studies in Nigeria?
Yes, in 90% of cases. Most Nigerian universities require at least a Credit pass in O’Level Mathematics for courses like Business Administration, Industrial Relations, and Cybersecurity. Some schools may accept a D7 for Criminology, but to be safe and competitive for admission into federal universities, aim for a C6 or higher in your WAEC/NECO.
If you already have a B.Sc. in Criminology or Business Admin, you can apply for JAMB Direct Entry (DE) to study Law.
Requirement: Most Law faculties require a First Class or Second Class Upper (2:1). Some schools like UNILAG or NOUN may accept a Second Class Lower (2:2) depending on the number of applicants that year. You will typically start from 200 Level.
While pure “Cyber Law” is often a postgraduate course (LLM), you can study Cybersecurity at:
Federal Universities: LAUTECH, Federal University of Technology (FUTA/FUTO).
Private Universities: Nile University (Abuja), Covenant University, and Afe Babalola University (ABUAD).
Professional Route: The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is also a top choice for those interested in the military/intelligence side of cybersecurity law.
The Final Gist
Don’t let a JAMB score or a “No Admission” list in the Law Faculty stop your shine. The legal world in Nigeria is wide and it’s about more than just courtrooms. Whether you’re tracking “Yahoo” transactions or managing industrial strikes, the goal is the same: Understand the rules, solve the problem, and get paid.
What’s your next move? 1. Go to the JAMB Portal.
2. Check the 2025/2026 Brochure for the schools mentioned above.
3. Verify their cut-off marks (usually lower than Law’s 280+).
4. Apply. No stories!
