Let’s be honest—navigating university life in Nigeria can be quite the journey. With the ever-evolving job market and the hustle to secure a stable future, many students are on the lookout for degrees that won’t have them burning the midnight oil every night but will still lead to rewarding careers. In 2025, the landscape is shifting. It’s not just about picking the “easiest” course; it’s about finding that sweet spot where manageable coursework meets promising job prospects.
Imagine choosing a course that aligns with your strengths, doesn’t demand endless sleepless nights, and still sets you up for a lucrative career. Sounds ideal, right? Well, it’s not just a dream. With the Nigerian economy diversifying and new industries emerging, there are degrees that offer just that balance. Fields like communications, marketing, and real estate are gaining traction, offering graduates both ease during their studies and financial rewards afterward.
But remember, “easy” doesn’t mean effortless. It means the coursework is more aligned with practical skills and less about complex theories. It’s about leveraging your natural talents and interests to excel in a field that’s in demand. So, if you’re pondering over which course to pursue, think about where your passions lie and how they can translate into a fulfilling career.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 university degrees in Nigeria that strike this balance perfectly. Whether you’re a student plotting your academic path or someone considering a career shift, this list will provide insights into degrees that are both approachable and financially rewarding in today’s Nigerian job market.
1. Business Administration
Credentials: B.Sc. in Business Administration
Average Starting Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000/month
Why it’s easy: Focuses more on management principles and case studies rather than complex calculations or technical work. Strong communication and organization skills are key.
2. Mass Communication
Credentials: B.Sc. or B.A. in Mass Communication
Average Starting Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦220,000/month
Why it’s easy: Emphasizes writing, speaking, and media production. Less mathematical or technical stress. Creativity and social skills are highly valued.
3. Marketing
Credentials: B.Sc. in Marketing
Average Starting Salary: ₦110,000 – ₦240,000/month (plus commissions in many jobs)
Why it’s easy: Focuses on understanding consumer behavior, branding, and sales strategies. Requires practical thinking and creativity, not heavy theoretical work.
4. Public Administration
Credentials: B.Sc. in Public Administration
Average Starting Salary: ₦90,000 – ₦200,000/month
Why it’s easy: Mostly theory-based, dealing with governance, organizational structures, and public policy. Very little technical or quantitative requirement.
5. Real Estate Management
Credentials: B.Sc. in Estate Management
Average Starting Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦300,000/month (plus commissions from property sales)
Why it’s easy: Involves learning property valuation, sales, and management. It’s more about networking and practical fieldwork than academic rigor.
6. International Relations
Credentials: B.Sc. in International Relations
Average Starting Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦220,000/month
Why it’s easy: Focuses on diplomacy, global issues, and negotiation tactics. Requires good communication and critical thinking, not deep technical skills.
7. Hospitality and Tourism Management
Credentials: B.Sc. in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Average Starting Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦180,000/month (higher in luxury brands and international hotels)
Why it’s easy: Practical and customer-service focused, this field involves event planning, hotel management, and tourism services.
8. Sociology
Credentials: B.Sc. in Sociology
Average Starting Salary: ₦90,000 – ₦200,000/month
Why it’s easy: Deals with studying society, culture, and social relationships. Heavy on reading and research, light on technical skills.
9. Linguistics
Credentials: B.A. in Linguistics
Average Starting Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦170,000/month
Why it’s easy: Focuses on language structure, history, and use. Ideal for those who love languages and communication with little scientific or technical pressure.
10. Education (Specialized Fields like English, Business, or Guidance Counseling)
Credentials: B.Ed. in Education (various specializations)
Average Starting Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦160,000/month (higher with private institutions and international schools)
Why it’s easy: Teaching requires good communication skills and passion, but academically, education degrees are often less technical compared to sciences or engineering.
Quick Note:
Salaries can vary greatly depending on whether you work in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or smaller cities.
Private sector jobs usually pay better than government roles for most of these degrees.
Opportunities for higher earnings increase significantly with work experience, certifications, or entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
In a country like Nigeria where the job market is constantly evolving, choosing the right university degree can make a huge difference in one’s career journey. While some degrees are notoriously tough and demanding, there are others that offer an easier academic path without compromising on financial rewards after graduation. As we’ve seen, fields like Business Administration, Mass Communication, Real Estate Management, and Marketing are not only relatively easier to study but also open doors to well-paying opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
However, it’s important to remember that no degree guarantees instant success. Your skills, creativity, experience, and personal drive will always play a major role in how far you go. Picking an easier course doesn’t mean you should relax completely — it simply gives you a head start, especially if you combine your degree with relevant skills and certifications. Whether you’re planning your next academic move or considering a career switch, focusing on degrees that are both manageable and marketable is a smart way to secure a bright and prosperous future in Nigeria’s dynamic economy.
