High-Paying Art Courses In Nigeria 2025: What You Need To Know

For many years, art students in Nigeria were often underestimated, with the general perception being that only science courses lead to high-paying jobs. However, this narrative has changed dramatically. In 2025, art courses are proving to be lucrative, impactful, and relevant in today’s modern, media-driven, and policy-oriented society.

This blog breaks down the high-paying art courses in Nigeria, their career prospects, estimated salaries, and the best universities offering them. If you are an SSCE graduate, JAMB candidate, or even a parent researching on behalf of a child, this guide is exactly what you need.

Why Consider High-Paying Art Courses in Nigeria?

The modern Nigerian economy thrives on communication, law, media, public policy, and digital influence. These are areas where art courses are dominant. Thanks to industries like Nollywood, digital marketing, international relations, and politics, graduates of art disciplines are now making six and even seven figures.

Top High-Paying Art Courses in Nigeria 2025

1. Law

Why It Pays

Law is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding careers in Nigeria. Lawyers work in litigation, business law, politics, oil & gas, and even tech.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦250,000 – ₦1,500,000+

Top Career Paths:

• Corporate Lawyer

• Judge or Magistrate

• Legal Consultant

• Politician

Top Schools:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

2. Mass Communication

Why It Pays:

Mass Communication is central to Nigeria’s growing media, marketing, and digital industries. Graduates work in TV, radio, online media, PR, and advertising.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦200,000 – ₦800,000+
(Freelancers and influencers can earn even more)

Top Career Paths:

• Journalist

• Media Consultant

• Social Media Manager

• Brand Strategist

Top Schools:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Covenant University

• University of Nigeria (UNN)

3. International Relations

Why It Pays:

In a globalized world, experts in international relations are in demand in diplomacy, NGOs, immigration services, and multinational corporations.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000+

Top Career Paths:

• Diplomat

• Foreign Affairs Analyst

• NGO Project Manager

• Immigration Officer

Top Schools:

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Lead City University

• Babcock University

4. Theatre and Performing Arts

Why It Pays:

Nollywood, Africa’s second-largest film industry, provides huge income opportunities for actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters.

Estimated Pay (Per Job):

₦100,000 – ₦5,000,000+
(Especially in acting, directing, or producing)

Top Career Paths:

• Actor/Actress

• Movie Producer

• Screenwriter

• Stage Director

Top Schools:

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• University of Jos (UNIJOS)

• Lagos State University (LASU)

5. Political Science

Why It Pays:

Political science leads to influential careers in public administration, policy analysis, governance, and politics—all sectors with high earning potential.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦180,000 – ₦1,000,000+
(Public officeholders earn far more)

Top Career Paths:

• Political Analyst

• Government Administrator

• Legislator

• Public Policy Expert

Top Schools:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• University of Nigeria (UNN)

6. Public Administration

Why It Pays:

This course is perfect for those eyeing careers in government, NGOs, and parastatals. Top earners include commissioners, permanent secretaries, and senior civil servants.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦150,000 – ₦800,000+
(Government appointees earn millions)

Top Career Paths:

• Civil Servant

• Policy Maker

• Administrative Officer

• Government Consultant

Top Schools:

• University of Abuja

• Ambrose Alli University

• Lagos State University (LASU)

7. Psychology

Why It Pays:

As mental health awareness grows in Nigeria, psychologists are now needed in hospitals, schools, companies, and private practices.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦180,000 – ₦700,000+
(Private practitioners earn more)

Top Career Paths:

• Clinical Psychologist

• HR Specialist

• School Counselor

• Organizational Psychologist

Top Schools:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

8. Criminology and Security Studies

Why It Pays:

In a country where security is critical, criminology graduates are highly sought after by security agencies, government bodies, and private firms.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦150,000 – ₦1,000,000+

Top Career Paths:

• Security Analyst

• Intelligence Officer

• Forensic Expert

• Private Investigator

Top Schools:

• University of Ilorin

• Federal University Dutse

• National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

9. English and Literary Studies

Why It Pays:

If you're a skilled communicator or writer, this course opens doors in publishing, education, content creation, editing, and even screenwriting.

Estimated Monthly Salary:

₦120,000 – ₦600,000+
(Freelancers, editors, and novelists earn more)

Top Career Paths:

• Editor or Copywriter

• Author or Screenwriter

• English Teacher

• Content Creator

Top Schools:

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Important Skills for High-Earning Art Graduates

To thrive in these high-paying careers, art students should cultivate the following:

• Excellent communication skills

• Public speaking and presentation abilities

• Digital literacy (social media, tools, analytics)

• Creative and critical thinking

• Writing, editing, and storytelling skills

• Networking and leadership skills

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can art students really earn as much as science students in Nigeria?

Yes. Especially in law, politics, media, and entertainment, art graduates are earning millions monthly.

2. Which art course has the highest salary in Nigeria?

Law, followed by Mass Communication and International Relations, are currently the most lucrative art disciplines in Nigeria.

3. Do art courses offer job security in Nigeria?

Absolutely. With the right skills and specialization, art graduates find stable roles in law, governance, media, education, and international organizations.

4. Can I become a millionaire with an art degree?

Yes! Many celebrities, lawyers, politicians, and media moguls in Nigeria hold art degrees and are multimillionaires.

5. Is Mass Communication better than Political Science in Nigeria?

It depends on your interest. Mass Comm leans toward media and branding, while Political Science leads to governance, administration, and policy.

Conclusion

In 2025, art students in Nigeria are breaking boundaries and earning big. From the courtroom to the newsroom, from the stage to the policy table, they’re leading in every sphere.

What matters most isn’t just the course, but your passion, skills, and how well you apply yourself. Choose any of these high-paying art courses, build your expertise, and success will follow.