List of Courses You Can Study Without English in Nigeria (2025 Full Guide)

In Nigeria, English Language is considered one of the most important subjects for gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It is usually a compulsory requirement in O’level exams such as WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB. However, not every student is able to pass English Language with credit (C6 or above). Many candidates end up with D7, E8, or F9 in English, which creates fear and confusion about whether they can still gain admission.

The good news is that there are still courses you can study without English in Nigeria. Some universities, polytechnics, and colleges offer programs that allow admission with a pass in English or accept combinations with other results. In some cases, certain courses simply do not prioritize English the way they prioritize subjects like Mathematics, Biology, or Economics.

This 2025 guide will give you a detailed breakdown of all the courses you can study without English in Nigeria. It will also explain:

• Why English is compulsory in most courses.

• Exceptions where English is not a strict requirement.

• Full list of courses you can study without English.

• Federal, state, and private institutions that accept students with weak English grades.

• O’level and JAMB subject requirements.

• Career opportunities in these courses.

• Common mistakes students make.

• FAQs for clarity.

By the end of this guide, you will understand all your options and know how to use them wisely to still gain admission in 2025.

Why English Is Important in Nigerian University Admission

Before looking at courses you can study without English, it is important to understand why English is compulsory in most cases:

1. Official Language of Nigeria – English is the language of communication in schools, workplaces, and government.

2. Medium of Instruction – All lectures, exams, and textbooks in Nigerian universities are written in English.

3. JAMB Requirement – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) includes English Language as a compulsory subject in UTME.

4. Professional Requirements – Careers like Law, Journalism, Education, and Mass Communication require strong English skills.

Despite this, not all courses require a credit pass (C6 and above) in English. Some courses allow a pass (D7 or E8), and some schools give students the chance to combine results or take remedial programs.

Can You Study Without English in Nigeria?

Yes. You can still gain admission into some courses without a credit in English. This may be possible in the following cases:

1. Vocational and Technical Courses – Some skill-based courses prioritize practical knowledge over English.

2. Science and Engineering Fields – Certain technical programs focus more on Mathematics and Sciences.

3. Education Programs – Some education-related fields accept candidates with weak English, provided they excel in other core subjects.

4. Polytechnics and Colleges of Education – These institutions are more flexible compared to federal universities.

5. Result Combination – Universities accept NABTEB, NECO, or WAEC combinations, making it possible to cover your weak grade in English with another exam.

Categories of Courses You Can Study Without English

To make things easier, let’s group the courses:

1. Science and Technology Courses

These courses emphasize Mathematics, Biology, Physics, or Chemistry. Examples include:

• Agricultural Science

• Animal Science

• Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Crop Production

• Forestry and Wildlife

• Environmental Management

• Food Science and Technology

2. Engineering and Technical Courses

Engineering programs are usually mathematics-driven, so English is not always the main requirement:

• Mechanical Engineering (some polytechnics allow D7/E8 in English)

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical/Electronic Engineering

• Welding and Fabrication Technology

• Industrial Technology

3. Commercial and Management Courses

Many business-related courses can accept a pass in English if you have strong grades in Economics, Commerce, and Mathematics:

• Marketing

• Insurance

• Cooperative Economics and Management

• Taxation

• Entrepreneurship Studies

4. Education and Vocational Courses

Teacher training and vocational education programs are more flexible:

• Home Economics Education

• Technical Education

• Adult and Non-Formal Education

• Fine and Applied Arts

• Industrial Education

5. Polytechnic Diploma Courses (ND/NCE)

These often have the most flexible requirements:

• Computer Engineering (ND level)

• Business Administration (ND level)

• Statistics (ND level)

• Hospitality Management

• Tourism Studies

Full List of Courses You Can Study Without English in Nigeria (2025)

Here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Science Courses

• Agricultural Science

• Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Animal Science

• Forestry and Wildlife Management

• Crop Production

• Environmental Biology

Engineering and Technical Courses

• Civil Engineering (polytechnic level)

• Mechanical Engineering

• Welding and Fabrication

• Industrial Technology

• Building Technology

Commercial Courses

• Marketing

• Insurance

• Taxation

• Entrepreneurship Studies

• Cooperative and Rural Development

Education/Vocational Courses

• Home Economics Education

• Adult and Non-Formal Education

• Guidance and Counselling (in some institutions)

• Fine Arts Education

• Woodwork Technology

Polytechnic/College of Education ND & NCE Programs

• Statistics

• Hospitality Management

• Tourism and Leisure Studies

• Office Technology and Management

• Business Administration and Management

Admission Requirements for Studying Without English

Even if English is not required at credit level, you still need to meet some conditions:

1. O’Level Result

   • At least 5 credits in other relevant subjects.

   • English may be allowed at pass level (D7 or E8).

2. JAMB UTME

   • English is compulsory in JAMB, but you do not need to pass at credit level in O’level to sit for UTME.

   • Subject combinations must include the relevant ones for your course (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics for science courses).

3. Institution Screening/Post-UTME

   • Some schools may still require English at credit level, so check the official JAMB brochure for your institution.

Universities and Polytechnics That Accept Students Without English

Not every institution is flexible, but some federal, state, and private schools accept students with D7/E8 in English.

• Polytechnics: Most federal and state polytechnics allow passes in English for ND programs.

• Colleges of Education: Many NCE programs are designed for candidates with weak English results.

• State Universities: Some state-owned universities are more flexible compared to federal universities.

Career Opportunities in Courses Without English

Studying without English does not mean you cannot succeed. Many careers depend more on technical, scientific, or vocational skills. Examples:

• Agriculture graduates become farmers, consultants, researchers, or food technologists.

• Engineering graduates work in construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

• Marketing/Insurance graduates can work in banking, business, and sales.

• Education graduates become teachers, administrators, and vocational trainers.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Believing No University Accepts Weak English Grades – This is false; many polytechnics and colleges do.

2. Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination in JAMB – Always check the JAMB brochure.

3. Ignoring Result Combination – You can combine WAEC and NECO results to cover deficiencies.

4. Applying Only to Federal Universities – These are more competitive; try polytechnics and colleges.

Summary Table of Courses You Can Study Without English

FAQs on Studying Without English in Nigeria

1. Can I gain admission in Nigeria without passing English?

Yes, but only into selected courses, especially in polytechnics, colleges of education, and less competitive programs.

2. Which course can I study with D7 in English?

You can study courses like Agriculture, Fisheries, Marketing, Insurance, and some technical education programs.

3. Can I study Medicine without English?

No. Medicine requires a credit pass in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results to cover English?

Yes, many schools allow result combination as long as both results meet requirements.

5. Do polytechnics accept D7 in English?

Yes, most polytechnics accept D7 or E8 in English for ND programs.

6. Which university accepts E8 in English?

Some state universities and private institutions do, but it depends on the course.

7. Is English compulsory in JAMB?

Yes. Even if your O’level English is weak, JAMB requires English Language as a compulsory subject in UTME.

8. Can I study law without English?

No. Law requires a strong credit pass in English and Literature-in-English.

9. Which commercial course can I study without English?

Marketing, Insurance, Cooperative Studies, and Taxation are possible options.

10. Can I study Education without English?

Yes, some education courses accept students with passes in English.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, English is compulsory for most courses. However, there are still courses you can study without English, especially if you have a pass (D7/E8) instead of a credit. These include science courses like Agriculture and Fisheries, engineering courses in polytechnics, business courses like Marketing and Insurance, and several education and vocational programs.

If you are struggling with English Language, do not give up on your dream of higher education. Instead, explore these alternatives, consider combining results, and apply to polytechnics or colleges of education where requirements are more flexible.

Your choice of course does not determine your success — your passion, skills, and determination will.