Top 10 Business Schools in Nigeria for Professional Courses

There are many business schools in Nigeria and abroad, but in this article, our focus shall be business schools in Nigeria.

For every professional career path you desire, there’s always an institution that takes you through the journey, step by step. This case is not an exception for those who intend to learn the fundamentals of business, its strategies, management, and operations. Those who understand the complexities of business understand the need for business schools. The awareness for business school is critical in today’s world where the business world cries for much support.

Without the right business knowledge, one could fall into several errors which could lead to loss and regret. Thus, before you venture into any business, learn the intricacies of business by attending a business school.

What is a Business School?

A business school, also called a school of management, management school, or college of business is an educational institution that offers courses relating to business. This institution could either be an undergraduate school or a graduate school. Business Schools teach courses such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) – with MBA being the most common of them all.

The curriculum of a business school focuses on courses like finance, accounting, marketing, economics, human resources, and entrepreneurship which are all core subjects required to become a graduate of business school.

The main purpose of a business school is to breed individuals who are fully prepared to lead, manage, develop, and promote business in any organization – be it private or public. By attending a business school, you learn the core skills required in business, which include but are not limited to leadership, ethics, social responsibility, organization, planning, and analysis – all to ensure a business set-up is fully blown and functional.

Anyone who graduates from business school is usually addressed by the degree earned. A graduate of an MBA, for instance, is addressed as an MBA, and a graduate of EMBA is called an EMBA. Whether you are studying in Nigeria or abroad, the essentials of every business school remain the same as the end goal is to breed qualified business administrators.

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History of Business Schools in Nigeria

The history of business education can be dated back to our forefathers as business transactions are not a new thing in Nigeria. The first notable history of business transactions is the trade-by-barter approach our forefathers adopted to get what they needed before the advent of money. At that time, education was passed down the generational line through hands-on experiences, oral lessons, and observations.

Although formal education in business began only about two centuries ago, the knowledge of business has been passed on from generation to generation; we were taught the basics of trading from our mothers who sold some cooked maize, roasted yam, or processed cassava to the villagers, and our fathers who sold to market women, having determined the cost of farm inputs, amount of yield, and the stress undergone during the farming process.

These are testaments that knowledge of business is not a modern concept; it has been on since human interactions began. Below are some of the historical backgrounds of business schools – as opposed to the informal setting – from the colonial era till the postcolonial.

The University College Ibadan, now known as The University of Ibadan, was the first institution to offer business-related courses, with Public Administration and Economics being their premier courses in the business world.

With independence, Nigeria saw rapid economic growth that made her recognize the need to extend formal education in business across all parts of the country. This led the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Ahmadu Bello University to incorporate management science programs in 1960. In the same year, the Nigeria Institute of Management was established to provide managerial training programs. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, also expanded their curriculums to accommodate business administration and other administrative disciplines in the 1970s and 1980s, respectively.

The expansion of business schools grew widespread with the increasing demand for business experts, leading institutions such as the Lagos State Business School, University of Ibadan Business School, and Ahmadu Bello University to integrate full business curricula into their systems. shed to provide managerial training programs.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Nsukka also expanded their curriculum to accommodate business administration and some other administration under a faculty in 1970 and 1980 respectively. The expansion of business schools grew widespread with the exposure to the need for business experts as Lagos State Business School, University of Ibadan Business School Ahmadu Bello University integrated a full business curriculum into their system.

Business Schools in Nigeria

Would you like to attend a business school without traveling overseas? Here are some of the business schools in Nigeria.

Business Schools in Lagos, Nigeria

Depending on the location and school, business schools in Lagos range from ₦6,500,000 to ₦10,000,000. These prices cover the entire period to be spent in these schools. Below are some of the business schools in Lagos;

  1. Lagos Business School, Lekki – Epe way
  2. Rome Business School
  3. International School of Management
  4. University of Lagos Business School
  5. Harde Business, Ikeja, Lagos State
  6. Pristine School of Management, Muhammad Muritala way
  7. Hospitality Business School, Olowora Road
  8. Regenesses Business School
  9. The Executive Business School Limited
  10. Unicaribbean Business School of Nigeria, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Business Schools in Abuja, Nigeria

  1. Fordax Business School: Fordax Business School is a government-approved business school in Abuja, and an internationally accredited institution that offers an executive diploma in business equivalent to MBA.
  2. American University of Nigeria (AUN)
  3. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) Faculty of Management Sciences
  4. Metropolitan School of Business and Management (MSBM)
  5. Concord Global Business School (CGBS)

Business Schools in Port Harcourt Nigeria

The business schools in Port Harcourt include;

  • Garden City Premier Business School, Orogbum
  • University of Port Harcourt Business School and ICAN Tuition Center
  • Albert School of Business and Management
  • Riverford Business School
  • Quantum Business School, Port Harcourt
  • City Business School
  • African Business School (ABS)
  • Brawndy Business School
  • OneWorld Business School and Information Technology
  • The Alternative School

Top 10 Business Schools in Nigeria and Their Fees

1. The Lagos Business School (LBS)

Lagos Business School (LBS) is the graduate business school that is part of Pan-Atlantic University, run by the Pan-Atlantic University Foundation (PAUF); a non-profit organization in Nigeria.

LBS focus on training students through various business-related programs including business programs and executive courses. These courses are tailored to meet the requirements of business organizations, as well as general open-enrollment options for anyone interested in improving their management skills. It is located at Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

To enroll for MBA in LBS, you need to have – 5 credits in your SSCE, including English and Mathematics; A minimum of 3 years of work experience; and a university degree with at least a 2.2 classification. LBS is well known for its quality education and commitment to helping students grow professionally, preparing them for key roles in the business world.

2. School Of Business & Entrepreneurship (American University of Nigeria)

School Of Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) is one of the top business schools in Nigeria, that is at the forefront of America University’s Development University mission.  Its main goal is to help Nigeria create a sustainable prosperity for all. It is located at Wuro Hausa 640101, Yola, Adamawa.

Learn more about SBE through this link.

3. Rome Business School, Nigeria

Rome Business School, Nigeria is a branch of the Rome Business School, Rome, Italy. It is a managerial training and research institute of excellence located in Ikeja, Lagos. Rome is known to bridge the gap between classroom lessons and real-life business application.

To get into Rome Business School, you need 2 years of working experience, a bachelor’s degree, and fluent knowledge of English. To learn more about Rome Business School, go through this link.

4. African Business School

African Business School is a business academy that focuses on professional advancement in technology, as well as in business, financial, administration, accounts, marketing, banking management, and public administration.

ABS is known for solving the academic and professional complaints crisis in the business world through its graduates. It is located at Plot 108, 4th Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja. Learn more about the admission requirements of ABS here.

5. University of Nigeria Business School

University of Nigeria Business School is another great citadel where masters and doctoral degrees in business administration are offered. It is located in Obukpa Road, Nsukka, Enugu. To learn about the application requirements of UNN, click HERE.

6. Ibadan Business School (IBS)

Ibadan Business School is notably known for its impact on small, medium, and large-scale businesses as trains qualified individuals who can thrive well in any of the three business scales, preparing them to become exceptionally useful in the public sector. It is located on Francis Okediji Street, Off Awolowo Avenue, Ibadan.

Learn more about Ibadan Business School HERE.

7. University of Ibadan Business School

Ibadan Business School is one of the best business schools that trains experienced business managers, who can solve challenges in business world appropriately.

Welll known for their standard, Ibadan Business school consults and collaborates with notable agents both in private and public sectors, including other institutes for teaching, research, consultancy, and community development. It is located at Ajibode Road, 200132, Jamoje, Oyo, with its parent body being University of Ibadan.

To start a study there, you need a first degree from the University of Ibadan or a national diploma from any other recognized institute.

University of Lagos Business School (ULBS)

The University of Lagos Business School is situated within the University of Lagos campus, at Akoka, in Lagos. The ULBS aims to be a centre of excellence for business education where global leaders and managers are trained in line with the current realities of the worldand the market.

ULBS offers several executive professional degrees, diploma, and certificate programs to help new generation of business leaders and managers solidify their short and long term successes in business. Check the ULBS and the programs offered.

8. Jos Business School

Job Business School is an integrated institution that teaches disciplines including marketing, business management, leadership skills, and entrepreneurship skills. It is located at Bar Jirgi Summa, Jos. To learn about the admission requirements of Jos Business School, check HERE.

9. Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

The Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University is one of the oldest faculties in Nigeria, making it a top ‘producer’ of several graduates. The OAU’s Faculty of Administration has four main departments under its umbrella. They include, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Aministration, and Local Government & Development Studies. They offer one of the best MBA degrees. OAU is located at Ile-Ife, Osun State. Learn about the requirements of Faculty of Administration HERE;

Online Business Schools in Nigeria

1. Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University offers an MSc. Business Analytics that help you learn data analysis, innovative technologies, and decision-making techniques to lead modern businesses. This program is highly flexible; accommodating everyone’s unique schedule, career-focused, readily accessible, and curriculum rich.

To learn Business Analytics at Heriot Watt, University, you’ll progress through six 20-core credit courses, one 20-credit optional course, and a 40-credit Business Analytics Reflective Portfolio, making a total of 100 points at the end of your study. You’ll learn;

  • How to make strategic choices;
  • Data analysis for modern businesses; and
  • How to lead organizational change.

In 200 dedicated hours, you shall complete this course online from the comfort of your home. However, this time frame can be stretched over a few months or years, depending on your availability. What matters most is your focus, dedication, and commitment to learning the course completely.

Assessments such as quizzes will also be assigned to you at the end of the course to test your knowledge. Do you want to learn more about Heriot-Watt University? Here you go: https://www.hw.ac.uk/online/msc-business-analytics/

2. Docenti Global Business School (DGBS)

This is an online institution that offers business courses like Masters of Business Administration (MBA). It is a newly designed innovation tailored towards the needs of everyone – working class/busy individuals, students, and other professionals alike – called the DGBS Power MBA 4.0.

The DGBS Power MBA 4.0 is designed to equip students with first-hand industry skills and practical applications. After completion, you earn a certificate issued by Bodhisastra University, Florida, USA. It costs about 1.5million Naira to study an MBA course at DGBS.

See more about Docenti Global Business School.

3. Nexford University

Nexford University is an online institution that strives to give students world-class economic mobility across the world. It trains students to become versatile in business administration and management, training students with dynamic, affordable, and high-quality experience. Nexford University is located in United State of America (USA). See more about Nexford HERE.

FAQs

1. What is a Business School?

A business school is a formal setting where business-related disciplines such as business administration, finance, management, and marketing are offered.

2. Is MBA the only degree earned in a Business School?

No. The Master of Business Administration is only earned in a business school offering Business Administration at the master level. The degree earned depends on your course of study and the educational level in which you took the course.

3. What are the admission requirements for business schools?

Admission requirements vary based on school and location, but generally include:

• A relevant academic backgroun4 and certificate for proof;

• Work experience (especially for MBA programs);

• Standardized tests (e.g., GMAT, GRE);

• Personal statement and interview.

4. Can I attend business school online?

Yes. Many accredited online business schools offer credible certificates that are tenable for employment.

5. How much does an MBA cost?

MBA costs

6. How long does it take to complete a business school program?

• For undergraduate programs, it takes typically 3–4 years

• MBA programs take 1–2 years (full-time); 2+ years (part-time or executive MBA)

• Executive programs take about 6 weeks to 12 months

7. What career opportunities are available for business school graduates?

A graduate of business school can work in institutes of marketing or finance; offer consultation services; become an entrepreneur; offer corporate services; and human resource management.

Conclusion

Business Education is essential for the growth of business corporations and the economy at large. Several institutions across Nigeria have recorded tremendous success in impacting business knowledge to individuals.

Your location should not a barrier to acquiring business knowledge as business schools are now established both online and physical. Learn the intricacies of business, and grow the world with your economic knowledge.

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