Educational Administration and Planning is one of the most important courses in the field of education. It focuses on training students to manage schools, educational institutions, and government agencies responsible for policy formulation, implementation, and supervision. If you dream of becoming a school principal, educational planner, policymaker, curriculum evaluator, school administrator, or education consultant, this course is a perfect fit for you.In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about studying Educational Administration and Planning in Nigerian universities—from O’level requirements to Masters and PhD qualifications, duration, job opportunities, and the universities offering the course.This article is written in a friendly, professional, and SEO-optimized style to help students, parents, and educators understand the course requirements in a clear and detailed way.
1. Introduction to Educational Administration and Planning
Educational Administration and Planning is a specialized field of study that combines education, management, leadership, and policy studies. It prepares students to run educational institutions professionally by teaching them how to make decisions, plan development strategies, evaluate curriculum, allocate resources, and ensure that schools and learning environments run smoothly.In today’s world, where education systems are becoming more complex, the demand for skilled educational administrators has grown rapidly. Every educational system—primary, secondary, or tertiary—needs qualified professionals who understand educational laws, management procedures, leadership ethics, and national education policies.Graduates of Educational Administration and Planning are trained to work in both public and private sectors as:
- School managers
- Inspectors
- Principals
- Educational planners
- Curriculum evaluators
- Educational researchers
- Policy analysts
This course equips you with the knowledge required to improve the quality of education and ensure efficiency in school management.
2. JAMB Subject Combination for Educational Administration and Planning
To study Educational Administration and Planning in any Nigerian university, you must register the correct JAMB subject combination. Choosing the wrong subjects can disqualify you from getting admission.The correct JAMB subject combination for Educational Administration and Planning is:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Mathematics
- Economics or Government
- Any other Social Science or Arts subject such as:
- History
- CRS/IRS
- Geography
- Literature-in-English
- Civic Education
Why these subjects?
Educational Administration and Planning requires understanding of management principles, social systems, human behavior, and economic planning; therefore, social science subjects are very relevant.
3. O’level Requirements for Educational Administration and Planning
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your O’level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB) including:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Mathematics
- Economics or Government
- Any two other Arts or Social Science subjectslike:
- Civic Education
- CRS/IRS
- Geography
- Literature-in-English
- History
Additional Notes:
- A credit in English Language is mandatory because communication and writing skills are important in educational administration.
- Some universities accept a credit in commerce.
- You must have at least 5 credit passes in not more than two sittings.
4. Direct Entry Requirements for Educational Administration and Planning
If you want to apply through Direct Entry (DE) into 200 level or 300 level, the requirements include:
A. Accepted Certificates
You must have one of the following:
- NCE (National Certificate in Education) in any Education-related field
- OND in Social Sciences or Management courses
- HND in relevant disciplines
- A Level / IJMB passes in Social Science subjects
- Diploma in Education
B. Minimum requirements
- At least Upper Credit for NCE, OND, or HND applicants
- Two A-Level passes in relevant subjects
- O’level requirements must still be complete (five credits)
C. Direct Entry Duration
- For NCE or OND: 3 years (200 Level)
- For HND or Bachelor’s degree holders: 2 years (300 Level)
5. JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Educational Administration and Planning
Different universities set their cut-off marks, but generally:
General JAMB cut-off mark
- 160 – 180 (Minimum for less competitive universities)
Competitive university cut-off
However, for higher chances of admission, students are advised to aim for 200 and above to remain on the safe side.
Post-UTME Screening
Most universities conduct screening tests and consider:
- JAMB score
- O’level grades
- Post-UTME score
High performance increases your chances of admission.
6. Duration of the Course
The duration of studying Educational Administration and Planning varies depending on the entry method:
- UTME (JAMB): 4 years
- Direct Entry (NCE/OND): 3 years
- Direct Entry (HND/First Degree): 2 years
Postgraduate duration will be covered in the next sections.
7. Postgraduate Studies in Educational Administration and Planning
Graduates can advance their academic careers by enrolling in postgraduate studies such as:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Master’s Degree (M.Ed or M.Sc Ed)
- Doctorate Degree (PhD)
Let’s look at each in detail.
8. Requirements for Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Educational Administration and Planning
PGD is for graduates who studied courses outside education but want to switch into Educational Administration.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (minimum Third Class).
- HND with a minimum of Lower Credit.
- O’level requirements must still be complete.
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
9. Master’s Requirements for Educational Administration and Planning (M.Ed / M.Sc Ed)
The Master’s degree prepares graduates for advanced leadership, policy, and managerial roles in education.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education with at least Second Class Lower.
- Non-education degree holders must have a PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education).
- Academic transcripts and NYSC certificate.
Duration:
- Full-time: 1–2 years
- Part-time: 2–3 years
10. Doctorate Degree (PhD) Requirements in Educational Administration and Planning
The PhD is the highest academic degree in this field.
Requirements:
- A Master’s degree (M.Ed or M.Sc Ed) in Educational Administration & Planning.
- A minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
- A research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- NYSC certificate (for Nigerian students)
Duration:
- Full-time: 3–4 years
- Part-time: 4–6 years
PhD holders can become lecturers, professors, educational consultants, policy analysts, and top government officials.
11. Universities Offering Educational Administration and Planning in Nigeria
Many Nigerian universities offer this program either at bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD levels. Some include:
Federal Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA – at postgraduate level)
- Federal University of Education Kano
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
Private Universities
- Babcock University
- Lead City University
- Igbinedion University
- Madonna University
Availability varies depending on academic sessions.
12. Career and Job Opportunities in Educational Administration and Planning
Graduates of Educational Administration and Planning have a wide range of job opportunities. They can work in:
A. Schools
- School Administrator
- Principal / Vice Principal
- Head Teacher
- Registrar
- Bursar (with additional qualifications)
- Director of Studies
- Examination Officer
- Guidance and Counseling Unit
B. Government Agencies
- Ministry of Education
- Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB)
- Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM)
- National Universities Commission (NUC)
- National Examination Council (NECO)
- West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
C. Higher Institutions
- Lecturer
- Researcher
- Administrative Officer
- Faculty Officer
D. Private Sector
- Educational Consultant
- Training Manager
- Human Resource Manager (with additional training)
- NGO Program Coordinator
- Curriculum Developer
- Project Manager
E. International Opportunities
Graduates can work with international education organizations such as:
- UNESCO
- UNICEF
- World Bank Education Projects
- USAID Education Programs
F. Entrepreneurial Opportunities
You can start:
- Private schools
- Educational consultancy firms
- Home tutoring services
- Education publishing
- Training and seminar centers
13. Skills Required to Succeed in Educational Administration and Planning
The course equips students with several important skills including:
- Leadership skills
- Human resource management
- Curriculum planning
- Policy analysis
- Decision making
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Financial planning
- Time management
These skills make graduates highly valuable in the education sector.
14. Why Study Educational Administration and Planning?
There are many reasons why this course is worth studying:
- High demand for administrators
Schools constantly need trained professionals. - Opportunities in government jobs
Ministries and education agencies hire specialists with this qualification. - Flexible career paths
You can work in teaching, administration, research, consulting, and policy. - Opportunity to become an educational leader
You can become a principal, director, registrar, or school owner. - Strong postgraduate opportunities
The field provides numerous advanced degrees for career advancement. - Ability to shape the future of education
Planners help influence national education systems.
15. Summary Table of Requirements
| Admission Path | Requirements | Duration |
|---|
| UTME (JAMB) | 5 O’level credits + right JAMB subjects | 4 years |
| Direct Entry (NCE/OND) | NCE/OND (Upper Credit) | 3 years |
| Direct Entry (HND/Bachelor) | HND/First Degree | 2 years |
| PGD | HND or Bachelor degree | 1–2 years |
| Master’s (M.Ed) | Bachelor in Education or PGDE | 1–3 years |
| PhD | Master’s in Education | 3–6 years |
Conclusion
Educational Administration and Planning is an excellent course for students who want to build careers in leadership, management, and educational development. The course opens multiple opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including school administration, policymaking, human resource management, consultancy, and academic research. With the right qualifications—from O’level to PhD—graduates can rise to top leadership positions in the education sector.Whether you aim to become a principal, lecturer, education consultant, policymaker, school owner, education director, or researcher, this course provides the perfect foundation.If you follow the admission requirements carefully—correct JAMB subjects, O’level credits, Direct Entry qualifications, and good grades—you stand an excellent chance of being admitted into any Nigerian university offering Educational Administration and Planning.
