If you’ve ever felt the thrill of stepping onto a stage, bringing characters to life, or telling powerful stories through movement, music, or dialogue, then a degree in Drama, Dramatic or Performing Arts might just be your calling. In Nigeria, the performing arts scene is growing rapidly — from Nollywood to live theatre, from cultural festivals to modern dance — and there's an increasing demand for trained professionals who understand the craft, the theory, and the heart behind performance.
Whether you're a secondary school leaver dreaming of a spotlight-filled future, or you're simply curious about the academic path that leads to the stage, this blog has you covered. We’ll walk you through: The list of accredited Nigerian universities offering Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts; The correct JAMB subject combination for the course; The necessary O’Level (WAEC/NECO) requirements to gain admission.
##What is Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts Course?
Drama is a literary form presenting a story through dialogue and action for performance, encompassing both the written script and the art of acting and production. Dramatic refers to anything related to this art form, from plays to the portrayal of human emotion and conflict. Performing arts are a broad category of live artistic expression, including drama, dance, and music, where performers use their bodies, voices, or objects to entertain an audience
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Kaduna State university (KASU)
##JAMB Subject Combination for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts
In UTME, please note that English Language is a compulsory subject needed to study Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts with other three subjects namely: Literature in English, Fine Arts /CRS/IRS, Government/History/Music/Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa.
##O'Level Requirements for Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts
To be eligible for admission into a Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts program, candidates must meet specific O'level requirements. Generally, you are required to have at least five (5) credits in relevant subjects, which typically include:
English Language
Literature in English
Fine Arts/Government/History
CRS/IRS
Music/Yoruba/ Igbo/Hausa
Economics/Civic Education