Short professional courses in Nigeria to try in 2025

As the job market evolves, many are turning to short professional courses in Nigeria to quickly gain relevant skills. Courses like digital marketing, data analysis, and project management are flexible, affordable, and designed to boost employability. In 2025, they offer a smart path for career growth or transition.

Key takeaways

• Short professional courses are increasingly aligned with Nigeria’s growing industries.
• These courses serve as career accelerators for job seekers, fresh graduates, and professionals looking to switch careers.
• Compared to traditional degrees, most short courses are affordable and widely available.
• Online and hybrid formats dominate, allowing learners to study at their own pace.
• Many short courses offer certifications from international bodies.

List of short professional courses in Nigeria and professional bodies

If you are looking to boost your career or acquire in-demand skills, we have a list of professional courses in Nigeria that are highly respected, job-relevant, and globally competitive. Some of these also feature in the list of professional courses in the world, and many can be studied at local institutions or online.

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Below are the top 20 professional courses in Nigeria you should consider pursuing. The list also features bodies offering these courses.

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1. Banking and Finance

The Nigerian banking sector is one of the most marketable industries in the country. The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBNG) trains and certifies experts in the banking profession. With this certificate, you have a better chance of getting employed than someone with only a Bachelor's degree.

CIBNG exams are in three levels: Diploma, Intermediate Professional, and Chartered Banker. After passing all three levels, you get the Associateship of The Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) certificate.

Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBNG)

• Head office address: Bankers House, PC 19, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Phone: 0700-DIAL-CIBN
• Email: cibn@cibng.org

2. Professional Certificate in Pension Management (PCPM)

Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (CPIN) is responsible for the training and retraining of pension practitioners in Nigeria.

CPIN organises seminars, workshops, pre-retirement, and retirement training for organisations, associations, government parastatals, etc. CPIN candidates are assessed before getting the CPIN membership.

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Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (CPIN)

• Head office address: 223, Ikorodu Road, Beside Bode Emmanuel Centre, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria
• Phone: +234-1-8114509/ +234- 8053414144
• Fax: +234-1-55569958
• Email address: info@pensioninstitute.org/ certifiedpension@yahoo.com

3. Certificate in Tax Administration & Management

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CTIN) certifies its members as qualified tax practitioners or administrators. It started on 4 February 1982 to enhance the skills of undergraduates and professionals. You become a CTIN professional student after passing the Taxation Technician Scheme (TTS).

Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CTIN)

• Head office address: Plot 27 Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Nigeria Email: citn@citn.org
• Phone: +234-1-7100262/ 090 8088 8815/ +234-1-8936023
• Box office address: PO Box 1087, Ebute-Metta, Lagos State, Nigeria

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is among the best online professional courses in Nigeria. It is the most important industry-recognised certification for project managers.

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A PMP certificate can help you work in virtually any industry, with any methodology, and in any location. You can do this course at Certification EDGE, one of Nigeria's leading training and consulting firms.

Certification EDGE

• Head office address: 33A Muri Folami Street, Ogudu GRA.
• Phone: 090 9777 0025, 090 9777 0026, 090 9777 0027
• Email: info@certificationedge.com/ certificationedge@gmail.com

5. Certificate in Professional Marketing

The Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria Certification (CIM) offers a variety of marketing courses. Certificate in Professional Marketing is one of the best online professional courses in Nigeria for business professionals. You can access courses in marketing and related subjects from CIM's official website. The platform has excellent content and allows you to do online tests.

Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria Certification (CIM)

• Head office address: 30A Montgomery Street, Friends Colony Estate, Agungi, Lekki, Lagos.
• Email: info@eClass.ng

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6. NIMN Certificate in Marketing

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) is a professional body for individuals involved in marketing and related fields. The Institute’s main role is to regulate and standardise marketing practices. It does this through professional examinations, certifications, and training. Membership in the Institute is compulsory for marketing practitioners in the country.

National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN)

• Head office address: 48B, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria.
• Phone: +234 816 032 1503
• Email: info@nimn.com.ng

7. Accounting and Business Management

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was founded in 1965 and has over 60,000 members. Some of its affiliates are the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA). The institute issues membership certificates to prove that someone is proficient in the chosen accountancy field.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)

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• Head office address: Plot PC. 16, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Phone: +234 1 630 9354
• Email: corporateaffairs@ican.org.ng

8. Human Resource Management

Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) offers professional courses for people working in the Human Resource Management sector. Those applying for membership do assessments that test their education, training, knowledge, skills, and experience. Become a certified/chartered human resources practitioner by doing CIHRM courses.

Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM)

• Head office address: 88 Iju Road, off Jungle Bus Stop, Ifako-Ogba, Lagos
• Phone: +234 8025486416/ +234 9099175136
• Email: membership@cihrmglobal.org, info@@cihrmglobal.org

9. Diploma In Training & Human Resource Development (DTHRD)

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) is the professional body for human resource management in Nigeria. It was founded in 1968 and became a chartered institute in 1973.

CIPM offers multiple professional courses and administers exams four times a year. Candidates must have been admitted as student members at least one month before the exam date. You can apply for the membership and exams on CIPM's website.

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Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM)

• Head office address: 1 CIPM Avenue, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Opp. Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
• Phone: 07001237555
• Email: info@cipmnigeria.org

10. Law and Business Management

The Centre for Law and Business Certification (CLB) is one of the best professional courses in Nigeria. The institute provides academic support for Law, MBA, Human Resources, and Public Policy postgraduate students, etc. You can learn more about the CLB biennial and quarterly law & business public lectures or attend the online public webinars on the official CLB website.

Centre for Law and Business Certification (CLB)

• Lagos address: 38/40, Orlando Martins Street, Onikan, Lagos
• Abuja address: 92, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
• Phone: +234 803 402 2967
• Email: info@clb.com.ng

11. Foundation in Estate Management

Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) is a professional institution for Estate Surveyors and Valuers founded in 1969. You should enrol in this institution to build a career in this field.

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NIESV membership is open to all Nigerians. There are three classes of membership: professional (associate and fellows), non-professional members (graduates, probationers, and students), and honorary members.

Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)

• Head office address: NIESV Building, Off Oladipo Diya St., District 900001, Abuja FCT
• Phone: +234 807 819 3014
• Email: info@niesv.org.ng

12. Medical Practitioners

It would help if you considered doing an Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) professional course after six years of medical training in any Nigerian medical university. If you want to be distinct and gain more recognition in the medical field, this course is the best for you.

Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP)

• Head office address: National Secretariat, House Number LA01, D’MAYOR’S Estate, Kaura District, Abuja, FCT
• Phone: 09156577199
• Email: support@anpmp.org

13. Accounting

The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria Certification (ANAN) is a highly demanded professional course in the accounting sphere. The professional and conversion courses are fully equipped to impart the qualities a professional accountant needs. After completing your preferred ANAN course, you will be inducted and undergo the Accountants-In-Training (AiT) program.

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Association of National Accountants of Nigeria Certification (ANAN)

• Head office address: ANAN House, Plot 559, Mabushi District, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja FCT
• Phone: +234-8169079585
• Email: info@anan.org.ng

14. Public Relations and Communication

Business Education Exams Council (BEEC) was established in 1983 to offer business experts and entrepreneurs short professional courses in Nigeria. It teaches current and future business managerial trends and practices.

BEEC exams for public relations, business management, marketing, advertising, administrative management, accountancy, and personnel management are generally international standards.

Business Education Exams Council (BEEC)

• Head office address: 1 Adewunmi Adebimpe Drive, Marwa, Lekki, Lagos
• Phone: +234 803-3005-858, +234 803-9188-739
• Email: info@beectraining.com

15. Chemical and Microbiological Analysis

The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) offers professional courses for microbiologists in Nigeria. You can enrol for laboratory training on chemical and microbiological analysis of food and other courses.

Graduates are inducted into NISLT upon completion of Mandatory Professional Exams and become licensed in Science Laboratory Technology.

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Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT)

• Head office address: National Secretariat, Samonda, Sango/UI Road, Ibadan
• Phone: +234 806 2117 814/ +234 803 0787 747
• Email: inform@nislt.gov.ng/ enquiry@nislt.gov.ng

16. Electrical Qualification - Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA)

The Electricians Training Programme is sponsored by Schneider Electric and the French Development Agency (AFD). The courses help professional electricians comply with international and national professional standards.

Electricity plant operators and self-employed electricians also learn the cost-effective and safe use of their electrical installations and power plants.

Schneider Electric and the French Development Agency (AFD)

• Nigeria head office address: 1 Tunde Gafar Close, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos
• Phone: +234 01-2778311
• Email: ccc.nigeria@schneider-electric.com

17. Oil and Gas Insurance Underwriting and Administration

Some of the best professional Oil and Gas courses by Alpha Partners Training are Oil and Gas Insurance Underwriting and Administration and Oil and Gas Business Environment. Others are Oil and Gas Finance Management, and Advanced Internal Auditing and Quality Assurance in the Oil and Gas Sector.

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Alpha Partners Training

• Head office address: 200, Murtala Muhammed Way (2nd & 3rd Floors), Adekunle Bus Stop, Yaba, Lagos
• Phone: +234 803 304 5484/ +234 906 000 2299
• Email: info@alphapartnerstrainings.com

18. Community Health, Paediatrics and Psychiatry

West African College of Physicians (WACP) was founded in 1976 for medical specialists in the West African sub-region. The institute supports high-quality training of doctors from graduation through speciality training and continuing professional development to international standards. WACP membership exams are done through the Computer-Based Test Mode.

West African College of Physicians (WACP)

• Head office address: 8 Thorborn Avenue, Lagos, Nigeria
• Phone: +234-809 429 5385
• Email: wacpexams@wacpcoam.org

19. NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)

Health and Safety Environment (HSE) Accredited Training Centre is a UK-approved centre in Nigeria. The institute offers various professional courses: International HSE level 1-3 and Advanced HSE level 4-5. The general and advanced HSE courses cover the statutory (legal) minimum requirements for employees or job seekers.

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Health and Safety Environment (HSE)

• Head office address: No. 8 Obanikoro Street, off Ikorodu Rd, Lagos State, Lagos
• Phone: 09068901163 (Abuja), 08162430555 (Lagos), 08055262123 (Port-Harcourt)
• Email: info@hsetrain.org

20. Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets

PTI is a leading institution in Africa, specialising in oil and gas education and training, with programs covering various aspects of the industry.

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) offers a range of programs, including National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in various engineering and technical fields, as well as certificate programs in specialised areas like welding and diving.

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI)

• Head office address: 1 PTI Road, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
• Phone: +2349035966950.
• Email: info@pti.edu.ng

Online professional courses in Nigeria with certificates

With the rise of digital learning, many Nigerians now have access to quality online professional courses in Nigeria with certificates, all from the comfort of their homes. These courses are tailored to meet local job market demands while also aligning with international standards.

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Below is a curated list featuring programs that fall under the top 10 professional courses in Nigeria, offered online by reputable institutions and platforms:

1. Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) – Coursera, Udemy, ALX

Project management is consistently ranked among the top 10 professional courses in Nigeria. Online courses come with internationally recognised certificates and practical case studies.

2. Digital Marketing – Google Digital Skills for Africa, HubSpot, Meta Blueprint

This course is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, and freelancers. Certificates are awarded upon completion and are widely accepted by Nigerian employers and global clients.

3. Data Analysis – Datacamp, Udemy, Microsoft Learn

Courses cover Excel, SQL, Python, and Power BI. These skills are in high demand across sectors in Nigeria and globally, making this one of the most valuable options in the top 10 professional courses in Nigeria.

4. Human Resource Management – CIPM Online, Coursera

This online professional course provides HR fundamentals and leads to certification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management or international providers.

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5. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE 1, 2, 3) – OSHAcademy, Alison

HSE courses remain critical in the oil, construction, and manufacturing industries in Nigeria. Online versions come with printable, verifiable certificates.

6. Graphic Design – Skillshare, Coursera, Canva Design School

This practical course teaches Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. It offers certificate options and has become one of the most popular online professional courses in Nigeria for creatives.

7. Web Development – ALX, FreeCodeCamp, Udacity

Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend languages. Certificates are awarded at completion and open doors to tech job opportunities locally and abroad.

8. Customer Relationship Management – Alison, edX

A great course for those in sales, business support, or customer-facing roles. Online learning includes simulations and ends with a certified assessment.

9. Accounting and Financial Analysis – ICAN Online, EduPristine, ACCA-X

These online professional courses focus on financial literacy, QuickBooks, and IFRS principles. Recognised certificates are awarded upon completion.

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10. UI/UX Design – Coursera, Google UX Design Certificate, Udemy

Design thinking and user research are highly valued in tech firms. These courses are online and fully certificate-based.

Are there 6-month diploma courses in Nigeria?

Yes, there are diploma programmes that take six months in the country. You should confirm how long a course takes before enrolling in it.

How many months is a short course?

Short courses, also known as Short Learning Programmes, are courses that vary in length between three and six months.

Which short course has high demand in Nigeria?

Check out the list of courses, professional bodies, and institutes above. The listed ones are in demand in Nigeria.

Is a short course a qualification?

Generally speaking, a short course is not a full qualification, such as a diploma or higher.

Which are the best professional courses in Nigeria?

To stay competitive in today’s economy, it’s smart to focus on the best short professional courses in Nigeria that are skill-based and future-proof. At the same time, take advantage of free short professional courses in Nigeria to expand your knowledge without breaking the bank.

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If you’re on a tight budget, many organisations offer free short professional courses in Nigeria with certificates. Some trusted options include:

• Google Digital Skills for Africa
• ALX Africa Tech Programs (sponsored by Mastercard Foundation)
• Jobberman Soft Skills Training
• Coursera (via scholarship programs)
• LinkedIn Learning (free trials)

Which course has more job opportunities in Nigeria?

Petroleum engineering, medicine, computer science, electrical engineering, and law are among the courses that offer many opportunities in the country.

Which short course is marketable

Multiple short courses in Nigeria are marketable.

Useless courses to study in Nigeria

While all fields have value, some university courses in Nigeria lack practical application or job market demand, making them less rewarding career-wise. Common examples include:

• Library and Information Science – Outdated curriculum
• Home Economics – Low demand without added skills
• Zoology/Botany – Limited job opportunities
• Philosophy/Religious Studies – Mostly academic roles
• Theatre Arts – Few structured career paths

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Investing in short professional courses in Nigeria can open doors to new opportunities. Whether it’s tech, business, or creative skills, the right course can fast-track your success. Make 2025 the year you upskill and stand out.

Legit.ng recently published a list of the best courses to study in the world. Students pick courses that they believe will help shape their careers and build a solid future. The selection process sometimes starts when one is in high school.

While still young, one may want to follow their passion. Growth and the dynamics in the education sector may make one change their mind once they come of age and understand why certain programs are more recognised.

Source: Legit.ng