By Betty Philips Studying Theatre Arts in Nigeria is an exciting path for anyone passionate about acting, directing, stage production, and filmmaking. Theatre Arts combines creativity, performance, and cultural expression, preparing graduates for careers in Nollywood, television, media, and live theatre. This guide provides a comprehensive look at universities offering Theatre Arts in Nigeria, including estimated fees and program highlights.
Universities That Offer Theatre Arts In Nigeria And Fees
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
- Location: Ibadan
- Estimated Fees: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000/year
University of Ibadan is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious Theatre Arts programs in Nigeria. The curriculum balances theory with practical performance, offering students hands-on experience in acting, directing, stage management, and production. Graduates benefit from the university’s rich history in arts and its strong alumni network in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Location: Lagos
- Estimated Fees: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000/year
UNILAG offers Theatre Arts under its Creative Arts faculty. Students gain access to modern performance facilities and opportunities to work with Nollywood professionals. The program emphasizes both traditional theatre and contemporary media arts, providing a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in film, television, and stage productions.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Location: Enugu
- Estimated Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦90,000/year
UNN offers Theatre Arts with a strong focus on both stage and screen. Students are trained in acting, directing, scriptwriting, and production design. The university encourages participation in cultural festivals and provides exposure to practical theatre through performance projects.
4. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Location: Edo
- Estimated Fees: ₦70,000 – ₦120,000/year
UNIBEN’s Theatre Arts program emphasizes practical performance and media integration. Students gain hands-on experience in stage design, choreography, and film production. The curriculum encourages creativity while promoting professionalism in the entertainment industry.
5. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Location: Cross River
- Estimated Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000/year
UNICAL offers a comprehensive program in Theatre Arts with strong practical and theoretical training. Students participate in plays, cultural showcases, and performance workshops that prepare them for careers in acting, directing, and stage production.
6. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Location: Rivers
- Estimated Fees: ₦45,000 – ₦90,000/year
UNIPORT provides a blend of traditional theatre and modern media arts in its Theatre Arts curriculum. Students are trained in acting, stagecraft, production, and performance critique. The university has well-equipped facilities to support practical learning.
7. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Location: Zaria
- Estimated Fees: ₦40,000 – ₦80,000/year
ABU offers a culturally rich Theatre Arts program that emphasizes indigenous theatre forms alongside modern performance techniques. Students engage in productions and festivals, gaining exposure to practical performance and research in theatre studies.
8. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Location: Kwara
- Estimated Fees: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000/year
UNILORIN is known for a stable academic calendar and strong arts programs. The Theatre Arts program provides training in acting, directing, scriptwriting, and stage management. Students participate in regular performances and university productions.
9. Lagos State University (LASU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000/year
LASU offers practical training in Theatre Arts, giving students opportunities to work with industry professionals in Lagos. The program emphasizes performance, production, and cultural theatre.
10. Delta State University (DELSU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦90,000 – ₦150,000/year
DELSU focuses on stage performance, directing, and production design. Students engage in workshops, theatre festivals, and community projects, which enhance practical skills and creativity.
11. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦130,000/year
EKSU offers a balanced program with theoretical studies and practical performance projects. Students learn acting, directing, stage management, and choreography in both traditional and modern theatre forms.
12. Benue State University (BSU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦70,000 – ₦120,000/year
BSU provides an affordable yet comprehensive Theatre Arts program. The curriculum focuses on performance skills, stagecraft, and directing, with opportunities to participate in university plays and cultural events.
13. Kogi State University (KSU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦70,000 – ₦120,000/year
KSU’s Theatre Arts program develops creative talent in performance, acting, and stage management. Students gain exposure through productions, workshops, and cultural festivals.
14. Imo State University (IMSU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000/year
IMSU offers Theatre Arts under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The program emphasizes creativity, performance skills, and stagecraft, preparing students for careers in media and live theatre.
15. Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
- Estimated Fees: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000/year
NSUK offers a growing Theatre Arts program that focuses on both traditional and contemporary performance. Students participate in plays, cultural events, and practical workshops.
16. Plateau State University (PLASU)
- Estimated Fees: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000/year
PLASU’s Theatre Arts program emphasizes cultural theatre, acting, and performance production. Students gain practical experience through performances and community theatre initiatives.
17. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Estimated Fees: ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000/year
ABUAD is a top private university with modern theatre facilities and comprehensive training. The program covers acting, directing, scriptwriting, and film production.
18. Bowen University
- Estimated Fees: ₦400,000 – ₦800,000/year
Bowen University offers a creative and disciplined Theatre Arts program. Students are trained in acting, directing, production, and stagecraft.
19. Redeemer’s University
- Estimated Fees: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000/year
Redeemer’s University provides a structured curriculum in Theatre Arts. Students gain practical exposure in acting, stage management, and film production.
20. Igbinedion University
- Estimated Fees: ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000/year
Igbinedion University is one of Nigeria’s first private universities offering Theatre Arts. The program emphasizes creativity, performance, and modern media integration.
21. Gregory University
- Estimated Fees: ₦400,000 – ₦700,000/year
Gregory University provides a modern Theatre Arts program that combines theory and practice, focusing on acting, directing, and production.
22. Evangel University
- Estimated Fees: ₦300,000 – ₦600,000/year
Evangel University offers a faith-based Theatre Arts program with practical performance opportunities and creative arts training.
Comparison Table of Universities and Fees
| No | University | Type | Estimated Fees (₦/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Ibadan | Federal | 40,000 – 70,000 |
| 2 | University of Lagos | Federal | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| 3 | UNN | Federal | 50,000 – 90,000 |
| 4 | UNIBEN | Federal | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| 5 | UNICAL | Federal | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| 6 | UNIPORT | Federal | 45,000 – 90,000 |
| 7 | ABU | Federal | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| 8 | UNILORIN | Federal | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| 9 | LASU | State | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| 10 | DELSU | State | 90,000 – 150,000 |
| 11 | EKSU | State | 80,000 – 130,000 |
| 12 | BSU | State | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| 13 | KSU | State | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| 14 | IMSU | State | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| 15 | NSUK | State | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| 16 | PLASU | State | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| 17 | ABUAD | Private | 500,000 – 1,000,000 |
| 18 | Bowen | Private | 400,000 – 800,000 |
| 19 | Redeemer’s | Private | 300,000 – 700,000 |
| 20 | Igbinedion | Private | 600,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 21 | Gregory | Private | 400,000 – 700,000 |
| 22 | Evangel | Private | 300,000 – 600,000 |
Conclusion
Nigeria offers a wide range of universities for studying Theatre Arts. Federal universities are generally more affordable, while private institutions provide modern facilities and strong industry exposure. Consider your budget, location, career goals, and access to practical opportunities before choosing a university.
- Best for affordability: Federal universities like UI and UNILAG
- Best for industry exposure: Universities in Lagos
- Best for facilities: Private universities like ABUAD and Igbinedion
Studying Theatre Arts in Nigeria can open doors to Nollywood, media, live theatre, and many creative careers.
Join EdubaseNG WhatsApp Channel to get the latest education & student loan tips
Join our Telegram Channel to get the latest news about Student Loans & Education News.
Are you a stakeholder in education? You can become our guest writer. Write to us using our our email address here