Business administration is basically the management of a business. It encompasses all aspects of supervising and overseeing business affairs. It also involves business analysis, planning and strategy formulation and implementation. This profession requires the acquisition of several different professional skills such as managerial reasoning, decision making ability, and business analysis.
The major subjects one can study in business administration include accountancy, public sector management, finance, economics, human resources, marketing management and law. There are various other subjects one can pursue to complete a degree such as strategic management, marketing and strategic planning. The study of business administration should be undertaken as soon as one has graduated from secondary school or college. As there are many companies looking for qualified employees, positions for qualified individuals are likely to be available in this field. The role of an accountant is very important in this field, as they provide the business with reliable financial accounts.
Accounting is an important aspect of business administration, as it deals with the financial matters of the company. Graduates with an accounting degree are often well placed in corporate positions. Accountants are required to analyze and come up with solutions to complex problems that arise in organizations. Graduates can pursue subjects such as statistics, data processing, mathematics and algebra. Some of the more popular courses for accountants include public finance and business law, which require general knowledge of taxation and the social science subjects.
Another subject which is compulsory for all accountants to undertake is English language. The aim of English language studies is to develop understanding, efficiency and comfort with the English language. It helps students to comprehend global situations and issues in an environment that is familiar to them. Other required subjects for accountants include business law, international business law, how to write an effective business plan, and accounting software. Azikiwe, area (unzip), leiki (ihlani), and exons (exon) are other commonly required subjects. Azikiwe refers to accounting principles, awka deals with management and decision making, and leiki deals with financial accounting.
After completing a degree course in business administration, all students have to undergo a practical test which puts them under pressure to apply what they have learnt. The test that must be taken by all Nigerian accountants before gaining entry into a reputed institution is the AHLS (All Together Language Assessment Test) based on the fourth round of the standardized exam. The test covers reading, writing and pronunciation of key phrases. The reading section assesses various combinations of vocabulary, sentence structure, reading comprehension and spelling. The writing section assesses analytical and communicative skills in addition to reader preference, format, tone, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Another prerequisite for any student who wishes to pursue his career in the field of business administration is the completion of at least one year of an undergraduate degree from an accredited business school. This is usually followed by four years of graduate studies at an accredited institution of higher education or a business administration university. Those wishing to specialize in human resources management will require at least one year of graduate studies at a university specializing in human resources management. A degree in finance is also a necessity as well as a license to work in financial institutions. A degree in economics, marketing or business administration will not be much help as these subjects are not studied in Nigeria.
There are several options available when looking for business administration graduate schools. Some of the well known universities offering specialized degrees include the University of Nairobi (UON), the University of Lagos and the Kadamba College of Business Administration. The courses offered by these institutions are generally Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with specialization in Human Resources Management. BBA and HRM programs are popular with Nigerian graduates as these courses help them prepare for a career in human resources administration in Nigeria. The National Association of Wholesale Executives also offers training in Human Resources Management.
Business administration degree programs vary depending on the size and number of students. The courses offered by the University of Nairobi offer a three year course which can be completed in two years. At the University of Lagos there are two years and the master’s degree programs. For those who wish to specialize in finance administration, there are the University of Lagos and the University of Nairobi.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.