15 Skills to Learn While Waiting for Admission in Nigeria

Finishing secondary school is an exciting milestone, but the months that follow can feel unusually long, especially when you are waiting for admission into a university, polytechnic or college of education.

You may have completed your WAEC or NECO examinations, written JAMB and started checking admission updates. While some students gain admission within a few months, others spend considerably longer waiting for their next academic session to begin.

This period gives you time to learn something useful outside the classroom.

You could learn how to design graphics, edit videos, build websites, sew clothes or manage a small business. You could also improve your computer skills, which will come in handy when you eventually begin lectures and start working on assignments.

You don’t need to learn everything at once, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on training. Some skills can be learned using a smartphone, while others require a computer, basic equipment or guidance from an experienced instructor.

If you are looking for skills to learn while waiting for admission in Nigeria, this guide covers 15 options, what you need to get started and how each skill could be useful during your university years.

1. Graphic Design

Graphic design is a useful skill for students who enjoy creating visual content. It involves designing materials such as business flyers, posters, invitations, logos and social media graphics.

You have probably seen students advertising campus events, departmental programs, tutorials and small businesses using digital flyers. Many of those designs are created by students who learned graphic design before or during their university education.

You can begin learning with Canva, which works on both smartphones and computers. Start by understanding basic design principles such as color combinations, typography, spacing and layout.

Once you understand these concepts, practice creating designs without depending entirely on ready-made templates.

For example, you could design a flyer for a fictional clothing business, a birthday invitation or a poster advertising a student event.

Save your designs in a portfolio so you can monitor your improvement.

What you need: A smartphone or computer, internet access and a graphic design application.

How it can help you in university: You may be able to design materials for student organizations, campus businesses or personal projects. With sufficient experience, you could also offer paid design services. which will earn you good money to support your self in school.

2. Video Editing

Video editing involves arranging recorded footage, removing unwanted sections, adding subtitles, adjusting sound and combining clips into a finished video.

You can learn basic video editing without owning an expensive camera or computer.

Applications such as CapCut allow you to edit videos directly from your smartphone. You can use them to practice creating short videos, interviews, tutorials and promotional content.

Start by recording a short video with your phone. Trim unnecessary parts, arrange the clips in a logical order and add subtitles where necessary.

As you improve, pay attention to sound quality, pacing and how well each scene supports the message you want to communicate.

Avoid spending all your learning time experimenting with transitions and visual effects. Good editing also involves knowing which parts of a video to remove and how to present information clearly.

What you need: A smartphone or computer, a video-editing application and footage to practice with.

How it can help you in university: You can edit videos for personal projects, student organizations and campus businesses. Your experience may also help you create educational or promotional content.

 

 

3. Content Writing

If you enjoy reading, researching topics and explaining ideas in writing, content writing may be worth exploring.

Content writers produce articles, website pages, newsletters, product descriptions and other written materials for businesses and organizations.

You can begin learning without paying for an expensive course.

Start by choosing a topic you understand and writing an article that answers a specific question.

For example, you could write about preparing for your first year in university, managing your personal expenses or choosing a course of study.

Learn how to organize your ideas, write clear introductions, use appropriate headings and support factual claims with reliable sources.

Reading articles from established publications can also help you understand different writing styles.

However, avoid copying their work or simply replacing words in an existing article.

The aim is to develop your ability to research a topic, understand it and explain it accurately.

What you need: A smartphone or computer, a writing application and access to reliable research materials.

How it can help you in university: Good writing skills are useful for assignments, reports and research projects. You could also explore freelance writing opportunities as your skills improve.

4. Computer Literacy

Basic computer knowledge is useful regardless of the course you intend to study.

University students frequently need to prepare assignments, conduct online research, create presentations, complete registration forms and manage digital documents.

If you have limited experience using a computer, the period before admission is a good time to become familiar with these activities.

Start by learning how to use a keyboard and mouse, organise files, install basic applications and navigate a computer operating system.

You can then move on to common productivity tools.

Microsoft Word: Learn how to type and format documents, insert tables, number pages and save files in different formats.

Microsoft Excel: Practise creating simple spreadsheets, performing calculations and organising information.

Microsoft PowerPoint: Learn how to prepare presentations with readable text, images and a logical structure.

You should also learn how to send emails, attach documents, use cloud storage and convert files to PDF.

If you do not own a computer, consider using a computer training centre or another accessible learning facility.

What you need: Access to a desktop or laptop computer.

How it can help you in university: You will be better prepared to handle digital assignments, presentations, online registration and other academic activities.

5. Web Design

Web design involves creating and organising the pages people interact with when visiting a website.

A website may contain text, photographs, navigation menus, contact forms and other elements that help visitors find information or complete a task.

If you are interested in technology, you can use your admission waiting period to learn how these elements work together.

Start with HTML, which defines the structure of a webpage, and CSS, which controls its appearance.

After understanding the basics, practice creating a simple personal website.

Your first project could contain a homepage, an about page and a contact section.

You can also explore WordPress, a content management system used to build and maintain different types of websites.

Rather than trying to learn every web development technology immediately, concentrate on understanding how websites are structured and how to create pages that work properly on phones and computers.

What you need: Preferably a laptop or desktop computer and internet access.

How it can help you in university: Web design can help you create personal projects, explore technology-related career interests and potentially build websites for student organizations or small businesses.

6. Social Media Management

Many businesses use social media to communicate with customers, advertise products and provide information about their services.

However, maintaining an active social media account involves more than uploading random pictures or videos.

Social media management includes planning content, writing captions, preparing graphics, scheduling posts and reviewing how audiences respond.

You can begin by learning how different platforms are used and what type of content is appropriate for each audience.

For example, a restaurant may use social media to display its menu, share customer information and announce special offers.

A training centre may publish course details, registration instructions and educational content.

Choose a fictional business and create a one-week content plan for it.

Prepare sample posts, write captions and identify the purpose of each piece of content.

You can also practise by helping a family business organise its social media page, provided the owner agrees.

What you need: A smartphone or computer, internet access and basic content creation tools.

How it can help you in university: You may be able to manage social media pages for student organisations, campus businesses or personal projects.

7. Photography

Photography is another skill you can begin learning with a smartphone.

You do not need to purchase a professional camera before understanding how to capture good photographs.

Start by learning about lighting, composition, camera angles and background selection.

Practise photographing everyday objects in different lighting conditions. Notice how changing the position of your subject or the direction of the light affects the result.

You can also experiment with portraits, product photography and outdoor photography.

As you improve, learn basic photo editing, including cropping, adjusting exposure and correcting colours.

Avoid applying excessive filters that make photographs look unnatural.

If you photograph other people, obtain their permission before publishing or using their images for promotional purposes.

What you need: A smartphone with a functional camera or a digital camera.

How it can help you in university: Photography can be useful for documenting campus events, creating content and developing a portfolio for future photography work.

8. Fashion Design and Tailoring

If you prefer practical work, you could consider learning how to sew clothes.

Tailoring involves taking measurements, cutting fabrics, operating sewing machines and assembling garments.

Fashion design also includes selecting fabrics, developing clothing ideas and understanding how different styles are constructed.

You can learn by enrolling in a vocational training centre or arranging an apprenticeship with an experienced tailor.

Begin with basic tasks such as identifying sewing equipment, taking measurements, threading a machine and making simple stitches.

As your skills improve, you can attempt more demanding projects under supervision.

Depending on your training schedule, you may be able to complete a few simple garments before gaining admission.

What you need: Access to sewing equipment, fabrics and a suitable training environment.

How it can help you in university: You can continue practising during your free time and may eventually offer clothing alterations or tailoring services to fellow students.

9. Baking and Small-Scale Catering

If you enjoy preparing food, you could learn baking or basic catering during your admission waiting period.

Baking involves preparing food products such as cakes, bread and pastries, while catering covers a wider range of food preparation and service activities.

Start by learning how to prepare a few products properly rather than attempting many complicated recipes at once.

For example, you could begin with chin chin, cupcakes or simple cakes.

Practice measuring ingredients accurately, following recipes, maintaining a clean preparation area and storing food safely.

You should also understand how to calculate production costs.

Record the amount spent on ingredients, packaging, electricity or cooking gas and other relevant expenses.

This will help you understand the difference between the money received from selling a product and the actual profit made.

What you need: Appropriate cooking equipment, ingredients and a clean food-preparation area.

How it can help you in university: You may be able to prepare food for personal use or develop a small food business if you have the equipment, time and necessary food-safety knowledge.

10. Hairdressing or Barbing

Hairdressing and barbing are vocational skills you can learn through practical training.

If you are interested in barbing, you can begin by understanding the different types of clippers, guards and haircut styles.

You should also learn how to maintain equipment and follow appropriate hygiene procedures.

Hairdressing may involve learning how to wash, prepare, braid and style hair.

Whichever option you choose, practical experience is essential.

Consider arranging training at a reputable salon where an experienced professional can supervise your progress.

Do not rush into performing complicated procedures on customers before developing the necessary skills.

What you need: Access to a salon or training centre, appropriate equipment and supervised practice.

How it can help you in university: You may be able to continue developing your skills and eventually provide hairdressing or barbing services where appropriate.

11. Basic Programming

Programming involves creating instructions that tell computers how to perform specific tasks.

If you are planning to study Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline, learning basic programming before admission can introduce you to concepts you may encounter during your studies.

You can start with Python, a programming language used in several areas of computing.

Begin with simple concepts such as variables, data types, conditions, loops and functions.

After understanding these topics, practise writing small programs.

For example, you could create a calculator, a simple quiz or a program that calculates a student’s average examination score.

Do not worry about learning several programming languages immediately.

Understanding the fundamentals of one language will make it easier to explore others later.

What you need: Preferably a computer and access to a suitable programming environment.

How it can help you in university: Basic programming knowledge can support your understanding of introductory computing courses and help you decide whether software development interests you.

12. Basic Data Analysis

Data analysis involves collecting, organising and examining information to answer questions.

You can learn the basics using spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

Start by entering information into rows and columns, sorting records and performing simple calculations.

Once you are comfortable with these tasks, learn how to use formulas, create charts and summarize information.

For practice, you could create a spreadsheet containing fictional sales records for a small business.

Calculate the total sales, average daily sales and the amount sold for each product.

You can also create a chart showing which products recorded the highest sales.

As your knowledge improves, explore more advanced spreadsheet functions and data visualization tools.

What you need: Access to a computer and spreadsheet software.

How it can help you in university: Spreadsheet skills can support academic assignments, research projects, budgeting and other activities involving numerical information.

13. Public Speaking and Communication

Being able to express your ideas clearly can make university life easier.

Students are often required to participate in group discussions, deliver presentations, defend projects and communicate with lecturers.

If speaking in front of other people makes you uncomfortable, you can use the period before admission to practise.

Choose a topic you understand and prepare a short presentation.

For example, explain why you selected your intended university course or discuss an issue affecting your community.

Record yourself speaking for two or three minutes.

Listen to the recording and pay attention to your pace, pronunciation and how clearly you explain your ideas.

You can also practice with friends or family members and ask them to identify areas for improvement.

What you need: A quiet environment, a topic to discuss and opportunities to practise.

How it can help you in university: Better communication skills can make it easier to participate in academic discussions, deliver presentations and work with other students.

14. Financial Literacy and Budgeting

Learning how to manage money before entering university can help you prepare for the financial responsibilities of student life.

You may need to manage an allowance while paying for food, transportation, internet subscriptions, learning materials and other expenses.

Without a budget, it can be difficult to understand where your money goes.

Start by recording the amount of money you receive and how much you spend each day.

Separate essential expenses from purchases that can be postponed.

You can also learn how to compare prices, set savings goals and identify common financial scams.

For example, create a monthly budget showing how you would manage a hypothetical ₦50,000 allowance.

Allocate the money across different expenses and determine how much, if anything, you could reasonably save.

What you need: A notebook or spreadsheet application.

How it can help you in university: You can develop better spending habits and become more comfortable making financial decisions.

15. Time Management and Independent Learning

University students are expected to manage their academic responsibilities with greater independence than they may have experienced in secondary school.

You may have lectures, assignments, examinations, group projects and personal responsibilities to manage.

Learning how to organize your time before admission can help you prepare.

Start by creating a weekly schedule for your current activities.

Set aside specific periods for learning your chosen skill, reading, household responsibilities and rest.

At the end of each week, review what you accomplished and identify activities that consumed more time than expected.

You can also practise independent learning by choosing a subject related to your intended course and studying it using textbooks or other reliable educational materials.

Take notes, answer practice questions and identify concepts you do not understand.

What you need: A notebook, calendar or task-management application.

How it can help you in university: You can develop study habits that will help you manage coursework and personal responsibilities.

How to Choose the Right Skill Before University

You do not have to choose a skill simply because other people are learning it or because someone claims it can generate a large amount of money.

Consider your interests, the equipment you already have, the cost of training and how you intend to use the skill.

The table below can help you narrow down your options.

You should also consider how much time you have before resuming school.

If your admission is expected within a few weeks, you should go for  a skill that allows you to learn the basics quickly and continue practicing after you resume.

For vocational skills requiring extensive practical training, discuss the expected training duration with your instructor before enrolling.

Where to Learn Skills for Free in Nigeria

You can begin learning several digital skills without enrolling in a paid training program.

However, practical trades may require access to equipment, a training centre or an experienced instructor.

YouTube

YouTube contains tutorials covering graphic design, video editing, programming, photography and several vocational skills.

Search for beginner-level lessons that follow a clear sequence.

For example, rather than watching unrelated graphic design videos, look for a structured Canva course that introduces the tools, explains basic design principles and includes practical exercises.

You can also use YouTube to learn the theory behind practical skills before attending physical training.

Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn provides self-paced educational materials covering computing, cloud technologies, programming and other technical subjects.

Students interested in technology can explore the available beginner-level learning paths.

Visit the Microsoft Learn training platform to browse available resources.

Vocational Training Centres

If you want to learn tailoring, hairdressing, baking or another practical trade, check for vocational training centres in your area.

Before registering, ask about the training fees, available equipment, course duration and practical exercises included in the program.

You should also find out whether the training schedule can accommodate your university resumption date.

Apprenticeships

You can learn certain skills by working under an experienced professional.

For example, you may be able to arrange training with a tailor, photographer, baker or hairdresser in your community.

Discuss the training arrangements before beginning, including fees, working hours, equipment and expected responsibilities.

If you are under 18, involve your parent or guardian when arranging an apprenticeship.

Free Skills Acquisition Programs

Government agencies, community organizations and other institutions occasionally organize skills acquisition programs for young Nigerians.

Some programs provide tuition-free training, while others offer subsidized instruction or require participants to meet specific eligibility conditions.

You can explore our guide to free skills training in Nigeria to learn about available training opportunities.

Always confirm the current application requirements through the organizer’s official communication channels before registering.

How to Make Good Use of Three Months Before Admission

If you have approximately three months before entering university, you can use the period to develop a basic understanding of your chosen skill and complete a few practical projects.

Your progress will depend on the difficulty of the skill, your previous knowledge, available equipment and how consistently you practise.

First Month: Understand the Basics

1. Choose one skill and identify the knowledge you need to develop first.
2. If you select graphic design, learn about color, typography, layout and the basic functions of your design application.
3. If you choose programming, concentrate on understanding variables, conditions and loops.
4. Create a learning schedule that gives you enough time to understand each topic before moving on.
5. Avoid switching between different courses whenever you encounter a difficult lesson.

Second Month: Spend More Time Practicing

• Begin applying what you have learned to simple projects.
• If you are learning video editing, produce several short videos using different editing techniques.
• If you are learning content writing, choose three topics, research them and prepare original articles.
• If you are learning tailoring, practise basic sewing techniques under the guidance of your instructor.
• Ask for feedback where possible and make corrections before beginning another project.

Third Month: Complete a Project You Can Show Others

Use the third month to complete something that demonstrates what you have learned.

Your project could be a personal website, a small graphic design portfolio, a short educational video or a garment you made during training.

Document your progress and identify the areas where you still need improvement.

You can then decide how to continue learning after resuming school.

Do not measure your progress against people who have been practising the same skill for several years. Focus on what you can now do independently that you could not do when you started.

Can You Earn Money From Your New Skill Before Gaining Admission?

Learning a skill can create opportunities to earn money, but completing a course does not guarantee that someone will pay for your services.

You need to develop sufficient ability to deliver work that meets a customer’s expectations.

For example, a student who has learned graphic design may be able to create flyers for small businesses.

Someone with photography experience could offer basic photography services, while a student who has learned baking might prepare products for customers.

However, your earning opportunities will depend on the quality of your work, available equipment, local demand and your ability to find customers.

Before accepting paid work, ensure that you can deliver what you promise.

You can begin by creating sample projects, improving your portfolio and seeking feedback from people with more experience.

For additional ideas, read our article on income-generating skills to learn in Nigeria.

Don’t Neglect Your Admission Preparation

Learning a skill is useful, but you should continue preparing for your academic program.

Check admission updates from your chosen institution and follow the appropriate registration procedures.

Keep your academic documents organized and ensure that you understand the requirements for your intended course.

You can also spend some time reading introductory materials related to the program you hope to study.

For example, if you intend to study Engineering, revising relevant Mathematics and Physics topics may help you prepare for your first year.

If you are planning to study Accounting, you could begin learning introductory accounting concepts alongside basic spreadsheet skills.

There is no need to spend every hour of your waiting period studying or attending training. Make room for rest, family activities and other responsibilities.

Choose a skill you are genuinely interested in, find suitable learning resources and practice at a pace you can maintain. Even if you only manage to learn the basics before gaining admission, you can continue building on that knowledge throughout your university education.