Building Cultural Professionals for National Transformation
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) Training School, the academic and capacity-building arm of NICO commenced active training in 2008 with a broad-based curriculum which is reviewed from time to time to conform to contemporary realities within the culture sector. With the Institute’s National Diploma in Cultural Administration and Resource Management (NDCARM) accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration (PGDCA) affiliated with the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), the current leadership of NICO under Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, FCIA, Frpa as Executive Secretary/CEO has adopted a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the development and promotion of the entire culture sector. The Institute’s training programmes are now tailored towards expanding its revenue generation capacity with the introduction of fresh programmes under the newly established Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), making it Nigeria’s Premier Cultural Monotechnic. This significant step towards institutionalizing cultural education across Nigeria comes with two additional specialized courses; Cultural Technology and Cultural Pharmacology. While Cultural Technology focuses on converting locally sourced materials into usable products through a robust technological innovation, the Cultural Pharmacology programme will explore the potentials of Nigeria’s natural flora for medical use, including developing botanical gardens and converting plants into capsules and tablets. The Academy is expected to take off in September, 2025 with pioneer campuses in Abuja, Lagos, Calabar and Ogbomosho. While the Institute’s previous training structure will now focus more on short-term courses such as Cultural Orientation Retreats for legislators, policy makers, top government functionaries and diplomats, certificates to be obtained from both the National Diploma in Cultural Administration and Resource Management (NDCARM) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration (PGDCA) are recognized for employment and career advancement within the public and private sector. Eligible candidates for admission into the Institute’s training programmes under this category are but not limited to Cultural Officers, Theatre Practitioners, Hospitality Professionals, Filmmakers as well as international students with interest in Nigerian cultural studies.
Accredited and Affiliated:
Diploma programmes are accredited by NBTE, and our Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration (PGDCA) is affiliated with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). Graduates of the PGDCA are eligible to pursue a Master’s degree at NSUK.
Accessible and Inclusive:
With a minimum entry requirement of a Secondary School Certificate for the Diploma and an HND or Bachelor’s Degree for PGD, the School welcomes cultural workers, journalists, administrators, and enthusiasts from across Nigeria.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Our industry- relevant curriculum is developed with cultural experts and academics to reflect evolving global and local needs, covering subjects like cultural heritage, administration, medical traditions, peace studies, and festival arts.
Programme Offerings
-
Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration (PGDCA)
Duration: 12 Months
Affiliation: Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) -
Diploma in Cultural Administration (DCA)
Duration: 24 Months
Accreditation: NBTE -
Short Duration Programmes for Organizations
Duration: 3 days to 2 weeks
Tailored to institutional needs (on request) -
Repositioning Workshop for Culture Workers
Duration: Quarterly or Annually
Subject to availability of funding -
NICO Public Lecture Series
Frequency: Once or twice a year
Subject to funding
Our Faculty
-
Our faculty members are drawn from top institutions and cultural bodies, including:
- University of Lagos
- Lagos State University
- ASCON
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- University of Abuja
- Experienced cultural administrators and scholars
Our Study Centres
- Lagos Campus (Residential) – Established in 2008; includes hostel facilities.
-
Abuja Study Centre (Non-Residential) – Established in 2015.
Both centres follow the same academic calendar from January to December, offering:
- Classroom Lectures
- Field Schools
- Seminars
- Course Work
- Research Projects
Be Part of the Future of Culture
Whether you’re a professional seeking deeper knowledge, a public servant aiming to apply cultural awareness in your role, or simply passionate about Nigerian heritage—NICO Training School is your gateway to cultural excellence.
Convocation
Graduates of the Training School are celebrated at formal convocation ceremonies, which are held in rotation between the Lagos and Abuja centres.
Contact Us
Call Now
Wole: 08035969209 | Member: 08032872854 | Uju: 08059190385 | Lanre: 08059443799