10 Best courses to study in Nigeria

Education is a vital aspect of personal and professional growth, and choosing the right course to study is a critical decision. With the increasing demand for knowledgeable and skilled professionals, the education sector in Nigeria has grown significantly.

In this article, we will explore the best courses to study in Nigeria that can lead to fulfilling careers, high-demand jobs, and higher salaries. Whether you are a high school student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to make a career change, this article is meant to guide you towards making an informed decision.

Things to put into consideration before choosing a course in Nigeria

Career goals

Consider your long-term career goals and choose a course that aligns with your aspirations. Always consider the job opportunities available for the course you choose after graduation, as well as the salary expectations and potential for career growth.

Your Interests

Select a course that you are interested in and enjoy studying. Identify your interests and pursue them. If you are not interested in something, it will not be easy for you to learn. Therefore, choosing a course that interests you will make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.

Year of study

Certain courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Law, etc., require a longer period of study compared to regular four-year courses. If you do not want to spend too much time in school, then you should avoid these courses. These courses can take additional years, such as five-year or six-year courses, and may not be suitable for those who want to complete their education in a shorter time frame.

Tuition Fee

For many students, paying the tuition fees for their chosen courses can be difficult. This may force them to leave school or drop out entirely. It is important to consider the cost of tuition fees and other expenses such as textbooks before deciding on a course or program to study.

Jamb 

A student’s JAMB score can affect the course they choose to study in school. An aspirant with a low JAMB score may not be able to apply to study Medicine and Surgery. Pursuing such a course with a low score may result in wasting time, money, and an entire year without securing admission.

As such, applicants with low JAMB scores are advised to opt for less competitive courses that do not require high JAMB cut-off marks.

10 best courses to study in Nigeria

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medical courses are highly sought after in Nigeria and offer good job prospects. In most cases, jobs are readily available for graduates even before their induction. As the demand for healthcare services increases, so does the need for doctors and surgeons.

The program typically takes 6-7 years to complete and leads to the award of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. To study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, a strong background in the sciences, particularly Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, is necessary. After graduation, students can work as doctors in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and research institutions.

2. Law

Studying law is an ethical and highly admirable profession that aims to protect justice. A law degree provides a solid foundation for a career in various legal fields, including corporate law, human rights law, and criminal law.

Students who study law in Nigeria can get jobs in chambers, seek recommendations while in law schools, or become self-employed as personal lawyers to important figures. The law is not just for lawyers or in court, as it involves all aspects of society.

3. Mass Communication

Mass Communication is a highly sought-after course in Nigeria due to the high demand for journalists and mass communication professionals. Journalists are responsible for gathering different types of information and communicating them to the public through various multimedia channels.

One of the benefits of this course is the opportunity it provides for diversification into different niches. For instance, graduates can specialize in sports journalism, news reporting, content creation, entertainment journalism, and more.

Mass Communication graduates can find careers in media organizations, advertising agencies, public relations firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other related fields.

4. Economics

Economics is arguably the most marketable course in the country, although some firms do not see the need for economists. This field is concerned with the study of human behavior in relation to price and scarcity.

Economics can be studied at both universities and polytechnics in Nigeria. Polytechnics in Nigeria award National Diplomas and Higher National Diploma in Economics, while universities award Bachelor of Economics and Master of Economics degrees.

Economics graduates can find careers in government, international organizations, financial institutions, consulting firms, and other related fields. Popular job roles in this field include economic analyst, financial analyst, market research analyst, investment banker, policy advisor, among others.

5. Engineering

Engineering is a highly sought-after field of study in Nigeria, with a variety of specializations to choose from, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering, among others.

Graduates of engineering programs can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and more. Some of the most marketable engineering courses include Engineering Management, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Without engineers, systems would remain broken, as their skills will always be in high demand.

6. Accounting

Due to the increasing demand for financial professionals, obtaining a degree in accounting is a wise investment. Accounting involves recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions in order to provide information that can be used to make informed business decisions.

Accountants are needed by various professional bodies, accounting firms, and government establishments. They are employed by banks, ministries, universities, oil and gas firms, supermarkets, hotels, airports, and other organizations.

In Nigeria, there are numerous universities that offer degrees in accounting, and students can specialize in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

7. Computer Science

With technology playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the demand for computer science professionals is growing rapidly in Nigeria. Computer science graduates can work in a variety of technology-related roles such as software development, IT consulting, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Top companies like IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Google hire computer science graduates in Nigeria.

Obtaining professional IT skills certificates is also a good option for anyone interested in a career in the field. These skills are in high demand, and individuals without a tertiary degree can also acquire them and get high-paying jobs.

8. Agricultural science

Agricultural Science is a vast field of study that covers crop and animal production, horticulture, agribusiness, and related areas. The agriculture sector plays a significant role in the Nigerian economy, providing employment and income for many people. There are many job opportunities available for agricultural science graduates, including farm management, agribusiness, extension services, and research and development.

The agriculture sector in Nigeria is growing and there is a rising demand for professionals in the field. As the country aims to increase food production, improve rural livelihoods, and ensure food security, individuals with a degree in Agricultural Science have a high chance of securing good job opportunities.

9. Architecture

Architecture involves the study of designing, planning, and constructing buildings and other structures. Architects are responsible for creating designs that not only look good but are also practical and safe.

Architecture students have the potential to earn money by creating plans for clients. As they say, architecture isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle, and it’s possible to establish yourself as an architect without a paid job.

A degree in architecture offers the opportunity to exercise your creativity by utilizing the right side of your brain. You can showcase your creative skills in various ways.

In Nigeria, the construction industry is expanding, and there is a growing need for architects to design residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. With an architecture degree, you can pursue careers as an architect, interior designer, construction manager, or in a related field.

10. Nursing

Nursing is one of the most demanding and challenging careers within the medical and healthcare industry. It requires not only knowledge but also a calling to serve and care for the sick.

With a degree in nursing, you can work as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or in a related field. The demand for nurses in Nigeria is increasing due to a shortage of healthcare professionals and the need for quality medical care.

Conclusion