evidencechidozie@gmail.comCourses That Might Not Make Sense in Nigeria (Unless You Have a Plan)
Let’s be honest, some courses in Nigeria just don’t have clear job opportunities, and it’s not because the courses are bad. The problem is the system: lack of infrastructure, poor funding, zero interest from the government, and a job market that depends more on who you know than what you studied. If you’re picking a course just to “go to school,” you should read this. Here are some of the courses that might not make sense in Nigeria
Zoology is one of the courses that might not make sense in Nigeria
You’re studying animals in a country where most zoos are abandoned. How many functional zoos are in Nigeria? Very few. Some are overgrown forests. There’s little to no investment in wildlife research or conservation here. So unless you plan to work abroad or do a master’s in a more specialized area, you’ll likely end up stranded.
Public Administration is one of the courses that might not make sense in Nigeria
This course sounds great in theory—government work, policy, civil service. But in Nigeria, jobs in local government are already filled with people who have strong connections. You don’t get in because of merit; you get in because of who you know. So if you think this course will guarantee a government job, think twice.
Sociology
Sociology teaches you about society, behavior, and relationships. Good stuff—but what can you do with it in Nigeria without further education? Almost nothing. If you don’t plan on doing a master’s, you’ll find that you’re not qualified for most jobs, and employers don’t even understand what sociology is about.
Anthropology
Anthropology is another one. It’s an amazing course if you want to research cultures, heritage, and history. But in Nigeria, you’ll be shocked how few people even know what the course is. There are barely any jobs unless you go into lecturing or move abroad. No master’s? You’re cooked.
Microbiology
People always think microbiology is the same as medical lab science. Big mistake. Microbiology is more research-based. You’re supposed to work in labs or research facilities, but guess what? We don’t have those kinds of facilities in Nigeria. Most hospitals want medical lab scientists, not microbiologists.
Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)
Just like microbiology, people confuse SLT with med lab. But they’re not the same. SLT is more general and doesn’t give you the license to run medical tests in hospitals. In Nigeria, SLT graduates are often jobless because the science labs they should work in are non-functional or under-equipped.
Library and Information Science
We have very few well-funded libraries in Nigeria. Schools barely maintain theirs, and public libraries are dying. Unless you’re planning to work in an academic environment or specialize in digital archiving, this course won’t give you many options.
Botany
Another course that’s great on paper. But in real life, who is funding plant research in Nigeria? Where are the botanical gardens? Where are the research grants? It’s a dead end unless you leave the country or push hard into postgraduate research.
Philosophy
This one is often misunderstood. People ask, “So what do you do with philosophy?” The sad truth is, employers in Nigeria ask the same thing. You’ll need to go into academics, law (with a second degree), or use it as a stepping stone to something else.
Physics / Chemistry (without Education)
Physics and Chemistry are amazing sciences. But in Nigeria, where do you work as a pure physicist or chemist without teaching? Industries are limited, and research institutes are few and poorly funded. Unless you pair it with education and become a teacher, you’re likely going nowhere fast.
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Fine and Applied Arts
Talented artists can do well, yes. But the truth is, you’ll have to hustle hard. Nigeria doesn’t have a strong creative economy that supports painters or sculptors unless you break into the entertainment or gallery space. Don’t rely on your degree—rely on your skill.
Geography
Not many people know what geographers do, and that’s a problem. There’s potential in climate and environmental studies, but again—no infrastructure. If you’re doing this course, think about pairing it with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and aim for opportunities outside Nigeria.
Home Economics / Family and Consumer Sciences
Important life skills, no doubt. But in the job market, not many employers are looking for home economists. You’ll likely end up in teaching or entrepreneurship. If that’s not your plan, think carefully.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is one of the most popular but least understood science courses in Nigeria. People expect jobs in hospitals, but that’s not where biochemists work. They need well-equipped labs and pharmaceutical companies—which are rare in Nigeria.
Religious Studies / Christian Theology
Unless you’re going into ministry or lecturing, this course has very few job prospects. It’s not a bad course, but don’t expect the job market to come looking for you. You’ll have to create your own path.
Final Remarks
One thing you should know is this: it’s not just about what you study, it’s about what you plan to do with it. Nigeria doesn’t support a lot of careers because of poor infrastructure, lack of investment, and a system built on connections.
If you must study these courses, make sure you:
Have a plan for postgraduate studies.
Are ready to relocate or study abroad.
Can turn your knowledge into a skill or business.
Don’t depend on the Nigerian system.
If not, you’ll be stranded, frustrated, and asking why you wasted four years.
Choose wisely. Ask questions. Plan ahead.
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