10 Courses You Should Think Twice About Studying in Nigeria

Are you standing at the crossroads of your academic journey, wondering which path to take? Well, my friend, you’re not alone. Choosing a course of study is like picking a flavor at an ice cream shop – exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking. What if you choose the wrong one? In Nigeria, where the job market can be as unpredictable as Lagos traffic, making the right choice is crucial.

But fear not! We’re here to help you navigate these tricky waters. In this article, we’ll explore 10 courses that, well, let’s just say might not give you the best bang for your buck in Nigeria’s current landscape. Think of it as a friendly heads-up from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (and maybe a few regrets).

So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into this eye-opening journey through Nigeria’s academic landscape. Who knows? We might just save you from a few years of saying, “I wish someone had told me this before!”

Table of Contents

1. The State of Education in Nigeria

Before we dive into our list, let’s set the stage. Nigeria, the “Giant of Africa,” boasts a rich educational landscape with over 170 universities. Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the catch – the job market hasn’t quite caught up with this academic boom.

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is a hot topic, and not in a good way. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – we have graduates, but not enough jobs to go around. This mismatch is what makes choosing the right course so crucial.

But don’t worry, we’re not here to rain on your parade. We’re just here to hand you an umbrella before the storm hits. Knowledge is power, after all, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to give you.

2. Agriculture: Not as Green as It Seems

Now, you might be thinking, “Agriculture? But Nigeria is all about farming!” And you’d be right – to an extent. Agriculture is indeed a backbone of our economy. But here’s the twist:

• Oversaturation: Everyone and their uncle seems to be studying agriculture these days. It’s like when everyone decides to wear the same outfit to a party – suddenly, it’s not so special anymore.
• Modernization Gap: While we’re learning traditional methods, the world is moving towards smart farming and agritech. It’s like bringing a hoe to a drone fight.
• Limited Government Support: Despite all the talk about diversifying the economy, support for agriculture graduates remains limited.

Don’t get us wrong – agriculture is vital. But unless you’re planning to revolutionize the field or have a family farm waiting for you, you might want to think twice.

3. Library Science: A Dusty Career Path?

Ah, Library Science. The smell of old books, the quiet rustle of pages… sounds peaceful, doesn’t it? But in today’s digital age, this course might be gathering more dust than it’s worth.

• Digital Shift: With everything going online, traditional libraries are becoming as rare as a quiet day in Lagos.
• Limited Openings: How many new libraries have you seen pop up lately? Exactly.
• Low Pay: Unfortunately, librarians in Nigeria often find themselves at the lower end of the pay scale.

If you’re passionate about organizing information, consider more modern alternatives like Data Science or Information Systems. It’s like upgrading from a card catalog to a supercomputer!

4. Archaeology: Digging into Limited Prospects

Indiana Jones made archaeology look cool, didn’t he? But in Nigeria, the reality is a bit less… adventurous.

• Few Job Opportunities: Unless you’re planning to unearth a new civilization in your backyard, job prospects are slim.
• Limited Funding: Archaeological projects often rely on grants and government funding, which can be as rare as finding a dinosaur bone in your garden.
• Lack of Public Interest: Let’s face it, in a country grappling with more immediate concerns, ancient history often takes a back seat.

If you’re fascinated by the past, consider History or Anthropology instead. At least you’ll have more options than just digging in the dirt!

5. Fine Arts: A Challenging Canvas

Don’t get us wrong – Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage. But turning that passion into a stable career? That’s where things get tricky.

• Limited Appreciation: In a society focused on “practical” careers, being an artist can feel like you’re speaking a different language.
• Inconsistent Income: Unless you’re the next Ben Enwonwu, prepare for a rollercoaster ride when it comes to earnings.
• Lack of Institutional Support: Art galleries and museums in Nigeria are few and far between.

If you’ve got the creative bug, consider graphic design or digital art instead. It’s like painting, but with a better chance of paying the bills!

6. Philosophy: Thinking Hard About Job Prospects

“I think, therefore I am unemployed.” Okay, that’s not exactly what Descartes said, but it might resonate with many Philosophy graduates in Nigeria.

• Limited Direct Applications: Ever seen a job ad asking for a philosopher? Neither have we.
• Misunderstood Value: Many employers struggle to see how philosophical thinking translates to practical skills.
• Oversaturation: With many universities offering this course, the market is more crowded than a Lagos bus stop at rush hour.

If you love deep thinking, consider courses like Law or Psychology. You’ll still get to ponder life’s big questions, but with a clearer career path.

7. Tourism and Hospitality: A Rocky Road

Nigeria has incredible potential for tourism, but the industry faces more hurdles than a track and field event.

• Security Concerns: Unfortunately, safety issues have put a damper on Nigeria’s tourism appeal.
• Underdeveloped Infrastructure: Many tourist sites lack the facilities needed to attract visitors.
• Economic Fluctuations: The tourism industry is often the first to feel the pinch when the economy hiccups.

If you’re drawn to this field, consider Business Administration with a focus on hospitality. It’s like preparing for a journey while keeping your options open for other destinations.

8. Geology: Solid Education, Shaky Job Market

Geology sounds rock-solid, right? After all, Nigeria is rich in mineral resources. But here’s the catch:

• Dependence on Oil and Gas: Most geology jobs are in this sector, which has been as volatile as a volcanic eruption lately.
• Limited Exploration: New mineral exploration projects are rarer than a quiet day in a Lagos market.
• Environmental Concerns: As the world shifts towards renewable energy, traditional geology roles may become as rare as fossils.

If you’re passionate about the Earth, consider Environmental Science or Renewable Energy studies. It’s like studying rocks, but with a future-proof twist!

9. Linguistics: Lost in Translation

Nigeria is a linguistic goldmine with over 500 languages. Studying linguistics should be a no-brainer, right? Well, not quite.

• Limited Career Paths: Unless you plan to become a teacher or translator, job options can be as scarce as a silent moment in a Nigerian home.
• Low Demand: In a country focused on technological and economic growth, linguists often find themselves speaking to an empty room.
• Oversaturation: With many studying English and other popular languages, standing out can be tougher than learning Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba simultaneously!

If languages are your thing, consider courses in Mass Communication or International Relations. You’ll still get to flex those language muscles, but with more career options.

10. Marine Biology: Treading Water in a Landlocked Job Market

Marine Biology sounds exotic and exciting. But in Nigeria, it can feel like you’re a fish out of water.

• Limited Research Opportunities: Nigeria’s marine research facilities are about as common as snowfall in Lagos.
• Restricted Job Market: Unless you live in a coastal area, finding relevant work can be like fishing in a desert.
• Lack of Funding: Marine conservation often takes a back seat to more immediate environmental concerns.

If you’re passionate about marine life, consider broader fields like Environmental Science or Zoology. It’s like diving into the ocean of life sciences, but with more shores to explore.

11. Theatre Arts: A Dramatic Career Choice

Nigeria has a vibrant entertainment industry, so Theatre Arts should be a hit, right? Well, the plot thickens:

• Limited Professional Theaters: Full-time theater jobs are as rare as a quiet street in Lagos.
• Tough Competition: With Nollywood booming, everyone wants to be a star. Standing out is tougher than memorizing an entire Shakespeare play.
• Irregular Income: Unless you make it big, you might find yourself playing the role of a struggling artist more often than you’d like.

If you’ve got the performance bug, consider Mass Communication or Film Studies. You’ll still get to express your creativity, but with a broader range of career options. It’s like being able to play multiple roles instead of being typecast!

12. The Silver Lining: Alternative Paths and Opportunities

Now, before you start feeling like we’ve rained on your academic parade, let’s look at the silver lining. Every cloud has one, after all!

• Entrepreneurship: Nigeria is a land of opportunities for those willing to create their own paths. Who knows? Your “useless” degree might just inspire a groundbreaking business idea.
• Remote Work: The digital age has opened up global opportunities. That Linguistics degree could land you a sweet gig as a remote translator or language tutor.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Combining your “risky” degree with a more marketable skill can create a unique selling point. Philosophy major with a knack for coding? You could be the next big thing in AI ethics!

Remember, your degree doesn’t define you. It’s what you do with it that counts. Think of it as a tool in your belt, not a life sentence.

13. Making Informed Decisions: Tips for Choosing Your Course

So, how do you avoid falling into the trap of a “risky” course? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Research Job Markets: Don’t just follow your passion blindly. See what the job market looks like for your chosen field.
• Talk to Professionals: Reach out to people working in your field of interest. Their insights can be more valuable than any brochure.
• Consider Future Trends: Think about where the world is heading. Courses aligned with technology, sustainability, and global communication are often safer bets.
• Develop Transferable Skills: Whatever you study, focus on developing skills that can apply to multiple fields. Critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving never go out of style.
• Be Open to Change: Remember, it’s okay to change your mind. Many successful people didn’t end up in the field they studied.

Choosing a course is like picking a road on a journey. It’s important, sure, but it’s not the only factor that determines where you’ll end up.

14. Conclusion: Charting Your Own Course

As we wrap up this journey through the potentially rocky terrains of Nigerian higher education, remember this: there’s no such thing as a universally “bad” course. Every field of study has its value. The key is to approach your education with open eyes and a strategic mind.

Think of your degree as a starting point, not a final destination. The world is changing faster than ever, and the most valuable skill you can develop is the ability to adapt and learn. Who knows? That “risky” course you’re passionate about might just be the unique perspective that sets you apart in a crowded job market.

So go forth, brave student! Armed with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to make a choice that aligns with both your passions and the realities of the job market. And remember, at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you study, but how you apply what you’ve learned.

Your future is in your hands. Make it count!

FAQs

Q:     Are these courses completely useless? Not at all! Every course has its value. These are simply fields that currently face more challenges in the Nigerian job market. With the right approach and additional skills, you can still build a successful career in these areas.

Q:     What if I’m already studying one of these courses? Don’t panic! Focus on developing a diverse skill set and look for unique ways to apply your knowledge. Consider internships, online courses, or personal projects to enhance your employability.

Q:     How can I make a “risky” course more marketable? Combine it with in-demand skills like digital marketing, data analysis, or project management. Also, network extensively and look for innovative ways to apply your knowledge in growing industries.

Q:     Should I choose a course based solely on job prospects? While job prospects are important, they shouldn’t be the only factor. Consider your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. A balance between passion and practicality often leads to the most satisfying careers.

Q:     How often does the job market change for different fields? The job market can change rapidly, especially with technological advancements. It’s a good idea to stay informed about industry trends and be prepared to adapt your skills throughout your career.