This post is about Science courses in Nigeria. So, I will give you a complete list of science courses in Nigeria. Thereafter, I will show you the best science courses in university and polytechnics. Then I will enlighten you on the important factors to consider before choosing a science course to study. I will conclude by discussing the job opportunities and prospects for graduates of science course.
All tertiary institutions in Nigeria offer different courses under different faculties or schools. Some of the most popular faculties include the arts, sciences, social sciences, environmental sciences, Pharmacy, health sciences and so on.
On this post, I shall focus my attention on the Faculty of Sciences. I will narrow down the discussion to science courses. Hopefully, I will expose you to the complete list of science courses in Nigeria. Then I will go ahead to show you the best science courses as determined by how lucrative they are. And also the best universities where you can study science courses in Nigeria.
I could just go ahead to show you the science courses I consider the best according to research, but I feel it’s important that you know all the science courses first. This is so as to enable you to carefully select the best one for you having read all the information on this page.
This is owing to the fact that the Nigerian employment sector is now very competitive.
Science Courses in Nigeria
There are so many science courses in Nigeria today. Most of these courses promise a robust future to graduates. But that’s only if they put in the requisite efforts in their studies.
However, there are science courses that people perceive as more marketable than the others. That is, people believe they have more job opportunities and pay more. Such science courses are highly sought after during application for JAMB. You, therefore, need to do your research before you select any science course. And I can assure you that you are already on the right path reading this page.
If you desire to pursue a career in Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Computer Science and other such sectors, you need to read a science course. Science courses would lay a solid foundation for you and prepare you for a successful career.
You are here because you are a science student researching to know the best science course to select for yourself. So you need to read carefully because you don’t want to make any mistakes. You must be able to choose a science course that resonates with your vision and passion. The course must align with your inner configuration and be able to give you satisfaction at the end of the day.
More so, it must be a course that will guarantee you a job upon graduation. It has to be a course where you can grow your career and achieve your dreams.
As we are going to see later, some of the science courses are offered in different universities and polytechnics. These institutions are in different states of the federation and require different school fees.
Population of Students Studying Science Courses in Nigeria
There are many faculties that offer science courses in universities and polytechnics. Some of them include: physical sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, biological sciences, health sciences, engineering and so on. Each of these faculties has several departments under them.
On account of this, the population of students studying science courses in different institutions is very high.
Why do Many Students Choose to Study Science Courses?
There are several reasons why the population of students studying science courses is very high. Some are good while some are not so good. I will give some of the reasons here so that you will see for yourself…
Science courses are the most popular and favorite courses for the majority of the parents and students. Probably because they consider science courses to be superior to arts and commercial courses.
Science courses equip students with excellent problem-solving abilities.
Most science courses offer a flexible foundation which enables graduates to secure highly respected and well-paid jobs.
Another reason why people choose science courses is because they know that their options are open. They might later choose to switch from science to arts or commercials, but it’s not possible the other way round.
Some people choose science courses to satisfy their ego.
Others choose the sciences out of envy, strife and contention. So they opt for science courses because their relative’s son/daughter is offering a science course.
- Peer pressure, parents and relatives pressure are also reasons why people choose science courses.
List of Science Courses and Subjects Required in Nigeria?
This section of our discussion is very important because some people are not aware. There is an O’level subject requirement for every course you want to study in the tertiary institution. So you must endeavor to know them and ensure that you include them in your WAEC and NECO registration. Otherwise, you will not qualify for admission into any of the science courses I will show you.
O’level Subjects Requirement for Science Courses
So here are the subjects every student who desires to study a science course must register in their WAEC and NECO. With these subjects, you can gain admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution:
Mathematics
English Language
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Civic Education
Agriculture
Yoruba or Igbo or Hausa
A trade subject
But beyond just registering these subjects in SSCE, the science student is expected to obtain a credit-level pass in them. This is especially true for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English and Mathematics. Most science courses will not accept D7 or E8 in these subjects because they consider them as core science subjects.
Note, however, that what you basically require for admission are credits in five relevant science subjects. So even if you fail subjects like Civic Education or a trade subject, it will not affect your admission chances.
Full List of Science Courses in Nigerian Universities
Nigerian students of science inclination enjoy the luxury of having many different course options to choose from.
However, the fact that there are many available science courses to choose from is a problem for many students. They don’t even know all of them, let alone knowing the one that is best for them.
On account of that, I will give you a complete list of all the science courses in Nigeria. Your responsibility is to go through them. Thereafter, you need to settle down and allow your passion and dream to guide you as you select a science course to study. However, I will later show you the few science courses I consider the best in terms of job opportunities and potential income.
Here’s a full list of science courses in Nigeria:
Animal and Environmental Biology
Animal Biology and Environmental
Anthropology
Applied Biochemistry
Applied Biology
Biology and Biochemistry
Applied Biology and Biotechnology
Applied Botany
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
Applied Microbiology
Applied Microbiology and Brewing
Architecture
More Science Courses in Nigeria
Artificial intelligence
Biochemistry
Biodiversity Conservation & Utilization
Bio-Informatics
Biological Science(s)
Biology
Biotechnology
Botany
Botany and Ecological Studies
Building Technology
Cell Biology and Genetics
Chemical Science
Chemistry
Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
Combined Physical Sciences
Computer and Economics
Computer and Mathematics
Computational Analysis
Computer Electronics
Computer Engineering
Communication and Wireless Technology
Computer, Information and Communication Science
Computer Science and Informatics
Communication Technology
Computer Sci. with Islamic Religious Studies
Computer Science
Cognitive Science
Computer Science and Accounting
Computer Science and Information Science
Chemical and Industrial Chemistry
Computer Science with Accounting
Computer with Statistics
Conservation Biology
Cyber Security Science
Data Management
Dentistry
Earth Science
Ecology
Ecology and Environmental Studies
Electronics
More Science Courses in Nigeria
Electronics and Computer Technology
Energy and Petroleum Studies
Energy Studies
Environmental Biology
Environmental Biology and Fishery
Estate Management
Environmental Health Science
Environmental Management
Engineering Physics
Environmental Management and Toxicology
Environmental Science and Technology
Exercise and Sport Science
Fisheries
Forensic Science
Fisheries and Aquatic Biology
Fisheries Aquaculture
Food Science and Technology
Genetics and Biotechnology
Geography
Geology and Earth Sciences
Geography and Geosciences
Geography/Regional Planning
Geology
Geophysics
Geology and Geo-Physics
Geology and Mining
Geoscience
Geology and Petroleum Studies
Geology and Mineral Science
Human Biology
Industrial and Environmental Chemistry
Hardware and Networking
Industrial Chemistry
Industrial Mathematics
Information and Communication Tech.
Industrial Mathematics/Statistics
Industrial Microbiology
Information and Communication Science
Industrial Physics
Industrial Physics with Renewable Energy
More Science Courses in Nigeria
Information Science and Media Studies
Industrial Physics Applied Geophysics
Information Technology
Laboratory Technology
Library and Information Science
Management Information System
Management Software Development
Marine Biology
Marine Biology and Fishery
Mathematics and Economics
Marine Environmental Science
Marine Science and Technology
Mathematics
Mathematics with Computer Science
Medical Laboratory Science
Mathematics with Management Sciences
Mathematics with Physics
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medicine and Surgery
Medical Rehabilitation
Meteorology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Microbiology and Biotechnology
Natural and Environmental Science
Microbiology and Indu. Biotechnology
Natural and Environmental Studies
Natural Ecosystem Science and Management
Nursing Science
Oceanography
Optometry
Organizational and Industrial Psychology
Pharmacy
Physics
Physics / Computational Modeling
Operations Research
Physical Sciences
Physics / Computer Science
Physics / Electronics
More Science Courses in Nigeria
Parasitology and Entomology
Physics/Industrial Physics
Physics and Applied Physics
Petrol-Chemistry
Physics Engineering
Physics with Solar Energy
Plant Biology
Physics/Astrology
Physics/Material Science
Plant Science
Plant Science and Biotechnology
Project Management
Plant Science and Forestry.
Plant Science and Taxonomy
Pure and Industrial Chemistry
Pure/Applied Biology
Public Health Technology
Pure/Applied Chemistry
Pure/Applied Mathematics
Science Laboratory Technology
Pure/Applied Physics
Quantity Surveying
Radiography
Software Development
Statistics
Software Engineering
Statistics with Demography
Statistics and Biometrics
Telecommunication Science
Statistics and Computer Science
Surveying and Geo-Informatics
Technology
Telecommunication Management
Textile Science/Technology
Transport Management
Urban and Regional Planning
Water Resources and Agro-Metrology
Water Resources Management
Wood Science
Zoology
Wildlife Eco-Tourism
Zoology & Animal Systematics
Zoology and Aquaculture
Alright.
There you have them.
As you can see, there are many of science courses to choose from. Remember to consider your inner make up, inclinations and dispositions when choosing a course. Most importantly, let your visions, dreams and passion guide you so that you don’t make a choice you would regret in future.
However, in order to provide some helpful guide, I will show you the best science courses in Nigeria. But you must bear in mind that there are several factors that determine the courses I consider to be among the best. So it’s a bit relative.
What are the Best Science Courses in Nigeria?
When it has to do with choice of course, the word ‘best’ is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, there are few things most people consider before making a choice.
One is the availability of job opportunities because no one wants to graduate and be unable to find a job. The second thing is the income potential of the course. Yes, because everyone desires a level of financial freedom in life.
So based on the points above, I will give you an idea of the best science courses in Nigeria. Of course, we consider them the best because they are contemporary, lucrative and offer graduates a high number of job opportunities both locally and internationally.
Below is a list of the best science courses in Nigeria:
Medicine and surgery
Pharmacy
Engineering
Nursing science
Computer Science
Dentistry
Microbiology
Radiography
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical rehabilitation
In the following sections, I will tell you what these courses are all about. I will also show you why these courses are among the best science courses you can study.
Medicine and surgery
The course Medicine and surgery tops our list of the best science courses in Nigeria. It is a course that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries.
The curriculum of medicine and surgery involves classroom lectures and hands-on clinical trainings under different postings.
It’s a very tasking, demanding and tedious course. Medicine and Surgery program covers biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgical techniques and so on. The student will learn how to perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic test results. They also learn how to make effective treatment recommendations. It is therefore not a course for the lazy or weak student.
Medicine and Surgery is one of the most lucrative science courses in Nigeria. Doctors have a high earning potential because of the specialized nature of the work. They also earn much because their services are in high demand.
More so, you can earn even higher if you specialize in orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiology and so on.
Medicine and surgery is both a professional and a prestigious course. It is arguably the most competitive course in any university. This means that tens of thousands of candidates seek admission into colleges of medicine. The implication is that gaining admission into medicine can be very difficult. So you must determine to work hard in your studies to qualify for admission.
Before I leave this section, let me also inform you that becoming a doctor is a very long and expensive process.
Pharmacy
For many reasons, pharmacy comes second on our list of best science courses in Nigeria. It is one of the most popular and competitive courses in most Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Pharmacy is a healthcare profession that involves the preparation, dispensing and proper use of medication.
Just like medicine and surgery, pharmacy program involves both classroom lectures and hands-on trainings. The course curriculum covers pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical compounding and so on.
Students of pharmacy learn how to:
- interpret and evaluate prescriptions.
- recommend appropriate medication therapies.
- provide drug information to patients and other healthcare professionals.
They also learn about the regulations and laws that govern the practice of pharmacy. They are also taught the ethical and social issues that may arise in the field.
Pharmacy can be a lucrative profession. It also offers many opportunities for career advancement.
As a graduate pharmacist, you can choose to specialize in areas such as oncology, psychiatry or pediatrics. There are also opportunities to work as managers or administrators. Additionally, you can choose to open your own pharmacy business.
Engineering
Engineering is another good science course that a science student can pursue. Actually, it is a very important field of study under the sciences.
Engineering is a broad field of study that involves the application of scientific knowledge in order to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes.
There are many different branches of engineering. So science students with interest in the field have a variety of options to choose from.
Some of the branches of engineering include
- mechanical engineering
- electrical engineering
- civil engineering
- chemical engineering
- electronic engineering
- computer engineering
- computer engineering
What you have above are just a few of the branches of engineering. There are so many other branches.
As an engineering student, you will offer courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and so on. You will also participate in laboratory work and design projects.
Engineering is lucrative and engineers have very high earning potential. It is one of the best science courses to study in the university especially if you are good with Math, Physics and Chemistry.
Nursing science
You will agree with me that nursing is one of best science courses in Nigeria. However, there is an erroneous perception people have about the course. Many think that nursing is for females alone. But this is absolutely untrue. Any science student, male or female, can study nursing science and practice as a nurse.
Nursing is a healthcare profession that focuses on the care of individuals, families and communities. They help their patients to attain, maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life.
Nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals, sporting facilities, nursing homes and schools.
So there are a lot career opportunities open to graduates of nursing science. And many of these opportunities are very financially rewarding.
However, the earning potential for nurses can vary depending on the type of employer, location and level of experience. Nurses who have advanced degrees and specialized skills earn higher.
Computer Science
For several reasons, computer science is one of the best science courses in Nigeria. Part of the reasons is because technology is gaining grounds at a very rapid rate.
Computer Science is the study of the theory, experimentation and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computers.
The course involves the study of
- algorithms
- programming languages
- computer systems
- the theory of computation.
Graduates of computer science can specialize on artificial intelligence, computer graphics, databases, networking, software engineering and so on.
So there are a lot career opportunities open to graduates of computer science. And many of these opportunities are highly financially rewarding. For example, computer science graduates can work as software publishers, computer systems designers, technical consultants and so on. They can also choose to become entrepreneurs and create their own companies.
Dentistry
Dentistry is another very prestigious course among the league of science courses. It is very closely related to medicine and surgery. Actually, it is a branch of medicine but it has to do with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.
Dentists perform the following functions. They:
- examine patients’ teeth and gums.
- diagnose oral diseases
- create treatment plans to prevent or treat these issues.
- also fill cavities
- extract teeth
- make models and measurements for dentures or other dental devices.
Dentistry is a very lucrative and financially rewarding career. So dentists have a high earning potential. But in addition to this, dentistry offers many opportunities for career advancement.
Some dentists choose to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery or periodontics. Some others may become managers or administrators of a dental insurance. Additionally, some dentists may choose to open their own dental clinic and practice privately.
Microbiology
Microbiology is also one of the best science courses in Nigeria. It is the study of microorganisms which are tiny living things that can only be seen under a microscope. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
So students will learn about the different methods used to culture, isolate and identify microorganisms. They will also learn the techniques used to study their behavior and interactions with other organisms.
Microbiology has applications in industry, agriculture and medicine. Hence, students can either specialize in industrial microbiology or medical microbiology.
Microbiology can be a financially rewarding field. But the earning potential varies depending on the type of employer, location and level of experience.
Radiography
Of course, radiography made it in our list of the best science courses in Nigeria. Part of the reasons is its specialized nature.
Radiography involves the use of imaging technology to create diagnostic images of the body to help physicians treat a variety of medical conditions.
Radiographers use X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound equipment to produce images of internal organs, bones, and other structures within the body.
Radiography students receive both classroom lectures and clinical experience before they can qualify as radiographers. They learn about anatomy and physiology, physics, medical imaging, and other related subjects. They will also gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed radiographer.
Radiography is a prestigious and very lucrative course. It can open you up to many career opportunities in the healthcare sector. You can work in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. You can also work in research, education and administration.
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Science, also known as Clinical Laboratory Science, is among the best science courses to study in Nigerian universities.
It involves the analysis of bodily fluids, cells and tissues to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Students of Medical Lab Science learn about anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and other related subjects.
They also gain hands-on experience in a clinical laboratory setting under the supervision of a licensed medical laboratory scientist.
Medical Laboratory Science graduates have many career opportunities in the healthcare sector. They can work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, public health agencies and even in research.
Medical laboratory scientists can also specialize in areas such as hematology, microbiology and molecular biology.
The course is financially rewarding. But as with other science courses, the earning potential for Medical Laboratory Science varies depending on the type of employer, location and level of experience.
Medical Rehabilitation
This is the last on our list of best science courses to study in the university. But it is not the least of them all.
You may wish to consider Medical Rehabilitation if you desire to study a prestigious and lucrative course.
Medical rehabilitation is a field of medicine that focuses on helping individuals recover from illness or injury. It involves a team of healthcare professionals who work together to design and implement a treatment plan patients.
The team of healthcare professionals may include physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists and so on.
The goal of rehabilitation is to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Medical rehabilitation is a very lucrative field. This is especially true for those with advanced degrees and specialized training. Therapists are in high demand and can earn competitive salaries.
Alright.
Do bear in mind that the courses above are not exhaustive in terms of the best science courses. There are some other wonderful science courses that one can also go into and secure a good job with good pay. Courses like Agriculture, Genetics and Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology and so on.
Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing any of the Science Courses
Alright. So you are a science student and want to study a very good science course. I must commend you for your decision to research before making a choice.
At least, your research on this page has exposed you to the complete list of all the science courses obtainable in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. More so, you have seen the best science courses to consider if you want to find the best paying jobs after graduation.
But there are yet some other set of factors to consider before making your final choice. Here they are:
Cost of Study
This is a very important consideration to make before choosing a course and school. If a course is ranking among the best and has great career opportunities, the cost of studying it is likely to be very high. So you must try to go further to find out the actual cost.
Identify your two most preferred institutions. Find out their school fees, accommodation fees and other fees from first year to final year. Bearing in mind that the cost of things are not stable, your findings can only be estimates. Compare your estimate with your budget and see if you can afford it. Remember, hunger and lack are some of the greatest limiting factors for many intelligent students in school.
Duration of Study
You must realize that the study duration for the different science courses vary. In other words, the number of years people spend studying the science courses listed above are not the same. So you need to find out the duration of study for that course you want to zero your mind on. That will help you to see if it’s really what you want for yourself.
For example, if you feel that age is no longer on your side, you won’t opt for a course like Medicine and Surgery where students spend an average of 8 years in school.
More so, the course duration will also have a direct impact on your finances. The longer the duration, the higher the financial implication.
Consider Your Academic Capability
This is very important if you must do well in the course you eventually choose. And you need to be truthful to yourself here.
If you are an average student, there is no wisdom in choosing an intellectually demanding course like medicine and surgery. If you do, you may not survive the medical college.
So choose any of the science courses that you believe you can study and do well in, without having to sort your way through.
I hope you understand the point I’m making here? If you do, then it leads me to the next point…
Weigh Your Chances of Gaining Admission
So what I’m trying to say is that you need to consider your natural chances of gaining admission into the course and school you choose.
Most of the best science courses very competitive. And so they have very high cut off marks. All things being equal, such marks are usually the feat of the very intelligent and hardworking ones.
If you don’t belong to that category, there is not wisdom in choosing a very competitive course.
Availability of Job Opportunities
Science and technology are evolving at an unimaginable rate. So there are ample job opportunities for graduates of any of the science courses we have discussed.
However, there are science courses that have more job opportunities than others. Therefore, if you have making a lot of money as one of your goals, you will need to select a course that is known to have lucrative job opportunities.
Best University to Study Science Courses in Nigeria?
Different universities in Nigeria offer different courses. But some are better than others in certain courses with regards to facilities and personnel.
So talking about science courses in Nigeria, there are universities that show class and excellence. Graduates from those institutions are thoroughly baked and can compete with their counterparts from anywhere in the world.
Here is a list of the best universities in Nigeria offering science courses:
- University Of Nigeria Nsukka
- University of Benin
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Port-Harcourt
- University of Ilorin
- Bayero University, Kano
- University of Uyo
- University Of Jos
- Afe Babalola University
- University of Calabar
- College of Ibadan
So here’s where we end this very informative article on “List of Science Courses in Nigeria | Find Out the Best”. I trust that it is helpful. Really thank you for visiting this website. I want to encourage you to bookmark this site on your browser. By so doing, you will be able to access other information without hassle.
Also remember that you can use the comments section to ask questions in case there’s something you don’t understand. You may as well drop a comment if you are still having issues with choosing a good science course for yourself. Or just share your thoughts with us.
I hope you find this article helpful as well as interesting.
