Top 20 Best Science courses in Nigeria

Science courses are the highest number of courses available in most Nigerian universities, and this can be attributed to the mindset embedded in most young Nigerian students while they are still studying in secondary school, thinking science classes are better, making them have a higher population compared to art and commercial classes.

When science courses are the most available courses in Nigerian universities, this does not guarantee success, and that is why it is necessary that you choose the right and the best one available in order not to be stranded after graduation.

Choosing and studying the right science course amidst the numerous science courses will give you an edge in terms of salary, career, and also the course demand in the labor market field.

Are you a WAEC/JAMB candidate, career switcher, postgraduate student, or senior secondary school student? Then this guide is for you. In this article we will guide you; we will guide you on the best science courses studied across Nigerian universities.

The selection of the best science courses in Nigeria is based on demand, salary, and career opportunities.

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How We Ranked the Best Science Courses

● Job demand in Nigeria

A good science course is based on the job demand; the higher the demand for graduates of the course, the higher the success rate of the course.

● Salary potential

A good science course. course has a good salary potential and also has the tendency to grow in the future as you progress in your career.

● Global relevance

Global relevance is one of the good criteria that are used to measure the metrics of a good science course; the more presence it has on a global stage, then it can be classified as a good science course.

● Difficulty level

While it may sound like a misconception, it still applies in most Nigerian higher learning institutions; the belief is that the more difficult the course, the higher the success of the course in the labor market.

● Career flexibility

A good science course is a course that has the ability to be flexible in times of necessity when it is necessary as a result of global change in the labor market or on the national scale.

Top 20 Best Science Courses in Nigeria

1. Medicine and Surgery

One of the most difficult and promising science courses in Nigeria is medicine and surgery; this is attributed to its high demand, global demand, better pay, and career flexibility.

Medicine and surgery courses focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease and sickness in humans.

The Medicine and Surgery course is competitive in Nigeria, with candidates who intend to study it expected to have scored over a 350 JAMB score and above and the process can be filled with nepotism and corruption in terms of admission.

Career opportunities include medical doctor, surgeon, public health officer, medical consultant, and a lot more. Medicine and surgery course duration is for a period of 7 years, and a surgeon can extend it to 11 years.

2. Nursing Science

Aside from medicine and surgery, the most in-demand health practitioner profession is nursing science, and this is also due to its relevance in the health sector, as they constitute the large workforce working in hospitals.

Nursing science involves caring for patients and also pregnant women and babies; it also involves assisting doctors in hospitals and promoting health in hospitals and communities.

Nursing science is a competitive course but not as competitive as medicine and surgery because it has large-scale school training available, including colleges, schools of nursing, and also universities that train potential nurses.

Nursing science courses require a JAMB score of 270 and above.Career opportunities include registered nurse, Midwife,Community Health Nurse and Nurse Educator. The course is a maximum of 5 years for most high institutions that offer the course in Nigeria.

3. Pharmacy

The pharmacy course focuses on the preparation, dispensing, and proper use of drugs. While the drug manufacturing industry is not large like the other countries’, pharmacy still plays a significant role in drug development and manufacturing in Nigeria.

Pharmacy is quite competitive in Nigerian universities, and a JAMB score of 300 and above might be required to secure admission into approved Nigerian universities that offer the course.

Career opportunities in pharmacy include pharmacist, drug inspector, pharmaceutical researcher, and hospital pharmacist, and the duration of the course is a maximum of 5 years at all Nigerian universities.

4. Medical Laboratory Science

The Medical Laboratory Science course involves conducting laboratory tests using machines and equipment to diagnose sicknesses and diseases. Medical laboratory scientists work closely with health practitioners in identifying sickness, and they work closely with doctors in hospitals.

A typical JAMB cut-off mark for medical laboratory science in Nigeria is 270 and above in most Nigerian universities, except private universities.

Career opportunities in medical laboratory science include medical laboratory scientist, laboratory technician, research scientist, and diagnostic scientist. The duration of the course is a maximum of 5 years in all Nigerian universities.

5. Computer Science

While most people argue that the course is not marketable as before due to shifts in technology, computer science is still a reputed science course in Nigeria.

Computer science focuses on programming,Software development and computer systems. While it is reputed, it is less competitive, requiring a JAMB score of 200 and above.

Career opportunities in computer science include software developer, web developer, IT specialist, and system analyst. The duration of the course is for a maximum of 4 years.

6. Software Engineering

No phones or computers these days function without the help of software, and this has driven the demand of software engineers upward.

Software engineering involves designing,building and maintaining software systems. It is a highly demanded course in the technology field.

Software engineering courses in Nigeria require a JAMB score of 200 and above for public universities and 180 and above for private universities.

Career opportunities in software engineering include software engineer, application developer, system designer, and programmer. The duration of the course is a maximum of 5 years, but some universities’ duration is 4 years.

7. Cybersecurity

Cybercrime is on the rise like never before. The more expansion in technology, the more cybercrime is on the rise, and that is why cybersecurity experts are needed like never before.

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats and attacks; it also deals with enlightening the public about cyberattacks and how they should be countered.

While it is a good course, it is less competitive. Some universities in Nigeria require a JAMB score of 200 and above, while private universities require a JAMB score of 180 and above.

Career opportunities in cybersecurity include cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, network security officer, and information security officer. The duration of the course is a maximum of 5 years.

8. Data Science/Data Analytics

The world today is operated and controlled by a vast amount of data generated every day, and this is why the field of data science is expanding, mainly because of expansion in artificial intelligence (AI), which needs a large expanse of data.

Data science involves analyzing large amounts of data to make business and organizational decisions.

A data science course is not available in most Nigerian universities, as most Nigerian universities are not equipped to offer the courses, but there are still quite a number of universities that offer the course in Nigeria.

The JAMB score needed for data science is 200 and above due to how competitive it is and also mainly due to the few number of universities offering it.

Career opportunities in data science include data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, and AI specialist. Data analyst, data scientist, and business analyst: The data science course is a maximum of 4 years in Nigerian universities, but some universities’ durations might be 5 years.

9. Petroleum Engineering

Nigeria, as a petroleum-producing country, needs an expert in petroleum mining, and that is where the petroleum engineering course becomes valuable amongst the engineering courses in Nigeria due to its demand and the economy of Nigeria.

Petroleum engineering focuses on the exploration and production of oil and gas resources. It is the highest-paid engineering course in Nigeria.

Petroleum Engineering: The petroleum engineering course is competitive, but it is available in most Nigerian universities, requiring a JAMB score of 240 and above.

Career opportunities include petroleum engineer, drilling engineer, reservoir engineer, and oil and gas consultant. The maximum years of studying petroleum engineering in Nigeria is at most 5 years.

10. Civil Engineering

A civil engineering course involves designing and constructing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. It is one of the most demanded courses globally and also in Nigeria due to its relevance in the construction industry.

Civil engineering requires a 220 and above JAMB score for universities and 180 and above for polytechnics, as most Nigerian polytechnics offer civil engineering. The maximum duration of civil engineering is 5 years in Nigerian universities and polytechnics, combined with ND and HND duration.

11. Mechanical Engineering

Nigeria’s roads and industries are filled with one machine after another, ranging from cars, motorcycles, and industrial machines, and this has opened the door for the advancement of mechanical engineering.

Mechanical engineering focuses on machines, engines, and mechanical systems. It is one of the broadest engineering disciplines due to the varieties of machines that are available.

Mechanical engineering is available in most Nigerian universities that offer engineering courses, but the course is mostly dominated and offered by polytechnics. The JAMB score for mechanical engineering is 180 and above for universities and 150 and above for polytechnics.

12. Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Modern Nigerian houses are fitted with one electronic appliance or another, and most modern houses built in Nigeria always prioritize electrifying their houses, and that is why the electrical/electronic engineering course is a hotcake in Nigeria.

Electrical/electronic engineering deals with electricity, electronics, and power systems. It is important for industries, telecommunications, and energy production.

A typical JAMB cut-off mark for electrical/electronic engineering is 190 and above for universities, while it is 170 and above for polytechnics, which dominate the offering of the course in Nigeria.

Career opportunities include electrical engineer, electronics engineer, power systems engineer, and telecommunication engineer. The duration of the course is typically five years for both universities and polytechnics.

13. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering focuses on chemical processes used in food Production, pharmaceutical and oil refining.

Chemical engineering requires 200 and above for universities and 160 and above for polytechnics, as most polytechnics in Nigeria offer the course.

Chemical engineering career opportunities include chemical engineer, process engineer, production engineer, and industrial engineer. The maximum duration of the course in universities and polytechnics is 5 years.

14. Architecture

House and building structures are expanding so much in Nigeria, and that is the call for experts in architecture who will draw the structure of how the house will be built.

Architecture involves designing buildings and structures. Architects combine creativity with technical knowledge to plan safe and functional buildings.

Architecture is mostly offered in both universities and polytechnics. Universities will require a JAMB score of 200 and above, while polytechnics will require 180 and above.

Career opportunities in architecture include architect, building designer, urban planner, and construction manager. The maximum duration of study in architecture takes a period of 4 years in universities, while it might take 5 years in polytechnics for both ND and HND.

15. Biochemistry

Biochemistry studies chemical processes in living organisms. The biochemistry course is relevant to agriculture, technology, and medicine.

Biochemistry is a major science course that is available in all Nigerian universities that offer science courses; it is less competitive, and it requires an 180 and above JAMB score in order to be considered for admission.

Career opportunities above in biochemistry include biochemist, research scientist, laboratory analyst, and pharmaceutical officer. The duration of the course is a maximum of 4 years.

16. Microbiology

Similar to biochemistry is microbiology, which is available in all Nigerian universities that offer science courses.

Microbiology focuses on microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. It is important in healthcare, production, food protection, and environmental management.

Microbiology career opportunities include microbiologist, laboratory scientist, food safety officer, and research assistant. The maximum duration of microbiology in all Nigerian universities is 4 years.

17. Biotechnology

While it is a course that has been studied outside Nigeria for years, the course has just been newly introduced to Nigeria.

Biotechnology uses biological systems to develop products and technologies. It is one of the growing fields in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Career opportunities in biotechnology include biotechnologist, research scientist, genetic engineer, and laboratory scientist.

Biotechnology is not offered in most Nigerian universities, but there are quite a number of universities that offer biotechnology in Nigeria. The maximum duration for biotechnology is 4 years.

18.Industrial Chemistry

Industrial chemistry focuses on chemical production processes that are used in industry, such as the manufacturing industries.

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. The advancement and expansion of Nigerian industries have brought an increase in the demand for industrial chemistry.

Career opportunities in industrial chemistry include industrial chemist, quality control officer, production supervisor, and laboratory analyst.

Industrial Chemistry requires a minimum of a 180 JAMB score and above and a maximum of 4 years for studying the course in Nigerian universities.

19. Physics/Applied Physics

One of the most difficult courses in science is physics/applied physics; it is a course that is meant for those who love solving complex calculations.

Physics studies matter, energy, and motion, while applied physics focuses on using physics principles in real-world technology and engineering.

Physics/Applied Physics requires a JAMB score of 160 and above; it is not competitive, and it is guaranteed that whosoever chooses it in JAMB will surely be offered admission due to the low number of candidates who applied for the program.

Career opportunities in physics/applied physics include physicist, research scientist, laboratory scientist, laboratory technician, and physics teacher.

The maximum duration for a physics/applied physics course in Nigeria is at most 4 years, while it is 5 years for ND and HND programs in polytechnics.

20. Geology

Geology involves studying the earth, rocks, minerals, and natural resources. Nigeria is a country with diverse natural resources, and it is necessary that some of the untapped natural and mineral resources be studied.

Geology career opportunities include geologist, mining engineer, environmental consultant, and petroleum geologist, with a maximum duration of 5 years.

Geology requires a typical JAMB score of 180 and above.

Universities Offering Science Courses in Nigeria

Federal Universities

1. University of Lagos
2. University of Ibadan
3. Ahmadu Bello University
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
5. Obafemi Awolowo University
6. Federal University of Technology, Minna
7. University of Port Harcourt
8. Bayero University, Kano
9. Federal University Oye-Ekiti
10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

State Universities

1. Lagos State University
2. Delta State University, Abraka
3. Rivers State University
4. Ekiti State University
5. Kaduna State University
6. Imo State University
7. Olabisi Onabanjo University
8. Benue State University
9. Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
10. Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Private Universities

1. Covenant University
2. Babcock University
3. Afe Babalola University
4. Bowen University
5. Madonna University
6. Lead City University
7. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
8. Redeemer’s University
9. Igbinedion University
10. Ajayi Crowther University

Federal Polytechnics

1. Yaba College of Technology
2. Federal Polytechnic Nekede
3. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
4. Federal Polytechnic Offa
5. Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti

State Polytechnics

1. Lagos State Polytechnic
2. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
3. Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
4. Abia State Polytechnic, Aba
5. Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

WAEC & JAMB Subject Combinations for Top 20 Science Courses in Nigeria

Cut-off Mark Table for Top 20 Best Science Courses in Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions

● Which science course is best in Nigeria?

Medicine and surgery are ranked the best science courses in Nigeria, followed by nursing science.

● What is the easiest science course to study?

The easiest science courses to study include microbiology and industrial chemistry.

● Which science course has the highest salary in Nigeria?

The science courses with the highest salaries in Nigeria include medicine and surgery, nursing science, pharmacy, and software engineering.

● Which science course is best for the future?

The best science courses for the future include software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

While the above list comprises the best science courses, it does not mean that individuals will succeed in the field. Some of the fields mentioned above need extra skills in order to earn a higher salary and succeed in the field.

And it is necessary you choose the field or course you will be happy in; doing so, you won’t get frustrated when you are challenged by the challenges in the field.

Adepoju Stephen is a lover of nature and a seasoned Education writer for the past 4 years. His love for education has made him to write continuous educational guide for all students on all levels in order to increase their grade or prepare them for admission. Adepoju Stephen is also a Christain