The choice of courses Nigerian students should avoid depends on various factors, including job market demand, technological advancements, economic trends, and personal interests.
However, it’s crucial to note that no course is inherently “bad,” but some may currently have limited opportunities or declining relevance in Nigeria’s socio-economic context.
Below are courses Nigerian students may reconsider or approach with caution:
1. Purely Theoretical Courses Without Practical Applications
Examples: History, Philosophy, Anthropology (without plans for specialization or practical application like cultural consulting or academia).
Why? These courses may offer limited direct job opportunities unless supplemented with additional skills or qualifications.
2. Courses with Saturated Job Markets
Examples:
Law: Oversupply of law graduates, limited job openings.
Accounting: Automation and software are reducing demand for traditional accountants.
Advice: If pursuing these courses, students should aim for professional certifications (e.g., ACCA, ICAN, or Bar qualifications) or diversify into related fields.
3. Courses with Low Market Demand
Examples:
Library Science: Fewer libraries and the digitalization of information.
Archaeology: Limited job prospects in Nigeria unless combined with global opportunities.
Why? Lack of demand in the local job market and limited funding in related sectors.
4. Traditional Agriculture Without Modernization
Studying agriculture in its outdated forms can lead to limited opportunities in a sector that increasingly values mechanized and scientific approaches.
Advice: Focus on courses emphasizing agribusiness, biotechnology, or agricultural engineering.
5. Mass Communication
This field is becoming oversaturated, and many roles can now be handled by specialists in digital marketing, public relations, or multimedia design.
Advice: Opt for specialized communication fields like digital media, content creation, or film production.
6. Courses at Risk of Automation
Examples: Traditional secretarial studies or basic data entry roles.
Why? Advancements in artificial intelligence and automation are reducing the need for such skills.
7. Courses Without Alignment to Emerging Trends
Students should avoid courses that do not consider the global transition towards tech-based, renewable energy, and sustainability-focused careers.
Examples:
Petroleum Engineering: As the world shifts to renewable energy, petroleum engineering jobs may decline.
Environmental Biology without skills in climate technology or data science.
8. Zoology/Botany
Why? Limited job opportunities in Nigeria for these fields unless combined with modern specializations like environmental management or biotechnology.
Alternative: Biotechnology, ecology, or environmental sustainability.
9. Political Science
Why? The market is oversaturated with graduates, and many end up in unrelated roles.
Alternative: Study international relations, public policy, or governance with a focus on tech-driven solutions.
10. Religious Studies
Why? Career opportunities are limited to specific sectors, such as clergy or teaching.
Alternative: Consider theology paired with counseling, social work, or community development.
What Students Should Do Instead:
1. Research Market Trends: Understand industries growing in Nigeria, such as tech, health, and renewable energy.
2. Choose Emerging Fields:
Artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy engineering, software development, etc.
3. Emphasize Skills Over Degrees: Many employers now prioritize practical skills, certifications, and experience over traditional degrees.
4. Entrepreneurship and Practical Fields: Courses like business development, vocational skills, and agribusiness align with Nigeria’s entrepreneurial culture.
It’s critical for students to match their interests with industry needs, seek internships, and acquire transferable skills to thrive in the evolving job market.
Key Recommendations for Nigerian Students:
1. Focus on Emerging Fields:
Data science, artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and health sciences are growing fields in Nigeria and globally.
2. Acquire Practical Skills:
Hands-on skills in areas like programming, digital marketing, or technical trades can complement traditional degrees and increase employability.
3. Research Job Market Trends:
Understand industries with growth potential, such as fintech, agritech, and renewable energy.
4. Pursue Entrepreneurship:
Consider courses or skills that support small business development, such as business administration with a focus on innovation.
5. Combine Traditional Fields with Tech:
For example, law combined with tech (cyberlaw), or journalism combined with multimedia and digital storytelling.
