Nigeria’s job market is increasingly competitive, and the choice of a course can significantly impact one’s employment prospects.
While passion and personal interests play crucial roles in career selection, some courses offer fewer job opportunities than others due to low industry demand, limited professional pathways, or outdated curricula.
This article highlights ten of the least marketable courses in Nigerian universities that, while valuable in knowledge, often struggle to provide graduates with direct employment opportunities.
1. Library and Information Science
At first glance, Library and Information Science seems like a practical field, considering that libraries exist in academic institutions, government agencies, and private organizations.
However, the reality is that modern technology has significantly reduced the demand for librarians.
Many institutions now use digital cataloguing systems and access to online academic resources has replaced the need for traditional library setups.
Additionally, government employment in libraries is highly competitive, with limited job openings. As a result, graduates often struggle to find work outside of academic settings unless they diversify their skills into digital information management.
2. Philosophy
Philosophy is an intellectually stimulating field that explores human existence, ethics, and reasoning. However, the Nigerian job market has limited direct career applications.
Most philosophy graduates often find themselves in academia, research, or freelance writing, as few industries actively seek philosophers.
Without additional qualifications in law, public relations, or journalism, securing a stable job in Nigeria with a philosophy degree can be an uphill battle.
3. Anthropology
Anthropology, the study of human societies and cultures, is a fascinating discipline, but it offers very few direct job opportunities in Nigeria.
Unlike countries where anthropologists work in cultural preservation, heritage management, and research institutions, Nigeria lacks sufficient demand for these professionals.
Graduates in anthropology often have to transition into other fields such as teaching, journalism, or NGO work. Those who wish to practice anthropology in its true form may have to seek opportunities abroad.
4. Archaeology
Archaeology is another field that struggles with employability in Nigeria. The country has a rich history and numerous cultural artefacts, but there is little funding and governmental support for archaeological research.
Unlike developed nations where museums, universities, and cultural institutions invest in historical preservation, Nigeria has few institutions offering full-time archaeological roles.
Most graduates end up working in unrelated fields or pursuing careers in academia.
5. Religious Studies
Religious Studies is a course that focuses on the history, teachings, and philosophy of various religions.
While the subject is significant in Nigerian society, career opportunities are limited.
Graduates typically work as religious leaders, teachers in faith-based schools, or missionaries.
However, these roles do not always offer financial stability or long-term career growth. Outside of the religious sector, finding employment with this degree can be challenging.
6. Zoology
While Zoology is a scientific discipline, the job prospects for zoologists in Nigeria are quite limited.
The country has few wildlife conservation programs, and research opportunities are scarce.
Many zoology graduates struggle to find relevant work and often end up in unrelated jobs, such as teaching or working in administrative roles.
Unlike veterinary medicine, which offers a clear career path, zoology does not guarantee a stable profession in Nigeria.
7. Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fisheries and Aquaculture is a degree that focuses on fish farming, marine biology, and aquatic resource management.
Although Nigeria has a growing interest in fish farming, the industry is largely informal.
Most fish farmers in the country operate on a small scale and do not require degree-holding professionals to manage their businesses.
As a result, many graduates in this field end up unemployed or are forced to start their own fish farming ventures, which require significant capital investment.
8. French
French is an important global language and is widely spoken in West Africa. However, in Nigeria, the demand for French graduates is relatively low.
Apart from teaching in secondary schools or working as translators, there are limited job prospects for French graduates.
Unlike English, which is Nigeria’s official language, French is not widely used in business, governance, or daily communication, reducing its marketability in the country.
9. History and International Studies
History and International Studies is a broad course that explores past events and their impact on modern society. However, job opportunities for graduates are limited in Nigeria.
Unlike law or political science, which lead to clear career paths, history graduates often struggle to find specialized roles.
Many end up in teaching, journalism, or administrative positions that do not directly relate to their field of study.
Unless one pursues further education in law, diplomacy, or museum studies, finding employment with a history degree in Nigeria can be challenging.
10. Crop Science
Agriculture is a vital industry in Nigeria, but Crop Science is not a highly marketable course. Most agricultural activities in the country are done on a subsistence level, meaning that commercial farms rarely require crop scientists.
Graduates in this field often find themselves working in research institutions, which have limited openings.
Others may enter the agricultural business, but this requires personal investment and entrepreneurship rather than formal employment.
Conclusion
Choosing a course in the university should be a balance between passion and practicality. While all fields of study have intrinsic value, some offer better career prospects than others in the Nigerian job market.
If you are passionate about any of the above-listed courses, consider acquiring additional skills, pursuing postgraduate education, or exploring alternative career paths that can make you more competitive in the job market.
Fields such as technology, business, and healthcare currently have higher employability rates in Nigeria, and combining these with your degree could significantly improve your job prospects.
