What are some of the most useless courses to study in Nigeria and why are they useless? Read on to find out.
Choosing a course of study in Nigeria is a significant decision. Some courses, while available, may not offer promising opportunities like some of these highest-paying jobs in Nigeria.
These are often labelled “useless” because they lack practical skills or are incompatible with Nigeria’s job market and economy.
Consequently, it is often hard to find a job, and even harder to find a good-paying one.
Nigeria is already suffering from massive unemployment, so studying a course that further limits the chances of gaining employment would be a great disservice.
It is important to note that while these courses are considered useless in Nigeria, they may be very lucrative in other countries in the world.
Now that you know what we mean by the most useless courses to study in Nigeria, let’s explore the list to find out exactly why.
Top 10 Courses With Limited Opportunities in Nigeria
1. Horticulture
Horticulture, which is the study of plants and gardening, is not a very profitable course to study in Nigeria.
Unlike in industrialized nations, where decorative plants hold high value, Nigeria’s economic landscape offers limited prospects for horticulture graduates.
In Nigeria, there is limited demand for professional horticulturists compared to other fields. Many people do not see the need to hire someone specifically for gardening or plant-related jobs. They’d rather take care of their gardens themselves or hire temporary workers.
The market for horticulture products like flowers, ornamental plants, and landscaping services is not as developed or profitable in Nigeria as in other countries. This makes it hard for horticulturists to make a good income.
So, while horticulture is a valuable field of study and important for the environment, in Nigeria, it might not be seen as the most profitable career option.
2. Religious Studies
Nigeria might be one of the most religious countries in the world but that doesn’t make religious studies any more profitable.
While the knowledge gained from Religious Studies is valuable for personal enrichment and understanding different cultures and beliefs, it may not always translate directly into a high-paying job.
This is because the job market for careers directly linked to Religious Studies is limited. This can make it difficult to find well-paying jobs after completing a Religious Studies program.
Unless you want to become a cleric, in which case you do not require a degree in religious studies, or are passionate about teaching, religious studies may not be a good course to study in Nigeria.
3. Home Economics
The combination of limited job market demand and lower earning potential makes Home Economics one of the most useless courses to study in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, many of the skills taught in Home Economics, such as cooking, sewing, and budgeting, are often skills that can be acquired without formal education.
This makes it challenging for Home Economics graduates to demonstrate the unique value they bring to potential employers.
Therefore, getting a job often requires additional skills, and experience in specific fields of home economics such as food science, catering, hotel management, chef, fashion designing, etc.
However, if you are planning to venture into entrepreneurship in a home economics-related venture, it can be a good course to lay foundational knowledge.
4. Zoology
In Nigeria, there aren’t many jobs for people who study animals because wildlife isn’t highly valued. This makes it hard for zoology graduates to find jobs, even with good grades from some of the best universities in Nigeria.
And when you do find a job in zoology, the salaries tend to be lower compared to other professions. This is because industries that directly employ zoologists, like research institutions or wildlife conservation organizations, often have limited funding.
Additionally, there seems to be a lack of investment and support for research and conservation efforts related to zoology in Nigeria. This can make it difficult for professionals in the field to secure funding for their projects and initiatives.
5. Crop science
Crop Science is the study of crops and diseases and is considered one of the less practical courses in Nigeria. This means finding employment might be challenging unless you have a strong connection.
The agricultural sector in Nigeria faces challenges, including insufficient funding and outdated practices, which can limit the potential for high earnings. Additionally, the income levels for careers in Crop Science may not match those in some other fields.
It’s important to note that while Crop Science may not be the most popular choice, it can still be a valuable field of study for those passionate about agriculture.
6. Botany
Industries related to Botany, such as plant research or conservation, are not as strong in Nigeria. This can affect the financial stability of jobs in this field. Not to mention, the fierce competition in the Nigerian labour market.
7. Library Science
Studying Library and Information Science in Nigeria is a joke in Nigeria. First, the number of functional libraries is scarce, limiting job prospects for graduates.
Sadly, reading habits among Nigerians are low, further reducing the demand for library services.
Additionally, technological advancements are replacing many traditional library roles. This makes it challenging for graduates in this field to find stable and well-paying positions.
Opting for Library and Information Science in Nigeria may not lead to a fruitful and fulfilling career path.
8. Social Studies
Social Studies is considered less practical in Nigeria; it doesn’t align closely with the demands of the local job market. With limited job opportunities, many graduates often find themselves in teaching roles, which may not suit everyone’s career aspirations.
9. Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. While it enriches understanding of human behaviour, it does not seem practical in Nigeria due to its limited immediate application in the job market.
It’s like bringing a surfboard to a desert – not the most useful choice!
The implication of this is that there is less demand for professionals in this field. its perceived lack of direct relevance to pressing societal issues might make it less appealing for those seeking practical and financially stable career paths in Nigeria.
10. Physical Health Education
While a degree in Physical Health Education can lead to rewarding careers in more affluent nations, the opportunities are limited in Nigeria.
Finding employment as a fitness coach or instructor can be challenging due to factors such as limited access to fitness facilities and lower demand for such services. This makes it a less lucrative field of study in the Nigerian context.
FAQs
What are considered “useless” courses in Nigeria?
Useless courses in Nigeria refer to fields of study that have limited job opportunities or practical applications in the country’s current economic and social context.
Why should I be cautious about choosing a course of study?
It’s important to consider the job market and demand for specific fields to ensure that your chosen course leads to meaningful and viable career opportunities.
Can I pursue a passion even if it’s in a less practical field?
Absolutely! It’s okay to pursue your interests, but it’s important to be aware of potential challenges in finding employment within that field.
Are there exceptions to the usefulness of certain courses?
Yes, there can be exceptions. Some courses may have niche applications or maybe more valuable in specific industries or regions.
What should I do if I’m already studying one of these useless courses?
Consider supplementing your education with additional skills or exploring related fields with better job prospects.
How can I make a more informed decision about my course of study?
Research thoroughly, talk to professionals in your desired field, and seek advice from career counsellors or mentors to ensure that your chosen course aligns with your long-term goals.
Conclusion
Instead of fixating on which courses to avoid, it’s wiser to focus on factors that define a course’s value: job market demand, entrepreneurial potential, societal impact, and skill development.
