15 Best Courses to Study in Nigeria as a Science Student (2025/2026)

Choosing the right course as a science student in Nigeria is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It shapes your career, determines your earning potential, and sets the direction for the rest of your professional life. With so many options available across universities in Nigeria, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

The good news is this: science students in Nigeria have access to some of the most lucrative, most respected, and most in-demand courses available anywhere in the world. From Medicine and Petroleum Engineering to Computer Science and Data Science, the opportunities for science graduates have never been greater especially as Nigeria’s economy continues to expand across healthcare, technology, and infrastructure.

This guide breaks down the 15 best courses to study in Nigeria as a science student in 2025 and 2026. For each course, you will find what the course covers, the career opportunities it unlocks, the average salary you can expect, the JAMB cut-off mark range, and the top Nigerian universities that offer it. Whether you are preparing for UTME or simply trying to make an informed decision, this list will give you everything you need.

Why Choosing the Right Science Course in Nigeria Matters

Nigeria’s job market rewards specialization. The courses that consistently produce the highest-paying graduates are not random, they are tied directly to the sectors driving Nigeria’s economy: oil and gas, healthcare, technology, finance, and infrastructure. Science students are uniquely positioned to enter all of these industries.

Research consistently shows that science graduates in Nigeria earn significantly more than their counterparts in arts and humanities, particularly those who studied in high-demand fields like engineering, medicine, and computer science. According to data from CutOffMark.ng, fresh graduates in top science fields can earn between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 per month at entry level, with experienced professionals in fields like Petroleum Engineering earning ₦500,000 to ₦3,000,000 monthly.

Beyond earning potential, the right course gives you mobility. Many science courses — Nursing, Medicine, Computer Science, Pharmacy open doors not just in Nigeria but internationally. As a Nigerian science graduate, your qualification can take you to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and beyond.

So take your time with this decision. Read through each course below carefully, consider your strengths, and choose the path that aligns both with what you are good at and where Nigeria’s economy is heading.

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medicine and Surgery is widely considered the most prestigious course a science student can study in Nigeria. It is a demanding, six-year programme that trains students to become medical doctors — professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in patients of all ages.

Nigeria currently faces a critical shortage of doctors, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:5,000 — far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio. This means that every medicine graduate in Nigeria enters a job market that desperately needs them. Beyond Nigeria, Nigerian-trained doctors are in high demand in the UK, USA, Canada, and across the Middle East.

• Duration: 6 years (MBBS degree)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 280 – 300
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Average Monthly Salary (Entry): ₦180,000 – ₦500,000
• Specialist Monthly Salary: ₦770,000 – ₦2,500,000+
• Career Options: General Practitioner, Surgeon, Cardiologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Paediatrician
• Top Universities: University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

If you have the discipline to handle six years of intensive study and the passion for saving lives, Medicine and Surgery is one of the best investments you can make as a Nigerian science student. The financial rewards, global portability, and social impact of this career are unmatched.

2. Computer Science

Computer Science has quietly become the most versatile and high-growth science course in Nigeria today. As Nigeria’s digital economy expands with Lagos alone home to five of Africa’s seven tech unicorns, the demand for skilled computer science graduates is skyrocketing across fintech, e-commerce, software development, and artificial intelligence.

What makes Computer Science particularly attractive for Nigerian science students is its flexibility. A Computer Science graduate can work in a bank, a hospital, a government agency, a tech startup, or completely independently as a freelancer or entrepreneur. You do not need to leave Nigeria to earn in dollars remote work opportunities from international companies are widely accessible to skilled Nigerian tech professionals.

• Duration: 4 years (B.Sc.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180 – 250
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, English, and one other science subject
• Average Monthly Salary (Entry): ₦150,000 – ₦400,000
• Senior/Specialist Salary: ₦360,000 – ₦2,500,000+ (remote roles can pay in dollars)
• Career Options: Software Developer, Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, IT Project Manager, AI Engineer
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin

Nigeria’s tech sector is growing at 20% annually with ICT now contributing approximately 20% of national GDP. There has never been a better time to study Computer Science in Nigeria, and the career ceiling for skilled graduates is effectively unlimited.

3. Petroleum Engineering

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, and Petroleum Engineering remains one of the highest-paying courses a science student can study in the country. Petroleum engineers work in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas — skills that are at the very heart of Nigeria’s economy.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) signed in 2021 has boosted local content requirements, meaning more opportunities exist for Nigerian petroleum engineers in multinational companies like Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Graduates with experience can command extraordinary salaries, especially when working for international oil companies.

• Duration: 5 years (B.Eng.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 230 – 280
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and one other subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦758,000 (average) | ₦500,000 – ₦3,000,000 for experienced engineers
• Annual Salary Range: ₦8,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 for senior petroleum engineers
• Career Options: Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Production Engineer, HSE Officer, Project Manager
• Top Universities: University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Ahmadu Bello University

While the oil and gas sector is subject to global price fluctuations, Nigeria’s ongoing investment in its energy sector means petroleum engineers will remain among the highest-paid professionals in the country for the foreseeable future.

4. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is one of Nigeria’s most respected science courses and one of the most stable career choices available. Pharmacists study the composition, effects, and proper use of drugs — serving as the bridge between medicine manufacturers and patients. With Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector expanding rapidly, including major investments in the Lekki Pharmaceutical Hub in Lagos, the demand for trained pharmacists is growing significantly.

One of the great advantages of a Pharmacy degree is its entrepreneurial potential. After obtaining their licence from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), graduates can open their own pharmacy, work in hospitals, join pharmaceutical companies, or move into regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical sales — all highly lucrative paths.

• Duration: 5 years (B.Pharm)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 220 – 270
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000+
• Career Options: Hospital Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist, Industrial Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Sales Rep, Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, Ahmadu Bello University

Pharmacists in Nigeria who venture into wholesale drug distribution, pharmaceutical business, or consulting often multiply their income streams significantly beyond their base salary.

5. Data Science / Statistics

Data Science is the fastest-growing and highest-paying emerging career in Nigeria right now. In a data-driven world, companies across fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, and government need professionals who can collect, analyze, and interpret complex data to drive decision-making. Nigeria’s booming fintech sector — home to companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Interswitch — is hungry for data science talent.

Data Science graduates in Nigeria can work locally or remotely for international companies, often earning in dollars. Many Nigerian data scientists work with global firms from their homes in Lagos or Abuja, commanding salaries that rival those of any profession in the country.

• Duration: 4 years (B.Sc. in Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science with Data Science specialization)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180 – 240
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, English, and one other science subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦298,000 – ₦1,500,000+ | Senior roles: ₦8,000,000+ annually
• Career Options: Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Researcher
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Covenant University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan

With the global data science market projected to reach $385 billion, and Nigerian fintech and tech companies actively recruiting data professionals, a career in Data Science offers some of the most compelling earning potential available to a Nigerian science graduate today.

6. Civil Engineering

Nigeria needs roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and infrastructure and it needs them urgently. Civil Engineering is at the heart of the country’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda, making it one of the most in-demand engineering disciplines in Nigeria. Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the physical infrastructure that holds society together.

With the Nigerian government’s ongoing investment in national infrastructure including the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Abuja-Kano road, and various rail and bridge projects civil engineers are among the most sought-after professionals in the country. Large construction firms, government agencies, and multinational contractors all compete to recruit qualified civil engineering graduates.

• Duration: 5 years (B.Eng.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 250
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and one other subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦150,000 – ₦1,210,000 | Senior project managers earn significantly more
• Career Options: Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Construction Manager, Urban Planner
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Nigeria Nsukka

Civil engineering graduates who obtain professional certifications through the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and gain experience with large infrastructure projects can command exceptionally high salaries, particularly with multinational construction firms.

7. Nursing Science

Nursing Science is one of the most employable degrees available to a science student in Nigeria with an employment rate of approximately 94% for nursing graduates. Nurses are essential in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, schools, and international health organizations. They are the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

What makes Nursing particularly valuable for Nigerian science students is its global mobility. Nigerian-trained nurses are in extraordinarily high demand in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the Middle East. For students with international ambitions, Nursing is one of the clearest and most accessible paths to a well-paying career abroad.

• Duration: 4 – 5 years (B.NSc.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 280
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Average Monthly Salary (Nigeria): ₦150,000 – ₦500,000
• Average Monthly Salary (UK/USA): £2,500 – £4,000 / $5,000 – $8,000
• Career Options: Registered Nurse, Cardiac Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Midwife
• Top Universities: University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Lagos, Bowen University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University

If you want a guaranteed job after graduation either in Nigeria or abroad Nursing Science is one of the safest and most rewarding choices available to a Nigerian science student today.

8. Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Electrical and Electronics Engineering is a broad and powerful discipline covering power generation, telecommunications, electronics, and increasingly, renewable energy. With Nigeria’s persistent power challenges and the federal government’s push to improve electricity distribution and develop renewable energy sources, electrical engineers are critically needed across the country.

The telecoms sector driven by MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile also employs thousands of electrical engineering graduates annually. As Nigeria invests billions in solar energy and smart grid infrastructure, the demand for electrical engineers with renewable energy expertise is only going to increase.

• Duration: 5 years (B.Eng.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 260
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, English, Chemistry, and one other subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦233,000 – ₦1,200,000+
• Career Options: Power Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Project Manager
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

Electrical engineers who gain additional certifications in renewable energy, smart grid systems, or telecommunications can significantly increase their market value in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving energy sector.

9. Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a highly versatile science course that sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry. It covers the chemical processes that occur within living organisms including molecular genetics, protein science, and metabolism. Biochemistry graduates are in demand in pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, hospitals, research institutions, and government health agencies.

As Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector grows and international health organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and the CDC expand their operations in the country, the demand for trained biochemists with strong laboratory skills is increasing year on year.

• Duration: 4 years (B.Sc.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 240
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦400,000 | Research roles can pay significantly more
• Career Options: Research Scientist, Laboratory Analyst, Quality Control Officer, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Public Health Officer
• Top Universities: University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Covenant University

For science students who love biology and chemistry but are not sure about medicine, Biochemistry offers an excellent alternative with broad career options and strong potential for postgraduate study and specialization.

10. Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and their effects on human health, food production, and the environment. In Nigeria, microbiologists are employed across the food and beverage industry (companies like Nestlé, Nigerian Breweries, and Unilever), hospitals, water treatment facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and environmental agencies.

As global concerns about antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases grow and as Nigeria’s post-pandemic healthcare investment increases, microbiologists are becoming increasingly valuable in both the private and public sectors.

• Duration: 4 years (B.Sc.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180 – 220
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and one other science subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦350,000
• Career Options: Clinical Microbiologist, Food Safety Scientist, Quality Assurance Officer, Environmental Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
• Top Universities: Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University

11. Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering combines chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design and optimize processes for converting raw materials into valuable products. In Nigeria, chemical engineers are in demand across the oil and gas industry, food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and the emerging petrochemical sector.

Chemical engineers at multinational oil and gas companies or large manufacturing firms in Nigeria are among the best-compensated engineering graduates in the country. With Nigeria investing heavily in petrochemical infrastructure, including the Dangote Refinery the largest in Africa, the demand for chemical engineering talent is growing significantly.

• Duration: 5 years (B.Eng.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 260
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and one other subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000+
• Career Options: Process Engineer, Petrochemical Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Chemical Plant Manager
• Top Universities: Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Port Harcourt

12. Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is one of the most underrated but consistently in-demand health science courses in Nigeria. Medical laboratory scientists perform diagnostic tests that doctors rely on to make accurate treatment decisions. Behind every hospital diagnosis is a laboratory scientist running tests on blood, tissues, urine, and other samples.

As Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure expands and private hospitals proliferate across Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities, the demand for qualified laboratory scientists is growing steadily. Graduates can also work with international health agencies and research organizations operating across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

• Duration: 5 years (B.MLS)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 210 – 230
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦400,000
• Career Options: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Haematologist, Microbiologist, Blood Bank Officer, Research Scientist
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Maiduguri

13. Geology

Geology is consistently one of the most sought-after science courses in Nigeria specifically because of its connection to the oil and gas industry. Geologists are essential to petroleum exploration, identifying where oil and gas deposits are located, analyzing rock formations, and providing the foundational data that drives drilling decisions for companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and NNPC.

Beyond oil and gas, geologists are employed in mining, environmental consulting, construction, and groundwater research. As Nigeria expands its solid minerals sector including investments in lithium, gold, and iron ore, the demand for geologists extends well beyond the traditional oil industry.

• Duration: 4 – 5 years (B.Sc.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200 – 250
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Geography
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000+ (oil and gas roles pay significantly higher)
• Career Options: Petroleum Geologist, Mining Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Geophysicist
• Top Universities: University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Akure

14. Cybersecurity / Information Technology

Cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly growing and highest-paying fields in Nigeria’s tech sector. As businesses, banks, and government agencies move their operations online, the need to protect digital assets from hackers and cybercriminals has become urgent and non-negotiable. Nigeria loses billions of naira to cybercrime every year, and organizations are willing to pay a premium for experts who can protect them.

Cybersecurity specialists in Nigeria can work for banks, telecoms companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations — or provide services independently as consultants. The career ceiling for cybersecurity professionals is extremely high, particularly for those with international certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM.

• Duration: 4 years (B.Sc. in Computer Science, IT, or Cybersecurity)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 180 – 240
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, Physics, English, and one other science subject
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦215,000 – ₦1,500,000+ | Senior roles: ₦2,400,000+ annually
• Career Options: Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Information Security Manager, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Expert
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Covenant University, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria Nsukka

15. Dentistry

Dentistry is one of Nigeria’s most financially rewarding healthcare courses and one that is significantly underrepresented in the country. Nigeria has a major shortage of qualified dentists, meaning graduates enter a market with very little competition and excellent earning potential particularly in private practice. As awareness of oral health increases and the middle class expands in major Nigerian cities, the demand for dental services is growing rapidly.

Like Medicine, Dentistry also offers strong opportunities for international practice. Nigerian-trained dentists can sit additional licensing exams to practice in the UK, Canada, and other countries where dental professionals are in short supply.

• Duration: 6 years (BDS / B.Ch.D.)
• JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 250 – 300
• WAEC Requirements: Credits in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Average Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦1,500,000+ (private practice can earn significantly more)
• Career Options: General Dentist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Paediatric Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Dental Lecturer
• Top Universities: University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, Ahmadu Bello University

How to Choose the Right Science Course in Nigeria

With 15 excellent options on this list, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are four key factors to consider before making your final decision.

1. Match the Course to Your Strongest Subjects Your WAEC and UTME subjects are a clue. If you scored highest in Biology and Chemistry, Medical courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, or Biochemistry are natural fits. If Physics and Mathematics are your strongest subjects, Engineering or Computer Science may suit you better. Do not fight against your natural strengths lean into them.

2. Think About Your Career Goals Do you want to help people directly? Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy put you face-to-face with patients. Do you want to build things? Engineering is your path. Do you want to work in tech or business? Computer Science and Data Science give you the most flexibility. Be honest with yourself about the kind of work you want to do every day.

3. Consider Your Long-Term Earning Goals If maximizing your income is a priority, Petroleum Engineering, Medicine, and Data Science consistently rank among the highest-paying science careers in Nigeria. If international migration is part of your plan, Nursing, Medicine, and Computer Science offer the greatest global mobility.

4. Research the Universities That Excel in Your Chosen Field Not all Nigerian universities are equal in every discipline. University of Port Harcourt leads in Petroleum Engineering. University of Ibadan has a strong reputation in Medicine and Biochemistry. Covenant University is known for its tech programmes. Research which institution has the best facilities, faculty, and industry connections in your chosen field before applying.

Quick Reference: JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Top Science Courses (2026)

• Medicine and Surgery: 280 – 300
• Dentistry: 250 – 300
• Pharmacy: 220 – 270
• Petroleum Engineering: 230 – 280
• Nursing Science: 200 – 280
• Medical Laboratory Science: 210 – 230
• Civil Engineering: 200 – 250
• Chemical Engineering: 200 – 260
• Electrical Engineering: 200 – 260
• Biochemistry: 200 – 240
• Geology: 200 – 250
• Computer Science: 180 – 250
• Cybersecurity / IT: 180 – 240
• Data Science / Statistics: 180 – 240
• Microbiology: 180 – 220

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best courses to study in Nigeria as a science student in 2025 and 2026 are those that align your natural abilities with Nigeria’s most in-demand and highest-paying industries. Whether you choose Medicine for its prestige and global impact, Computer Science for its flexibility and tech sector opportunities, Petroleum Engineering for its extraordinary earning potential, or Nursing for its near-guaranteed employment, you are making a decision that can shape the entire arc of your professional life.

Take time to research each option thoroughly. Talk to professionals already working in your field of interest. Visit the universities you are considering. And above all, choose a course that you can commit to fully because every course on this list rewards dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for the subject.

Nigeria needs trained scientists, engineers, doctors, and tech professionals more than ever. The career you choose today could be part of the solution to some of the country’s greatest challenges and one of the most rewarding investments you ever make in yourself.

Good luck with your UTME, your application, and the exciting journey ahead. You have chosen to be a science student now choose wisely which branch of science will carry you to your best future.

There you go select all and copy! 🎉 Let me know if you’d like any section edited or expanded.