Whether you’re a parent or a student looking to gain admission into the university, the question of what course is the best in your field will always come up. Your choice centers around your field of interest and the relevance of the course in the marketplace.
You don’t have to rack your head, especially if you’re at that crossroads already. I have compiled a list of 20 of the best science courses to study in Nigeria. You just have to read through to see if you meet the requirements and have an interest in any of the job prospects.
Top 20 Best Science Courses in Nigeria
1. Medicine and Surgery
2. Pharmacy
3. Nursing
4. Veterinary Medicine
5. Anatomy
6. Dentistry
7. Medical Laboratory Science
8. Optometry
9. Physiotherapy
10. Computer Science/Information Technology
11. Biochemistry
12. Microbiology
13. Agriculture
14. Architecture
15. Physics
16. Mathematics/Statistics
17. Civil Engineering
18. Petroleum Engineering
19. Electrical Engineering
20. Mechanical Engineering
Top Best Science Courses in Nigeria
This list cuts across different fields in the sciences, from courses in healthcare to applied sciences, engineering, and technology.
Healthcare
1. Medicine and Surgery
Also regarded as MBBS, it is the most reputable course in the Nigerian field of sciences. It takes six years of study.
The JAMB subject combination is English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Usually, the JAMB cut-off mark is in the range of 260, which varies based on different universities.
From being a general practitioner, you could also specialize in certain medical fields. You could also become a surgeon, consultant, lecturer, or researcher. Medicine is a very competitive and prestigious course in the world at large.
2. Pharmacy
It typically takes 5 years to study Pharmacy in Nigeria. The cutoff mark usually begins from 250, depending on the university of choice. Like Medicine, the subject combination is English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
A pharmacy is a necessity for healthcare. They complement or crown the work of doctors. Career options include being a pharmacist, drug researcher, or an industrial pharmacist.
3. Nursing
Nursing is not only in high demand in Nigeria. Nurses are in high demand all over the world, which makes it one of the hottest degrees to acquire in Nigeria.
Its cutoff mark is from 250 upwards, and the subject combination is English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It also requires 4 or 5 years to study in a nursing school.
With a degree in nursing, you can be a nurse, midwife, or healthcare officer. A course like nursing, with high demand at home and abroad, is one of the best science courses to study in Nigeria.
4. Veterinary Medicine
Vet Medicine does not have the prestige that human medicine has, particularly in the Nigerian scene. You might get questions like Who cares about animals in Nigeria?
But I promise you that people do. From animal farmers to people with pets (yes, there are people with pets who medically treat them). While it may not be grossly popular in Nigeria, it is in high demand abroad.
It has the same requirements and timeframe as human medicine. You could be a consultant, researcher, doctor, or academic with this degree.
5. Anatomy
Anatomy is another one of the biggest science courses in Nigeria. It is the foundation for health and medical sciences.
It takes only 4 years to study, with the same JAMB subject combinations as the previous health courses and a cutoff mark of 200.
Career prospects span from healthcare to education, research, and forensic science.
6. Dentistry
This is a specialized field that is rewarding and very much respected. It takes 6 years of study with the same subject combination as mentioned above.
Career paths include being a dentist, oral surgeon, dental technologist, researcher or lecturer, and many more.
7. Medical Laboratory Science
MLS plays a very crucial role in healthcare, like performing tests, diagnosis, etc. It takes 4 years of study with Direct Entry and 5 years through JAMB. JAMB cutoff is from 230 and above.
The expertise of Medical Laboratory Scientists is needed across settings like hospitals, research labs, forensics, and pharmaceuticals etc.
8. Optometry
This is another specialized area in medicine. Optometrists are eye specialists, and they are always in demand. As of January 2025, it now takes 6 years to study optometry in Nigeria.
The cutoff mark is from 240 and above, and it has the same JAMB combination as the other health-related courses.
9. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is another health-related course that is vital in rehabilitation and wellness. You can either spend 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree or six years for a Doctor’s or a Physiotherapy degree.
You could be a physiotherapist, sports rehab therapist, own your private practice, or even teach.
Non-Health Related Fields
10. Computer Science/ Information Technology
We can all agree that tech is not just on the rise; it has come to stay. This makes studying either of these courses as it applies to different universities a great option.
It takes 4 years to study either of the courses, usually with a minimum of 220 in JAMB with a subject combination of English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Career paths are wide, including Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Expert, etc.
11. Biochemistry
It is a versatile field of study that combines elements of Biology and Chemistry. It takes 4 years to study Biochemistry in Nigeria.
The JAMB cutoff mark starts from 200, with a subject combination of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Relevant fields for work include research, healthcare, forensic science, product development (food/drug), and education.
12. Microbiology
Microbiology is a course that is of key importance in medicine, agriculture, food science, and pharmaceuticals.
It takes 4 years to study Microbiology in Nigeria. The JAMB cutoff is 200 with a subject combination of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Their expertise is needed in healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, food and beverage industries, environmental organizations, and research and academia.
13. Agriculture Science
Agricultural Science needs no introduction. It is very relevant for agribusiness and food security, animal husbandry, technology, and innovation, to name a few.
The JAMB subject combination is English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. The cutoff mark is usually 180, and it takes 5 years to study.
Career opportunities span across many areas, like farm management, agricultural consulting, plant breeding, food production, etc.
14. Architecture
As long as people will need buildings, Architecture will always be in demand. It is another reputable professional course with a science background.
Although it is not a pure science course because it combines science with creativity, it requires a strong science background, especially in Physics and Mathematics. You might usually need to have taken Technical Drawing in secondary school.
It takes 5 years of study. The safest JAMB combination is English, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Although uncommon, some students use Geography or Technical Drawing as an alternative to Chemistry.
Career paths include general architectural practice, urban and regional planning, interior design, project management, etc.
15. Physics
Physics is a fundamental science course that applies to many fields. It takes 4 years to study with a cutoff of 200 and a subject combination of English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Physics is needed in the fields of education, engineering, renewable energy, telecommunications, etc.
16. Mathematics/Statistics
Depending on the institution, these are two of the most reputable problem-solving courses in Nigeria. They require a cutoff mark of 200 and a subject combination of English, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. It takes 4 years to study either of them.
As a graduate of either or a combination of these two, you have access to fields like research, finance, data science, and actuarial science (analysing data to help industries like banks make knowledgeable decisions about the future).
Engineering
The demand for any Engineering field cannot be overemphasized. Whether it is Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, it is not just a high-demand professional course; it is also highly lucrative and always in high demand.
They all have the same requirements and time frame. Depending on the university of choice, the cutoff mark is usually from 220 with the subject combination of English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. It takes 5 years to get an Engineering degree in Nigeria.
17. Civil Engineering
It is concerned with the design and construction of such infrastructure as roads, dams, bridges, etc.
18. Petroleum Engineering
This is the most popular engineering option for a career path in oil and gas. They ensure the proper extraction and processing of crude oil and natural gas.
19. Mechanical Engineering
This field of engineering is concerned with machines, engines, and manufacturing systems. They design and build mechanical devices used in industries, power systems, etc.
20. Electrical Engineering
This deals with electricity, power systems, and electronics, and is not just relevant in power generation but also in telecommunications.
Conclusion
Note that the JAMB cutoff mark varies according to institutions of choice, plus they are reviewed yearly. Some institutions offer admission for lower marks, and some for higher than the stated marks. Check the website of your desired institution for the score that applies to them.
Whether you want a future career in healthcare, engineering, research, or technology, you will make a big impact if you put in the work. Success in your admission process.
