15 Best science courses to study in Nigeria and their cut-off mark
State, private and federal universities in Nigeria offer a list of courses for students who wish to study science. Many high-demand and well-paying careers are in science-related fields. Check out some of the best science courses to study in Nigeria today.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Which are the best science courses to study in Nigeria?
- Top 15 best science courses to study today
- What is the best course to study in science?
- What course can you study without physics in WAEC?
- Which subject is best for science?
- What is the best course in Nigeria?
- Which field in science has highest salary?
Courses under science provide a strong foundation for pursuing a wide range of fulfilling and financially rewarding careers. There are many universities in Nigeria that offer various science courses at an affordable fee.
Which are the best science courses to study in Nigeria?
Choosing a science course to study in Nigeria can be challenging, considering many factors, such as your interests, strengths, and career goals. The compilation is created by sampling information from different online sources, including AllSchoolBest, Naija Schools, CamusFocus, Camp.com.ng, EduPadi, and various recommendations from Quora.
| No | Course | Lowest cut-off mark |
| 1 | Nursing | 200 |
| 2 | Medicine and Surgery | 200 |
| 3 | Pharmacy | 200 |
| 4 | Dentistry | 200 |
| 5 | Computer Science | 180 |
| 6 | Electrical/Electronics Engineering | 240 |
| 7 | Biochemistry | 200 |
| 8 | Chemical and Petroleum Engineering | 200 |
| 9 | Microbiology | 180 |
| 10 | Geology | 160 |
| 11 | Physics | 180 |
| 12 | Agricultural Science | 160 |
| 13 | Mathematics | 180 |
| 14 | Veterinary Medicine | 180 |
| 15 | Political Science | 190 |
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Top 15 best science courses to study today
Here are the top 15 most popular courses under science and their cut-off mark.
1. Nursing
Nursing is one of the most popular courses in Nigeria that many students pursue. Nursing responsibilities can range from making acute treatment decisions to providing school inoculations. Several universities in Nigeria offer various nursing courses.
The cut-off mark for nursing programs can vary depending on the institution, but it is generally between 200 and 280.
2. Medicine and Surgery
Medicine and surgery is arguably Nigeria's most prestigious and competitive science course. As a medical professional, you can make a significant positive impact on people's lives.
The course in medicine and surgery is available in several Nigerian universities. Depending on the school's preference, it is typically housed within the Faculty of Health Sciences or Clinical Sciences.
The cut-off mark for admission into medicine programs in Nigerian universities can be as high as 350 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
3. Pharmacy
Pharmacy is another highly competitive science course. Those pursuing a pharmacy course can work in many dynamic fields, such as hospital pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, pharmaceutical sales, drug development and research. The minimum JAMB cut-off mark for a pharmacy to participate in the post-UTME is generally 200.
4. Dentistry
Source: UGC
Dentistry is a challenging course yet rewarding. Dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting oral health. Dental professionals diagnose and treat various oral conditions, including cavities, gum diseases, and infections.
Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and preventive treatments help prevent oral health issues and improve overall well-being. The minimum cut-off mark for one to pursue a dentistry course is 200.
5. Computer Science
Computer science is a rapidly growing field with excellent job opportunities. Computer scientists research and analyze how computers store and use information.
Graduates find employment in diverse sectors such as computer software companies, game development, financial services, government, research, social media companies, and manufacturing. The cut-off mark for computer science programs can range from 180 to 250.
6. Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Electrical and electronics engineering is a broad field with applications in power generation, telecommunications, and many other industries. Electrical engineering deals with studying and applying electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The cut-off mark for this course is typically 240 and above.
7. Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It is an interdisciplinary course of biology and chemistry, divided into three broad fields: molecular genetics, protein science, and metabolism. To pursue a biochemistry course in Nigeria, you must achieve a cut-off mark of 200 and above.
8. Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Nigeria's oil wealth makes petroleum engineering a popular choice for science students. Numerous petroleum companies are paying well in Nigeria; hence, this course ranks among the most high-paying jobs. The cut-off mark for this course can be as high as 250 or more.
9. Microbiology
Source: UGC
Microbiology is the study of the biology of microscopic organisms - viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, slime moulds, and protozoa. This versatile science course has applications in various fields, such as healthcare, food production, and environmental science.
The general cut-off mark for microbiology programs is above 180. Microbiology is among the top ten 4 years science courses list in Nigeria students can pursue.
10. Geology
Geology studies the Earth's structure, composition, and history. The geology course is exciting, and if you love the science of the Earth and are curious about it, it will be a great course for you. The cut-off mark for geology programs can range from 160 to 240.
11. Physics
Physics is the fundamental science that seeks to understand the laws and principles governing everything in the universe, from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies. By studying physics, you gain a deeper appreciation for the world around you and how it works.
A physics course will enable you to study classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Common cut-off marks for a physics program in Nigerian universities can range from 180 and above.
12. Agricultural Science
Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating plants and livestock for food and other products. A degree in the field will open up various professional prospects, depending on your chosen educational path. The cut-off mark for agriculture programs can vary depending on the institution, but it is usually 160 and above.
13. Mathematics
Source: UGC
Mathematics is the scientific study of quality, structure, space, and change. Mathematics is widely used in various domains, including natural science, engineering, medical, and social sciences. The cut-off mark for mathematics programs in Nigeria is typically between 180 and 230.
14. Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of various animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. Veterinarians are in high demand in Nigeria, and graduates can work in various research and production fields. The general cut-off mark for veterinary courses is around 180 for most Nigerian universities.
15. Political Science
Political science is one of the most popular social science courses marketable in Nigeria today. This course focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Individuals who have completed a course in political science can pursue various career paths in both the public and private sectors. The cut-off marks for this course range from 190 and above.
What is the best course to study in science?
Several science courses are great to pursue in Nigeria. They include nursing, physics, biochemistry, engineering and agriculture.
What course can you study without physics in WAEC?
Source: UGC
You can study many courses in Nigeria without taking physics in WAEC. They include the English language, history, mass communication, economics and entrepreneurship.
Which subject is best for science?
The three significant subjects considered the best for any science course are mathematics, biology and chemistry.
What is the best course in Nigeria?
Some of the best courses to pursue in Nigeria include accounting and finance, nursing, engineering, agriculture science, architecture, biochemistry and computer science.
Which field in science has highest salary?
Petroleum engineering is one of the highest paying jobs in Nigeria. A petroleum engineer earns around N404,000 per month.
These are some of the best science courses students can pursue. Many universities in Nigeria offer these courses under various faculties. It is always important to double-check with the course department to ensure you meet the needed cut-off mark before you make your application.
Legit.ng recently published an article about the top federal and private universities in Ogun State and their school fees. Ogun State is home to several educational institutions.
The state is known for its significant industrial activities. It also has some of the best institutions offering advanced studies for students. Find out some of the private institutions in the state and their school fees.
Source: Legit.ng
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
