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
- Key takeaways
- 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 most popular course in Nigeria?
- What are some useless science courses to study in Nigeria?
- Which course is best for science students?
- Which field in science has the highest salary?
- Which university is best for science students in Nigeria?
- Which course has the most job opportunities?
Key takeaways
- Science courses provide a strong foundation for pursuing a wide range of fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.
- Many universities in Nigeria offer various science courses at an affordable fee.
- The best course for science students depends on your strengths or favourite subjects.
- If you scored highly in Physics, you could choose subjects like Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or if you scored highly in Biology, you could choose medicine or biotechnology.
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 |
Top 15 best science courses to study today
Here are the top 15 most popular courses under science and their cut-off mark. This depends on someone's interests and preferences.
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.
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.
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, medicine, and social sciences. The cut-off mark for mathematics programs in Nigeria is typically between 180 and 230.
12. Agricultural Science
Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating plants and livestock for food and other products. It is among the top 20 best science courses in Nigeria. 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.
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.
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.
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 that Nigerian students can pursue.
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.
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. If you are looking for the top 10 best courses to study in Nigeria as a science student, then Biochemistry should surely make the list.
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.
5. Computer Science
Computer science is one of the top 5 best courses to study in Nigeria. It is a rapidly growing field with excellent job opportunities. It is one of the best courses to study in Nigeria as a science student. 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.
4. Dentistry
Source: UGC
Dentistry is a challenging yet rewarding course. 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.
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.
2. Medicine and Surgery
Medicine and surgery are arguably Nigeria's most prestigious and competitive science courses. 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).
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.
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 most popular course in Nigeria?
Some of the most popular courses to pursue in Nigeria include accounting and finance, nursing, engineering, agriculture science, architecture, biochemistry and computer science.
What are some useless science courses to study in Nigeria?
The topic of "useless science courses" is subjective, and it may vary depending on your interests and career prospects.
Which course is best for science students?
The best course for science students depends on your strengths or favourite subjects. If you scored highly in Physics, you could choose subjects like Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or if you scored highly in Biology, you could choose medicine or biotechnology.
Which field in science has the highest salary?
Petroleum engineering is one of the highest-paying jobs in Nigeria. A petroleum engineer earns around N182,000 to N3.4M per month.
Which university is best for science students in Nigeria?
Several top universities are highly regarded for science students in Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Covenant University.
Which course has the most job opportunities?
Courses in Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science, such as software engineering and cybersecurity, consistently show high demand due to the digital transformation of businesses.
These are some of the Best science courses to study in Nigeria. 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.
Source: Original
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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
