15 Most Useless Courses to Study in Nigeria
Every year, thousands of students end up on courses they picked in a hurry, from a rumour, or because the name sounded impressive. Then comes the hard part: four or more years of study, and a job market that does not reward every degree equally.
This list looks honestly at the degree courses in Nigeria that graduates most often struggle to convert into work, and why. It is not here to mock anyone’s course. The point is the opposite: if you are already studying one of these, or about to choose one, you should know the risks early and plan around them with skills, experience and a clear strategy.
15 Most Useless Courses to Study in Nigeria
Here are the 15 most useless courses to study in Nigeria:
1. Philosophy
In Nigeria, people often see Philosophy as a bit impractical.
It’s not the go-to choice for careers here because it doesn’t directly connect to many jobs.
While it’s a superb mental exercise, it doesn’t offer the same clear job path as, say, engineering or medicine.
Graduates might find it tough to land well-paying gigs.
Yet, Philosophy isn’t all gloom – it hones critical thinking, ethics, and communication skills.
Some creative thinkers blend philosophy with practical skills or entrepreneurial ventures, finding unique ways to make it work in the Nigerian job market.
2. Library and Information Science
Studying in Nigeria often gets flak for its perceived impracticality.
Some argue that in a country with pressing unemployment and poverty issues, investing in LIS seems wasteful.
The digital age has reduced the demand for traditional librarians, and limited library infrastructure limits job opportunities.
You should prioritize courses with more direct economic impact to address Nigeria’s urgent challenges.
3. Religious Studies
In Nigeria, some people might raise an eyebrow at choosing Religious Studies because it doesn’t offer a straightforward career path.
It’s not as job-ready as fields like engineering or medicine.
Finding well-paying gigs directly related to it can be challenging.
Yet, Religious Studies has its merits – it promotes cultural understanding, critical thinking, and interfaith dialogue skills.
Some graduates find niches in education, social work, or nonprofits, showing that with a little creativity, it can be a rewarding choice despite initial skepticism.
Recommended: Top 15 Hardest Courses to Study in Nigeria
4. Anthropology
Often faces skepticism in Nigeria due to its perceived lack of practicality.
In a country dealing with unemployment and poverty, some question its relevance to immediate needs.
Critics argue that studying human societies and cultures doesn’t directly address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Limited job opportunities in the field add to this perception.
While Anthropology provides valuable insights, its practicality in the face of Nigeria’s socioeconomic issues is debated.
This leads some to advocate for prioritizing courses with more immediate economic impact.
5. Theatre Arts
In Nigeria, people often question the practicality of studying Theatre Arts because it doesn’t guarantee a straightforward career path.
It’s not as “job-ready” as some other fields.
Finding well-paying jobs in the theater industry can be challenging.
However, Theatre Arts isn’t all drama and no substance; it fosters creativity, teamwork, and performance skills that can be applied in various areas like entertainment, advertising, event management, or even teaching.
It’s a field where passion and determination play a huge role in making a mark, even if it initially seems less conventional.
6. Social Studies
In Nigeria, some people might question the practicality of studying Social Studies because it lacks specialization.
It doesn’t scream “job-ready” like some technical fields.
Finding high-paying gigs related to Social Studies can be a challenge.
But, it’s not entirely without merit.
It equips you with a broader understanding of society, governance, and citizenship, which can be valuable in various roles like teaching, community development, or civil service.
While it might not offer an express ticket to a specific career, it does provide a foundation for roles that require a well-rounded view of societal dynamics.
7. Environmental Management
Often faces skepticism in Nigeria due to its perceived limited job prospects and immediate impact.
In a nation grappling with unemployment and pressing infrastructure needs, some question the practicality of this field.
Critics argue that resources should prioritize sectors like healthcare and technology, seen as more urgently needed.
Additionally, job opportunities for environmental management graduates can be competitive.
While environmental concerns are vital, you should prioritize courses with more immediate economic and societal benefits to tackle Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
8. Home Economics
In Nigeria, some people may wonder about the practicality of pursuing Home Economics because it doesn’t seem to offer a direct career path.
It’s not as specialized as other fields that scream “job-ready.”
Finding well-paying jobs linked directly to Home Economics can be a bit tricky.
But, here’s the twist. It equips you with real-life skills like cooking, nutrition, and household management.
While it might not land you a high-flying corporate job, these skills can open doors in entrepreneurship, catering, or even pave the way for related fields like nutrition and dietetics.
So, it’s all about how you spice it up!
9. Tourism and Hospitality Management
Sometimes raise eyebrows in Nigeria due to perceived job scarcity and economic impact.
In a country grappling with high unemployment and pressing infrastructure needs, some question the practicality of this field.
Critics wonder if it’s wise to invest in an industry known for its ups and downs.
Limited job opportunities add to the concern, leaving graduates struggling to find work.
While tourism can contribute to the economy, you should focus on courses with more stable, immediate economic benefits to tackle Nigeria’s pressing challenges effectively.
10. Linguistics
In Nigeria, some might question the practicality of diving into Linguistics because it doesn’t seem to guarantee an obvious career path.
It’s not as specialized as fields like medicine or engineering that shout “job-ready.”
Landing high-paying gigs directly linked to Linguistics can be a bit of a puzzle.
But here’s the twist. It equips you with the superpower of language analysis and communication.
That can come in handy in education, translation, content creation, or even the fascinating world of computational linguistics.
So, while it might not serve up a traditional job on a silver platter, it’s a toolkit with various handy gadgets if you know how to use them.
11. Horticulture
Can raise eyebrows in Nigeria due to its perceived limited job prospects and economic impact.
In a country with high unemployment and pressing infrastructure needs, some wonder if it’s the right choice.
Critics argue that resources could be better invested in fields like agriculture or technology, with more immediate economic benefits.
Plus, finding a job in horticulture can be a challenge.
While it has its merits in promoting sustainable agriculture, you should focus on courses that offer more direct and substantial economic contributions to tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues effectively.
12. Sociology
In Nigeria, some people might question the practicality of diving into Sociology because it doesn’t scream “job guarantee.”
It lacks the technical focus that some other fields offer.
Finding high-paying gigs directly tied to a Sociology degree can be a bit tricky.
But hold on – Sociology equips you with a deep understanding of society, research, and data analysis skills.
That’s gold in fields like social work, research, policy analysis, or even the nonprofit sector.
So, while it might not hand you a ready-made career, it does provide the tools to contribute to societal change and make a meaningful impact.
13. Zoology
Often gets flak in Nigeria for its perceived impracticality.
With pressing problems like unemployment and healthcare, some people wonder if it’s the right choice.
Plus, landing a job in zoology can be tough due to stiff competition.
While it’s crucial for understanding ecosystems and conservation, you should prioritize courses that offer more immediate economic and societal benefits to tackle pressing issues effectively.
14. History
In Nigeria, some people might wonder about the practicality of pursuing History because it doesn’t shout “job security.”
It lacks the specialized edge that certain fields offer.
Finding well-paying gigs directly tied to a History degree can be a puzzle.
But here’s the twist – it hones your critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
Those are like Swiss Army knives in careers such as education, journalism, archives, and heritage management.
So, while it might not guarantee a plush corporate job, History has the power to unlock the secrets of the past, shaping your understanding of the present and future.
15. Political Science
Often faces skepticism in Nigeria.
With high youth unemployment and pressing issues like healthcare and infrastructure, some wonder if it’s the right path.
Plus, finding a job in political science can be tough due to stiff competition.
While it’s vital for understanding governance, you should prioritize courses offering more direct and substantial economic and societal impacts to effectively tackle pressing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Most Useless Courses to Study in Nigeria?
There is no official list. The courses people call useless are usually the ones with far more graduates than available jobs, or with no clear professional path after graduation. A course on this list can still lead somewhere, but rarely on its own.
Can I Get a Job With a So Called Useless Degree?
Yes. Employers in banking, sales, customer service, tech and the civil service hire graduates from almost every discipline. What usually decides it is extra skills, NYSC experience, internships and how well you can show what you can do.
Should I Change My Course If Mine Is on This List?
Not automatically. Changing course costs time and money, and a new course is not a guarantee either. Weigh how far you have gone, whether you enjoy the subject, and whether building skills alongside the degree is the smarter move.
Which Courses Have Low JAMB Cut Off Marks in Nigeria?
Less competitive courses in newer universities and in faculties like arts, education and agriculture often admit with lower marks. Cut off marks change every year and differ by school, so check the current marks for the universities on your list.
What Can I Do While Studying to Improve My Job Chances?
Learn a skill the market pays for, take internships seriously, build a portfolio or small body of work, and use NYSC to gain real experience. Graduates who do this rarely depend on the degree name alone.
Conclusion
While these courses are less relevant in today’s world, it does not entirely mean that they are of no benefit.
Rather, they are outdated and there’s a need for students to go for hot fields that scream “job-ready.”
However, the skills and knowledge acquired from these courses can be utilized to work in other related fields, which is good anyway.
In this article, I’ve shown you the 15 most useless courses to study in Nigeria.
Whether or not you should go for any of these courses will depend on your career goals and interests.
If you have any questions or inquiries, kindly drop them in the comments section and I will attend to them right away.
Good luck!
