What are the top science courses to study in Nigeria and what is the JAMB cut off mark for each course? Which science course has the highest paid job opportunity? These questions and more shall be answered in the course of this article.
There are so many lucrative science courses out there for you to study. But there are top science courses which tend to perform better in terms of job opportunities, highest paying jobs and more connections.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not about the course you’ve studied in the university but the truth remains that your course can take you places which ordinarily you would not have been if you did not study a particular course.
For instance, you can never be in a field with an electronic engineer if you did not study such and you may never have the opportunity to work with foreign electronics engineers if you are not in the industry.
In this post, I will share with the top 20 best science courses you can study in Nigeria which have good job opportunities both in Nigeria and abroad. I will also show you top universities which offer those courses and their UTME cut off marks.
Before then, let me show you how to choose the best course for yourself.
How to Choose the Best course for Yourself
1. Consider the course you passionately want to take. While most people these days tend to speak against passion as they put money first before any other thing, it is important to remember that passion has a great role to play in your long term career.
Passion is about what you love doing and not really what others are doing to make money. Loving what you do is the first step to choosing the best path for your life. Before you choose a course in the higher institution, ask yourself “what course would I love to study and what do I intend to achieve with it?”. Once you’re able to give yourself a befitting answer then you move to the next stage.
2. Job opportunities. In this case, professional science courses obviously have more job opportunities all over the world. While I am not an advocate of professional course, I still advise people to fit in to a system where the labor market favours them.
Courses like medicine and surgery, nursing and engineering have higher job opportunities than other science majors. Under medicine, you easily work in a hospital or even build your own private hospital. Under nursing, you can easily move abroad to work. It is easier to go abroad as a nursing student than as a doctor. Under engineering, you can create projects that solve real-time problems. You can sell ideas and work with companies, depending on your level of expertise.
3. Salary. How much does a doctor make? How much does a nurse make? How much does an engineer make or how much does science course pay?
You should ask yourself this kind of question before you choose any course. For most persons, the goal is to earn enough income in the future. If you have such intention, then you need to consider the minimum wage each course can offer you.
You may need a professional to guide you through this.
4. What problem do you intend to solve with your course? This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself before choosing a course in the university. Why do you want to study a particular course or are you studying it so that you don’t feel left behind?
You should study a course you know you can use to solve a problem and not the one you can use to oppress others. If you are having doubt about a particular course, just take a step back and reconsider certain options before making your final decisions.
My Candid Advice
In your process of choosing a career path or university course, do not allow yourself to be forced to study a particular course because it may haunt you in the future. No matter how intelligent or smart you are, there are courses which are not meant for you and if you fall into it, you may not harness your full potential.
SEE ALSO: Science Courses With Low Cut Off Mark (160-200)
Top 20 Best Science Course in Nigeria 2025
The list of top science courses below shows the course names for, job opportunities and best universities to study each course. Ensure to make an informed choice.
1. Medicine and Surgery
This course focuses on training students to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, ultimately leading to a career as a medical doctor. It is one of the most popular courses in Nigeria and world at large. This course is not just for the title, but it requires hard work and dedication. So, if you want to study medicine, then get ready to work because you are dealing with human lives.
In terms of the opportunities, you can be a doctor in a big hospital, you can start a private hospital once you gain the licence and you can even practice abroad if you so wish. Apart from these, below are other job opportunities for you as a doctor:
Job Opportunities:
- General Practitioner
- Surgeon
- Medical Consultant
- Researcher
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 280 and 300.
2. Pharmacy
Pharmacy involves the study of drugs, their composition, and their effects on the human body, preparing students to become pharmacists. It is an aspect of medicine which deals with human body and one of the most popular courses in Nigeria.
Job Opportunities:
- Community Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Drug Manufacturer
Top Universities:
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 240 and 260.
3. Nursing Science
This course trains students in patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare management, leading to a career in nursing. This is another aspect of medicine that deals with human lives which everyone in the field requires full-time dedication and hard work.
In terms of opportunities you have broad opportunities both in Nigeria and outside of the country. For anyone who wish to move abroad, it is much easier for you to work abroad as a nurse than as a doctor because doctors have more rigorous processes to follow.
Medicine is a delicate course which is not meant for everyone but it is sad that at some level some may have to buy their ways into the field.
Job Opportunities:
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Healthcare Administrator
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 240.
SEE ALSO: Which University Has the Lowest Cut Off Mark for Nursing
4. Medical Laboratory Science
This field focuses on diagnosing diseases through laboratory tests and analyses. In this area of medicine, you do more of the researches and finding solutions to diseases.
Med lab is one of the most studied science/medical courses in Nigeria with so many opportunities open to a practitioner.
Job Opportunities:
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Pathologist
- Biomedical Scientist
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 210 and 230.
5. Computer Science
Computer science goes more into the tech aspect other than medicine. This course covers the study of computer systems, programming, and software development. As we all know, most sectors are moving into technology and in that same way, more opportunities are created for techies. I am an advocate of tech but everyone must not go into it.
One thing I like about tech courses is that it can make one self reliant both financially and otherwise. As a computer science student, you do not necessarily need to be employed to start earning. You do not also need a physical opening. All you need is a smart device with very good internet connect and you can build yourself to any level you wish to reach.
Job Opportunities:
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- IT Consultant
Top Universities:
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- Covenant University
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 240.
6. Electrical/Electronics Engineering
This branch of engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. This is more of field work than having to sit in an office. While top officers in the field do not really need to go into the field, most persons go into the field.
This course also requires dedication, hard work and innovation to be able to find electrical issues and create solutions to them.
Job Opportunities:
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 250.
7. Mechanical Engineering
This is another branch of engineering field involves the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Nigerian universities have produced thousands of sound mechanical engineer over the years with good facilities.
Job Opportunities:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Covenant University
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 250.
8. Civil Engineering
This discipline focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Job Opportunities:
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Construction Manager
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
9. Architecture
This course combines science and art to design and construct buildings and other physical structures. If well mastered, you can master work for big companies as an urban as an urban planner.
Job Opportunities:
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Top Universities:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 240.
10. Biochemistry
Biochemistry involves the study of chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
Job Opportunities:
- Biomedical Scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Research Scientist
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
11. Microbiology
Microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Job Opportunities:
- Microbiologist
- Food Safety Officer
- Research Scientist
Top Universities:
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
12. Agriculture Science
This course deals with the science of farming, including crop production and animal husbandry.
Job Opportunities:
- Agricultural Scientist
- Soil Scientist
- Farm Manager
Top Universities:
- University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 160 and 200.
13. Geology
Geology focuses on the study of the Earth, including its materials, history, and natural resources.
Job Opportunities:
- Geologist
- Petroleum Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
Top Universities:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
14. Physics
is a pure science course which involves the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. Courses like physics involves working in a laboratory as you make your researches. There are good universities in Nigeria which make the best out of this course.
Job Opportunities:
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Meteorologist
Top Universities:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
15. Mathematics
This course deals with the study of numbers, structures, and change. One may be wondering if anyone studies pure mathematics despite how complicated it seems. The truth is that every year, thousands of students apply to study Maths in different Nigerian universities. Opportunities for mathematicians are always found in the tech sectors.
Job Opportunities:
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Mathematician
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
16. Statistics
Statistics involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. It deals with numbers and very close to studying pure mathematics. A statistician and a mathematician can work in the same sector.
Job Opportunities:
- Statistician
- Data Scientist
- Financial Analyst
Top Universities:
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
17. Environmental Science
This course focuses on the study of the environment and how to manage natural resources sustainably.
Job Opportunities:
- Environmental Consultant
- Waste Management Officer
- Climate Change Analyst
Top Universities:
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
18. Veterinary Medicine
This field focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals. While this is a very popular course in Nigeria, it is one of the lucrative courses out there.
Job Opportunities:
- Veterinary Doctor
- Animal Health Specialist
- Researcher
Top Universities:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 240.
19. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity deals with protecting digital systems from cyber threats and data breaches. It is one of the trending and most lucrative tech courses in Nigeria and the world at large. While it is hard to find this course in most Nigerian State or Federal universities, some private universities offer it.
For this reason, most person tend to take this course online if they cannot afford the cost of attending a private university. Opportunities for those in cybersecurity are broad and earning is quite high compared to those in more professional courses.
Job Opportunities:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Ethical Hacker
- Network Security Engineer
Top Universities:
- Covenant University
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Babcock University
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 200 and 240.
20. Biotechnology
Biotechnology involves the use of biological systems and organisms to develop new technologies. While there limited professional opportunities in Nigeria (I mean opportunities that has to deal with biotechnology as Nigeria lacks some of the facilities to accommodate everyone in this field), you can also work in other sectors in the country.
Job Opportunities:
- Biotechnologist
- Genetic Engineer
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
Top Universities:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Typically between 180 and 220.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which science course has the highest job opportunities in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, and Computer Science offer some of the best job opportunities due to high demand. They also earn more than some workers in other science fields.
2. What is the easiest science course to study in Nigeria?
Courses like Environmental Science and Statistics are considered the easiest compared to Medicine, nursing or Engineering.
3. Which university is best for science courses in Nigeria?
Some of the top universities that offer quality education for science courses in Nigeria include UI, UNILAG, UNN, OAU, and FUTA.
4. Can I study Computer Science without Mathematics in JAMB?
No, Mathematics is a compulsory subject for Computer Science.
5. What science course pays the most in Nigeria?
Medicine, Pharmacy, and Cybersecurity are among the highest-paying science courses in Nigeria with several opportunities open to students of these fields, especially for cybersecurity.
6. What is the best science course for a student who loves Mathematics?
Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and Engineering are great options.
If you are still confused about the course to choose in the university, you can talk to a professional or talk to us as we are specialized in career guidance and counselling.
