Top 10 Courses That Do Not Pay to Study in Nigeria
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Introduction
In Nigeria today, the choice of a university course can either open doors to career opportunities or lead to years of frustration and unemployment. With the growing number of graduates entering an already saturated labour market, certain courses have become less valuable in terms of employability and financial reward.
While education in itself is valuable, Akahi News gathered from career experts and labour market analysts that some courses offer very limited prospects in Nigeria’s job market, leaving many graduates underpaid, unemployed, or forced into unrelated fields.
This report highlights the Top 10 courses in Nigeria that rarely pay off in terms of jobs and career opportunities.
1. History and International Studies
Although this course is intellectually enriching, its job relevance in Nigeria is limited. Graduates often struggle to find employment outside teaching, academia, or research. The country has very few opportunities for historians, and the international diplomacy sector is dominated by political science and law graduates.
2. Sociology
Sociology graduates are often left in the unemployment pool as the Nigerian labour market provides very few roles directly requiring sociological expertise. Many end up working in unrelated fields or taking up teaching jobs. While sociology is relevant abroad, in Nigeria, it does not pay well unless combined with professional certifications.
3. Religious Studies
Religious Studies is one of the least employable courses in Nigeria. Outside church-related roles, seminaries, and theology schools, there are very limited professional pathways. Graduates often end up in teaching or pastoral work, but as a mainstream degree, it does not provide sustainable employment opportunities.
4. Philosophy
Philosophy sharpens critical thinking, but in Nigeria, job opportunities are scarce for graduates in this field. Except for teaching, religious vocations, or academia, most philosophy graduates struggle to find direct career paths, leaving many unemployed or underpaid.
5. Fine and Applied Arts
Nigeria has a rich culture and creative industry, but fine arts as an academic course does not pay off for most graduates. The industry is poorly funded, and opportunities for artists are limited compared to other creative skills like digital design and media. Many fine art graduates end up switching careers entirely.
6. Anthropology
Anthropology, the study of human societies and cultures, is relevant in research and international academia, but in Nigeria, it offers little in terms of job opportunities. Most graduates either end up in teaching or migrate abroad for better prospects.
7. Theatre Arts (Without Media Skills)
While Nollywood and the entertainment industry are booming, theatre arts as a pure academic degree does not guarantee employment. Only a few talented individuals break into acting or production, and most graduates who lack practical media or production skills remain unemployed.
8. Archaeology
Archaeology is one of the most underfunded academic fields in Nigeria. The absence of a strong cultural preservation sector means graduates rarely find jobs. Museums, research institutes, and government agencies that should employ them are either inactive or poorly funded.
9. Zoology
Zoology graduates face one of the toughest job markets in Nigeria. The lack of wildlife conservation projects, zoos, and research funding makes it difficult to find direct employment. Many graduates end up switching to agriculture, education, or entirely unrelated jobs.
10. Library and Information Science (Without ICT Skills)
While librarianship is a noble profession, the traditional role of librarians is gradually fading in Nigeria due to digitalisation. Unless graduates combine this degree with ICT or digital archiving skills, job opportunities are limited to schools and underfunded public libraries.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that no degree is completely useless; every course adds intellectual value. However, in Nigeria’s tough labour market, some courses do not pay in terms of employability or financial reward. Graduates from these fields often need to pursue additional professional skills, certifications, or even switch careers entirely to survive.
Education experts advise students to carefully consider not just passion but also labour market realities before choosing a course. Combining these “less marketable” courses with tech, business, or professional certifications could still turn them into rewarding career paths.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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