Choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions in a student’s life. It determines your career direction, the kind of jobs you may qualify for, and even how fulfilled you will feel years down the line. Sadly, many students choose courses for the wrong reasons—peer pressure, parental influence, popularity, or because a friend is studying it.A good choice must be intentional, based on a clear understanding of your strengths, interests, career opportunities, and future goals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose a course wisely, whether you are a Science, Arts, or Commercial student.
1. Start With Self-Discovery: Know Your Strengths
The first step in choosing the right course is understanding yourself. Every student has strengths—some are naturally good at calculations, others excel in writing, creativity, or problem-solving.
How to Identify Your Strengths
- Check your best subjects:
The subjects you consistently perform well in often show areas where you can build a successful career.- Do you excel in Mathematics? You may fit fields like Engineering, Finance, or Computer Science.
- Are you strong in Biology? You may succeed in Medicine, Nursing, or Agriculture.
- Is English or Literature your strength? Consider Journalism, Mass Communication, English, or Law.
- Look at what you learn easily:
Courses that feel natural to you are better long-term choices. - Ask teachers or parents:
Sometimes, people around you notice your strengths better than you do. - Take aptitude tests:
These tests help you discover your natural abilities and personality traits.
Why Strength Matters
Choosing a course that aligns with your strengths gives you:
- Higher chances of success in school.
- Less academic pressure.
- Better career performance after graduation.
2. Consider Your Passion: What Do You Truly Enjoy?
Passion adds motivation, creativity, and energy—all necessary for long-term success. Passion is what keeps you going even when the course becomes challenging.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What activities make me excited and curious?
- What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?
- If money wasn’t an issue, what job would I choose?
- What topics do I research or talk about without being forced?
Examples
- If you love working with people → Law, Psychology, Nursing, Education.
- If you like solving problems → Engineering, Computer Science.
- If you enjoy creating → Arts, Music, Architecture, Design.
- If you love business → Accounting, Economics, Marketing.
Why Passion Matters
- You can study for long hours without getting tired.
- You remain motivated even when the course gets difficult.
- You are more likely to excel in a career you enjoy.
3. Understand the Job Market
Choosing a course is not just about what you love—it's also about choosing something that can sustain you in the future. Some careers are becoming less relevant, while new ones are emerging.
Questions to Consider
- Which jobs are in demand now?
- Will this career still be relevant in 10–20 years?
- Are there job opportunities in my country or abroad?
- Is this career likely to be automated or replaced by AI?
High-Demand Careers Today
- Information Technology
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Engineering (Software, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Data Science & AI
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- Agriculture & Food Technology
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Renewable Energy
Fields With Lower Job Opportunities
Some courses have fewer job openings unless you have great passion:
- Pure Humanities without specialization
- Some Social Science fields
- Certain Education courses
- Traditional administrative disciplines that are easily automated
This doesn’t mean they are useless—it only means you must plan fully, build skills, and be passionate.
4. Consider Admission Chances
Admission into Nigerian universities can be competitive, especially for popular courses. You must check whether your:
- JAMB score
- O’level results
- Post-UTME performance
match the requirement for the course.
Highly Competitive Courses
These courses require very high JAMB/UTME scores:
- Medicine & Surgery
- Nursing
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mass Communication
- Accounting
- Business Administration
If your score is average, you may need to consider:
- Studying the course in a state university
- Choosing a related but less competitive course
- Trying Direct Entry (DE) later
- Applying to polytechnics or colleges of education
Less Competitive Courses
These courses often accept lower scores:
- Industrial Chemistry
- Sociology
- Education courses
- Animal Science
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Library Science
Choosing a less competitive course can help you gain admission faster, especially if you want to enter school immediately.
5. Think About Future Growth Opportunities
Some courses give you long-term opportunities like:
- Working in many industries
- Starting your own business
- Earning in dollars
- Working remotely
- Getting global relevance
Future-Focused Courses
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Biotech & Genetics
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- Finance & Investment
- Agriculture Technology
Courses With Great Entrepreneurship Potential
- ICT & Tech skills
- Fashion and Textile Design
- Catering & Hospitality
- Business-related courses
- Creative Arts
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Media & Communication
6. Choosing a Course Based on Department: Science, Arts, or Commercial
Your secondary school department already gives you a direction. Below is how each category can choose wisely.
A. If You Are a Science Student
Science students have the broadest range of opportunities. Their options cut across medicine, engineering, technology, environmental sciences, and applied sciences.
Top Courses For Science Students
1. Medicine & Health Sciences
- Medicine & Surgery
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
Best for: students strong in Biology and Chemistry, who enjoy caring for people.
2. Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Software Engineering
Best for: students who enjoy problem-solving and Mathematics.
3. Technology & Computer Sciences
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- AI & Robotics
Best for: students strong in Mathematics, Logic, and ICT.
4. Environmental Sciences
- Architecture
- Quantity Surveying
- Estate Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
Best for: creative and analytical students.
5. Agriculture & Biological Sciences
- Agriculture
- Forestry & Wildlife
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Best for: students passionate about science and nature.
How a Science Student Should Choose
- Are you strong in Mathematics? Choose Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.
- Strong in Biology? Choose Medicine, Nursing, or Agriculture.
- Creative with science? Architecture, Environmental Design.
- Good with computers? IT, Data Science, Cybersecurity.
B. If You Are an Arts Student
Arts students have opportunities in communication, languages, media, law, social sciences, and the creative industry.
Top Courses For Arts Students
1. Law
A highly respected course requiring good command of English and critical thinking.
2. Mass Communication
Ideal for students who enjoy writing, media, journalism, and broadcasting.
3. Languages & Arts
- English
- Theatre Arts
- Linguistics
- Fine & Applied Arts
4. Social Sciences (Arts students can apply in many schools)
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Criminology
5. Education
- English Education
- Fine Arts Education
- Social Studies Education
How an Arts Student Should Choose
- Strong in writing? Choose Law, English, Mass Communication.
- Creative? Consider Theatre Arts, Fine Arts, Music.
- Interested in society? Choose Sociology, Psychology, Political Science.
- Passionate about leadership? Study International Relations, Public Administration.
C. If You Are a Commercial Student
Commercial students fit naturally into business, finance, management, and economic-related fields.
Top Courses For Commercial Students
1. Accounting
A highly marketable course with job opportunities in banks, companies, and government.
2. Business Administration
Broad opportunities in management, HR, operations, and entrepreneurship.
3. Economics
Suitable for students good in Mathematics and analysis.
4. Banking & Finance
Ideal for students aiming for careers in financial institutions.
5. Marketing
Great for those interested in business, advertising, branding, and sales.
6. Entrepreneurial Studies
Perfect for students who want to start and manage their own businesses.
How a Commercial Student Should Choose
- Good in Mathematics? Choose Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
- Good communication skills? Choose Marketing or Business Admin.
- Interested in entrepreneurship? Go for Business or Entrepreneurial Studies.
7. Additional Factors to Consider
A. Cost of the Course
Some courses are more expensive (Medicine, Law, Engineering). Consider your family’s ability to support you.
B. Course Duration
- Medicine → 7 years
- Engineering → 5 years
- Law → 5 years
- Most others → 4 years
Choose what you can handle.
C. University Reputation
Some schools specialize in certain courses.
E.g., UNILAG for Mass Communication, UI for Medicine, FUTA for Engineering.
D. Backup Plans
Always have a plan B in case your first choice doesn’t work.
8. Steps to Make the Final Decision
Step 1: List your three best subjects
These reflect your natural strengths.
Step 2: Identify your passion
Write down what you enjoy doing.
Step 3: Research job opportunities
Find out if the course has future demand.
Step 4: Check admission requirements
Look at JAMB subject combinations, cut-off marks, and O’level needs.
Step 5: Compare universities
Choose schools that are strong in your intended course.
Step 6: Talk to professionals
Ask people already working in that field for guidance.
Step 7: Make a final choice based on facts—not pressure.
9. Conclusion
Choosing the right course is not something you rush. It requires self-awareness, research, patience, and guidance. The best course for you is one that:
- Matches your strengths
- Aligns with your passion
- Has a strong job market
- Fits your admission chances
- Has future growth potential
Whether you are a Science, Arts, or Commercial student, the key is to choose what will give you the best future—not what others are choosing.If you pick a course for the right reasons, you will not only succeed academically but also build a meaningful, fulfilling career.
