Based on the current trends, the top most marketable courses to study in Nigeria include; Medicine, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, Law, and Accounting, Data Science, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, and Petroleum Engineering.
However, selecting marketable courses to study in Nigeria can greatly impact your professional path both domestically and internationally.
As industries move toward innovation, technology, and specialized knowledge, some occupations are becoming more obvious due to their versatility and high demand in a variety of industries.
The top ten main courses in Nigeria are examined in this article, with an emphasis on their applicability and marketability both domestically and internationally in the current digital era.
Let’s examine the marketability of the top ten main courses in the Nigerian labor market.
Top 10 Highest Paying Marketable Courses To Study In Nigeria With Jamb Combinations & Requirements
1. Medicine and Surgery
Medical Doctor Average Salary per month in Nigeria
As of December 2024, the average salary for a new medical doctor in Nigeria is ₦250,000 per month, with a median total pay of ₦258,333 per month.
Medicine Marketability in Nigeria
One of the most marketable occupations in the world is still medicine. The need for skilled physicians is constant, thanks to developments in telemedicine, medical technology, and specialization.
Nigeria has a shortage of healthcare workers due to population growth and poor infrastructure, making medicine one of the most prestigious and in-demand professions.
You can work in research, private practice, hospitals, and international health organizations like MSF and WHO. Although government jobs are available, many doctors choose to work for private practices or non-governmental organizations.
Medicine Job Opportunities
- Medical Doctor
- Surgeon,
- Pediatrician
- Anesthesiologist
- Gynecologist, Etc.
Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Cut-off Marks: Usually between 250 and 300+ (depending on the university).
- Other Requirements: Strong Post-UTME performance. Some universities may also conduct an interview or require a high aggregate score.
2. Law
Lawyers Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The current average monthly salary for a simple lawyer in Nigeria is ₦127,500 with an estimated total pay of ₦197,500 per month.
Marketability
In Nigeria’s ever-changing legal and political landscape, lawyers continue to play a crucial role. Currently, Statistics show that the practice of domestic law is flourishing, particularly in cases involving property, business, and constitutional law.
There are also opportunities in corporate settings, legal consulting, and public service. But there can be fierce competition, and a lot of attorneys are branching out into niche areas like entertainment and technology law.
Law Job Opportunities
- Lawyer
- Corporate Counsel
- Legal Consultant
- Judge
- Property lawyer
- Private attorney
Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Literature in English, Government or History, any other Arts or Social Science subject.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Literature in English, Government or History, Mathematics, and any other Arts or Social Science subject.
- Cut-off Marks: Typically between 250 and 270+.
- Other Requirements: Strong performance in Post-UTME, with some universities emphasizing high scores in Literature and Government.
3. Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Civil, Mechanical)
Engineer Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average monthly salary for an engineer in Nigeria is ₦195,000 with an estimated total pay of ₦216,417 per month.
Engineering Marketability in Nigeria
Currently in Nigeria, engineering, particularly mechanical and civil engineering, remains one of the most marketable occupations due to growing demand of advanced modern structures.
Skilled engineers are needed in Nigeria’s growing oil and gas, renewable energy, and infrastructure development sectors.
However, occupations in the private sector frequently pay more than those in the public sector. Growing digitization is also driving growth in fields like software and electrical engineering.
Engineering Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Petroleum Engineer
- Reservoir Engineer
- Drilling Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Quality Control Manager
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Project Manager
- Transportation Engineer
Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other Science subject.
- Cut-off Marks: Ranges from 230 to 250+, depending on the engineering field and university.
- Other Requirements: Strong Post-UTME performance and in some cases, practical knowledge or skills may be an advantage.
4. Pharmacy
Pharmacist Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average salary for a clinical pharmacist in Nigeria ranges from ₦180,000 to ₦220,000 per month, with an estimated total pay of ₦182,500 to ₦250,000 per month depending on location, organization, and specialty.
Pharmacists in Lagos earn an average salary of ₦150,000 per month, with an estimated total pay of 188,333 monthly. However, Pharmacist in Abuja can maximumly earn a salary, estimated to be 4M.
Pharmacist Marketability in Nigeria
Pharmacists are statistically becoming more vital in Nigeria’s retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals.
The pharmaceutical industry is expanding, offering prospects in research, sales, and drug manufacturing.
Pharmacists are still in great demand locally due to the rise in regional medication production and expanding healthcare requirements.
Pharmarcy Course Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Community Pharmacist
- Industrial Pharmacist
- Regulatory Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Academic/Research Pharmacist
- Retail Pharmacist Owner
Pharmacy Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Cut-off Marks: Between 250 and 270+,.depending on the university.
- Other Requirements: Strong Post-UTME performance. Some universities place a heavy emphasis on Chemistry and Biology scores.
5. Accounting
Accountant Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average salary for an accountant in Nigeria is ₦170,000 per month, with an estimated total pay of ₦186,667.
Marketability
Accounting is one of the most marketable occupations in Nigeria, given the expanding economic climate. There is a constant need for accountants, particularly those with qualifications like ACCA, CPA, or CIMA.
Forensic accounting, financial management, auditing, and tax consulting are in great demand. Global trends like data analytics, finance, and cryptocurrencies have broadened the profession’s reach.
Numerous accountants are employed by government agencies, banks, corporate entities, and audit firms. Marketability is greatly increased by certifications such as ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria).
Accounting Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Financial Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Auditor (Internal and External)
- Management Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Forensic Accountant
- Payroll Manager
- Accounting Consultant
- Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
Accounting Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other Social Science subject.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and any other two Social Science or Commercial subjects.
- Cut-off Marks: Generally between 200 and 230+ depending on the university.
- Other Requirements: Good Post-UTME performance, with high scores in Mathematics and Economics.
- Accountant
6. Nursing
Nurse Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average monthly salary for a registered nurse in Nigeria is about ₦109,500, with an estimated total pay of ₦112,417.
Nursing Marketability in Nigeria
Because of aging populations, healthcare reforms, and the management of chronic illnesses, nursing is one of the most marketable professions in the world and is in high demand in developed nations.
The growing need for healthcare services and the lack of available medical personnel in both the public and commercial sectors made nursing a very marketable course to study in Nigeria.
Although many Nigerian nurses look for work outside, there are increasing opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and health non-governmental organizations in the country.
Nursing Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Cut-off Marks: Ranges from 250 to 260 depending on the university.
- Other Requirements: Strong Post-UTME score, as well as practical knowledge in Biology and Chemistry subjects.
7. Computer Science
Computer Scientist Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average salary for computer scientists in Nigeria varies by degree and role. Here are some examples:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science (BSc): ₦900,000 annually
- Master’s in Computer Science (MCS): ₦1,000,000 annually
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science: ₦1,000,000 annually
- Computer Programmer: ₦127,500 per month
- IT Support Officer: ₦125,000 per month
- Computer Operator: ₦100,000 per month
Other roles including Computer Analyst, Computer Engineer, and Research Scientist, earn more flexible than any, with an average sum of ₦350,000 to ₦650,000 monthly.
Computer Science Marketability in Nigeria
The digital transition has made computer science one of the most popular and sought-after professions in the world.
The growth of cloud computing, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development creates numerous opportunities.
Jobs at corporate behemoths like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon range from software engineers to data scientists, and they pay well.
The IT sector in Nigeria is expanding, offering prospects in IT consultancy, software development, and tech startups. Cybersecurity, app development, and web development are particularly marketable domestically.
Both the public and private sectors are in great need of qualified computer scientists, and cities like Lagos and Abuja are developing into IT hubs.
Computer Science Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Software Engineer
- IT Consultant
- Systems Analyst
Computer Science Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Biology, or Economics.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and any other Science or Social Science subject.
- Cut-off Marks: Generally between 180 and Above in many institutions.
- Other Requirements: High Post-UTME score and a good foundation in Mathematics and Physics.
8. Economics
Economist Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The average monthly salary for an economist in Nigeria is ₦200,000, with an estimated total pay of ₦216,667.
Economics Marketability in Nigeria
Economists must examine and offer answers for global issues including inequality, inflation, and climate change. Economists can be employed as consultants, in financial institutions, or in policymaking.
In Nigeria, research organizations, banks, government agencies, and private sector businesses all need economics graduates.
Nigeria’s economy, one of the biggest in Africa, provides economists with chances in financial services, entrepreneurship, and policy consulting. Nonetheless, further focus on business analytics or finance can improve marketability.
- Financial Analyst
- Economist (Government or Private Sector)
- Investment Analyst
- Banking Officer
- Business Consultant
- Market Research Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Economic Researcher
- Account Manager
- Lecturer/Academic Researcher
- Corporate Analyst
- Insurance Underwriter
- Public Sector Economist (e.g., working in ministries or regulatory bodies)
Economics Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any of Government, Geography, or Commerce.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and any other two Social Science subjects.
- Cut-off Marks: Ranges from 200 to 210+ in several schools.
- Other Requirements: Strong Post-UTME performance, with emphasis on Economics and Mathematics.
9. Architecture
Architect Average Salary per month in Nigeria
The averageMonthly salary for a senior architect in Nigeria is ₦200,000 per month, with an estimated total pay of NGN 229,241 per month.
Architecture Marketability in Nigeria
In Nigeria, architecture is highly marketable, particularly in cities with booming real estate markets. Architects work on the design of public, commercial, and residential structures.
The expanding middle class and government infrastructural initiatives present opportunities.
Architects with experience in digital architecture, green building, and project management are especially in demand as cities expand and adjust to environmental concerns.
Architects are in high demand worldwide, particularly for smart cities, sustainable building design, and urban planning projects.
Architecture Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
- Project Manager
Architecture Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Mathematics, Physics, and any of Geography, Chemistry, or Technical Drawing.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Technical Drawing, and any other Science subject.
- Cut-off Marks: Typically between 180+.in several universities.
- Other Requirements: A high Post-UTME score, along with a strong creative and technical background (some universities may request portfolios or technical tests).
10. Mass Communication
Mass Communication Average Earning per month in Nigeria
he monthly salary for mass communication professionals in Nigeria varies by role and experience. Here are some examples:
- Journalist: ₦150,000–₦400,000
- Public Relations Specialist: ₦200,000–₦500,000
- Media Consultant: ₦250,000–₦600,000
- Broadcasting Technician: ₦100,000–₦300,000
Marketability
With the growth of digital media, social media marketing, content production, and journalism, mass communication has changed on a global scale.
The need for media-savvy people is also fueled by the entertainment sector, particularly Nollywood and the music scene.
Media corporations, advertising agencies, and public relations firms are always searching for qualified journalists, communication strategists, and content developers.
Professionals are in high demand in worldwide organizations, digital marketing agencies, PR firms, and media outlets. Proficiency in brand storytelling, social media planning, and multimedia journalism makes you extremely employable.
Mass Communication Job Opportunities in Nigeria
- Journalist
- Public Relations Officer
- Broadcast Presenter (Radio/TV)
- Content Creator
- Media Planner
- Social Media Manager
- Advertising Executive
- News Reporter
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Editor
- Press Secretary
- Information and Media Adviser/Assistant to Political Leaders
- Event Manager
- Director of Communications
- Filmmaker
- Information Specialist
Mass Communication Entry Requirements
- JAMB Subject Combination: English, Literature in English, Government, and any other Arts or Social Science subject.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits in English Language, Literature in English, Government, and any other two Social Science or Arts subjects.
- Cut-off Marks: Generally around 180+.
- Other Requirements: High Post-UTME score, with a strong emphasis on Literature and Government.
Important things to keep in mind
Catchment Area: For most public universities, your chances of admission increase if you are from a state within the institution’s catchment area.
Quota Systems: Some federal universities reserve admission slots for candidates from educationally disadvantaged states (ELDS).
Post-UTME: This is a critical part of the admission process, and a high Post-UTME score can significantly boost your chances of admission, especially for competitive courses.
Conclusion
Changing technologies, societal demands, and economic developments all affect how marketable these courses are both domestically and internationally.
Understanding the competitiveness of these courses, both in Nigeria and globally, is essential when choosing a career path.
Because they are in line with infrastructural demands and technology improvements, professions like computer science, medicine, and engineering are flourishing both locally and internationally.
However, to remain competitive in the modern world, law, economics, and mass communication frequently need specialization.
FAQs
Which course has the best job opportunities in Nigeria?
What are the top 10 marketable courses in Nigeria?
The top 10 most marketable courses to study in Nigeria are; Medicine, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, Law, and Accounting, Data Science, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Petroleum Engineering.
The top ten finest online courses to study in Nigeria are Data Science, Project Management, Full-Stack Development, Cyber Security, Product Management, Data and Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Management Advancement, Design Thinking, and Digital Marketing with Gen AI.
FAQs on the Top 10 Best Marketable Courses in Nigeria
What are the most marketable courses in Nigeria?
The top marketable courses in Nigeria include Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Nursing, Mass Communication, Economics, Pharmacy, and Architecture.
Why are these courses considered marketable in Nigeria?
These courses are in high demand because they offer strong job prospects, higher salaries, and global opportunities. Nigeria’s growing economy and industries require professionals in these fields.
Which course has the highest job prospects in Nigeria?
Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science typically have the highest job prospects due to the demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, and construction sectors.
Is Computer Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes, Computer Science is one of the most marketable courses in Nigeria, offering excellent opportunities in IT, software development, and data science, both locally and internationally.
What course can I study to work in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria?
Engineering courses such as Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering are ideal for entering Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
How does studying Accounting benefit me in Nigeria?
Accounting is a highly marketable course in Nigeria with strong job opportunities in banks, auditing firms, and corporate finance departments.
Is Pharmacy a marketable course in Nigeria?
Yes, Pharmacy is a highly marketable course with opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research, and retail pharmacies.
What are the best medical courses to study in Nigeria?
Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy are the top medical courses in Nigeria, offering rewarding careers in healthcare and excellent job security.
Can I get a good job with a degree in Mass Communication in Nigeria?
Yes, Mass Communication is a marketable course, especially with the rise of digital media, public relations, and broadcasting opportunities.
What is the best engineering course to study in Nigeria?
The best engineering courses in Nigeria include Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering due to their broad applications and high demand in various industries.
