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Top Courses with High Employment Rate in Nigeria (2025 Update)
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Discover the best courses with high employment rates in Nigeria. Learn from expert insights and data-backed advice to choose the right career path with high income potential.
Courses with High Employment Rate in Nigeria.
In a country like Nigeria where unemployment and underemployment affect millions of graduates, choosing the right course is no longer just about passion — it’s about strategy, relevance, and future-proofing.
Whether you’re a secondary school leaver about to fill your JAMB form or a parent guiding your child, this article will help you make informed decisions based on market trends, personal insights, and employability statistics.
Why Choosing the Right Course Matters in Nigeria
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 40% of Nigerian graduates are unemployed or underemployed. This is not just due to a lack of jobs but also a misalignment between education and labor market demand.
1. Medicine and Surgery
Employment Rate: Very High
It’s no surprise that Medicine and Surgery remains at the top of the list. Doctors are always in demand — in Nigeria and abroad. From public hospitals to private clinics and even medical migration opportunities, graduates of this course rarely struggle for jobs.
Personal Insight: My cousin graduated from the University of Ibadan and started working within two months — first at a private clinic, then secured NYSC in a teaching hospital. Now, she’s applying to the UK via the PLAB route.
2. Nursing and Midwifery
Employment Rate: Very High
Nurses are in extremely high demand globally. With health crises and population growth, this field has become even more lucrative. Nigerian-trained nurses are now being recruited in bulk by countries like the UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Fact: Nursing students can get their RN/RM license and start practicing or even go abroad without a degree conversion in many countries.
3. Computer Science and Information Technology (IT)
Employment Rate: High
We are in a tech-driven economy, and Nigeria’s booming digital sector needs software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and cloud engineers. With or without a traditional job, graduates can freelance or start tech businesses.
Real Experience: I know a friend who graduated with a 2:2 in Computer Science, but landed a remote job earning ₦600,000/month after taking a Python and React bootcamp.
💻 In-Demand IT Careers:
- Software development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- UI/UX Design
- Cloud computing
- 4. Pharmacy
Employment Rate: High
Pharmacists are essential to Nigeria’s healthcare system. Beyond working in hospitals or community pharmacies, they can start private drugstores, go into production, or join pharmaceutical sales and research.
Insider Insight: My neighbor, a pharmacy graduate from UNILAG, earns more selling licensed medication and doing consultancy than many doctors in government jobs.
5. Accounting and Finance
Employment Rate: Moderate to High
Accounting remains relevant because every organization needs financial management. The real trick here is to combine your degree with professional certifications like:
- ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Career Tip: A second-class lower graduate in Accounting with ICAN certification stands a higher chance of employment than a first-class graduate without it.
6. Law
Employment Rate: Moderate
The field of law is still prestigious and relatively secure. However, the competition is stiff. The best employment outcomes come from:
- Top-tier law schools (e.g., UNILAG, OAU)
- Strong internships at law firms
- Adding specialization like tech law, property law, or commercial litigation
Pro Insight: A family friend works at a fintech startup as a Legal & Compliance Officer, a hot role many startups now demand.
7. Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)
Employment Rate: Moderate to High
Engineering degrees are valuable, but Nigeria’s infrastructure development challenges mean you may need to diversify your skillset.
- Electrical Engineers: Often hired by telecom companies and power firms
- Civil Engineers: Needed in real estate, construction, and urban development
- Mechanical Engineers: Valued in manufacturing and oil sectors
Career Hack: Supplement your B.Eng with project management (PMP) or AutoCAD/Civil 3D skills to become more employable.
8. Agriculture and Agribusiness
Employment Rate: Rising Fast
Agriculture is being revolutionized by technology and investment. Graduates who understand agribusiness, crop science, and food processing now tap into funding and startup opportunities.
Example: A friend studied Agricultural Economics and now runs a profitable poultry and fish farm — funded by a Bank of Industry youth loan
9. Mass Communication and Digital Media
Employment Rate: Moderate to High
Traditional journalism may be dying, but digital media is booming. Graduates skilled in content creation, video editing, SEO writing, or social media management are thriving.
True Story: I studied Mass Comm. and now earn more as an SEO writer and digital consultant than some folks in 9-to-5 jobs.
Career Ideas:
- Content marketing
- Social media management
- Copywriting
- Video production
10. Education and Educational Technology
Employment Rate: High in Niche Areas
Teaching may not sound glamorous, but Education graduates are highly employable, especially if they focus on STEM education or combine their degree with edtech skills like LMS design and curriculum development.
Tech+Teaching Combo: A B.Ed. holder with digital tools knowledge (e.g., Google Classroom, Moodle) can work remotely with edtech firms.
11. Estate Management / Quantity Surveying
Employment Rate: Moderate to High
As Nigeria’s real estate market grows, so does the demand for estate surveyors, property valuers, and facility managers. Graduates with property tech exposure have an edge.
Trend Alert: Platforms like Fibre.ng and BuyLetLive are hiring tech-savvy estate managers for hybrid roles.
12. Public Health and Environmental Science
Employment Rate: Increasing
The COVID-19 era has made Public Health and Environmental Science critical. NGOs, international agencies, and government institutions need professionals in:
- Disease surveillance
- Climate change mitigation
- Community health outreach
Key Factors that Boost Graduate Employability in Nigeria
- Professional Certifications – ICAN, PMP, Cisco, Google Digital Skills, etc.
- Internships and NYSC Placements – Always choose places where you can learn and network.
- Soft Skills – Communication, leadership, emotional intelligence.
- Tech Integration – Adding digital skills to your core area is a game changer.
Courses That May Have Lower Employment Prospects (Without Supplementary Skills)
While all courses have value, these fields often need additional skills or alternative career paths to stand out:
- Pure Biology
- History
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Library Science
Advice: Pair these with tech, teaching, or admin roles. For example, a Philosophy graduate could thrive as a content strategist or HR manager.
Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Skill Strategically
Don’t just chase trends. Choose a course that aligns with your passion, strengths, and market demand. But most importantly, realize that in 2025 and beyond, your skills will matter more than your degree alone.
Personal Wrap-Up: I studied Mass Communication but pivoted to tech content marketing. With the right mindset and relevant certifications, you can shape any course into a career path with real opportunities and strong income potential.
Recap: High Employment Courses in Nigeria (2025)
| Course | Employment Outlook |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | Very High |
| Nursing | Very High |
| Computer Science / IT | High |
| Pharmacy | High |
| Accounting + Certification | High |
| Engineering (Specialized) | Moderate to High |
| Law | Moderate |
| Mass Communication + Digital | High |
| Agriculture / Agribusiness | Rising |
| Education + EdTech | High in niche areas |
| Estate Management | Moderate to High |
| Public Health / Env. Science | Increasing |
John Smart
