A big salute to Nigerian students and graduates of the Pure and Applied Sciences – we appreciate you. It is not easy to be a scientist; it requires work and critical thinking. Scientists are the great innovators and problem-solvers, ever seeking to unravel the mysteries of creation. However, it would be worth the while to know the top 10 highest-paying Science courses in Nigeria. Because of the economic outlook in today’s Nigeria. It calls for situating yourself in a profession that profits you.
We are not suggesting that you abandon your passion or personal preferences just to earn a living. However, if you can pursue your passion along with a profitable course closely related to it, all the better. Or choose a profitable Science course that does not interfere with other vocational skills you are interested in. Planning and thinking ahead in your career choice will eventually spare you of future stagnation or frustration.
Let us examine the top 10 highest-paying Science courses in Nigeria, check their requirements and why they are recommended. The list here is perhaps not exhaustive. But we have learned from the experience and feedback gotten from professionals in modern-day Nigeria. So we can assure you of becoming a top earner within a few years of your commitment.
ICT/Computer-oriented courses
ICT is the umbrella term covering all courses related to Computing and relevant electronic technologies. ICT is a very broad, ever-expanding family of professional fields. As each new technology emerges, be sure that an ICT skill and/or profession will be birthed from it. So long as that technology requires some degree of computer application. It is also important to know that an ICT expert remains a learner for life. You cannot stop learning new tools and tricks to conquer the technology world. Within a few years of dedication to learning the basics, you can become a top earner in an ICT profession.
Not only that, but many other professions now require ICT experts to automate or power up their work using computer infrastructure. A few of the popular fields of specialization in ICT include:
- Computer Engineering & Networking
- Data science
- Programming
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine learning
- Software development
- Web development
- Graphics Design
- Digital/Social Media marketing
- Technical & Content Writing
- Quality Assurance and Product Testing
- Video Editing
- Cryptocurrency Trading
Medicine and Surgery
Aside from ICT and Engineering professions, it is widely acknowledged that Medicine is one of the most lucrative Science fields. Medicine covers the knowledge and practice of maintaining physical and all-round well-being – particularly through detecting, preventing and curing diseases. Surgery is one step ahead – that is, the use of tools to physically cut into the body and remove or treat deformities. Both Medicine and Surgery involve years of learning, practice and specialization to handle health issues effectively. As such, medical experts are in high demand in Nigeria and globally as well; and they are well paid.
World health bodies, research centres, laboratories, hospitals and reputable leaning institutions are constantly on the hunt for skilled doctors and surgeons. And trust us when we say, Nigerian doctors and surgeons are so exceptionally skilled, that employers beyond the African continent are so eager to employ them. All you need is to prove your commitment.
Also Read – How to Check Your WAEC Results
Engineering courses
Engineering is a broad group of Applied Sciences. It deals with the design, building and application of machines and physical (or chemical) structures. Engineering courses are highly practical-oriented. They require intensive study and use of principles in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology to build rugged physical structures.
So engineers are in high demand in many big organizations. You will find them in real estate, aviation, shipping, car assembly, road construction, computing, chemical industries, oil and gas, and many more. They are undoubtedly some of the highest-paying Science courses in Nigeria and beyond, if such professionals are not playing around. Some of the most popular fields of engineering include:
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Agricultural engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Marine engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Materials engineering
- Transport engineering
Phew – the list goes on and on. Be sure to research on, and choose the best field that agrees with your mental capacity and passion. You will not regret it.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of chemical activity at work in living organisms; how elements of matter interact and transform themselves in living tissues. This knowledge is of great importance in places like hospitals, food and cosmetic industries, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, crime forensics and more. It is very much one of the highest-paying Science courses in Nigeria (and worldwide).
Dentistry
Also called oral medicine or dental surgery. Dentistry focuses on the diagnosis, management and treatment of disorders and conditions relating to the teeth, gums and mouth. As mouth and teeth disorders are fairly common, dentists are in fairly large demand, and their expertise well rewarded. We often find dentists working in places such as hospitals, research institutions, and private practice.
Microbiology
Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms and how they operate. These microorganisms live inside and all over other bigger organisms, in the air, water, ground and everywhere else. They affect all living and even non-living processes on the Earth both positively and negatively. Microbiology has a broad range of applications in the food and beverage industries, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, research centers, oil and gas, universities and more places where they are definitely well paid.
Nursing
Nursing is an offshoot of the medical field – which deals with taking care of the sick until they recover. Nurses are indispensable assistants to other medical practitioners. They are the ones that would carefully monitor patients, administer drugs and food, conduct tests where necessary, until the patient gets well. They are closer to the patient, and their actions often determine the speed of recovery of sick people under their custody. As such, nurses are seen as ‘social workers’ – they are simply indispensable. Nurses are always in high demand in clinics, sports facilities, schools and hospitals. Additionally, more men are getting trained as nurses in the modern day than in times gone, when it was women-dominated. It is clearly one of the highest-paying Science courses in Nigeria and worldwide.
Pharmacy
This profession deals with the study of the production and correct administration of medicinal drugs. We know by now that medicine and drugs are inseparable. So we need pharmacists (or chemists) to help doctors prepare the right and safe medicinal formulas for treating each kind of ailment. Pharmacists must have an in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of different drugs, and how to correctly use them. Pharmacists are in huge demand in hospitals, private-owned pharmacies, and laboratories.
Food Science & Technology
Simply put, Food Science and Technology is the study of the composition, preservation, processing, packaging and use of food in a safe way. A food scientist would need a combined knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, food nutrition, biotechnology and other food-related fields.
The food industry is clearly the largest industry on the whole Earth. Thus we critically need this branch of agricultural science to reduce food wastage and prevent food poisoning. Food technologists work in food and beverage industries, agricultural research centers, laboratories, and universities. There are not so many of them. But have no doubt about it – they are one of the most sought-after and highly-paid Science courses in Nigeria and globally.
Industrial Physics
Industrial Physics is the application of the knowledge and principles of Physics in the manufacture of products. It has a broad application in industries; and is the key driver of innovation and improved technology worldwide. In any place where advancements in manufactured technology are taking place, you should find industrial physicists there. Advanced machines, powerful computers, improved product designs, weapons, renewable energy, better vehicles, satellite technology are some of their products. They are definitely one of the most highly-paid Science courses in Nigeria and beyond. They are quite rare; and they are heavily sought after.
Veterinary Medicine
Perhaps we should have included vets under the Medical courses. But it has earned its own place as a profession. A veterinary doctor is simply a medical specialist trained in diagnosing and treating ailments, injuries and disorders in animals (both domesticated and wild). He/she also helps to prevent transmission of diseases from animals to humans (and maybe vice versa).
Vets can also help in the selective breeding, care and nutrition of animals in the agricultural sector. You may not find them in large numbers around town; but their services are in high demand among pet owners and animal farmers. Vets may be found working in research centres or as private practice.
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