You need to understand that just because you do science subject does not make you have a stable or a successful high-paying career job.
Although passion is a needed issue, it is also prudent to look at the job offers position, the size of the job offer ,and the amount professionals in the particular field take home in form of salaries and wages on a monthly basis. .
Students must be clever in choosing courses in a country with high rates of unemployment and underemployment, as is the case in Nigeria.
Parents are also interested in the best of the children. No one would like to waste years in educational institutions and become jobless or underpaid.
It is an unequivocal explanation on which science programs to study in Nigeria, the best prospects after completion, and so forth.
The article below has everything in place to guide you.
Best Science Courses to Study in Nigeria – With High Salyary Prospects
1. Medicine and Surgery
Medicine is one of the most respected and highly rewarding science courses in Nigeria. Medical doctors are needed in both government and private hospitals, clinics, health centers, research institutions, and international health bodies like WHO.
Why this course is Important:
● Doctors are always in demand.
● There are opportunities to specialize and earn more.
● High respect and recognition in society.
Salary Prospects:
● House Officers Salary Scale: ₦150, 000 – ₦ 250, 000 monthly.
● Consultant Salary Rate: ₦800,000 – ₦2 million per month for that.. ● Doctors in private hospitals may earn more with specialization and years of experience.
2. Pharmacy
Pharmacists are professionals in the field of health that relates to drug manufacture, distribution and prescription. It is also quite significant in the health sector in Nigeria.
Why this course is Important:
● You can work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research labs, or open your own pharmacy.
● The field combines science and business.
Salary Prospects:
● New graduates get salaries 120 000 -180 000.
● Experienced pharmacists cost between 300,000 to 1 million nairas monthly preferably in a solo firm or own pharmacy.
3. Dentistry
Dentistry is a science course that focuses on oral health and treatment of dental issues. It’s not as common as medicine, which gives it a unique edge in terms of demand and earnings.
Why this course is Important:* Less competition compared to general medicine.
● High-paying opportunities, especially in cities and abroad.
Salary Prospects:
● New dentists earn ₦150,000 – ₦250,000.
● Private practice dentists can make ₦500,000+ monthly depending on clients and location.
4. Nursing Science
In Nigeria and at the international level, nursing is among the health professions growing fast. Hospitals and healthcare delivery rely on the nurses.
Why this course is Important:
● High local and foreign demand.
● Nurses may have specializations in a specific field such as midwifery, anesthetics, and pediatric nursing.
Salary Prospects:
● Entry level 100,000-250,000.
● Specialists or experienced nurses cost 300 thousand to 700 thousand plus.
5. Medical Laboratory Science
This involves carrying out medical tests to help doctors diagnose diseases. It’s very scientific and technical.
Why this course is Important:
● Every medical institution needs it.
● Can open private practice by opening diagnostic labs.
Salary Prospects:
● ₦100,000 – ₦200,000 for new staff.
● ₦300,000 – ₦600,000+ for experienced or private lab owners.
6. Computer Science
Computer science is one of the most lucrative science courses in Nigeria right now. As the world is moving to technology, coding, cybersecurity and data analysis, this course will open doors for you.
Why this course is Important:
● High demand in banking, tech firms, oil and gas, fintech.
● Opportunities for freelancing and remote jobs.
Salary Prospects:
Entry-level 200,000 -400,000.
1,250,000 500,000 or 1.5-million-Plus in experienced or international positions.
7. Electrical, Petroleum, Civil and Mechanical engineering Courses
In Nigeria, engineering is one of the best paying and the most respected careers. However, the most profitable include petroleum, electrical/electronic and civil engineering.
Why it is an Important Course:
The demand is in the oil and gas sector, construction and power sector, and manufacturing sector.
A large number of engineers are involved in multinational firms.
Salary Prospects:
● Entry level is between 150,000 to 300,000.
● An experienced engineer or one working in an oil company can earn between ₦500,000 – ₦1.5 million.
8. Architecture
Architecture is a mixture of science and inventions that are applicable in creating buildings and physical constructions. It is a satisfying profession with high income in the long run.
Why it is an Important Course:
May be self employed or may work in companies that do construction. Great reputable profession.
Salary Prospects:
● As a starter 150,000 300,000.
● 500,000- 1 million+ own firm or international projects.
9. Agricultural Science and Technology
With the rising need for food security and modern farming, agriculture is now hot and lucrative—especially with agribusiness.
Why this course is Important:
● Plenty of international grants and business opportunities.* Can start your own farm or agro-processing business.
Salary Prospects:
● ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 in firms or government jobs.
● Agribusiness owners can make millions depending on scale.
10. Geology and Earth Sciences
This is science about the earth, processes and resources. It’s applicable among others in oil and gas industry, mining and environmental control.
Why this course is Important:
● High demand in exploration companies and oil firms.
● Fieldwork-based and specialized, which raises salary value.
Salary Prospects:
● ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 entry-level.
● ₦600,000 – ₦2 million+ with experience and multinational jobs.
Other Good Science Courses in Nigeria (With Reasonable Salary)
● Radiography
● Optometry
● Biomedical Science
● Statistics
● Microbiology
● Physics with Electronics
● Environmental Science
All these courses offer good opportunities when combined with internships, certifications and in some cases, further study or entrepreneurship.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Science Course ● Your Interest and Strengths: Choose what you love and are good at. ● Job Market Demand: Study courses that have practical use in today’s world.
● Opportunity for Growth: Consider how far you can go with the course in Nigeria and abroad.
● Possibility of Self-Employment: Can the course allow you to start your own business?
Best Science Courses to Study in Nigeria – With High Salary Prospects (Summary Table)
Science Course Entry Salary (₦) High-Level Salary (₦)
Medicine & Surgery 150k – 250k 1m – 2m+
Pharmacy 120k – 180k 500k – 1m+
Dentistry 150k – 250k 500k – 1m+
Nursing Science 100k – 250k 700k+
Med. Lab Science 100k – 200k 600k+
Computer Science 200k – 400k 1m – 1.5m+
Engineering (Oil, Elec.) 150k – 300k 1m – 1.5m+
Architecture 150k – 300k 500k – 1m+
Agriculture Science 100k – 250k Business-dependent
Geology 200k – 400k 1m – 2m+
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which science course pays the most in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery Courses pay the most as of now in ratio to engineering and computer science.
2. Are science classes better than art or commercial classes?
Not necessarily. Any course is good but, generally, science courses have more technical application and demand in the world.
3. Does any science degree in Nigeria pay in dollars?
Yes. You can work remotely in international companies with courses like Computer Science and Engineering.
4. What is the easiest science course but one that still pays?
Other courses like Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science are relatively easy to get into compared to Medicine yet their pay is also good.
Conclusion
Choosing the right science course to study in Nigeria is not a follow – the – crowd thing. It’s about the balance between what you want, what the market wants and what you can make. With the state of Nigeria’s economy today, it just makes sense to choose a science-based course that will lead you to a stable and fulfilling career. If it’s health sciences, engineering or computing fields be sure to stay on track, gain some experience and also continue to improve your technical skills.
