In Nigeria today, many students go to university without really knowing why they chose their course. Some are forced by their parents, others pick randomly, and some just want any course as long as they go to school.
But here’s the bitter truth: not every course will give you a good job or a successful career after graduation, especially in Nigeria, where there are limited jobs and the system doesn’t support every profession equally.
This article is not to mock any course or insult anyone’s passion, but to guide students and parents to make better decisions when choosing courses to study. Let’s look at some of the worst or “useless” courses in Nigeria—based on current job market realities, and what you can do if you’ve already studied them.
What Makes a Course “Useless” in Nigeria?
Before we begin, let’s understand what we mean by “useless” in this context. A course becomes “useless” in Nigeria if:
There are no jobs for it after graduation.
It does not teach any practical or in-demand skill.
The Nigerian economy does not support that career path.
It leads to underemployment or lifelong job hunting.
Graduates of the course often end up switching careers or learning something else after school.
Remember, the course may not be useless in other countries, but in Nigeria’s current economy and structure, it may not lead to a meaningful or profitable career.
1. Philosophy
Philosophy is a deep and intelligent course that teaches you how to think, argue, and reason well. But here’s the sad truth: there are almost no jobs for philosophers in Nigeria.
After four years, most philosophy graduates either go into teaching (if lucky), politics (if connected), or end up doing jobs that have nothing to do with their course. If you don’t want to become a lecturer or academic, this course might not be for you.
Better alternative: If you love philosophy, consider combining it with another course like law, political science, or even digital marketing.
2. Sociology / Anthropology
These are social science courses that study human behaviour and cultures. While interesting, they don’t have a clear job path in Nigeria. Most employers don’t ask for sociologists or anthropologists.
Graduates often struggle to explain what their course is about, and many end up working in banks, sales, or learning tech or fashion instead.
Better alternative: Combine with HR, data analysis, or psychology which have more job roles.
3. Library and Information Science
This course made sense in the past when libraries were active and respected. But in today’s digital age where everything is online, library jobs are disappearing.
Most schools and government offices no longer value librarians the way they used to, and job opportunities are very rare.
Better alternative: Study computer science or information technology instead, or upgrade your library degree with tech skills like database management or digital archiving.
See>>> Best 30 Courses to Study in Nigeria
4. Zoology / Botany
Zoology and botany are biology-related courses. They sound scientific, but Nigeria does not have the industries to support them. Unless you want to become a lecturer or work in a research institute (which are few), jobs are scarce.
Graduates often end up teaching basic science or switching to unrelated fields.
Better alternative: Consider studying environmental science, agriculture, or biology with a teaching qualification.
5. Religious Studies / Theology
These courses are good for those who want to become pastors, imams, or religious scholars. But for job seekers, they offer almost no career opportunity in the regular job market.
Nigeria has many jobless graduates with degrees in Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies who end up doing business or learning a trade.
Better alternative: Study something else and attend Bible school or Islamic courses as a personal interest or calling.
6. Fine and Applied Arts / Theatre Arts (in some cases)
While these are creative courses, Nigeria’s creative industry does not support many artists unless you are very talented and connected. A lot of graduates from these fields are forced to switch careers or go into teaching.
Theatre Arts can pay off if you’re talented in acting, scriptwriting, or film production, but it’s a risky path in Nigeria.
Better alternative: Combine with digital skills like animation, video editing, or graphics design to survive.
7. Pure Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry
Chemistry is a science course, but unfortunately, chemistry labs and factories are not common in Nigeria. Most chemistry graduates either become teachers or go into unrelated work like banking, marketing, or logistics.
Even companies that need chemists often prefer chemical engineers.
Better alternative: Study chemical engineering or combine chemistry with business or education.
8. Mass Communication (Overcrowded Field)
Mass communication is not a useless course, but it is overpopulated. Thousands of students graduate with mass comm degrees every year, but there are only a few media houses.
Without strong practical skills (video editing, writing, social media marketing), you may end up jobless.
Tip: Focus on a niche—become a digital content creator, copywriter, or YouTuber.
9. Political Science
Many students study political science hoping to become politicians or work in government. But political jobs in Nigeria are based on connections, not qualifications.
Unless you go into law, public administration, or civil service (which is highly competitive), this course may leave you stuck.
Better alternative: Study law, economics, or combine political science with public relations or project management.
10. Education (for certain subjects)
Education is important, but teachers in Nigeria are poorly paid and undervalued, especially in public schools.
Courses like Education Chemistry or Education CRS may not give you an edge, and most graduates still end up teaching even if they don’t want to.
Tip: If you must study education, go for Early Childhood Education or combine it with ICT or entrepreneurship.
Bonus: Courses Without Clear Job Paths
There are also other courses that have no defined jobs in Nigeria, such as:
Peace and Conflict Studies
Home Economics
Forestry and Wildlife
Linguistics (without a second language skill)
Unless you are going for a specific career, be careful about studying these.
What You Should Do Instead
If you’re still in secondary school or preparing for JAMB, here’s what to do:
Think about your future career first, then pick a course.
Choose a course that teaches practical, in-demand skills.
Check if the course has job opportunities in Nigeria.
Combine your passion with reality.
Don’t just choose based on what your friends are doing.
If you’ve already studied one of the courses listed above, all hope is not lost.
If You Already Studied a “Useless” Course
Here’s what you can do to survive:
Learn a skill: Tech, fashion, makeup, real estate, photography, or anything marketable.
Take online courses: Upgrade your knowledge. Learn digital marketing, coding, or business.
Start a small business: Many graduates make more money from business than office jobs.
Go for a Master’s in a more practical course.
Volunteer or intern to gain experience in better fields.
Final Words
There are no truly useless courses in life—just bad planning and poor understanding of the job market. Nigeria is a tough place, and only those who are strategic survive.
Instead of struggling with a course that has no future, be smart, be realistic, and choose a course that aligns with the current economy, your strength, and available opportunities.
Don’t let passion alone guide you—let passion + market demand + skills guide you.
