Introduction

Choosing a university course is one of the biggest decisions a Nigerian student can make. Unfortunately, many students choose courses because their friends are studying them, because they sound prestigious, or because they obtained the required JAMB score, without first asking what career opportunities the course can provide.

This has led to popular searches such as “top 20 useless courses to study in Nigeria” and “worst courses to study in Nigeria.”

However, there is an important correction to make: there is no official list of 20 useless university courses in Nigeria. A course is not automatically useless simply because graduates struggle to find jobs.

Some courses have fewer direct employment opportunities, while others become much more valuable when combined with professional qualifications, postgraduate education, digital skills, teaching credentials, research experience, entrepreneurship or another specialization.

The real question should therefore be: Which courses may have limited direct career opportunities, and what can a student do to improve their prospects?

This article examines 20 courses that students should research carefully before choosing them, particularly if their main goal is quick employment after graduation.

What Makes a Course “Useless” in Nigeria?

The word “useless” is too strong when discussing university education.

A course may appear unattractive because there are fewer vacancies specifically requesting that degree. Another course may have good long-term value but require postgraduate education before graduates can access its strongest career paths.

Students should consider factors such as:

• Number and type of jobs related directly to the degree
• Professional licensing requirements
• Availability of private-sector opportunities
• Government employment opportunities
• Possibility of self-employment
• Opportunities for postgraduate study
• Transferable skills gained from the programme
• Demand for related technical or digital skills
• Cost and duration of further training
• Personal interest and academic ability

The National Universities Commission is responsible for maintaining academic standards and accrediting university programmes in Nigeria. It also identifies employability and matching graduate output with manpower needs among the wider goals of the university system.

That means students should not judge a course by its name alone.

Top 20 Courses Students Should Research Carefully

The following list is not an official government ranking of useless courses. It is a practical discussion of fields that can sometimes have limited direct employment opportunities or may require additional specialization.

1. Philosophy

Philosophy develops valuable skills in reasoning, argument, ethics and critical thinking.

The challenge is that there are relatively few jobs advertised specifically for “philosophy graduates.” Graduates may therefore need to look beyond the degree title.

Possible career paths include:

• Teaching
• Research
• Writing
• Public policy
• Ethics
• Journalism
• Human resources
• Civil service
• Law after further education

Students choosing philosophy should consider developing strong writing, communication, research and digital skills.

2. Religious Studies

Religious Studies can be useful for teaching, research, community work, counselling-related roles and academic careers.

However, graduates may find fewer conventional private-sector jobs that specifically require a Religious Studies degree.

The course can become more useful when combined with education, counselling, social development, research, communication or postgraduate qualifications.

3. Classical Studies

Classical Studies focuses on ancient civilizations, languages, literature, history and culture.

Its academic value is significant, but the number of Nigerian employers specifically seeking classical studies graduates is limited.

Students interested in this field should consider careers in:

• Education
• Research
• Publishing
• Cultural institutions
• Museums
• Writing
• International studies

Strong communication and digital research skills can make the degree more versatile.

4. Archaeology

Archaeology is an important field for understanding human history, heritage and ancient societies.

The difficulty is that archaeology-related employment can be relatively specialized. Opportunities may be concentrated in universities, museums, cultural institutions, research projects and government agencies.

Students considering archaeology should investigate postgraduate opportunities and practical field experience before enrolling.

5. History

History is far from useless. It teaches research, analysis, writing and understanding of societies.

The concern is that many obvious career routes, particularly teaching and academic research, may require additional qualifications.

History graduates can also move into:

• Journalism
• Public administration
• Research
• Archives
• Heritage management
• Policy
• Publishing
• Communications

The strongest strategy is to combine historical knowledge with a practical career skill.

6. Theatre and Performing Arts

Theatre and Performing Arts can lead to careers in acting, directing, production, entertainment, event management, media and creative industries.

The problem is income stability.

Success may depend heavily on portfolio development, networking, entrepreneurship and practical experience rather than the degree alone.

Students interested in the field should learn skills such as:

• Video production
• Editing
• Digital marketing
• Scriptwriting
• Event production
• Social media management

7. Fine Arts

Fine Arts can support careers in creative production, illustration, design, galleries, teaching and entrepreneurship.

However, a degree alone may not guarantee employment.

Students can improve their prospects considerably by developing digital creative skills such as graphic design, animation, photography, UI design and digital illustration.

A strong portfolio can sometimes be more useful to a potential client than a certificate alone.

8. Music

Music is another field where the career outcome depends heavily on practical ability.

Graduates can work in teaching, performance, production, composition, entertainment, church music, media and audio-related businesses.

However, students should understand that formal employment opportunities may be narrower than in some professional fields.

Learning audio production, music technology, digital marketing and business management can broaden career options.

9. Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language and communication.

It can lead to careers in teaching, research, translation, language technology, publishing and communication.

The challenge is that some students expect a linguistics degree alone to lead directly to a large number of jobs.

Students can improve their prospects by developing expertise in:

• Translation
• Interpretation
• Speech technology
• Computational linguistics
• Content writing
• Language teaching
• Research

10. Library and Information Science

Library and Information Science remains relevant because organizations need people who can manage information and records.

However, traditional library employment is not the only career path.

Students who study this course should consider developing digital information-management skills, records management, database knowledge, research skills and data organization.

These additional skills can make the degree useful beyond conventional libraries.

11. Sociology

Sociology studies society, institutions, relationships and human behaviour.

It can support careers in research, development organizations, government, human resources, social services and community development.

The challenge is that many employers do not advertise positions simply as “sociologist.”

Graduates may therefore need to market their transferable skills rather than depend solely on the course title.

12. Anthropology

Anthropology examines human societies, cultures and behaviour.

It can be valuable for research, development work, cultural studies, NGOs, public policy and academic careers.

However, the employment market is specialized.

Students should gain practical research, data collection, writing, project management and communication skills to make themselves more competitive.

13. Political Science

Political Science is popular among Nigerian students, but its popularity does not automatically mean that there are enough jobs for every graduate.

Graduates can work in government, research, public policy, administration, development organizations, media and related fields.

The major mistake is assuming that studying Political Science automatically leads to a political or government job.

Competition can be high, so internships and professional skills matter.

14. International Relations

International Relations sounds attractive because of its connection with diplomacy and international organizations.

However, diplomatic and international-organization positions are limited and competitive.

Graduates may need additional qualifications in areas such as:

• International development
• Public policy
• Security studies
• Economics
• Languages
• Project management
• Research

Foreign-language ability can also expand opportunities in international work.

15. Adult Education

Adult Education is useful for training, literacy programmes, community development and educational administration.

However, graduates may have fewer obvious private-sector opportunities if they limit themselves strictly to traditional education roles.

Skills in training, human resources, instructional design and digital learning can create broader opportunities.

16. Guidance and Counselling

Guidance and Counselling serves an important purpose in schools and communities.

However, graduates may discover that career opportunities depend heavily on additional qualifications, professional development and the availability of relevant positions.

Students should investigate the requirements for their intended career path before choosing the course.

17. Human Kinetics and Health Education

This field can prepare students for education, sports, fitness, health promotion and related activities.

The challenge is that graduates may need additional specialization to access stronger career opportunities.

Possible areas include:

• Fitness training
• Sports management
• Physical education
• Health promotion
• Coaching
• Wellness businesses

Entrepreneurship can be particularly useful in this area.

18. Crop Production

Agriculture should not be described as useless.

Nigeria has substantial agricultural activity, and agriculture can provide opportunities in production, processing, logistics, agribusiness and related services.

The issue is that students who think a Crop Production degree automatically guarantees a salaried job may be disappointed.

Modern agriculture increasingly involves technology, finance, marketing, processing and supply chains.

Students should therefore consider agribusiness, farm management, agricultural technology and value-chain skills.

19. Soil Science

Soil Science is important for agriculture, environmental management and land-use planning.

However, the field is specialized, meaning graduates may need to target specific employers or continue into postgraduate study.

Career possibilities can include agriculture, environmental services, research, consulting and education.

Students should research the actual employers available in their region before making a final decision.

20. Botany

Botany is the study of plants and remains important to agriculture, environmental science, conservation, research and education.

However, graduates may face limited direct job advertisements specifically requesting a Botany degree.

Additional skills in biotechnology, environmental management, data analysis, laboratory work or agriculture can broaden the career path.

Why Some Graduates Struggle After Studying These Courses

The problem is not always the course.

Nigeria’s labour market has a broader skills and job-availability challenge. World Bank research based on Nigeria’s labour-force data has found that many Nigerians with post-secondary education still work in occupations that do not require high-level skills. This points to both a skills-mismatch problem and a shortage of sufficiently skilled jobs.

Recent World Bank analysis of online job vacancies in Nigeria also examined the skills employers were requesting, highlighting the importance of understanding labour-market demand rather than choosing a degree based only on its title.

This means a student should ask two separate questions:

1. Is this course academically valuable?
2. What skills and opportunities will it give me after graduation?

Those questions produce a much better decision than simply asking whether a course is “useless.”

How to Choose a University Course in Nigeria

Before accepting admission, use this simple process.

1. Check the Course Accreditation

Confirm that the university and programme are properly recognized and accredited.

The NUC provides information about programme accreditation and maintains accreditation-related information for Nigerian universities.

2. Research Actual Career Paths

Search for real jobs connected to the course.

Do not search only for the exact degree name. For example, a graduate may qualify for jobs that require research, communication, administration, analysis or project-management skills without mentioning the degree title.

3. Check Professional Requirements

Some careers require professional registration, certification, licensing or postgraduate education.

Find out about these requirements before committing several years to a programme.

4. Consider Your Strengths

Do not choose a course simply because someone says it is “hot.”

A student who performs exceptionally well in a less fashionable field may build a better career than someone who chooses a popular course they dislike.

5. Add Practical Skills

Whatever course you study, consider developing at least one useful complementary skill.

Examples include:

• Data analysis
• Digital marketing
• Programming
• Graphic design
• Writing
• Project management
• Sales
• Public speaking
• Research
• Entrepreneurship

Are These Courses Completely Useless?

No.

Calling an entire academic discipline “useless” is misleading.

Philosophy can develop critical thinking. History can develop research and analytical skills. Agriculture can support food production and agribusiness. Linguistics can contribute to language technology and communication.

The issue is career alignment.

A course may have fewer direct vacancies while still providing valuable knowledge and transferable skills.

Students should therefore distinguish between a course with limited direct employment and a genuinely worthless education. They are not the same thing.

Courses With Limited Direct Employment Need Extra Planning

If you are already studying one of the courses on this list, do not panic or assume your degree has ruined your future.

Instead:

• Identify three realistic careers related to your degree.
• Find the qualifications employers request.
• Build relevant practical skills.
• Look for internships and volunteering opportunities.
• Create a professional CV and portfolio.
• Learn how to use digital tools relevant to your field.
• Consider professional certifications.
• Explore postgraduate education where it genuinely improves your career prospects.
• Consider entrepreneurship where appropriate.

The World Bank has repeatedly highlighted the importance of improving skills and making education more relevant to employment opportunities in Nigeria.

What Should Parents and Students Consider?

Parents should avoid forcing students into a course simply because it sounds prestigious.

Medicine, engineering, law, accounting, computer science and other popular programmes can provide strong opportunities, but they are not automatically suitable for every student.

Likewise, a less popular course is not automatically a bad choice.

A better decision considers:

• Student’s interests
• Academic strengths
• Cost of education
• University quality
• Programme accreditation
• Career opportunities
• Professional requirements
• Future skill development
• Opportunities for self-employment
• Possibility of further education

The best course is usually one that combines ability, interest, quality training and realistic career planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 useless courses to study in Nigeria?

There is no official Nigerian government list of 20 useless courses. The courses discussed in this article are fields that may have fewer direct employment opportunities or require additional specialization.

Is Philosophy useless in Nigeria?

No. Philosophy develops critical thinking, reasoning, writing and analytical abilities. Graduates can pursue teaching, research, writing, policy, administration and other careers, especially when they develop additional professional skills.

Is Political Science a useless course?

No. Political Science can lead to careers in government, policy, research, administration, development work and media. However, students should not assume that the degree automatically guarantees a government or political position.

Is History a good course to study in Nigeria?

History can be a good course for students interested in research, education, writing, public administration and cultural studies. Career planning and additional skills can improve employment prospects.

Which courses have low job opportunities in Nigeria?

Some specialized humanities, social science and arts programmes may have fewer jobs that specifically request their degree title. However, employment opportunities change over time and graduates can move into related careers.

Should I avoid a course because someone calls it useless?

Not necessarily. Before rejecting a course, investigate its career paths, accreditation, professional requirements, employer demand and opportunities for specialization.

What should I do if I am already studying a low-demand course?

Build complementary skills, gain practical experience, seek internships, develop a strong CV or portfolio and research career paths related to your degree.

Does studying a popular course guarantee employment in Nigeria?

No. A popular course can still have many graduates competing for limited positions. Practical skills, experience, professional qualifications and networking can influence employment outcomes.

How can I know whether a university course is accredited?

Check information from the National Universities Commission and confirm the accreditation status of the specific programme at the institution you intend to attend.

Is it better to study a course I love or a course with more jobs?

Ideally, find a balance. Consider your interests and abilities alongside employment opportunities, professional requirements and the skills you can develop from the programme.

Conclusion

There is no honest, official list of “20 useless courses” in Nigeria. The better way to understand the issue is to identify courses where direct employment may be limited, specialized or dependent on additional qualifications.

Students should not choose a university course based only on popularity or social-media lists. Check accreditation, investigate career paths, understand employer requirements and think about the practical skills you can build alongside your degree.

If you are choosing a course now, do not ask only, “Is this course useless?” Ask a better question: “What can I do with this degree, what skills will employers value, and what will I need to do to become competitive?”

That approach can help you make a more informed decision and avoid choosing a course simply because someone else recommended it.