In Nigeria today, once a student scores high in JAMB (the university entrance exam), everyone starts shouting, “Go and study Medicine!” or “You must be a Lawyer or an Engineer!” That’s the common idea many parents, teachers, and even students believe.

But times have changed.

Some of the most successful people today are not doctors, lawyers, or engineers. They studied courses that many people don’t talk about. These courses are not popular, but they can make you rich and successful if you take them seriously.

In this post, we will show you 10 courses in Nigerian universities that may not be popular, but they can lead to very good jobs and big money. We’ll also tell you the top careers you can get from each course, and even some scholarships that support these “unpopular” courses.

By the end, you’ll be able to choose your course based on your passion and your future — not on what society says is popular.

Why You Should Consider These “Unpopular” Courses

• Less Competition: Fewer people apply, so you have more chances of getting admitted.

• More Job Opportunities: While others struggle in crowded fields, you can shine in yours.

• Global Demand: Some of these courses are in high demand internationally.

• Scholarship Support: Many global scholarships target these fields to support development.

10 High-Paying Courses You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Business Management

Business Management is all about how to run a company successfully. You learn how to manage people, make smart decisions, and lead teams.

Why it pays well: Every company — big or small — needs good managers. This skill is needed in banks, tech, oil and gas, startups, and more.

Top Career Options:

• Sales/Marketing Manager

• Financial Manager

• HR Specialist

• Project Manager

2. Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of tiny organisms, like bacteria and viruses. It became very important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it pays well: Microbiologists work in labs, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies to create medicine and study diseases.

Top Career Options:

• Biomedical Scientist

• Clinical Researcher

• Food Technologist

• Microbiologist

3. Actuarial Science

Most students don’t even know what this is. Actuarial Science uses math and statistics to predict future risks — like in insurance and finance.

Why it pays well: Actuaries help companies make decisions about risk. They are among the highest-paid professionals globally.

Top Career Options:

• Actuary

• Risk Analyst

• Business Analyst

• Financial Planner

4. Industrial Chemistry

This course teaches you how to use chemistry in industries like oil and gas, food processing, cosmetics, and more.

Why it pays well: Industrial Chemists help companies create better products, test quality, and manage production.

Top Career Options:

• Chemical Engineer

• Analytical Chemist

• Product Developer

• Material Scientist

5. Estate Management

People think Estate Management is just about selling land, but it’s more than that. You learn about real estate, building development, and how to manage properties.

Why it pays well: As more people invest in land and buildings, estate managers are in high demand.

Top Career Options:

• Real Estate Developer

• Property Manager

• Valuation Specialist

• Estate Surveyor

6. Public Relations (PR)

Public Relations professionals help companies, celebrities, and politicians manage their image and communicate with the public.

Why it pays well: In this digital age, every brand needs to look good online. PR experts are the people behind that success.

Top Career Options:

• PR Specialist

• Social Media Manager

• Event Planner

• Copywriter

7. Library and Information Science

Forget the idea that librarians just sit and arrange books. Today, this course teaches how to manage digital data, organize online files, and work with information technology.

Why it pays well: Every company needs someone to organize and manage information properly.

Top Career Options:

• Digital Librarian

• Research Analyst

• Data Organizer

• Information Architect

8. Agricultural Economics

This is not farming with hoes and cutlasses. Agricultural Economics teaches you how to make agriculture profitable using business and economic ideas.

Why it pays well: Food is always needed. Those who can make farming more profitable are highly valuable.

Top Career Options:

• Agribusiness Consultant

• Agricultural Economist

• Farm Manager

• Policy Advisor

9. Mathematics and Statistics

This course is about solving real-world problems using numbers. It is the foundation of data science, research, and financial planning.

Why it pays well: In today’s digital world, data is everywhere. Companies need people who can understand and use it.

Top Career Options:

• Data Scientist

• Statistician

• Financial Analyst

• Economist

10. Geology

Geology is the study of rocks, minerals, and natural resources. Geologists help find oil, gas, and minerals.

Why it pays well: Oil companies and mining firms pay geologists very well. You can also work in environmental research.

Top Career Options:

• Petroleum Geologist

• Hydrogeologist

• Environmental Consultant

• Geophysicist

Scholarships You Can Get for These Courses

Yes, there are many international scholarships that support students who study these fields. Here are some of them:

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Courses: Agriculture, Public Health, Education, Urban Planning

• Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate

• Benefits: Full tuition, housing, books, stipend

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Courses: Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Environment

• Level: Masters & PhD

• Benefits: Full funding, monthly allowance, travel costs

3. Australia Awards Scholarships

• Courses: Agriculture, Public Policy, Environmental Science

• Level: Master’s

• Benefits: Full tuition, living expenses, airfare

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Courses: Agriculture, Social Sciences, Development Studies

• Level: Master’s

• Benefits: Tuition, stipend, airfare, visa

5. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

• Courses: Agriculture, Urban Planning, Public Health

• Level: Master’s

• Benefits: Full funding

6. African Union Scholarships

• Courses: Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Climate Science

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, travel support

7. University-Based Scholarships

Many universities abroad offer internal funding for students in these courses. Always check your target school’s website for such options.

Final Advice: Follow Your Passion, Not the Crowd

Choosing a course in Nigeria can feel like a big challenge, especially when everyone is pressuring you to pick popular courses.

But remember this:

Just because a course is popular doesn’t mean it is right for you.

Success comes from choosing what you enjoy and what has future potential. All the courses listed above may not be loud or flashy, but they offer real opportunities if you work hard and stay focused.

So be bold. Pick a course that matches your skills, passion, and long-term goals — not just what people around you expect.

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