Introduction
Choosing a university course is one of the biggest decisions a Nigerian student will make. Yet, many fall into common traps that can lead to frustration, regret, or even career failure. If you’re about to fill out your JAMB form or start your university journey, here are 5 mistakes you must avoid.
- Choosing a Course Just for the Money
Many students pick courses like Medicine or Law just because they think they pay well. But if you’re not passionate or talented in that field, you may struggle.
Tip: Consider your interests and strengths—not just salary projections.
- Ignoring Job Market Trends
Some courses have little relevance in today’s job market, yet students still choose them without research. Don’t assume all degrees lead to employment.
Solution: Research industries with growing demand, like tech, health, and renewable energy.
- Following Peer or Parental Pressure
It’s common in Nigeria for parents to push their children into “prestigious” courses. But this can lead to dissatisfaction and poor academic performance.
Advice: Respect advice, but make the final decision yourself. It’s your future.
- Not Considering the University’s Strength
Not every university is great at every course. A top university for Engineering might not be strong in Mass Communication.
What to Do: Check rankings, faculty experience, and facilities before choosing.
- Overlooking Accreditation and Course Structure
Some students only realize their course is not accredited when it’s too late. Others are shocked by the actual course content.
Solution: Visit the university’s website and confirm course accreditation with NUC.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you years of stress and regret. Choose a course that fits your passion, the job market, and your academic strength. Share this guide to help someone else make the right choice too!
