5 Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make When Choosing a University Course
Introduction:
Choosing a university course is one of the most important decisions a Nigerian student will ever make. It shapes your academic journey, your career, and even your financial future. Yet, many students still fall into common traps when filling out their JAMB UTME forms or making choices during Post-UTME screening. These mistakes often lead to wasted years, regret, and frustration.
If you are about to pick your course of study, this detailed guide highlights five common mistakes Nigerian students make when choosing a university course—and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing a Course Just for the Money
It is common to hear students say, “I want to study Medicine, Law, or Engineering because they pay well.” While salary is important, chasing a course purely for financial reasons without genuine interest is a dangerous trap.
For instance, many students who choose Medicine struggle with the long years of study, rigorous workload, and demanding practicals. Some eventually drop out or underperform because their passion lies elsewhere.
Tip: Consider your strengths and passions. A student who loves drawing and creativity might thrive in Architecture or Design more than forcing Medicine. Money follows value, and value comes from doing what you enjoy and excel at.
2. Ignoring Job Market Trends
Nigeria’s job market is dynamic. Some degrees have become less relevant, while new industries are booming. Sadly, many students still pick outdated courses without considering employability.
For example, graduates of certain social science degrees face high unemployment rates, while careers in tech, renewable energy, and healthcare are expanding globally and in Nigeria.
Solution: Research industries with future demand. Some fast-growing areas include Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Public Health, and Green Energy. Universities offering cutting-edge courses in these fields can give you an advantage.
3. Following Peer or Parental Pressure
In Nigeria, parents often pressure children into “prestigious” professions such as Law, Medicine, or Engineering. While this advice is well-meaning, it may not suit the student’s true passion or abilities.
A student who is pushed into Law but prefers Media and Communications might end up struggling academically and emotionally. Similarly, many students follow friends into a particular course just to “belong” — a costly mistake.
Advice: Respect your parents’ input, but make the final decision yourself. You are the one who will study and eventually build a career. Choosing a path that aligns with your strengths will save you from regrets later.
4. Not Considering the University’s Strength
Not all universities excel equally across all departments. A school that ranks high in Engineering may not be strong in Social Sciences, and vice versa.
For example, some Nigerian universities are globally recognised for Agriculture, while others excel in ICT-related courses. Picking a course without considering your chosen university’s strengths could limit your learning experience.
What to Do: Check faculty profiles, accreditation status, and departmental facilities. Use university rankings and feedback from past students to guide your choice.
5. Overlooking Accreditation and Course Structure
Imagine studying for four years, only to realise your course is not accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Unfortunately, this has happened to many Nigerian students. Without accreditation, your certificate may be rejected for jobs or postgraduate studies.
In addition, many students pick courses without checking the structure. Some courses include demanding practicals, internships, or project work that students discover too late.
Solution: Always confirm course accreditation on the NUC official website. Also, read through the course structure on the university’s official website before applying.
Other Hidden Mistakes to Avoid
- Not considering your O’Level and UTME subject combination: Many students choose courses without checking JAMB subject requirements, which leads to disqualification.
- Underestimating competition: Highly competitive courses like Medicine may require very high UTME scores. Have a realistic backup plan.
- Ignoring personal values: If you dislike long hours in labs, Engineering or Medicine might not be for you. If you love people interaction, fields like Mass Communication may fit better.
Conclusion
Choosing the right university course goes beyond prestige or money. It is about aligning your passion, strengths, and future opportunities with the realities of Nigeria’s education and job market. Avoiding these five mistakes—chasing money only, ignoring job trends, yielding to pressure, neglecting university strengths, and overlooking accreditation—will save you from regret.
At Alphayem Educational, we provide students with admission updates, JAMB tips, and career guidance. Share this guide with a friend or sibling who is about to make their JAMB choices—it could help them avoid a costly mistake.
Internal Links: Education News, JAMB Updates, Alphayem Education
Outbound Links: NUC official site, Nation Africa – Data Science Demand
