It is no longer news that to study a prospective, earning potential, and prestigious course in a Nigerian University, you have to really earn it and this is where the race begins. Earlier this week, the Joint Admission Matriculation Board opened the registration portal for individuals willing to gain admission into the university. Last year, 2023, about 947,000 candidates sat for the exam, it is obvious that there is a high level of competition year in, and year out.
Every year, the competition varies across the different universities; while certain fields consistently attract a significant number of applicants, some departments are fairly occupied and others get a very little number of applicants. The fields that receive the most substantial number of applicants are often considered to be the ones with the most competitive courses of study and they include the following : Medicine and Surgery For a very long time, medicine and surgery have topped the list of competitive courses in Nigeria due to many reasons. Usually, Doctors are tagged as knowledgeable and highly skilled because of how they contribute to the health of individuals and communities. Also, while the job security is great, the demand for health services and medical professionals is constantly on the rise. Furthermore, according to research, Doctors and Surgeons have higher earning potential than can fund a comfortable lifestyle. EngineeringEngineering in all of its shades entices several Nigerian students. The different parts of the Engineering course include:
Mechanics EngineeringElectrical Engineering Software EngineeringCivil EngineeringChemical EngineeringPetrochemical Engineering
According to JAMB, the cut-off mark to study Engineering is 200 but universities conduct Post-UTME exams to pick students, who beyond measures, are qualified to be in the field. Engineering is perceived to have huge prospects which include working in Oil and Gas companies, as well as on huge and international projects.
Related >>> Reasons why you should choose a Career in Software EngineeringNursing Nursing also belongs to the category of very competitive courses you would find in a Nigerian university. Nurses work hand in hand with Doctors to provide optimum care to individuals in need of treatment. This says a lot about how much Nursing graduates would be needed in society.
Glassdoor says that the average amount a registered nurse can earn monthly is about NGN 250,000. ArchitectureConsidering that some individuals studying architecture start to earn an income even before they become graduates is enough reason to have a lot of candidates wanting to get into the field. Although Jamb pegged the cutoff mark for Architecture at 250, the competition to get in will be fierce as candidates that score the exact 250 have to strive alongside candidates who scored way above 250. Furthermore, some candidates see architecture as an opportunity to channel their inner creativity towards making a change in the design industry. However, it takes 6 years, a couple of licensure exams, and some practical experience to finally be an architect. PharmacyPharmacy moves with the other courses in the medical sciences and it requires so much outstanding success to get in the field. Due to the increasing need for healthcare needs and medication, Pharmacists are held in high regard and are usually a necessity. The course has a comprehensive nature that contributes to why a candidate needs to have a strong academic foundation to excel in their studies. Computer ScienceRecently, computer science became a more competitive course because of the promising career prospect it offers. The tech industry has been booming in Nigeria, and many startup companies are beginning to uncover. These companies need skilled professionals who have what it takes to create innovative solutions and develop software that will solve different problems. Computer science serves as the foundation of all tech skills and Nigerian universities have made sure that rigorous academic requirements are met before granting candidate admission into the field. AccountingConsidering the status and professional designations, Nigerian universities conduct a high level of academic scrutiny before admitting candidates into the accounting field. Accounting requires a deep knowledge of mathematics, great attention to detail, and strong analytical skills. While a Jamb score of 260 will suffice for anyone looking to study accounting in a Nigerian university, candidates must also pass the Post-utme brilliantly. LawPeople are drawn to the law profession for several reasons. For some, the societal influence, the name, and the fame, while for others, it is an opportunity to advocate for justice. However, the race doesn’t stop even after the university as University law graduates are required to go to Law school and be called to bar as real lawyers. Candidates looking to study law are expected to score above 280 and also have the post-utme of their preferred institution. The purpose of this article is not to discourage you from studying the course of your choice. However, it is to keep you informed and ensure that you can make good decisions for yourself.
