10 Ways Students End Up Choosing the Wrong University Courses: Choosing a course in the university should normally be a moment where someone sits down, thinks deeply, checks their interests, and then picks something that fits their future. But I’ve seen over the years that many young people, in Nigeria especially, end up studying something they never wanted. Sometimes you see someone in 300 level still wondering how they even entered that department in the first place.
Let’s check it together because I want you to understand the real reasons behind this problem, not just what people say on the surface.
1. Strong Pressure From Parents and Society
This one is probably the biggest reason. Many parents already have a plan for their children before the child even reaches SS1. You will hear things like “My son must study Medicine’’ or “My daughter must read Law”.
Let’s say for example, a boy who loves drawing and wants Fine Arts. But his father insists on Engineering. The boy will choose Engineering just to avoid problems at home. I’ve seen cases where the student struggles for years because he wasn’t wired for that field.
Most parents mean well; they simply want a stable career for their children. But the pressure affects the child’s confidence and leads to wrong choices.
2. Weak or Almost Nonexistent Career Guidance in Secondary Schools
Many secondary schools don’t have real counsellors. Even the ones that have usually don’t guide students properly. Students end up picking courses based on guesswork or what their friends are choosing.
Sometimes teachers will say, “You’re good in Biology, just go for Nursing.” Meanwhile, the student might only be passing Biology because the teacher is lenient.
Without proper guidance about courses, job markets, and personal strengths, many students choose blindly.
3. Cut-Off Marks and Admission Constraints
This one affects a lot of people. Because popular courses like Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Engineering have high cut-off marks, many students are forced to switch courses during admission.
I have seen people who initially picked Medicine but ended up in Microbiology, or someone who chose Law but later accepted Political Science simply because they didn’t reach the cut-off.
When you choose a course because “that was the only option available”, it is very easy to lose interest along the way.
4. Poor Exposure to Real-World Careers
A lot of students only know about five or six professions: doctor, lawyer, engineer, banker, and teacher. Meanwhile the world has moved. There are thousands of new careers in tech, media, data, environment, design, entertainment, and even sports science.
Let’s say for example, someone who naturally loves computers might never hear about cybersecurity or UI/UX until after secondary school. So they end up choosing a less interesting course because nobody exposed them early enough.
5. Peer Pressure and the Desire to Belong
Teenagers usually want to stay close to their friends. So when everyone in the group is choosing a particular course, the rest join.
I remember a girl who followed all her friends to study Mass Communication even though her real interest was in Agriculture. She later regretted it. Peer influence is silent but very powerful.
6. Fear of Unemployment and Economic Pressure
Nigeria’s economy affects almost every decision. Students and parents usually run to courses that look “safe”. Courses like Accounting, Business Admin, and Microbiology are chosen by many students not because they love them but because they think these fields have more job opportunities.
But the truth is that some of these courses are already oversaturated. So instead of choosing what fits them, many students choose what they think will get them a job quickly.
7. Misunderstanding What Certain Courses Actually Mean
A lot of students choose courses based on what they imagine, not what the course really is.
Let’s say for example, someone thinks International Relations means travelling around the world. Or someone thinks studying Law automatically makes them rich.
When students finally get into 200 level and discover what the course truly involves, that is when regret starts.
8. Choosing Subjects Too Early Before Discovering Themselves
Most students choose their WAEC and JAMB subjects around age 15 or 16, and honestly, that’s too early for many people. At that age, some students don’t even know their real strengths yet.
As they grow older in the university, they start discovering their true interests but by then it becomes difficult to switch courses.
9. Poor Academic Foundation in Secondary School
Someone might genuinely love Science but because they attended a school with no good labs, no real science teachers, and no proper materials, they may end up avoiding science courses.
Students who feel academically weak in certain subjects may give up on the field entirely and choose something else, even when they could have done well with better training.
10. Following Trends Instead of Personal Conviction
Sometimes, students pick courses simply because they are trending. At one point, everyone wanted to study Computer Science. Later, it became Medical Laboratory Science. Another time, it was Mass Communication.
Trends come and go, but your course should be based on what fits your personality and long-term plans, not what is trending that year.
Also Read:
- 10 Gadgets and Accessories Every Fresher Should Have in Nigeria (2026 Guide)
- 10 Smart Ways to Save Money on Campus
- 10 Things You Should Never Do When Staying in a Hostel as a Fresher
- 10 Strong Reasons Why Education Is Better Than Money
Conclusion
At the end of the day, most students who choose the wrong courses are not careless. They simply did not get enough guidance, support, or exposure early enough. I believe if parents, schools, and even students themselves start paying attention to personal strengths and real-life opportunities, this problem will reduce.
I want you to take your time when picking a course because it can shape your life for many years. And if you’re already in the university but not happy with your course, don’t panic; many people eventually find their path through experience.
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