Courses Slowly Becoming Irrelevant and What To Do Now If You Are Studying Them: Let’s be honest — many Nigerian graduates today struggle to find jobs, not because they didn’t go to school, but because the world has changed while their courses haven’t.
When people say “school no be scam,” they’re right. The real problem is studying a course that no longer fits what the job market needs. While careers in tech, finance, and creative industries are growing, some old university courses are quietly fading away.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has even mentioned that many Nigerian universities still use outdated syllabuses that don’t match today’s job realities.
So, here are 10 courses slowly becoming irrelevant in Nigeria and what you can start doing now if you’re studying any of them.
1. History and International Studies
History helps you understand how the world works, but the sad truth is, job opportunities for historians in Nigeria are limited.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Learn content writing, public speaking, and data analysis for policy research. You can also take short online courses on international relations, diplomacy, or digital journalism. These will help you fit into careers in media, NGOs, and government analysis.
2. Zoology
Zoology sounds cool — studying animals and their environments — but in Nigeria, jobs in this field are rare.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Focus on learning environmental data analysis, wildlife photography, content creation, or environmental education. You can also explore eco-tourism and learn how to build environmental awareness campaigns.
3. Library and Information Science
Technology has replaced many manual library systems, and AI tools now manage information faster.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Develop skills in data management, digital archiving, and database administration. You can also learn information security or library automation software to make yourself useful in digital libraries or corporate data units.
4. Philosophy
Philosophy improves reasoning and logic, but it’s not a direct route to high-paying jobs.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Learn critical thinking, UX design, ethical hacking, or public relations. You can also combine your degree with copywriting or psychology-based marketing to work in branding or communication roles.
5. Religious Studies
This course is valuable in moral education, but career options are mostly limited to teaching or church work.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Take courses in community development, counselling, or NGO management. You can also learn social media management for faith-based organisations or non-profit fundraising.
6. Pure Chemistry
Pure Chemistry is a strong science course, but Nigeria doesn’t have enough research industries to absorb graduates.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Learn product formulation, cosmetics production, chemical safety management, or quality control analysis. You can also go into soap, perfume, or detergent production and build a small brand around it.
7. Forestry and Wildlife Management
The field is important but underdeveloped in Nigeria due to weak environmental laws and funding.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Take online courses in environmental sustainability, climate change management, or GIS mapping. You can also learn drone mapping or green project management for environmental NGOs.
8. Linguistics
Linguistics helps in understanding languages, but there aren’t many direct jobs for it.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Learn translation and transcription, content creation, or language tutoring online. You can also explore voice-over training, copywriting, or communication strategy to fit into modern media roles.
9. Mass Communication
Traditional Mass Communication focused too much on print and radio, but the media world has gone digital.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Start learning digital marketing, video editing, podcast production, or content strategy. You can also focus on SEO writing, social media management, and brand storytelling.
10. Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
This course was once valuable in government agriculture schemes, but those projects are now limited.
What You Can Do If You Are Studying This Course:
Learn agricultural business management, agribusiness marketing, and digital farming tools. You can also explore drone technology in agriculture, farm product branding, or food processing as a side hustle.
Why These Courses Are Losing Value
Digital disruption: Technology is taking over many traditional jobs.
Lack of innovation: Many universities still teach old syllabuses.
Policy neglect: Some fields don’t get proper funding or support.
Global shift: The future of work is skill-based, not certificate-based.
How To Stay Relevant as a Student
If your course is among the ones listed above, don’t panic. What really matters now are the skills you add to your degree. You can learn most of these skills online from platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or YouTube.
Start small — learn one digital skill, build a portfolio, and gain experience through internships or volunteering.
Final Thoughts
School is not a scam. The problem is studying a course that has no place in today’s world.
The job market is changing faster than most universities, so don’t wait till graduation to adapt. Start learning new skills now. The goal is simple don’t just have a certificate; have something you can actually do.
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