AbdulIf you’re at the point of choosing a course, let’s talk about ones that look promising long term — because tech, society, and the job market are shifting fast. I’ll walk you through what makes each course useful, what to expect, and which Nigerian universities are offering them (so you can think “course + place”).
What I Mean by “Future Relevance”
Before diving in, a few principles that guide what makes a course “future-relevant”:
- It aligns with where industries are heading (digitalization, sustainability, data, health).
- You’ll be able to build real skills, not just pass exams.
- There are both local and global opportunities (so if things get tough in one place, you can pivot).
- The course ideally allows some flexibility — specialization, combining with other skills, etc.
Keep these in mind as you read through the 10 below.
1. Data Science & Analytics
Why it’s hot:
Every organization — banks, telecoms, retail, government — needs people who can make sense of data. Data science turns raw numbers into decisions: which products to push, what features users like, forecasting business trends. Globally, data-driven roles keep growing. In Nigeria, too, companies want analysts who can think, not just compute.
What to master:
Statistics, mathematics, programming (Python/R), database systems (SQL, NoSQL), machine learning basics, data visualization (PowerBI, Tableau), domain knowledge (health, finance, social sectors), and ethics around data privacy.
Universities in Nigeria offering this:
- Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), Lagos has a Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science program. nutm.edu.ng
- Miva Open University offers BSc in Data Science for students who want a bachelor’s route. Miva University
Things to check before you commit:
Are there labs or project work? What’s the professor/student ratio? Do they partner with industries so you can get internship experience? Also, cost matters — sometimes online or hybrid models are cheaper and still good.
2. Cybersecurity & Information Security
Why it’s essential:
As more data moves online, more money moves online, more systems (money, health, identity) are digital. That makes cybersecurity not optional. Hacks, privacy breaches, data theft — these aren’t “maybe” threats. They’re happening. Countries, companies, and NGOs all need skilled people who can defend, detect, and respond.
What you’d study:
Networking, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, risk management, system security, incident response, secure software development.
Universities & programs in Nigeria:
- Mountain Top University offers a full Cyber Security program. NUCIS
- Dominion University, Ibadan has B.Sc. Cyber Security. dominionuniversity.edu.ng
- Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna offers Cyber Security degree course. afit.edu.ng
- Greenfield University, Kaduna offers BSc Cyber Security. universitycoursesinafrica.com
- Also, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is known to have a cyber security option. Past2Pass+1
What to watch out for:
Look for universities with strong computing labs. See if they offer “cyber ranges” or simulated environments. Certifications (industry ones like CEH, CISSP) help boost your value. Also, check how up-to-date the syllabus is (cyber threats evolve fast).
3. Computer Science / Software Engineering
Why pick this:
This is foundational. Whether you want to build apps, websites, platforms, or do deeper work in AI or backend infrastructure, knowing computer science + software engineering gives you flexibility. Plus, many non-tech industries need internal developers now.
What to learn:
Algorithms, data structures, systems programming, software design, version control, full stack (frontend + backend), mobile development, APIs, possibly fundamentals of AI/ML.
Universities that stand out:
- NUTM is launching undergraduate programs in STEM including Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Wikipedia
- Many older universities (University of Lagos, ABU Zaria, University of Nigeria Nsukka, etc.) also offer strong Computer Science / Software Engineering departments (though exact strength depends on faculty & facilities).
Tips:
Build a portfolio (side projects, Github). Students who graduate with just theory tend to struggle more than those who’ve built actual apps or systems. Also, look for universities that offer industrial attachment or partnerships with tech companies.
4. Renewable Energy / Environmental Science / Sustainability
Why this is growing:
Nigeria has persistent energy infrastructure challenges. Fossil fuel dependency has environmental, health, and economic downsides. There’s global (and local) push toward clean, renewable solutions. Sustainability isn’t just “nice” — it’s becoming part of policies, donor funding, regulation. You could be designing solar grids, advising environmental policy, doing green building, or working in climate resilience.
What to learn:
Renewable technologies (solar, wind, hydro), energy systems, environmental science, sustainability metrics, environmental policy & law, project management, perhaps climate modeling, impact assessment.
Universities / centres in Nigeria:
- Centre for Renewable Energy, University of Ilorin (Unilorin) is a research and development centre focusing on alternative energy solutions, policy, capacity building. cre.unilorin.edu.ng
- Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) offers more hands-on/training based options. retti.com.ng
Things to verify:
Does the program blend theory and practice (solar installations, fieldwork)? Are there labs? Is there link with external projects (solar farms, renewable energy firms)? Government regulations and policy support also matter (if policy falters, job prospects may slow).
5. Engineering & Applied Tech (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics)
Why this remains solid:
Nigeria is still developing infrastructure — power generation & distribution, roads, factories, urban housing, water and waste systems. Plus manufacturing has potential to scale more. Engineers who can apply modern tech (IoT, automation, sustainable design) are especially in demand.
What to learn:
Core engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, circuits, materials), applied mechanics, control systems, some exposure to IoT, robotics, sustainable design, perhaps programming for embedded systems.
Universities with good reputations:
- Examples include Federal University of Technology (FUTA), University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, etc. (These typically have engineering departments; strength varies).
- Also, newer tech universities like NUTM are aiming to build strong STEM engineering capacity. Wikipedia
What to think through:
Engineering degrees are demanding. Infrastructure matters (labs, workshops). Sometimes, outside of top schools, equipment is lacking. Also, some engineering fields are expensive (specialised materials, safety, etc.). So weigh available resources.
6. Medicine, Health Sciences & Health Informatics
Why demand stays high:
Healthcare remains a core need everywhere. Nigeria needs more doctors, nurses, lab scientists. Moreover, collecting and interpreting health data (informatics) is becoming critical. Pandemics, “smart hospitals”, telehealth — these are real trajectories.
What to learn:
Typical medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, lab sciences), public health, digital health, health informatics (data in health systems), diagnostics tech.
Universities with strong programs:
- Many Nigerian universities offer Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Lab Sciences (UNILAG, ABU, UNN, Lagos State University, etc.).
- For health informatics it’s emerging; some private universities or specialized programs are starting to include it. Be sure to check the course catalogue and electives.
Things to check:
Clinical attachments / internships. Specialized labs. Also, regulatory/licensing bodies (for medicine, nursing, etc.). For informatics, check if hospital systems integrative, whether local health data infrastructure supports real work.
7. Digital Media / Creative Industries & Digital Marketing
Why it matters more now:
Everyone is online — businesses, individuals, government. Brands need to communicate. Social media influencers, content creators, video producers, UX/UI designers, animators, etc., are in demand. Even outside traditional media, digital literacy is critical. Plus, creative industries often allow freelancing and remote income.
What to master:
Content strategy (blogs, video, audio), social media tools, SEO, analytics for marketing, basics of design (graphic, UI), video & audio editing, storytelling, brand building, maybe some coding for web design, user experience.
Universities offering or expanding this:
- Many universities now have Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, Creative Arts, Fine Arts departments. Some universities are adding digital media/videography/UX tracks.
- Private universities are quicker often with better tools or specialised creative arts schools. Also, short courses/bootcamps are widespread in this field.
Things to verify:
Do they have modern studios, editing suites? Internships or partnership with media/marketing companies? Portfolio focus matters here. Even more than grades, what you create can open doors.
8. Business, Entrepreneurship & Finance (Including Fintech)
Why it’s useful:
As Nigeria’s economy diversifies, new startups, small & medium enterprises (SMEs), and fintech are growing rapidly. Someone who understands business + tech + finance + regulation is invaluable. These courses prepare you to start something or work in rapidly innovating sectors (bank tech, micro-finance, digital payments).
What you learn:
Accounting, finance, business management, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology in business (digital payments etc.), regulation, business analytics.
Universities:
- Many major universities (UNILAG, University of Lagos; University of Ibadan; Lagos Business School; Pan Atlantic University) offer Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship programs.
- Some private schools offer specialized fintech or financial technology modules or centers.
What to check:
Does the course expose you to emerging financial systems (blockchain, mobile money)? Internship opportunities in fintechs? Skills in regulatory environment, data, security? Also business soft skills (negotiation, communication) matter a lot.
9. Education / STEM Teacher Training
Why this is crucial:
One of the biggest bottlenecks in Nigeria is quality education, especially in STEM (Science, Maths, Tech). Better teachers = better base for everything else. Also, edtech is rising, and people who can teach online or build digital learning content are in demand.
What you learn:
Subject matter (Maths, Physics, Biology, Statistics, Computer Science), pedagogy, curriculum design, educational technology, assessment strategies.
Universities / Examples:
- Many federal and state universities have Education faculties with specializations in Science Education.
- Private universities and teacher training colleges also offering more modern STEM education tracks. Also, short courses and certifications in edtech.
Key things to verify:
Are students able to do teaching practice? What exposure to digital learning or educational tech tools? How updated is curriculum? Also, how well is STEM taught at foundational levels (secondary schools) in your area (you might contribute more where the gap is bigger).
10. Agriculture, Agribusiness & Food Technology
Why it still matters (and will grow):
Food is essential. Nigeria has massive agricultural potential, but supply chain inefficiencies, post-harvest loss, import dependency are real problems. Agribusiness and food technology (processing, logistics, packaging, value addition) are areas with huge growth potential. Also, agricultural tech (drone mapping, precision farming, biotech) is emerging globally.
What to learn:
Modern farming techniques, value addition, food science & technology, logistics & supply chain, biochemistry / biotechnology, agricultural policy, climate resilience in farming, add tech skills.
Universities offering good programs:
- Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) in Abeokuta has strong agriculture & agri-business departments.
- Universities like University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan also have strong food technology / agricultural science faculties.
- Programmes that combine business + tech in agriculture are especially valuable.
Things to check:
Labs for food science, practical exposure (farms, processing plants), technology exposure (drones, biotech, logistics). Also, local environment (soil, climate) affects what kinds of agricultural studies are most useful in your region.
How To Choose Your Course + University Better
Since you have options, here’s a checklist to help you pick well:
| Question | Why It Matters |
| What am I good at and what interests me? | You will be better at something you enjoy. Without interest, even high-demand fields can feel draining. |
| What are the facilities at the university? | Labs, studios, farms, editing suites, renewable energy installations, etc. They matter a lot. |
| What’s the syllabus really like? | Look beyond the name. Which elective courses are offered? How much hands-on / practical work versus just lectures? |
| Are they well-connected to industry? | Internships, guest lecturers, project partnerships. That often makes the difference in getting a job. |
| What’s my financial & time investment? | Degree duration, fees, possible additional costs (equipment, lab fees, software, etc.). Some programs may require you invest more outside tuition (e.g. buying your own laptop, doing fieldwork). |
| Can I diversify or combine skills? | E.g., you major in Engineering but take electives in Data Science, or study Agriculture but get exposure to tech/digital marketing. That widens your options. |
Final Word
Choosing a course is a big move — but it’s not forever. What matters is starting in something that gives leverage: skills you can build, room to adapt, and exposure to real-work.
If you pick one of those high-demand courses and choose a university that gives you good facilities + connections + hands-on practice, you’ll be setting yourself up not just for a job, but for being relevant in whatever the future throws at Nigeria (and beyond).
Abdul
