The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially opened applications for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). If you are interested in picking the 2025/2026 UTME form, here are Top five high-demand undergraduate Courses to consider
Choosing the right course is one of the most critical decisions a secondary school leaver can make. While some believe that “any department is fine as long as you excel,” the truth is that some courses provide better career opportunities and entrepreneurial potential than others.
In this article, we explore high-demand courses that give students a head start in building successful careers, especially for those starting from scratch.
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A Real-Life Lesson
“I studied hard, graduated among the top three in my department, but six years later, my career didn’t reflect my academic success. Meanwhile, juniors I had guided into other disciplines thrived. The problem wasn’t my ability—it was my choice of course.”
This story underscores the importance of choosing a course with global relevance, job availability, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
1. Medicine and Allied Health Sciences
Medicine remains one of the most prestigious and high-demand undergraduate Courses worldwide. Graduates in medical-related disciplines rarely struggle to find employment, even with the rise of Artificial Intelligence.
Challenges:
- Highly capital-intensive
- Requires full-time dedication
- Demands strong academic ability
O’Level Requirements:
- At least 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
High-demand Medical Disciplines:
- Medicine & Surgery
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Radiography / Medical Imaging
- Pharmacy
- Nursing Science
- Dental Surgery/Therapy
- Public Health
- Optometry
UTME Subject Combination:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
2. Engineering
Second in the list of high-demand undergraduate Courses are Engineering degrees! Engineering offers a mix of skills and entrepreneurship, giving students early career opportunities and financial independence. Many engineering students start earning from their second year through industrial attachments or freelance projects.
High-Demand Engineering Courses:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Computer/Software Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Petroleum & Petrochemical Engineering
- Aeronautical/Automobile Engineering
O’Level & UTME Requirements:
- English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Success Story:
“Tola studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering. By his 400L year, he had started gaining contracts for house wiring and purchased his first car and house.”
3. Law
Law is a globally demanded career. Lawyers are essential for resolving disputes, property issues, immigration, criminal cases, and business matters. Competence is your best advertisement in this field.
O’Level Requirements:
- 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Literature, Government, Economics, and one Nigerian Language
Career Opportunities:
- Legal Aid / Advocacy
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Private Practice
4. Cybersecurity
With the world shifting online, cybersecurity experts are in high demand globally. Organizations in banking, defense, business, and government need professionals to protect against cyber threats.
O’Level & UTME Requirements:
- Similar to engineering courses: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Career Potential:
- High-paying roles worldwide
- Opportunities in multinational companies and government agencies
5. Banking, Finance, and Economics
Banking, finance, and economics offer stable and lucrative careers. Graduates are needed in marketing, administration, customer service, and strategic roles in banks and financial institutions. Banking is one of the top high-demand undergraduate courses as of the year 2025
Course Duration: 4 years (undergraduate)
Career Opportunities:
- Banking jobs (tellers, marketers, analysts)
- Corporate finance
- Financial consultancy
6. Architecture and Building Technology
Architecture has remained a timeless and profitable discipline. Graduates who master design software like AutoCAD or ArchCAD can start earning even before graduation.
Career Opportunities:
- National and state agencies
- Private firms and real estate companies
- Freelance architectural design and consultancy
O’Level & UTME Requirements:
- Same as engineering courses: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Courses to Approach With Caution
- General Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics)
- Graduates often struggle to find local employment
- Career-switching or pursuing second degrees may be required
- Suitable primarily for teaching or research aspirations
Many African countries lack highly equipped industries, laboratories, and research centers, limiting opportunities for pure science graduates. However, these courses remain top-ranked in Western countries.
Choosing the right course can make the difference between career stagnation and early professional success. For UTME applicants, consider fields that are high-demand, globally relevant, and entrepreneurial-friendly.
In our next post, we’ll provide detailed guidelines for each discipline, including potential global earning opportunities.
Join the conversation! Drop a comment below and share which courses you’re considering for your UTME application.
