Nigerian students love to ask questions about the hardest courses in Nigeria to study in universities, polytechnic and other higher institutions?
Well, no course is easy to study but there are some courses that are more difficult than the others. Sometimes a course seems hard because you’re not used to the learning environment, or you haven’t nailed down your time management skills.
Other times the subject matter of the course is simply dense and requires extra study time. If you’re having difficulty in knowing the most hardest courses in Nigeria, try to objectively understand why this piece of work is important.
Most of these hard courses are noticeably present in the science departments and poses a real challenge to those who want to study them as they require hard work, determination and focus to get good grades from them.
This rating may not be necessarily in order but the list are authentic. The ratings is based on ratings from different sources which I put together to have a clearer picture of the hardest courses in Nigeria to study.
Top 50 Hardest Courses in Nigeria
Is there any definition of the toughest courses in Nigeria? What are the factors that decide that a particular course is tougher than another? The courses, which consist of complex concepts and theories that require a deep understanding, take time to learn. Technical courses rank among the top as they contain a lot of tools and practical knowledge to master. These are the top 50 hardest courses to study in any institution in Nigeria:
1. Aeronautical Engineering.
Aeronautics engineering degree lead the top 50 hardest courses in Nigeria and also among the world most difficult course to study, but they also offer some of the best opportunities at post-university. Aerospace engineers need to be highly technical and accurate, whilst also using creativity and quick thinking to solve problems.
Aerospace engineering is the most demanding and challenging fields to work in. It requires a lot of hard work, intelligence, and creativity.
In Aeronautics engineering expect to study a lot of physics, namely mechanics and thermodynamics.
2. Medicine.
Being a medical student can be very tasking and challenging in Nigeria especially when you consider the educational system. You would spend a lot of time and money to learn and study, but no matter how much time you have spent or would likely spend preparing to become a medical student, you may have to encounter some things you have never anticipated before.
The study of medicine comes with a certain expectation to work harder. If you got into medical school in Nigeria, you have to be smart, you must get t good grades in your courses, If you do these things, you can make it through medical school.
3. Engineering.
Engineering is ranks third among the top 50 hardest courses in Nigeria. The Engineering degree requires you to have everything from logic and common sense to a tremendous amount of patience when things don’t go your way.
Engineering can be very difficult because you’re essentially becoming a “professional problem solver”.
Engineering students are required to have tactical skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities. Engineering continues to be one of the most preferred choices of students after the pursued of Science in basic and high school.
4. Statistics.
Statistics is one of the hardest courses to study in Nigeria for students because it is taught out of context.
Most students do not really learn and apply statistics until they start analyzing data in their own researches.
The only way how to learn cooking is to cook. In the same way, the only way to learn statistics is to analyze data on your own.
5. Pharmacy.
Pharmacy is a health profession that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and aims to ensure the safe, effective, and affordable use of drugs. It is also considered a very difficult course in Nigerian universities.
6. Petroleum and Gas Engineering.
Petroleum and Gas Engineering is concerned with the activities related to the production of hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas. In many Nigerian schools, this course is very hard to study.
7. Nursing.
Nursing as great and rewarding career is a challenging course , and always exciting. But nursing school is difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
8. Law.
Anyone aspiring to study law would want to know what exactly it’s like to be a law student and how to succeed at law school.
Just to get the scary one out of the way first, it is difficult to explain how much reading a law degree involves other than to say that there are a lot of law books!
9. Architecture.
Doing an architecture degree can be hugely rewarding. But it is also among the most hardest courses in Nigeria and can be very challenging with long hours, a huge workload and focus on detail. So it’s vital to understand what you’re letting yourself in for.
10. Anatomy.
Learning human anatomy is difficult and it will take a considerable amount of time and dedication. You should expect to invest 10-12 hours per week studying anatomy outside of class, including weeks after breaks.
11. Electrical Engineering.
The electrical engineering major is considered one of the most difficult majors in the field of engineering in Nigeria, and these are the common reasons students list to explain why it is hard. There is a lot of abstract thinking involved.
12. Microbiology.
Microbiology is one of the hardest course to study in Nigeria. It’s very detail heavy; requiring you to remember a lot of facts about microscopic organisms, morphologies and modes of action. Without some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, or the ability to memorize things easily, it’s likely you’ll struggle.
13. Mathematics.
Mathematics at university is a big step up from A-level maths. At some point in your first year, you will find the mathematics very difficult, perhaps even extremely difficult. Some students can also struggle in their maths degree if they experience personal problems and don’t seek the help they need.
14. Mechanical Engineering.
Among the most hardest courses in Nigeria is Mechanical engineering. This course is considered to be one of the most challenging undergraduate degrees on offer, so you won’t be surprised to hear that entry requirements can be steep. Generally, you’ll need to have a qualification in maths and/or physics.
15. Medical Laboratory Science.
A degree in medical laboratory science in Nigeria is great for anyone that likes experiential and hands-on learning. Degree programs for medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are often unique compared to other degree programs in that they have internships or clinical rotations built into the program but you must get ready to work
16. Philosophy.
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Nigerian philosophy lecturers are very popular for being sadists.
17. Theatre Arts.
Some people act as if theatre is an easy course in Nigeria, but the truth is that it is tasking on your body, mind, and emotions. Your teachers and classmates will probably want to support you, but ultimately only you can determine your precise limits.
18. Veterinary Medicine.
Being a vet is not easy. It is emotional, humbling, challenging, and you will probably not make a fortune. You will, however, belong to a group of highly trained professionals that have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of animals and people.
19. Zoology.
Zoology can be hard. Like all science majors, getting a degree in zoology will take hard work to study the biology of various animals, both wildlife and marine. However, if zoology is the right field for you, all the hard work is worth the rewarding feeling of helping and protecting animals.
20. Geology.
Students interested in geology can prepare by taking basic courses in math, science and geography. Geology is not too difficult but not easy to learn academic course. It is however a science and requires time and dedication if you want to achieve success in the course.
21. Geography
Geography presents a wide range of difficulties, both theoretical and applied, for students in the classroom. The sheer volume of material that today’s pupils are expected to absorb and comprehend is a major obstacle. The study of geography encompasses several subfields, such as physical geography, human geography, and environmental geography. A thorough familiarity with relevant concepts, theories, and case studies is necessary for success in each of these fields.
Whether geography is difficult to study depends on the individual and their learning style. Some find it easy, while others may find it challenging due to the need for spatial reasoning and memorization of facts. However, with a genuine interest and effective study habits, geography can be both approachable and rewarding.
22. German
German is considered a relatively difficult language to learn for native English speakers. It is a member of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, which means that it shares some similarities with English, but also has many significant differences.
23. Physics
While difficulty is subjective, physics is often considered one of the harder majors due to the advanced mathematics and abstract concepts involved.
Physics as a discipline requires learners to employ a variety of methods of understanding the ability to use algebra and geometry and to go from the specific to the general and back. This makes learning physics particularly difficult for many students”.
24. Physiology
In the context of the study, physiology for undergraduate students in the health sciences is a particularly challenging subject, because it presents high levels of complexity.
Research suggests students find physiology content more difficult to learn than anatomy, but few studies have investigated the drivers behind student difficulty when learning physiology.
25. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be physically and mentally strenuous so you should also be physically fit with strong organisational and planning skills too.
Physiotherapy can be hard as it is such a broad field; some people may thrive learning about musculoskeletal topics while others find the hospital-based courses like cardio and neuro more their suit.
26. Anthropology
In Anthropology, it is more difficult to establish measurable criteria when working on the analysis of how the mind works, these are less rigidly required to follow the scientific method, making them “hard” subjects.
It requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. Students must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field and its various subfields. They must also be able to think critically and form complex arguments that are supported by evidence.
27. Architecture
Architecture is one of the most demanding courses to take. Get all the help you can from writing services and apps to make your studies easier. Sacrifice to create time to study. Once you graduate, you will join one of the most lucrative professions in the world.
Studying for an architecture degree can be hugely rewarding, but it is also rated as one of the most demanding of courses to study at university. The general consensus is that the subject requires long hours of focused study to complete big projects with accurate attention to detail.
28. Biochemistry
Biochemistry can be a challenging subject for many students because the material is broad and complex. The difficulty varies from person to person, but it often involves complex Molecular processes and requires a strong foundation in both disciplines. Success in Biochemistry typically requires dedication, effective study habits, and a natural curiosity to understand the sophistication of life at the Molecular level.
29. Botany
Zoology is way more easier to understand and reciprocate during exams as compared to Botany. On the other hand, practicals in Botany is easier than Zoology. For a lot of students cutting a transverse or longitudinal section of a root is more easier than dissecting a frog.
30. Chemistry
It’s a field that combines many hard and soft skills, and a strong work ethic is a must-have. With that said, chemistry doesn’t have to be impossible. If you make a solid plan and take advantage of all available resources, you can succeed in chemistry just as you would in any other major.
31. Computer Science
Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other majors because you have many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time.
32. Dentistry
The path to becoming a dentist can be a challenging one, filled with rigorous academic requirements, demanding practical training, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
33. Animal Science
Animal Science is concerned with the science and business of producing domestic livestock species, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine. An animal scientist applies principles of the biological, physical, and social sciences to the problems associated with livestock production and management.
34. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is a demanding discipline that requires students to possess an in-depth understanding of mathematics, science, and technology. A master’s degree in civil engineering allows students to specialize in one or more of these critical areas.
35. Economics
Studying economics can be difficult because of the field’s dependence on quantitative methods. In economics, you’ll need to analyse data, draw graphs, and do lots of maths. For students who struggle with mathematics, this course may be a significant obstacle.
36. Ecotourism and Aquaculture
The benefits of taking a diploma program in Ecotourism and Aquaculture are many and varied. For one thing, you can increase your knowledge and skills in relation to wildlife observation and study. Having a background knowledge of your area’s natural resources is sure to make you more employable in certain sectors.
37. Political Science
Political science is a fascinating and complex field of study. It’s the study of the institutions and processes that shape our society, including government and politics. However, students studying political science may confront some difficulties similar to those encountered when studying any other course.
38. Psychology
Studying a psychology course will require you to develop good study habits from the get-go. Setting up a dedicated study space that is both comfortable and free from distractions will help you stay focused, as will setting up a calendar for assessment deadlines.
39. Religious Studies
Theology and religious studies can be a difficult subject for many students. The complex concepts and vast number of sources can be intimidating and overwhelming. Additionally, it can be tough to stay organised, study for exams, write essays, and find a mentor.
40. Agronomy
Without successful agronomy, we might not have the crops, livestock and production methods we need to feed the nation it’s that important! As well as researching the best methods to improve production, agronomists also suggest technology that can be implemented to improve the sustainability and productivity of farms.
Other hardest courses in Nigeria includes: Forest Products, French, Russian, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Classical Studies, Communication and Language Arts, Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Business & Management.
