If you come from a struggling home and dream of lifting your family out of poverty, your choice of study matters—a lot. A viral post by Martin Beck Nworah highlighted a harsh truth: not all courses offer the same financial opportunities after graduation. Some paths, no matter how passionate you are, may not provide the breakthrough you desperately need—especially if you’re starting with little to no financial backing.
Here are 10 courses you should reconsider if your goal is financial stability and success shortly after school.
1. Archaeology
Archaeology may seem noble—unearthing ancient history and preserving culture. But in Nigeria, the reality is bleak. There are few funded archaeological projects, and historical sites are often demolished for estates or shopping malls. Fieldwork can be dangerous, with risks of kidnapping or harassment. If you need quick financial stability, this course may leave you with passion but no paycheck.
2. Fine Arts
Art is beautiful, but beauty doesn’t always pay the bills. Many artists rely on social media fame, hoping celebrities will repost their work for visibility. However, online fame ≠ income. Without a strong network or financial backup, selling artwork is tough. Unless you combine Fine Arts with digital marketing or branding, this path may leave you struggling long after graduation.
3. Music
For every successful artist like Shallipopi or Portable, hundreds never make it. A music degree doesn’t guarantee stardom—success often depends on street credibility, connections, or luck. Stable music jobs (teaching, choir management) pay poorly. Unless you have a clear strategy, studying music may delay your financial breakthrough.
4. Theatre Arts
While Nollywood is growing, most actors struggle financially. Theatre Arts graduates often compete for few roles in acting, presenting, or teaching. Unless you have strong backing or additional skills (scriptwriting, directing), this course may not provide quick financial stability.
5. Philosophy
Philosophy teaches deep thinking, but job opportunities are scarce. Many graduates end up in endless debates with little income. Unless you pursue academia, priesthood, or motivational speaking, this course may not help you escape poverty quickly.
6. History
Nigeria doesn’t prioritize history, making job prospects slim. Most history graduates become teachers or researchers—low-paying roles with slow growth. If you need fast financial stability, this may not be the best choice.
7. Sociology & Anthropology
These courses sound intellectual but often lead to unclear career paths. Many graduates engage in student politics but struggle post-school. NGO and research jobs are underpaid and scarce. If you need a clear career path, think twice.
8. Religious Studies
Unless you have a guaranteed church or mosque position, this course offers few job opportunities. Many graduates end up learning additional skills to survive. If financial stability is your goal, consider pairing this with business or digital skills.
9. Library Science
With few active libraries in Nigeria, this field is declining. Unless you combine it with digital archiving or data management, job prospects are slim.
10. Criminology
Few criminology graduates secure jobs in security agencies, and entry is highly competitive and political. Many face frustration due to systemic corruption. Unless paired with law or military ambitions, this course may not lead to quick success.
Every field has value, but if you’re from a poor background, you need a course that offers fast job opportunities or income potential. If you’re already in one of these courses, learn additional skills (digital marketing, coding, business) to boost your employability.
Your degree doesn’t define your success—your decisions do. Plan wisely, and take action now—not after graduation.
What do you think? Would you add any courses to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
