To prospective undergraduates and parents

The decision to choose courses to be studied at the tertiary institution should not be left to secondary school students alone. It's a brilliant idea that they should be allowed to choose their course of study, but it is imperative that they should be guided. In fact this guidance shouldn't be left to school teachers; sad to say, they know little themselves on career choice. It has been discovered that secondary school leavers are just interested in post secondary school education without any end in mind. They just don't want to be at home when their mates have secured admission. Hence, they settle for just any course.

There are different perspectives on the choice of course of study. There is an obvious and popular perspective that extols the superiority of university education above others. Another argues that education is not in the certificates amassed, or the course studied, but in the development of the mind. No perspective, no matter high-sounding and convincing, is valid if it is not viable in the Nigerian context. There are students who will not need their course of study as a means of survival. Such can choose to study any course at the tertiary institution, since their goal is just to get a degree. The few in this category can even decide that their passion will turn out to be their means of financial empowerment. The reality, however, is that many graduates in the country are employment seekers. And it is to the government that many graduates seek employment, primarily because of job security.

There are those that will make a living off their course of study. It is hardly the case to have medical doctors and allied medical practitioners like nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiologists, optometrists, engage in other businesses other areas other than their professions. The reason is because these professions allow for private practice too. A prospective undergraduate may then like to consider any of the medical courses. They cost a fortune though.

On the contrary is the sad experience of graduates of microbiology, and biochemistry. A number of them are being turned away from hospitals in Nigeria. Microbiologists' mandatory industrial training attachment is a herculean task to secure at the nation's hospitals. And for corps members among them, they have sad tales of discrimination and rejection to tell. Medical laboratory scientists have made their practice and usefulness in the hospital redundant and doctors' quest for dominance in the medical profession has not helped matters too. The two courses are so despised at hospitals that they are usually advised to seek employment at foods companies (where it is said they are better needed). With this in mind, one then wonders why a prospective undergraduate still desires to study Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) at the polytechnic. The question is: to what end?

Without sounding bias, of what relevance is a course like banking and finance? Why settle for such a course when courses like economics and accountancy are available. Mind you, the Federal Civil Service employs a chartered accountant on CONHESS 9/Grade Level 10 (that is two levels above the normal entry point), not CONHESS 7/Grade Level 8. You may wish to know the difference between CONHESS 9/Grade Level 10 and CONHESS 7/Grade Level 8 is 6 years! I guess something similar is obtainable at the State Civil Service too.
A university graduate of banking and finance will be employed on the executive cadre of the civil service. The problem with being employed on the executive cadre is that there is a progression limit. That could change much later, but that's how it has been, and is, for now.

A general observation in determining a course of study is the neglect of monotechnics. This could be due to lack of information, misinformation, or prejudice. Many secondary schools leavers may be at a loss if asked to identify one monotechnic in the country. Yet they abound. It is at monotechnics that dental technologists, dental technicians, medical laboratory technicians, etc., are trained. These despised and relatively unknown courses have more employment viability in hospitals than a number of science related courses students waste their time studying at the university. Monotechnics, like polytechnics, are diploma (OND, HND, and in some cases, PGD) awarding institutions. A prominent monotechnic in Nigeria is the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ikeja.

Prospective undergraduates who intend to study agricultural science related courses may have to be reminded that agric has lost its practicability and appeal in today's Nigeria. It is a reality that has to be admitted. While agricultural science enthusiasts will not accede, how will one explain graduates of agricultural science turning up for job vacancies at hospitals. Sadly, a number of them have had to pick up junior cadre jobs for survival.

That prospective undergraduate that has opted for a course in education had better watch it too. The prospect of such a course is bleak and the worth in Nigeria today, rather unfortunately, is paper weight! The Federal Civil Service, for instance, no longer employ graduates of education. They have been told to seek employment where they are suited.

http://olabanjititles..com/2019/02/career.html?m=0

Factors Affecting Student’s Choice of Agricultural Science as a Career after Secondary School Education in Ikwo South Local Government

http://www.scharticles.com/factors-affecting-students-choice-of-agricultural-science-as-a-career-after-secondary-school-education/