Is biochemistry a good course in Nigeria and is biochemistry marketable in Nigeria

Is biochemistry a good course in Nigeria and is biochemistry marketable in Nigeria

IS BIOCHEMISTRY A GOOD AND LUCRATIVE COURSE TO STUDY IN NIGERIA?

Biochemistry is a branch of science that deals with the chemical processes within and outside of living things. Biochemistry is a laboratory based science that combines biology and chemistry. It is a paramedical course.

It is no doubt one of the most underrated courses in Nigeria but it is subtly one of the most lucrative courses to study as it offers a wide range of opportunities for its graduates. Biochemistry slander originates from universities where it is regarded as a dumping ground for the College of Health Sciences as it is mostly populated by students who got rejected due to their failure to meet one requirement or the other (Aspiring Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation students). It is also populated by students who want to study Medicine but do not have the time, dedication or passion required for such courses. An advantage of this is that the department contains a large number of brilliant and talented students.

EDUCATION

You can study biochemistry in the university in two forms: (1) Medical Biochemistry (2) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (BSc. Biochemistry). The course spans for 4+x years (x factors in extra time due to strikes and unforeseen events). Some of the best universities to study biochemistry include Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, University of Calabar, Calabar, University of Uyo, Uyo and Uniben.

CAREER PROSPECTS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

Some of the industries where biochemists can work include;

👉HOSPITALS; Biochemists can work in hospitals as laboratory staffs, technicians and analysts for tests such as urine, blood etc.

👉OIL AND GAS; Biochemists can work alongsides with Geologist and Biologist in the oil and gas sector in the laboratory analyzing samples beneficial to exploration.

👉FOOD INDUSTRY AND FMCG’s; Biochemists work closely with Quality engineers and microbiologists in the food and FMCG industry to produce and develop safe, quality and low cost food and production techniques.

👉LABORATORIES; Biochemists can work with or act as substitutes for Medical Laboratory Scientists in the laboratory to carry out tests.

👉EDUCATION; This sector has the highest number of biochemists in service in both secondary schools and Tertiary institutions as biochemists are very versatile and can teach a relatively high amount of subjects and courses.

SALARY RANGE

The average salaries of biochemists are; As a fresh graduate of Biochemistry your average salary is about 150,000 per month, as an intermediate biochemist you’ll earn about 300,0000 per month while a graduate of biochemistry with at least 15 years of experience earns about 600,000 per month. However in government hospitals biochemists averagely earn about 120,000-180,000 while those in private hospitals earn about 50,000-120,000 depending on level and experience.

Generally, we can conclude that Biochemistry is a good course to study in Nigeria because of its marketability and wide range of employment opportunities. Another advantage which studying Biochemistry provides is that it is a paramedical course which gives the opportunity to study medical related courses without actually putting in the same effort required in careers like Medicine which gives time to pursue other areas of interest such as a side-hustle which is imperative in the Nigeria of today. Therefore, we can conclude that Biochemistry is a marketable and good course to study in Nigeria.

Shyllon Olayinka Enoch, Undergraduate student of Biochemstry at Obafemi Awolowo University

Twitter; @blackpeggy103

This article is the intellectual property of www.nimedhealth.com.ng