Where can a biochemist work in Nigeria? Can a biochemist work in NAFDAC? Can a biochemist work in oil company and hospital?
WHERE CAN BIOCHEMISTS WORK IN NIGERIA?
As graduate of Biochemistry in Nigeria, there are a large number of employment opportunities available which can be easily acquired due to the flexibility and versatility of the course. Biochemistry being a paramedical course then serves as a subtly lucrative course.
A graduate of biochemistry can work in;
👉Food Industry
👉Raw material industry
👉Medical institutions
👉Pharmaceutical companies
👉Oil companies
👉NAFDAC, SON and other quality control agencies
👉Education sectors
👉Renewable energy industry (pertaining to Biogas)
Medical Institutions;
In Medical institutions such as Pharmaceutical companies, Biochemists run tests and carry out analysis on drug samples, active ingredients and determine composition. In hospitals and laboratories, they carry out analysis on body fluids like blood, urine and stool. They work closely with Medical Biochemists who work closely with Medical lab scientists.
Food Industry and FMCG’s;
Biochemists run analysis on food samples to check if food items and consumables produced are safe and not toxic to ensure product safety. They carry out composition analysis production, process optimization and proportion for production to avoid harmful side effects on consumers. They are also so very influential in the determination of the expiry date of products.
NAFDAC, SON and Quality control agencies;
Biochemists can work in quality control and regulation agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Administration and Drug Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) as analysts to determine the quality and safety of food items and consumer goods made by companies to ensure the safety of consumers.
EDUCATION SECTOR;
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.
OIL COMPANIES;
Biochemists can work alongside with Geologist and Biologist in the oil and gas sector in the laboratory analyzing samples beneficial to exploration.
RENEWABLE ENERGY; BIOGAS
Biogas is a mixture of gases primarily consisting of Methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste and food waste. It is a renewable energy source. Biochemistry graduates can become biogas experts with little training. This is especially good as the renewable energy industry is new and in high demand in the world.
Biochemistry is no doubt one of the most subtly lucrative courses that pay well in Nigeria.
Shyllon Olayinka Enoch, Undergraduate student of Biochemstry at Obafemi Awolowo University
Twitter; @blackpeggy103
