Which STEM path fits you?
Answer 10 quick situations with the choice you would most likely make. There are no right or wrong answers. We match your strengths across four areas to university courses.
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Pure Mathematics Mathematics & Statistics
The study of numbers, structures and logical proof for their own sake: algebra, analysis, topology and number theory.
Who it suits
Love of abstract patterns, rigorous logical reasoning and proof-writing
How it differs
Compared with Industrial Math: pure math centres on theory and proofs. You will spend more time proving why something is true than applying it to a business problem.
Real-world applications
- Foundations of cryptography and secure communication
- Theoretical underpinnings of physics and computing
- University teaching and research
Starting roles
- Graduate teaching assistant
- Mathematics teacher
- Research student (MSc / PhD)
Building Nigeria
Strong mathematicians train the next generation of teachers and researchers, and supply the deep theory behind secure payments, engineering and data science.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Chike Obi: One of Nigeria's first mathematicians with a doctorate (1950); known for work on non-linear differential equations.
- Emmy Noether: Her theorems linked symmetry to conservation laws in physics and reshaped modern algebra.
Industrial / Applied Mathematics Mathematics & Statistics
Using mathematical modelling, optimisation and statistics to solve real problems in industry, finance and technology.
Who it suits
High analytical ability, quantitative modelling and algorithmic thinking
How it differs
Compared with Pure Math: the focus is operations research, finance, cryptography and optimisation rather than theoretical proofs. You build models that companies use to decide.
Real-world applications
- Fintech algorithms and fraud detection (payment companies such as Paystack and Flutterwave)
- Telecommunications traffic modelling (e.g. MTN, Airtel)
- Risk modelling in insurance and banking
Starting roles
- Risk or quantitative analyst
- Operations research analyst
- Data analyst
Building Nigeria
Graduates build the models behind Nigeria's banks, telecom networks, logistics and insurance, helping the economy run more efficiently.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- George Dantzig: Invented the simplex method for linear programming, the basis of modern optimisation.
- Katherine Johnson: Her orbital mechanics calculations were used in NASA's early crewed spaceflights.
Computer Science Computing & Data
How computers work and how to make them solve problems: algorithms, programming, operating systems, networks and AI.
Who it suits
Logical thinking, patience with debugging, and enjoyment of building things with code
How it differs
Compared with Data Engineering: computer science is broad (theory, systems, software, AI). Data engineering narrows to building the pipelines and storage that move and prepare data at scale.
Real-world applications
- Mobile and web apps, including fintech and e-commerce
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cybersecurity and cloud systems
Starting roles
- Software developer
- Systems or network analyst
- Cybersecurity junior analyst
Building Nigeria
Software builders create Nigerian-made products for payments, health, agriculture and education, and make the country a hub for technology talent and jobs.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Ada Lovelace: Wrote what is widely regarded as the first computer algorithm, for Babbage's Analytical Engine.
- Alan Turing: Founded the theory of computation and helped break the Enigma code in WWII.
Data Engineering Computing & Data
Designing and running the systems that collect, clean, store and deliver data reliably for analysts and AI.
Who it suits
Systematic thinking, database logic and an eye for efficient, reliable systems
How it differs
Compared with Computer Science: you specialise in databases, pipelines, cloud storage and scale instead of studying all of computing. It is more hands-on with real data systems.
Real-world applications
- Pipelines that feed bank and fintech dashboards
- Large-scale analytics for telecoms and e-commerce
- Data platforms for health and government records
Starting roles
- Junior data engineer
- Database administrator
- Business intelligence developer
Building Nigeria
Reliable data is the base of digital government, banking and health systems, so these engineers make evidence-based decisions possible nationally.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Doug Cutting: Co-created Apache Hadoop, which made storing and processing very large datasets practical.
- Grace Hopper: Pioneered compilers and high-level programming languages, making software easier to write.
Biochemistry Biological & Health Sciences
The chemistry of living things: proteins, enzymes, metabolism and the molecules of heredity.
Who it suits
Curiosity about how life works at the molecular level, with solid chemistry and biology
How it differs
Compared with Pharmacology: biochemistry explains how the body's molecules work; pharmacology studies how drugs act on those processes and how to use them safely.
Real-world applications
- Diagnostic laboratory testing
- Food, drink and brewing quality control
- Biotechnology and vaccine research
Starting roles
- Medical laboratory scientist (after required training)
- Quality control analyst
- Research assistant
Building Nigeria
Biochemists improve diagnostics, food safety and local vaccine and drug research, reducing dependence on imports.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Hans Krebs: Discovered the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, central to how cells release energy.
- Gerty Cori: First woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1947), for work on carbohydrate metabolism.
Pharmacology Biological & Health Sciences
How drugs work in the body, their effects, doses and safety, and how new medicines are discovered and tested.
Who it suits
Interest in medicine and chemistry, care with detail and a strong sense of responsibility
How it differs
Compared with Biochemistry: pharmacology is directed at medicines. You study dose, side effects and drug action, not only the underlying molecular biology.
Real-world applications
- Drug discovery and clinical trials
- Regulation and quality of medicines
- Pharmaceutical industry research
Starting roles
- Research scientist (pharma)
- Regulatory affairs officer
- Clinical trials assistant
Building Nigeria
Pharmacologists guard the quality of medicines and drive local drug manufacturing, which protects public health.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Dora Akunyili: Pharmacist and professor of pharmacology; as head of NAFDAC she led Nigeria's campaign against fake drugs.
- Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin in 1928, starting the antibiotic age.
Medicine and Surgery Biological & Health Sciences
Diagnosing, treating and preventing disease in patients, with extensive clinical training.
Who it suits
Empathy, resilience, memory for detail and calm decision-making under pressure
How it differs
Medicine is a long professional degree with hospital training and licensing, unlike laboratory-based sciences such as biochemistry. You work directly with patients.
Real-world applications
- Hospital and community clinical care
- Public health and immunisation programmes
- Medical research
Starting roles
- House officer (internship)
- Medical officer
- Resident doctor in training
Building Nigeria
Doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system, and Nigeria needs many more of them for rural and primary care.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Olikoye Ransome-Kuti: Paediatrician and Minister of Health who championed primary healthcare and child immunisation in Nigeria.
- Edward Jenner: Developed the first smallpox vaccine in 1796.
Microbiology Biological & Health Sciences
The study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes, and their roles in health, food and the environment.
Who it suits
Patience for laboratory work and interest in disease and hygiene
How it differs
Microbiology is narrower than general biology: it focuses on microorganisms, from infection control to fermentation.
Real-world applications
- Disease surveillance and diagnostics
- Food and water safety testing
- Industrial fermentation (brewing, dairy)
Starting roles
- Laboratory technologist
- Food safety analyst
- Public health assistant
Building Nigeria
Microbiologists protect communities from outbreaks and keep food and water safe, which is essential to public health.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Louis Pasteur: Proved germ theory and developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax.
- Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin from a mould, changing the treatment of infections.
Civil Engineering Engineering
Planning, designing and building infrastructure: roads, bridges, water systems, dams and buildings.
Who it suits
Spatial thinking, practical problem-solving and teamwork on large projects
How it differs
Compared with Structural Engineering: civil is broad (transport, water, geotechnics, construction). Structural focuses on analysing and designing the frames that carry loads safely.
Real-world applications
- Roads, bridges and drainage
- Water supply and sanitation
- Construction project management
Starting roles
- Site engineer
- Graduate civil engineer
- Quantity or project assistant
Building Nigeria
Civil engineers build the roads, bridges, water and housing that the economy depends on.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Isambard Kingdom Brunel: Designed the Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and pioneering steamships.
- Emily Warren Roebling: Supervised the completion of New York's Brooklyn Bridge.
Structural Engineering Engineering
Analysing and designing structures such as buildings, bridges and towers so they resist loads, wind and earthquakes.
Who it suits
Strong mechanics and maths, spatial visualisation and an eye for safety
How it differs
Compared with Civil Engineering: you go deeper into forces, materials and design codes for structures, and less into roads, water and project management.
Real-world applications
- High-rise and bridge design
- Assessing building safety and failures
- Materials: concrete, steel and timber design
Starting roles
- Graduate structural engineer
- Design draughtsman / analyst
- Building inspector
Building Nigeria
Safe structures prevent building collapses and make cities and bridges last, saving lives and money.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Fazlur Rahman Khan: Pioneered tubular structural systems for skyscrapers, used in the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center.
- Gustave Eiffel: Built the Eiffel Tower and many iron bridges using advanced structural analysis.
Electrical / Electronic Engineering Engineering
Generating, transmitting and using electricity, and designing electronic circuits and communication systems.
Who it suits
Strong physics and maths, interest in circuits and systems
How it differs
Covers both power (grids, machines) and electronics (circuits, telecoms). Less biological than other fields and more hardware than pure computing.
Real-world applications
- Power generation and distribution
- Telecom networks and phones
- Solar and renewable energy systems
Starting roles
- Graduate engineer in a power company
- Telecom network engineer
- Electronics technician
Building Nigeria
Electrical engineers are central to fixing Nigeria's electricity supply and expanding telecom and renewable energy.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Michael Faraday: Discovered electromagnetic induction, the principle of generators and transformers.
- Nikola Tesla: Developed alternating-current systems that power the modern grid.
Mechanical Engineering Engineering
Designing and building machines, engines and thermal systems, using mechanics, materials and energy.
Who it suits
Hands-on curiosity, spatial reasoning and a love of how machines work
How it differs
The broadest engineering degree: machines, manufacturing, energy and vehicles. It overlaps with electrical and chemical engineering.
Real-world applications
- Engines, generators and vehicles
- Manufacturing and automation
- Oil, gas and power plant maintenance
Starting roles
- Maintenance engineer
- Production / manufacturing engineer
- Design engineer
Building Nigeria
Mechanical engineers drive local manufacturing and keep power plants, refineries and factories running.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- James Watt: Improved the steam engine, powering the Industrial Revolution.
- Karl Benz: Built the first practical petrol-powered automobile in 1885.
Chemical Engineering Engineering
Turning raw materials into useful products on a large scale: fuels, plastics, foods, fertilisers and medicines.
Who it suits
Strong chemistry and maths, interest in processes and efficiency
How it differs
Unlike chemistry, which studies substances in the lab, chemical engineering designs the plants and processes that make them at industrial scale.
Real-world applications
- Oil refining and petrochemicals (e.g. the Dangote refinery)
- Fertiliser and cement production
- Food and beverage processing
Starting roles
- Process engineer
- Plant operations engineer
- Safety and quality engineer
Building Nigeria
Chemical engineers help Nigeria refine its own fuel and make products locally instead of importing them.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Carl Bosch: Scaled up the Haber-Bosch process, making fertiliser (and so modern food production) possible.
- Mary Engle Pennington: Developed food refrigeration and safety standards.
Physics Physical Sciences
Understanding matter, energy, forces and the universe, from atoms to galaxies.
Who it suits
Deep curiosity about how nature works, strong maths and experimental thinking
How it differs
More fundamental and mathematical than engineering: you ask why nature behaves this way, rather than designing a specific product.
Real-world applications
- Medical imaging and radiation therapy
- Renewable energy and materials
- Electronics, satellites and telecoms
Starting roles
- Physics teacher
- Lab or research assistant
- Medical physics trainee
Building Nigeria
Physicists supply the knowledge behind medical technology, energy and telecoms, and teach science to the next generation.
Pioneers who shaped the field
- Marie Curie: Discovered polonium and radium and won Nobel Prizes in both physics and chemistry.
- Albert Einstein: Developed the theory of relativity and explained the photoelectric effect.
No courses in this field.