Career Opportunities for Chemistry Graduates and Job Prospects in Nigeria

Chemistry is the study of matter, and all matter is made up of atoms. We will learn about elements, atomic number and mass, isotopes, moles, and compounds.
Chemistry is a branch of physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Chemistry includes topics such as the properties of individual atoms, how atoms form chemical bonds to create chemical compounds, the interactions of substances through intermolecular forces that give matter its general properties, and the interactions between substances through chemical reactions to form different substances.

Scope of Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter—what it consists of, what its properties are, and how it changes. The study of modern chemistry has many branches, but can generally be broken down into five main disciplines, or areas of study:

Physical chemistry: Physical chemistry is the study of macroscopic properties, atomic properties, and phenomena in chemical systems. A physical chemist may study such things as the rates of chemical reactions, the energy transfers that occur in reactions, or the physical structure of materials at the molecular level.
Organic chemistry: Organic chemistry is the study of chemicals containing carbon. Carbon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is capable of forming a tremendously vast number of chemicals (over twenty million so far). Most of the chemicals found in all living organisms are based on carbon.
Inorganic chemistry: Inorganic chemistry is the study of chemicals that do not, in general, contain carbon. Inorganic chemicals are commonly found in rocks and minerals. One current important area of inorganic chemistry deals with the design and properties of materials involved in energy and information technology.
Analytical chemistry: Analytical chemistry is the study of the composition of matter. It focuses on separating, identifying, and quantifying chemicals in samples of matter. An analytical chemist may use complex instruments to analyze an unknown material in order to determine its various components.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in living things. Research may cover basic cellular processes up to understanding disease states so better treatments can be developed.

Skills and Competencies that You Need to Succeed in Chemistry

While studying chemistry you are expected to develop excellent laboratory techniques and specific knowledge in the traditional fields of chemistry. However, as chemistry overlaps with other subjects, you will pick up skills that are useful in biology and medicine, physics and engineering, and geology and earth science.

Chemistry is also studied in an environmental and social context, so you gain awareness of its ethical implications and issues relating to environmental impact and sustainability.

The following are some of the skills you need to succeed in your career.
Problem-solving;

Ability to find solutions to difficult or complex issues

IT and technology 
Ability to understand and use computer software/models, processing data, using spreadsheets, word-processing and internet communication.

Scientific and technical knowledge
Having a technical or science background can be extremely attractive to employers, who may then wish to train you in another skill or discipline.

Numeracy
You’ll need to have a good standard of arithmetic and ability to deal with complex mathematical calculations.

Organisation;
Ability to plan and execute experiments, undertaking individual and team project work.

Monitoring/maintaining records and data;
Ability to collect, analyze and use information to track progress of a project toward reaching its objectives and to guide management decisions.

Team work;
You should be able to work with people effectively whether as a team or as a leader.

Research Skills
The ability to undertake research.

Presentation skills
This is also important and these will have been developed as part of your course when presenting research findings.

Communication
Being able to communicate well in writing and in person will help you to get a job, work as a team with your colleagues, interact with clients and, with time, advance professionally.

Career Opportunities for Chemistry Graduates

As a Chemistry graduate you will find employment in the chemical and related industries, such as:

• agrochemicals;
• metallurgical;
• petrochemicals;
• pharmaceuticals;
• plastics and polymers;
• toiletries.

However, you will also find opportunities with employers in many different sectors, including the food and drink industry, utilities and research, health and medical organisations, government, and scientific research organisations and agencies.

Chemistry graduates are also employed in schools, colleges and universities, as well as by computer software development companies, environment consultancies and water companies.

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Analytical chemist
• Chemical Information Management Specialist
• Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
• Forensic scientist
• Laboratory Management
• Pharmacologist
• Chemical Engineer
• Food Scientist
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Toxicologist
• Quality Assurance
• Quality Control

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Chartered certified accountant
• Environmental consultant
• Higher education lecturer
• Nuclear engineer
• Patent attorney
• Science writer

Admission Requirements for Studying Chemistry in Nigeria

For most high institutions in Nigeria, to study Chemistry as a course, you need to meet specific academic requirements. Candidates seeking admission through the Jamb are required to have five credit level passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E.) or its equivalent. These should include English Language, Chemistry, Mathematics and any of Physics/Biology/Agric Science.

For Jamb UTME, English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology/Agric Science.

SOME INSTITUTIONS WHERE YOU CAN STUDY CHEMISTRY

• • Achievers University  • Adekunle Ajasin University  • Adeleke University  • Afe Babalola University  • Ajayi Crowther University  • Ambrose Alli University  • Bayero University Kano  • Bells University of Technology  • Benue State University  • Bingham University  • Bowen University  • Caleb University  • Chrisland University  • Covenant University  • Crawford University  • Crescent University  • Delta State University  • Ekiti State University  • Enugu State University of Science and Technology  • Federal University of Petroleum Resource  • Federal University of Technology Akure  • Federal University, Birnin Kebbi  • Federal University, Dutsin-ma  • Federal University, Oye-ekiti  • Federal University, Wukari  • Godfrey Okoye University  • Hallmark University  • Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University  • Joseph Ayo Babalola University  • Kaduna State university  • kogi State University  • Landmark University  • Micheal and Cecilia Ibru University  • Modibbo Adama University of Technology  • Obong University  • Oduduwa University  • Olabisi Onabanjo University  • Ondo State University of Science and Technology  • Osun State University  • Redeemer’s University  • Renaissance University  • Samuel Adegboyega University  • Tansian University  • Umaru Musa Yar’adua University  • University of Benin  • University of Ibadan  • University of Mkar  • University of Nigeria  • University of Port-Harcourt  • Veritas University, Abuja  • Wesley University of Science and Technology  • Western Delta University