10 Courses You Should Avoid If You’re From a Poor Background

If you’re from a struggling home and your dream is to lift yourself and your family out of poverty, then your course of study matters — a lot. This message, originally shared in a viral post by Martin Beck Nworah, might sound harsh, but it’s the reality many young Nigerians are living today.

Let’s be honest: not all courses offer the same opportunities after graduation. Some paths, no matter how passionate you are about them, may not give you the kind of breakthrough you desperately need — especially when you’re starting life with little to nothing.

Here are 10 courses you should think twice about if your goal is to survive and succeed quickly after school.

1. Archeology

Archaeology may sound like a noble course — digging deep into the past, discovering ancient stories, and preserving culture. But in Nigeria, the sad reality is that this profession offers very little financial hope, especially for someone from a poor background. Martin Beck Nworah did not sugarcoat it — and he’s right.

There are hardly any funded archaeological projects going on in the country. Most historical sites that should be protected are either abandoned or already demolished to make space for estates and shopping malls. So where would you even work? And even when you try to go deep into local communities for fieldwork or research, your safety is at risk. We’ve all heard stories of people getting kidnapped or harassed simply for entering certain areas.

For a student hoping to support their family, studying archaeology in a system that doesn’t value history means you may graduate with passion but no pay. That’s a painful truth — but one that needs to be said. If your dream is to succeed fast and help your home, this may not be the road to take.

2. Fine Arts

Art is beautiful, no doubt. But beauty alone doesn’t always pay the bills — at least not quickly, and not easily. If you study Fine Arts without a strong platform, network, or financial backup, you may find yourself struggling to get noticed.

Martin described it well: many artists end up painting celebrities and waiting for them to repost their work just to gain visibility. But social media fame doesn’t guarantee income. You might create amazing paintings and still not sell a single one. You’ll open a page, promote your works, hustle for commissions — and yet, no breakthrough.

This doesn’t mean Fine Arts is useless. Not at all. But the journey is long and hard, and if you’re from a poor home that needs support, waiting for years to “blow” might not be a wise plan. Unless you combine it with digital skills, social media mastery, or build a strong brand early, this course may leave you struggling long after graduation.

3. Music

Music has changed lives, true. But for every successful artist, there are hundreds who never make it, despite having talent. Martin joked about Shallipopi and Portable having better chances — and while funny, that comparison carries weight. These names didn’t come from university music degrees; they succeeded through street credibility, connections, or sheer luck.

If you choose to study music in school hoping it’ll make you a star, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment — unless you have a clear strategy. Stable, well-paying music jobs are very rare in Nigeria. The few available roles — teaching music, working in media, or church choir management — pay very little.

Even church growth in music isn’t easy. You’ll need years of service, a strong network, and consistency. If you don’t have financial support or connections, studying music might delay your progress. Martin isn’t mocking the course — he’s just saying, if you’re hungry for breakthrough, music may take longer than you think.

4. Theatre Arts

Everyone loves watching movies. But behind the fame is a reality many don’t talk about — most actors are struggling. They may be popular online, yet unable to afford rent or take care of family. That’s the painful side of the entertainment world.

Martin was honest about it. Theatre Arts is a powerful course, but the job market is small, and you often have to create your own path. If you’re lucky, you’ll find roles in acting, presenting, stage performance, or drama teaching. But these are hard to come by — and highly competitive.

The few that make it either have strong backing, early exposure, or extra skills like scriptwriting, directing, or social media presence. If you’re from a humble background and need quick, stable income, this course won’t hand it to you on a plate. You’ll have to fight for every opportunity — and that’s not something everyone can afford.

5. Philosophy

Philosophy teaches deep thinking, logic, and human understanding. But after school, what’s next? Martin didn’t hold back. He painted the picture of graduates sitting at newspaper stands, engaging in never-ending debates with nothing to show for it.

And sadly, many philosophy graduates in Nigeria don’t find jobs related to their field. Aside from becoming lecturers, priests, or motivational speakers, there’s not much demand. Employers often ask: How can this course help us make money or solve problems?

If you’re not heading into religious leadership or academic teaching, philosophy may leave you searching for meaning — both in life and in your wallet. And if you’re poor, you don’t have time to “find yourself” after school. You need direction, opportunity, and income — fast.

6. History

There was a time when studying History was highly respected. But in today’s Nigeria, people forget the past too quickly, and society rarely values those who try to preserve it. Martin’s words hit deep — we’ve forgotten what happened even five years ago, so how do we expect history graduates to find purpose in a country that doesn’t respect memory?

Aside from teaching or research, job opportunities for history graduates are very limited. And even in teaching, the pay is often low, and the growth slow. That’s not a good match for someone from a struggling home who needs to start earning fast after school.

Studying History in a country where history is ignored can feel like shouting into a void. And if you’re looking for a course that can give you a clear, immediate path to success, this may not be the one.

7. Sociology and Anthropology

On the surface, these courses seem intelligent and important — understanding society, studying human behavior, solving social problems. But by 300 level, many students begin to feel disconnected. The lectures get too theoretical, and the job prospects remain unclear.

Martin paints the reality of many students who end up getting lost in student union politics, becoming mouthpieces for student issues instead of building real careers. You see them in every protest, every NANS meeting, every campus drama — but after school, what comes next?

There are very few solid jobs for sociology or anthropology graduates in Nigeria unless you’re going into NGOs or research — and those roles are often underpaid or hard to find. If you’re poor and every year counts, this might not give you the speed or direction you need.

8. Religious Studies

Faith is powerful. It guides people, gives hope, and brings purpose. But from a career point of view, religious studies won’t put food on your table — unless you already have a guaranteed path waiting. Martin said it clearly: if you don’t have a church or religious organization ready to hire you, then you’ll need to find other ways to survive.

Unfortunately, this course doesn’t open many doors outside religious institutions. And even within churches or mosques, jobs are few, and mostly go to people with strong connections.

If you’re already in this course, it’s not too late. But you need to start learning digital skills, business skills, or even vocational work to support yourself after graduation. If not, your certificate may carry deep meaning — but little value in the job market.

9. Library Science

Martin asked a powerful question: “How many libraries are still active in Nigeria?” Think about it. In the digital age, where information is now online and physical libraries are being converted into event centers or hotels, what future does Library Science hold?

Yes, in developed countries, library professionals are respected and work in government, private firms, and tech spaces — managing archives, curating content, and organizing information. But here in Nigeria, most people don’t even visit libraries anymore.

If you’re studying Library Science and you’re from a poor home, you’ll need to pair it with strong computer skills — maybe data management, archiving, or research assistance — to stay relevant. On its own, this course may not give you the breakthrough you need.

10. Criminology

Finally, Martin mentions Criminology — a course that sounds powerful, professional, and serious. But again, the reality in Nigeria is very different. There are very few job placements for criminology graduates, and the ones that exist are tied to security agencies and law enforcement, where entry is highly competitive — and sometimes political.

Even worse, some who find themselves in these agencies often end up frustrated, seeing the same corruption and crime they studied, now happening around them — and they can’t stop it. That can be emotionally and mentally draining.

If you’re from a humble background and hoping for a fresh, honest start in life, criminology may not be the straight road you expect. Unless you’re combining it with law, military ambitions, or further international study, it might delay your dreams.

Final Words

This isn’t to say these courses have no value. Every field has potential. But if you’re coming from a poor home, you need a course that gives you faster access to jobs, income, or business opportunities.

Sometimes, it’s not just about what you love — it’s about what will help you survive first.

So, be wise. Pick a course that not only inspires you but also gives you a clear chance at building the life you dream of. If you’re already in one of these courses, start learning extra skills now. Your course might not give you wealth — but your decisions can.

Don’t wait till after graduation to figure it out. The time to plan your breakthrough is now.