Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Science |
| Career field / body | Medical/industrial labs, pharma and research; Nigerian Society for Microbiology |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Microbiology is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Microbiology & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Microbiology is about
Microbiology is the study of micro-organisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites — and their effects on health, industry, food and the environment.
A brief history of the discipline
Since the discovery of microbes, microbiology has transformed medicine, food and industry, and it is central to fighting disease and to biotechnology.
What you will study
You study general, medical, industrial and environmental microbiology, immunology, virology, mycology, molecular biology and food microbiology — with laboratory work, industrial training and a project.
Why study Microbiology & who it suits
This course suits curious, analytical students who enjoy science and laboratory or field work. An interest in the unseen world of microbes and its impact on health and industry is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in medical and clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical, food and brewing industries, environmental and public-health microbiology, research and quality control.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Microbiology pay is strongest in the pharmaceutical, food and healthcare industries and in research.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level (labs / teaching) | ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior / research / industry | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Microbiology is offered at most Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Benin.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Microbiology admission guide.
Is Microbiology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Microbiology is a strong health-science foundation with demand in pharmaceuticals, food, healthcare and research.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Versatile — medical, industrial and environmental microbiology.
- Demand in pharma, food, healthcare and research.
- Valuable laboratory and analytical skills.
- A springboard to further study, including Medicine.
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry pay is modest.
- Top roles often need postgraduate study or specialisation.
- Exacting laboratory work.
- Competitive.
It suits students strong in Biology and Chemistry who are fascinated by microbes and disease.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Microbiology builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Laboratory and microbiological techniques
- Analytical reasoning
- The scientific method
- Quality control
- Attention to detail
- Research
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Microbiology (4 years) → NYSC → roles in labs, pharma, food and research, with postgraduate study for specialist and medical microbiology careers.
How to get in: Microbiology UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Microbiology is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics and the core science subjects. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Microbiology, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Microbiology in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Microbiology?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
What can I do with a Microbiology degree?
Work in medical and clinical labs, the pharmaceutical and food industries, environmental and public-health microbiology, research and quality control.
Is Microbiology the same as Medical Laboratory Science?
No — Microbiology is a science degree studying micro-organisms broadly, while Medical Laboratory Science is a regulated clinical profession focused on laboratory diagnosis.
Is Microbiology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is a versatile health-science foundation with demand in pharma, food and healthcare and research, and a route toward further study.
Microbiology vs Medical Laboratory Science vs Biochemistry?
Microbiology studies micro-organisms; Medical Laboratory Science is a regulated clinical diagnosis profession; Biochemistry studies the chemistry of life. All are strong science foundations.
What jobs can I get with Microbiology?
Roles in medical and industrial labs, pharma, food and beverage, environmental and public-health microbiology, research and quality control.
Can I study Medicine after Microbiology?
Yes — many use it as a route to apply for Medicine or allied health courses through further study.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of science and relevant professional/learned bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.