Alright, parents and guardians, it's another UTME season. Let’s have a frank discussion!

Think of me as your friendly aproko neighbor, here to help you navigate this “what will my child study?” jungle without losing your sanity or your child’s goodwill.

Let’s make this discussion simple.

Step 1: Look Inward Before Looking Outward

Don’t start with, “Lawyers make big money!” or “Everybody is doing medicine.”

Don’t push your child to study aeronautical engineering when, in an actual sense, your child is wired for “phonetics engineering” (I am sure you got my memo, lol).

First, help them conduct a personal audit. It’s less about “what do you want to be?” and more about:

1) What subjects make you forget the existence of time? Is it Biology that fascinates them, or the stories in Literature?

The subject they enjoy is a huge clue. Loving Maths is a different brain wiring from loving Civic Education.

2) What makes them tick? Do they love arguing (law, political science), fixing things (engineering, computer science), helping people (medicine, nursing, education), or creating beauty (arts, design)?

Step 2: Ditch the Prestige Illusion Syndrome

Medicine, Law, and Engineering are great courses, but they are not the only greats.

The world also runs on accountants, agriculturists, data analysts, environmental scientists, and cyber-security experts.

A happy, fulfilled geography graduate will outshine a miserable medical student any day. Don’t let family prestige choose a course that becomes your child’s prison.

Step 3: Play Detective - Research is Key

Once you have 2-3 interest areas, investigate like an EFCC officer (no, I meant EF-See-See).

1) What does this course actually entail? Nursing isn’t just wearing a neat uniform or earning plenty of greenbacks abroad; it’s long hours of work and potential contact with body fluids.

2) Use the JAMB brochure! This UTME holy book shows you the exact subject combinations required for each course in each university.

Picking the wrong combo is like showing up at a Yoruba owambe party expecting to be served sushi; brother/sister, you go cry taya.

3) Job prospects: Have a realistic chat. “What can you do with this degree?” Explore options together.

...to be continued.

2026 JAMB UTME: How to Help Your Child Choose The Right Course of Study (Part 1)

2026 JAMB UTME: How to Help Your Child Choose The Right Course of Study ( Part 2)

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2026 JAMB UTME: How to Help Your Child Choose The Right Course of Study (Part 1)

2026 JAMB UTME: How to Help Your Child Choose The Right Course of Study ( Part 2)

Managing Exam Anxiety 🤧

Exam Mistakes that cost students mark