Alot of young students seeking for admission in a science related course oftenly opt in for medicine or microbiology. Is it because the course is very lucrative? We’re going to see it in the course of this article.
Microbiology is a good course offered in almost every university in Nigeria. It is a four year degree awarding course, people who study this course can work in a lab or research institute.
Who Is A Microbiologist
Now who is a microbiologist? Let me start by telling you what microbiology is; Microbiology is the study of organisms that cannot be seen with an unaided eye unless with the help of a magnification device which is usually a microscope.
A microbiologist is a person who studied microbiology and also practices it. A microbiologist is responsible for making researches and also forming vaccines for diseases and outbreaks.
A microbiologist work together with a pharmacist in making sure illnesses are being cured. For instance, the microbiologist finds the causative organism for a particular illness while a pharmacist forms what will cure the illness.
Difference Between A Microbiologist And A Medical Laboratory Scientist
Students usually mistake a microbiologist for a medical laboratory scientist.
A medical laboratory scientist basically take samples to find out what’s wrong with a person while a microbiologist perform research to curb the spread of a disease.
MLS is considered to be a more professional course than microbiology in Nigeria although reverse is the case in most countries.
Requirements To Study Microbiology
To study microbiology, you have to score atleast a C in English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in your WASSCE, NECO or any high school exams. You also have to score atleast 180 in your JAMB UTME exams to secure an admission in microbiology (for most universities).
There are some school who have a cut-off mark as high as 200 for microbiology.
How To Become A Microbiologist
To become a microbiologist, you’ll have to undergo a degree programme in a university.
After graduating, a one year course is recommended for those who want to work in a lab like a medical laboratory scientist. This course would give you the privelage of working in a lab although a new law is about to be signed in Nigeria which gives microbiologist the liberty to practice with an MLS without undergoing the one year program.
Years In Getting Microbiology Degree
To get a degree in microbiology, you’ll have to study the course for four.
Students who already studied a course like science laboratory technician would be awarded with a direct entry into a university to study microbiology which lasts for three years. This means that the person would be admitted in 200L instead of 100L for freshers.
Where Can A Microbiologist Work?
This is the main question that brought us here. There are numerous places were a microbiology can work hence you can’t point out certain places. Nevertheless, I’ll list out some of the places in which a microbiologist can work.
Hospitals And Clinics
A microbiologist can work in the lab of a hospital. Their responsibility in this sector is to take tests and samples of patients. This role is usually done by a medical laboratory scientist but can alternatively be done by a microbiologist.
Pharmaceutical Company
Like I earlier said, a microbiologist can work together with a pharmacist. Pharmacists can’t do some work without microbiologists which makes microbiology important in a pharmaceutical company.
A microbiologist studies the microorganism while a pharmacist makes an antibiotic.
HealthCare Company
Microbiologist are highly needed in the healthcare sector.
A person who studied microbiology for his or her bachelor’s degree can study public health for their master’s degree.
Healthcare is an organization that makes sure that water, food and substances consumed are safe for consumption. Some of these organizations are: WHO, UNICEF, NAFDAC, SON.
A microbiologist can work in this healthcare sector but the chance of getting a job would be high if you further to get a master’s degree in public health.
Educational Sector
The demand for microbiologists is high in the educational sector.
Lecturers and teachers are very important in every society hence a person who studied microbiology can work as a lecturer in a university, polytechnic or teaching hospital.
FMCG Industries
FMCG is an acronym for fast moving consumer goods.
These industries produces foods that are being consumed in large number everyday.
A FMCG industry needs microbiologists in the quality control department of the industry to safeguard the ingredients used in processing the food.
Research Institute
No research institute can survive without a microbiologist because the research itself is done by them.
Microbiologist are in high demand in research institutes either as a researcher or an assistant researcher. They can provide support and enlightenment to scientist in different research centers/institutes.
Environmental Factor
Earth is facing many environmental challenges due to the activities of man.
The carbon from cars and machines, the waste from industries and the pollution of water is making the world experience a global warming which needs the interference of experts like microbiologist to derive means to put an end to it.
Veterinary Hospitals/Clinics
Even animals need help, microbiologists who work in veterinary hospitals help in finding out disease causing organisms in animals and then help in curing them.
Petroleum Industry
Microbiologists are in high demand in petroleum industries but often times, it is demanded that you have a master’s in industrial microbiology before you can be employed.
There are a lot of petroleum industries in Nigeria you can apply for a post of a microbiologist which includes; NNPC, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and a whole lots of others.
Salary Structure Of Microbiologists In Nigeria
Microbiologists earn different amount of money based on where they work and their positions in the company. These are some of the salaries earned by microbiologists in different sectors;
Hospital
A microbiologist who works in a lab of a hospital earns about N60,000 – N100,000 in a month.
Petroleum Industry
Microbiologists who work in petroleum industries earn relatively higher than others. Although not all of the companies make their salaries public. But for NNPC a microbiologist earns between N150,000 – N300,000.
Pharmaceutical Company
The earnings of microbiologists in pharmaceutical company is between N50,000 – N100,000
FMCG Industries
This is also one of the most lucrative sector a microbiologist can work in. Microbiologists earn between the range of N50,000 – N200,000 in a FMCG industry depending on the nature of the job and the position of the worker.
Education
A microbiologist who works as a lecturer in either a Nigerian polytechnic or university earns between the range of N90,000-N400,000 depending on his position.
Healthcare
Most healthcare jobs are contract jobs which means you will only work with them for a specific amount of time or for a specific project. Most of the microbiology jobs under this sector doesn’t have a fixed pay as it is mostly by agreement. But a healthcare organization usually pay between N80,000 – N200,000.
Research Analyst/Assistant
A microbiologist who works as a researcher either as an assistant or head of a research group earns N50,000 – N120,000.
Conclusion
I believe this post have answered many of your questions concerning studying microbiology as course and also working as a microbiologist. I’m willing to answer any question you have concerning microbiologist in the comment section. Do not hesitate to drop a comment if you need more clarification.
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