Where Can A Biochemist Work In Nigeria? (2023)

Are you a graduate of biochemistry, and you have been wondering where you could work after completing your education?

Do not worry because this article will be talking about everything you need to know as a fresh biochemistry graduate. where can a biochemist work in Nigeria, the kind of work you can do in an organization, and the amount of salary you should be earning averagely as a new graduate.

Biochemistry is one of the best courses to study in Nigeria; since it is a paramedical course, it’s expected to be one of the hot cake jobs in Nigeria which it is.

Where Can A Biochemist Work In Nigeria?

As we mentioned earlier, a graduate of biochemistry can work in;

  • Food Industry, e.g. Golden Penny Industry
  • Raw Material Industry, e.g. Dangote Cement Company
  • NAFDAC
  • Medical Centre, e.g. Hospitals, Clinic, Medical organizations
  • Pharmaceutical Company, e.g. Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company
  • Medical Laboratory
  • Pharmacy etc.

As we all know, Biochemistry is a branch of science that deals with the chemical processes within and outside of living organisms. Biochemistry is a laboratory-based science that combines biology and chemistry. 

So, since biochemistry is a paramedical course, does it means that it is compulsory for a biochemist to work only in the medical line? Are they only eligible to work in the medical field like hospitals, clinics, and other medical-related organizations?

No! Biochemistry is more than that as a course. 

As a graduate of biochemistry, you can work in almost every companies ranging from a pharmaceutical company to a food company and other medical-related organizations.

There are different branches in biochemistry, and this is the reason why you see most biochemists working in almost all the companies in Nigeria. Some area of specialization in Biochemistry include Food biochemistry, medical biochemistry, drug biochemist and those that work as an analyst in the raw material industry.

Can A Biochemist Work In An Oil Company?

Just as we mentioned above, a biochemist can work in any raw material industry.

Since oil is an example of raw material (mineral), a research biochemist can work with petroleum products.

How Much Are Biochemists Paid In Nigeria?

According to the Nigerian salary scale, a new graduate usually earns around N150,000 per month while an intermediate with some years of experience earns around N325,000, and a Biochemist specialist with over 15 years of experience earns around N824,000. This is the average monthly salary, including housing, transport, and other benefits.

Is Biochemistry lucrative in Nigeria?

Biochemistry, no doubt, is one of the most lucrative courses in Nigeria, and if you see a company related to your field of study and ready to pay you well, then you would surely enjoy your discipline as a biochemist.

Is Biochemistry a good course in Nigeria?

Biochemistry is one of the good courses to study in Nigeria because it is a paramedical course (related to medicine).

In addition to this, you can specialize in different aspects of biochemistry; for example, you can become a food biochemist or a medical biochemist, or a pharmacologist.

This gives you a wide range of options to choose from after graduation.

What is the work of a Biochemist?

The work of a biochemist differs based on the kind of organizations you work for.

For example, if a biochemistry graduate should work in a pharmaceutical company, the kind of work he/she will be doing will be different from the work he or she will be doing when working in a food company or a medical organization.

  • Pharmaceutical Company

The role of a biochemist in a pharmaceutical company is to run analysis on drugs samples and check for the active pharmaceutical ingredients if it is added in sufficient am

Another thing a biochemist does in a pharmaceutical company is to run analysis on raw material samples brought into the pharmaceutical industry. The analysis helps to determine if the raw material is original or not and also check if the elements in the material is an appropriate concentration.

Lastly, a Biochemist can help to determine the expiry date of drugs and other products in the company.

  • Food And Beverage Company

Biochemists also work in food and beverage companies also perform the same function as those in the pharmaceutical industry, and the only difference is that those in the food company run analysis on food samples and not drugs.

A biochemist usually runs an analysis of food samples to check if the food is edible and not harmful to the body when consumed by customers.

This is essential so that customers or consumers who purchase the food products would be assured of their safety.

Another function or role of a biochemist in a food and beverage company is to analyze the raw materials used and the production of the food products, and by analyzing the raw materials, they check if the compound or element in the raw material is the inappropriate manner, whereby after using it for production, it won’t have any side effect on consumers.

Lastly, a Biochemist can help to determine the expiry date of foods, beverages, and other products in the company.

  • A medical field like hospitals and clinics

A biochemist in the medical field can perform a wide range of functions.

Some of the jobs of a biochemist in hospitals or clinics are to run analysis on blood samples, run analysis on body fluids like urine and stools.

Another medical-related job of a biochemist is to a prescribed drug.

Since biochemists usually have pharmacological experience, they can prescribe drugs for patients that are not feeling well.  

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Conclusion

Biochemistry, no doubt, is one of the most lucrative courses that pay well in Nigeria. As said earlier, if you are a new graduate, you can easily earn around N150,000 per month, which I think is good pay to start with.