Study and job opportunities for human kinetics and health education in Nigeria

Study and job opportunities for human kinetics and health education in Nigeria

There are many job opportunities for human kinetics and health education in Nigeria, from teaching and coaching to health promotion and fitness entrepreneurship. These professionals play a key role in public health and national development. Explore more career opportunities available for the course in Nigeria.

A male African college student
Human kinetics and health education professionals promote wellness and prevent disease across Nigerian communities. Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The field of human kinetics and health education is a health-related field that primarily focuses on physical activity, wellness, and health promotion.
  • In Nigeria, human kinetics and health education jobs can be found in both the private and public sectors, as well as entrepreneurial settings.
  • As a course, human kinetics and health education are offered as a joint degree or separate courses in universities across Nigeria.
  • The Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Human Kinetics and Health Education is a four-year course at any state, federal, or private university of your choice.

Job opportunities for human kinetics and health education in Nigeria

Human kinetics and health education are health-focused fields that primarily involve education, advocacy, movement and the health of human beings. As such, careers related to health education and kinesiology surround teaching, training, and advocacy across various sectors in society.

Jobs in the education sector

A teacher hands young pupils a ball.
Physical education teachers instruct students in physical activity, promoting healthy habits. Photo: monkeybusinessimages
Source: Getty Images

In teaching and learning fields, graduates of human kinetics and health education can occupy numerous positions. When perusing classified and online job posting sites, expect to find job opportunities in these fields under the following titles;

  • Physical and health education teacher
  • Health education lecturer
  • Kinesiology lecturer
  • Curriculum developer
  • School health educator
  • School nurse
  • Sports coach
  • Sports development officer

Jobs in the health sector

Job opportunities in human kinetics and health education primarily focus on health and wellness. These roles extend from offering clinical care to health promotion and advocacy.

  • Rehabilitation specialist
  • Physiologist
  • Kinesiologist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Health extension officer
  • Public health educator
  • Health extension officer
  • Patient advocate
  • Nutritionist

Careers in the sports and fitness industry

Two athletes run on a track.
Job opportunities for human kinetics and health education professionals in Nigeria extend to actual sports fields. Photo: PixelCatchers
Source: Getty Images

A degree in human kinetics can open doors to diverse careers in the sports and fitness industry. These fields require mastery of physical and technical skills in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, body movement, and muscle coordination. Check out the roles available in this field in Nigeria and the region.

  • Exercise physiologist
  • Athletic trainer
  • Sports coach
  • Fitness trainer
  • Sports manager
  • Sports nutritionist
  • Team manager
  • Sports academy director

Jobs in the government and non-governmental sectors

Health educators take on crucial roles in disease prevention and health literacy. You can leverage your knowledge in health education to get opportunities in government and non-governmental institutions.

  • Health promotion officer
  • Health program evaluator
  • Health communication specialist
  • Community outreach educator
  • Reproductive health educator
  • Surveillance and epidemiology officer
  • Public health program coordinator
  • Health campaign coordinator

Entrepreneurial careers for human kinetics and health education graduates

Sandra Patrick, a yoga teacher, doing yoga
Graduates can start businesses in fitness training, health consulting, or sports coaching. Photo by Olympia De Maismont/AFP
Source: Getty Images

The commitment to health promotion in this field outmatches the demand for products and services in the field. You can create self-employment opportunities in fitness training, as well as health and wellness.

  • Gym owner
  • Sports academy owner
  • Sports camp owner
  • Sports event organiser
  • Wellness consultant
  • Fitness coach
  • Fitness influencer
  • Fitness app developer

What is the average human kinetics job salary in Nigeria?

The average salary of a human kinetics professional varies based on experience levels, job titles, education level, and the location of employment. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of such a professional ranges between ₦91,000 and ₦98,000, specifically for exercise physiologists.

Sports nutritionists can earn anywhere between ₦64,000 and ₦569,000 depending on their experience levels. Personal trainers reportedly earn about ₦299,663 annually.

Universities offering human kinetics in Nigeria

Health education and human kinetics courses are offered in two modes, in public and private universities and colleges. While some offer the program as one, others offer Health education and human kinetics as separate courses.

  • University of Lagos (UNILAG)
  • University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
  • University of Ibadan (UI)
  • University of Benin (UNIBEN)
  • Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
  • Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU)
  • Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
  • University of Ilorin
  • University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
  • National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
  • Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
  • Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNA)
  • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
  • Babcock University
  • Achievers University

Admission requirements for human kinetics and health education in Nigerian universities

Group of sports players dancing with excitement after an achievement
A group college students celebrate during a fitness session. Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen
Source: Getty Images

Here is a breakdown of the admission requirements for the course with reference to universities such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

  • A Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSSC) in relevant science subjects, including English
  • Alternatively, 5 credits in G.C.E./SSCE O’Level including English language, mathematics and one science subject, preferably biology or chemistry.
  • A merit-level pass in the PHE diploma programme.
  • Two passes in science-related areas at advanced level with SSCE/GCE ‘O’ level credit passes in other subjects at not more than two sittings.
  • Passes in two major subjects of any combination with physical education or health education, or physical health education at the NCE level.
  • A minimum score of 180 in the Joint Admission Matriculation Board Examination (JAMB).

What is the meaning of human kinetics?

Human kinetics, also known as kinesiology, is the scientific study of human movement. It involves principles in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology.

Is human kinetics the same as kinesiology?

The term kinesiology is derived from the Greek word kinesis, meaning to move, and kinetics refers to the study of motion. They are also generally considered the same thing.

Is human kinetics a good course in Nigeria?

Gaining knowledge in human kinetics or kinesiology is worthwhile for Nigerian candidates. It prepares you for employment and self-employment opportunities in teaching, training, and coaching health and wellness seekers, as well as athletes.

Girls soccer team listening to their female coach
Human kinetics is a valuable course in Nigeria with diverse job opportunities, especially in coaching. Photo: Alistair Berg
Source: Getty Images

What is the work of a human kinetics and health education graduate?

Human kinetic and health education is primarily involved in health and wellness promotion. Its professionals typically work in education, healthcare, and research, enabling physical activity, sports training and health promotion

Where can human kinetics graduates work in Nigeria?

Human kinetics graduates can find jobs in public and private organisations in local, national, regional and global settings. Specifically found in sports organisations, healthcare facilities, and governmental institutions.

Where can a graduate of health education work in Nigeria?

A health education graduate in Nigeria can find work in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and government agencies. Specific roles include health educators, health promotion specialists, community health workers, and health coaches.

How many years does it take to study health education in Nigeria?

A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Human Kinetics and Health Education is a four-year program, with its candidates admitted through the UTME. It can take three years for qualified candidates with a Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) qualification.

Jobs in human kinetics and health education in Nigeria are best found in the private and public sectors, as well as entrepreneurial settings. Such jobs are posted on job posting sites such as MyJobMag, HotNigeria, Indeed, and more.

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In Nigeria, their jobs take various forms in teaching, advising, advocacy, research, and analysis. Read on to uncover which job opportunities are available for you in Nigeria and where to get them.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ciku Njuguna avatar

Ciku Njuguna (Lifestyle writer) Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with more than four years of experience in writing and content creation while working with Legit.ng, Sports Brief and CyberSchool technologies. She has a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (2018) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Nairobi (2022). Ciku joined Legit.ng in 2024, covering lifestyle content. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and participated in the Google News Initiative training program. Email: ciku.njuguna1@gmail.com