In this artiy, we have explained how to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria in 2022 and all that you need to know.
We have also explained all the available careers in forensic science and the best careers that you should focus on if you need a good job.
Importantly, we have answered all related and helpful questions that pertain to this career and how you can get the best out of it.
Other important information on where forensic scientists can work in Nigeria, High paying forensic careers, etc., have been provided too.
After reading this post, you will know how to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria, the careers opportunities in forensic science, where forensic scientist can work and the high paying forensic careers in Nigeria.
Note: if you wish to know the available job opportunities and vacancies available for forensic scientists in Nigeria, visit here.
Types of Forensic Science in Nigeria
There are many fields/types and careers in forensic science and a forensic scientist can only be employed to work in his qualified field of study.
As such it is important to know the field you go for and study intensively.
The following are the classification and types of forensic science available for you to choose from.
- Forensic Linguistics
- Forensic Toxicology
- Victimology
- Forensic pathology
- Criminology
- Trace Evidence analysis
- Psychology ballistics
- Forensic Psychology
- Forensic Podiatry
- Forensic Sociology
- Forensic Optometry
- Odontology
- Forensic anthropology
Check out: Universities that Offer Forensic Science in Nigeria
Are there Forensic Scientists in Nigeria?
Yes!!!
There are forensic scientists in Nigeria but there are no many and enough personnel in this field.

Most of the available forensic scientists in Nigeria are mainly those from the Nigerian Police Academy.
There is a high demand for more law regulating and intelligent forensic scientists in Nigeria as the rate of crime is increasing.
So it will be profitable to become a forensic scientist and there are a lot of job opportunities that are awaiting high intelligent forensic scientists graduates in Nigeria.
Careers in Forensic Science.
What careers are in forensic science? There are 10 good careers that you can specialize in Forensic science as follows;
- Forensic Accountant
- Forensic Engineer
- Fingerprint analyst
- Forensic Technician
- Forensic DNA analyst
- Evidence technician
- Forensic manager
- Forensic specialist
- Forensic medical examiner
- Forensic investigator
- Forensic Criminologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Crime investigator
- Crime laboratory analyst
Highest Paying Forensic Careers in Nigeria 2022
Which Forensic Career Pays Most? The following are the highest-paying forensic science careers in Nigeria in 2022.
- Forensic DNA analyst
- Forensic crime scene investigator
- Crime laboratory analyst
- Fingerprint analyst
- Forensic medical examiner
- Forensic engineer
- Forensic specialist
- Forensic technician
- Forensic analyst
- Forensic Accountant
Note: each of the above careers may not exist as a course but inside forensic science, you can choose to specialize in any of them especially at the master’s degree level.
Where Can a Forensic scientist Work in Nigeria
A Forensic scientist in Nigeria can work in the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) of the Nigerian Police.
The SCIID is a department/unit in the Nigerian Police force that is solely responsible for domestic criminal and intelligence investigation of crimes and intelligence reports.
See Also;
How many years does it take to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria?
It will take about 3 to 4 years to study in an accredited institution and become a forensic scientist in Nigeria.
How To Become a Forensic Scientist in Nigeria
To become a forensic scientist, the student must need at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science.
But those who wish to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria that didn’t study forensic in their bachelor level will need;
- A degree in any biological sciences, chemistry, statistics, or geology to apply for forensic postgraduate programs.
- You may also need a minimum of biological sciences, chemistry, statistics, or geology Bachelor’s degree to get a job in some specialized areas of forensic operations/unit/department.
Qualifications to Becoming a Forensic scientist in Nigeria
The qualifications needed to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria are any of the following;
- A minimum of bachelor’s degree in a related field
- An M.Sc in a related field
- D. in related field
- You must meet every other required skill to be qualified for a job in this field.
Recommended: forensic science job opportunities and vacancies in Nigeria
Additionally, such a person must be professionally skillful in one or many of the following branches of forensic science;
- Engineering
- Applied Sciences
- Criminology
- Psychiatry and behavioral sciences
- Toxicology
- Pathology
- Digital and multimedia sciences
- Jurisprudence
- Anthropology
- Odontology
- Biology
- Questioned Documents
See also: forensic science job opportunities and vacancies in Nigeria here
At this point, we believe you have known how to become a forensic scientist in Nigeria, the careers opportunities in forensic science, where forensic scientists can work, and the high-paying forensic career in Nigeria.
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Note that a course like Medical laboratory science studied in many Nigerian Universities has a lot in common with forensic science studies and practice. Thus, there should be a synergy between the two for an efficient forensic investigation medically.
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