The Bachelor of Agriculture program is a comprehensive study focusing on both the science and business of farming. It covers essential topics such as agronomy, horticulture, soil science, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics. The curriculum integrates traditional farming methods with modern technologies and sustainable practices. With a balance between theoretical instruction and practical fieldwork, students gain a holistic understanding of agriculture’s challenges and opportunities. This foundation prepares graduates for careers in farming, research, agribusiness, and more.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted into the B. Agriculture degree programme in any of the following two ways:

1. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
2. Direct entry

UTME – Five-Year Degree Programme

In addition to the UTME score, the candidate should possess five credit passes in Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) to include English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics in not more than two sittings.

Direct entry mode

Candidates must have at least 2 credit passes in Advance level or its equivalents in Chemistry and Biology plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit passes prescribed for UTME entry mode. Diploma Holders with a minimum of Lower Credit plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass Levels at a maximum of two sittings are eligible for consideration for admission into 200- and 300- levels, respectively.

Duration

The minimum duration for the programmes is 5 academic sessions (5-year duration) for candidates who enter through the UTME mode.

Direct entry candidates admitted to the 200-level in agriculture programmes will spend a minimum of 4 academic sessions (4-year duration) while those admitted to the 300 level will spend a minimum of three years (3-year duration).

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student shall have undergone 4 or 5 years of study, depending on his/ her entry point, including a one-year (12 months) of practical training programme. The activities of the practical year should include periodic seminars on the student’s work as a way of stimulating interest, as well as the presentation of a written report to be graded at the end of the year. Course workload must meet the graduation requirements. Candidates admitted through the UTME mode shall have registered for at least a minimum of 150 credit units of courses for the 5-year track and 120 credit units for the 4-year (direct entry) track as indicated under course requirements. Candidates must also have registered and passed all the compulsory courses specified for the programme.

The submission of an undergraduate project report based on supervised research is another graduation requirement which must not be compromised. This requirement exposes the student to problem-solving techniques and provides him/her with an ability to organize ideas from literature and research findings. In short, it prepares the student for the work ahead and further training at the postgraduate level. This area of academic preparation needs to be maintained and further developed.

A degree in Agriculture offers a lot of global career opportunities, as the agricultural sector plays a vital role in food security, sustainability, and economic growth. Here are some  global careers for individuals with B. Agriculture:

• Agronomist: Experts in soil and crops who advise on optimizing plant growth for food production and sustainable farming.
• Agricultural Economist: Analysts who study the economic aspects of agriculture, from farm management to the global food supply chain.
• Agricultural Extension Officer: Professionals who provide farmers with the latest research and techniques, bridging the gap between research institutions and farming communities.
• Agricultural Biotechnologist: Scientists who use biotechnology tools to improve crop yields, nutritional value, and resistance to pests and diseases.
• Agricultural Engineer: Specialists in the development and implementation of machinery, irrigation systems, and infrastructures to improve farm efficiency.
• Sustainability Consultant: Advisers on sustainable farming practices, ensuring that agricultural operations are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• Agricultural Policy Analyst: Professionals working with governments or international bodies to develop, analyze, and implement policies related to agriculture.
• International Agricultural Development Specialist: Focusing on improving agricultural practices, infrastructure, and education in developing countries for food security and economic growth.

These careers span both the public and private sectors and offer opportunities for impact in various regions, from local communities to global initiatives.