BSc. Crop Science

The B.Sc. Crop Science program offers an in-depth exploration of the cultivation, management, and improvement of agricultural crops. It addresses the global challenges of ensuring food security, adapting to climate change, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Students delve into the physiology, genetics, and ecology of plants and learn about modern breeding techniques, pest and disease management, and post-harvest technologies. The curriculum combines theoretical study with practical fieldwork, providing hands-on experience in diverse cropping systems. Emphasizing innovation and technology, the program prepares graduates to enhance crop productivity, resilience, and nutritional value, meeting the world’s ever-growing agricultural demands.

Admission Requirements

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

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

UTME – Four-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 pass prescribed for UTME entry mode. Diploma Holders with a minimum of Lower Credit plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass Level at a maximum of two sittings are eligible for consideration for admission into 200-levels.

Duration

The minimum duration for the programmes is 4 academic sessions (4-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 3 academic sessions (3-year duration).

Graduation requirements

To graduate, a student shall have undergone 4 years of study depending on his/her entry point, including one practical year of 6 months of Practicals. 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 120 units of courses for the 4-year track and 84 units for the 4-year (direct entry) 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 a graduation requirement which must not be compromised. This requirement exposes the student to problem-solving techniques and provides him with an ability to organize ideas from literature and research findings. It should prepare the student for a post-graduation career and for further training at the postgraduate level.

For graduates with a B.Sc. in Crop Science, considering global demands and contemporary relevance, the following are some pivotal career opportunities:

• Crop Specialist/Consultant: Advising farmers on best practices for crop cultivation, protection, and management.
• Plant Breeder: Using genetics and biotechnology to develop improved crop varieties with desired traits, such as drought resistance or enhanced nutritional content.
• Agronomist: Specializing in soil and crop management to maximize yield and sustainability.
• Pest and Disease Manager: Developing strategies and interventions to manage pests and diseases in crops.
• Agricultural Research Scientist: Conducting research on crop genetics, physiology, or agronomy to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Seed Technologist: Working on the production, processing, and storage of high-quality seeds.
• Agricultural Extension Officer: Bridging the gap between research and farmers, ensuring that innovative farming practices are adopted at the grassroots level.
• Precision Agriculture Specialist: Using technology like drones, sensors, and satellite imagery to optimize crop cultivation and management.
• Greenhouse Manager: Overseeing the controlled cultivation of crops in greenhouses, optimizing for factors like temperature, light, and moisture.
• Bioinformatics Specialist: Using computational tools to analyze crop genomes and related data, aiding plant breeding and genetic research.

As the global population grows and the challenges posed by climate change intensify, experts in crop science will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring food security, sustainability, and economic stability.