Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. With growing attention on food security and agribusiness, Agricultural Science has become one of the most promising courses for young Nigerians.
If you’re planning to study Agricultural Science at a Nigerian university, you must first understand the admission requirements. These include O’Level qualifications, UTME subject combinations, Direct Entry routes, and institution-specific guidelines.
This guide explains everything in detail so you can prepare and boost your chances of gaining admission.
Contents
- General O’Level Requirements
- UTME Subject Combination for Agricultural Science
- Direct Entry Requirements for Agricultural Science
- Institution-Specific Admission Requirements
- 1. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- 2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- 3. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
- Comparison Table: Admission Requirements
- FAQs on Agricultural Science Admission in Nigeria
- 1. Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Biology in O’Level?
- 2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Agricultural Science?
- 3. Can I study Agricultural Science without Physics?
- 4. Which universities are best for Agricultural Science in Nigeria?
- 5. Does Agricultural Science have career opportunities?
General O’Level Requirements
To qualify for admission into Agricultural Science, candidates must have five (5) credit passes in SSCE (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent).
The required subjects usually include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Chemistry
- Physics or another relevant science subject (e.g., Geography, Economics)
✅ Note: Some universities accept Agricultural Science in place of Biology, while others require both. Always check your chosen university’s official requirements.
UTME Subject Combination for Agricultural Science
To sit for the UTME (JAMB exam), candidates should register the following subjects:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Chemistry
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Mathematics or Physics
This subject combination matches the prerequisites of most Nigerian universities offering Agricultural Science.
🎯 Tip: To increase your chances of admission, target a UTME score of 200 or above, as competitive universities often set higher cut-offs.
Direct Entry Requirements for Agricultural Science
Students who do not apply through UTME can gain admission via Direct Entry (DE) if they meet any of the following criteria:
- A’Level Passes
- Two A’Level passes in Chemistry and one from Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agricultural Science, Economics, Physics, Geography, Geology, or Mathematics.
- National Diploma (ND) / Higher National Diploma (HND)
- At least Upper Credit in relevant fields such as Agricultural Science.
- National Certificate in Education (NCE)
- Merit passes in Agriculture, Biology, or related subjects, alongside UTME requirements.
Institution-Specific Admission Requirements
Since universities may differ slightly in their requirements, let’s look at examples from top Nigerian institutions:
1. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- O’Level: Credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
- Direct Entry: Accepts two A’Level credits in Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics, or Physics. Also accepts HND/OND in Agriculture (Upper Credit) or NCE in relevant subjects.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- O’Level: Five credits including English, Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, plus one social science subject (Economics or Geography).
3. Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
- O’Level: Five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, or Economics.
Comparison Table: Admission Requirements
| Requirement Type | Subjects / Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| O’Level | 5 credits: English, Maths, Biology/Agric, Chemistry, Physics/Geography/Economics | Some schools require both Biology & Agric |
| UTME Subjects | English, Chemistry, Biology/Agric, Maths/Physics | Minimum JAMB score varies (target 200+) |
| Direct Entry | A’Level passes, ND/HND (Upper Credit), or NCE | Must still meet basic O’Level |
| Institutional Variations | FUNAAB, UNN, JABU, others | Always check university portal |
FAQs on Agricultural Science Admission in Nigeria
1. Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Biology in O’Level?
Yes, some universities accept Agricultural Science in place of Biology, but others require both. Always confirm with your chosen institution.
2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Agricultural Science?
Most universities set their general cut-off at 160–180, but competitive schools like FUNAAB and UNN may require 200 or higher.
3. Can I study Agricultural Science without Physics?
Yes, in some cases. While Physics is preferred, some universities allow Geography or Economics as alternatives.
4. Which universities are best for Agricultural Science in Nigeria?
Top institutions include FUNAAB, UNN, University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
5. Does Agricultural Science have career opportunities?
Yes, graduates can work in agribusiness, research, food processing, environmental management, and government agricultural agencies.
Studying Agricultural Science in Nigeria opens doors to a rewarding career in one of the country’s most important industries.
To gain admission, you must:
- Meet the O’Level requirements (five credits including English, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology/Agricultural Science).
- Choose the correct UTME subject combination (English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, and Mathematics/Physics).
- Consider Direct Entry options if you have A’Level passes, ND, HND, or NCE qualifications.
Finally, always check your chosen university’s official portal for updated requirements before applying. By preparing early and choosing wisely, you can secure your place in a leading Agricultural Science program in Nigeria.
