Are you interested in studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria? This is a crucial course that focuses on understanding how nutrition affects human health and how to design healthy meal plans. It’s an exciting field with growing importance as people become more health-conscious. In this article, we’ll explore the JAMB cut-off marks for Human Nutrition and Dietetics and list the Nigerian universities offering the course for the 2025/2026 academic session. If this is your desired career path, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about admission requirements.
What is Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the study of how food and nutrition impact the human body. This multidisciplinary field covers everything from food science to understanding how various nutrients affect body functions, disease prevention, and overall well-being. A nutritionist or dietitian helps individuals and groups improve their health through diet modifications, disease management, and better eating habits.
Why Study Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
This course is vital in a world where poor nutrition is linked to numerous diseases, including diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and certain cancers. As a dietitian, you’ll gain expertise in designing meal plans, guiding patients, and conducting research on food and human health. Nutritionists work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and even private practices, making this profession both diverse and highly rewarding.
Some of the core subjects covered in Human Nutrition and Dietetics include:
- Nutritional Biochemistry: Understanding how nutrients interact at the biochemical level.
- Food Science: Exploring food composition, safety, and processing.
- Community Nutrition: Developing programs to improve public health nutrition.
- Diet Therapy: Creating therapeutic diets for patients with medical conditions.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates can work as:
- Clinical Dietitians in hospitals or clinics
- Public Health Nutritionists working on large-scale health projects
- Sports Nutritionists for athletes
- Food Service Managers in industries or institutions
Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks
Before diving into specific universities, it’s important to grasp the concept of JAMB cut-off marks. A cut-off mark is the minimum score you must achieve in the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) examination to be eligible for admission to a particular course. Each university sets its own cut-off mark, which can vary depending on the competitiveness of the course.
For Human Nutrition and Dietetics, most universities have set their cut-off marks between 180 and 200 for the 2025/2026 academic session. Scoring at or above this mark is the first step in securing your admission, but higher scores significantly improve your chances, especially for competitive courses like this one.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the JAMB cut-off marks for Human Nutrition and Dietetics in some top Nigerian universities are as follows:
| University | Course | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Afe Babalola University | Human Nutrition & Dietetics | 200 |
| University of Ibadan | Human Nutrition & Dietetics | 200 |
Tips to Meet the JAMB Cut-Off Mark
Achieving a high JAMB score is essential for securing admission, especially for a sought-after course like Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Here are some tips to help you meet and exceed the cut-off mark:
- Aim Higher than the Minimum Cut-Off: While the cut-off mark may be 200, setting a personal goal to score above 250 increases your chances, especially in competitive universities.
- Start Early Preparation: Begin studying early, focusing on relevant subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. These are the core subjects tested in the JAMB exam for this course.
- Use Past Questions: Practice JAMB past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and type of questions asked. This will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Some universities, like the University of Ibadan and Afe Babalola University, conduct Post-UTME screenings after the JAMB exam. Make sure to prepare for this additional test, as it could be a deciding factor in your admission.
O’Level Requirements for Human Nutrition and Dietetics
In addition to achieving the required JAMB cut-off mark, you must also meet the O’Level requirements. For Human Nutrition and Dietetics, you need at least five credits in relevant subjects. These usually include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English Language
- Mathematics
Ensure that your O’Level results meet these requirements, as they are crucial for admission consideration.
Top Universities Offering Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria
Several universities in Nigeria offer Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Below are some of the top institutions where you can study this course for the 2025/2026 academic session.
1. Afe Babalola University
- Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200
- Overview: Afe Babalola University is a private university known for its excellent academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities. The university’s College of Sciences offers a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, preparing students for a career in the health and food industry. With a focus on practical training, students are exposed to real-world applications of nutrition science.
- Why Choose Afe Babalola University?: The university provides an excellent learning environment, top-notch facilities, and opportunities for internships and industrial attachments.
2. University of Ibadan
- Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 200
- Overview: The University of Ibadan (UI) is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities in the country. Its Department of Human Nutrition is well-respected, with a strong focus on research and public health nutrition. UI offers students comprehensive training in nutrition science and dietetics, with a curriculum that balances theory with practical experience.
- Why Choose UI?: As Nigeria’s oldest university, UI has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The program offers numerous research opportunities and a chance to learn from some of the best professionals in the field.
Other Universities Offering Human Nutrition and Dietetics
While Afe Babalola University and the University of Ibadan are among the top choices, other universities across Nigeria also offer this course. Be sure to check the specific requirements and cut-off marks for these institutions as well.
Importance of Scoring High in JAMB for Competitive Courses
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is a competitive course, and while meeting the cut-off mark is essential, aiming for a higher score can significantly improve your chances of admission. Universities often prioritize students with higher JAMB scores, especially for courses with limited slots.
A high JAMB score not only increases your admission chances but may also make you eligible for scholarships and other academic opportunities.
How to Prepare for the 2025/2026 JAMB Exam
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming JAMB exam to secure a spot in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics program:
- Get the Right Study Materials: Obtain the official JAMB syllabus and textbooks that cover the relevant subjects.
- Set a Study Schedule: Allocate specific time for each subject and stick to your study schedule. Consistency is key.
- Join a Study Group: Discussing topics with peers can help clarify difficult concepts and improve understanding.
- Take Practice Tests: Simulate the actual JAMB exam by taking practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak points and dedicate extra time to improving them.
Conclusion
Studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria offers a promising career path in a growing field. With the JAMB cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic year set at 200 for top universities like Afe Babalola University and the University of Ibadan, it’s essential to aim for a high score in both your JAMB exam and Post-UTME screening. Additionally, ensure that your O’Level results meet the necessary requirements for admission.
Start your preparation early, aim for excellence, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a qualified nutrition expert. This course provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in health and nutrition, helping you make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through better dietary practices.
Good luck!