Food science and engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles from science, engineering, and technology to enhance the production, processing, preservation, and quality control of food products. Graduates of this field find opportunities across various sectors such as food manufacturing, research and development, quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory affairs.
If you’re aspiring to study food science and engineering at any accredited Nigerian university, it’s crucial to be aware of the admission requirements set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as the specific criteria of your chosen institution. This blog post will guide you through the JAMB subject combination for food science and engineering and provide additional information to help you navigate the admission process effectively.
JAMB Subject Combination for Food Science and Engineering 2025/2026
To gain admission into a food science and engineering program, you need to select the appropriate subjects during your JAMB UTME registration. The required subjects are:
- English Language: This is a mandatory subject for all JAMB candidates and is essential for admission into any course, including food science and engineering.
- Mathematics: Mathematics is crucial for food science and engineering. It underpins various mathematical concepts and calculations used in the field.
- Chemistry: Chemistry is another core subject for this course. It deals with the chemical composition, properties, reactions, and interactions of food components, and the principles of food analysis, synthesis, and modification.
- Physics or Biology: You can choose either Physics or Biology as your fourth subject. Physics complements the scientific and engineering principles relevant to food processing and engineering. Biology, on the other hand, offers insights into the biological aspects of food science, including microbiology, nutrition, and biotechnology.
To qualify for admission into most universities offering food science and engineering, you need a minimum UTME score of 180. However, some universities may have higher cut-off marks, so it’s advisable to check the specific requirements of your preferred university.
O’Level Requirements for Food Science and Engineering 2025/2026
In addition to the JAMB subject combination, you must meet the O’Level requirements for food science and engineering. These include:
- Five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology or Agricultural Science.
- These credits should be obtained in no more than two sittings.
While some universities may accept a pass in Biology or Agricultural Science with a credit in Physics, having credits in both subjects is recommended to enhance your chances of admission.
List of Nigerian Universities Offering Food Science and Engineering
Here are some Nigerian universities that offer food science and engineering:
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB): Offers a five-year program under the College of Food Science and Human Ecology. Admission requirements include:
- UTME: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
- O’Level: Five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology or Agricultural Science.
- Direct Entry: Two A’Level passes in Chemistry and any one of Mathematics, Physics, or Biology; or ND/HND upper credit in Food Science and Technology or related fields.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Offers a five-year program under the Faculty of Engineering. Admission requirements include:
- UTME: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics or Biology.
- O’Level: Five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
- Direct Entry: Two A’Level passes in Chemistry and any one of Mathematics, Physics, or Biology; or ND/HND upper credit in Food Science and Technology or related fields.
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO): Offers a five-year program under the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Admission requirements include:
- UTME: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
- O’Level: Five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology or Agricultural Science.
- Direct Entry: Two A’Level passes in Chemistry and any one of Mathematics, Physics, or Biology; or ND/HND upper credit in Food Science and Technology or related fields.
Other universities that offer this course include:
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi
- Bells University of Technology (BUT), Ota
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu
- Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Umudike
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Maiduguri
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Uyo
Conclusion
Food science and engineering is a rewarding course with diverse career opportunities in the food industry. To pursue this field in any Nigerian university, you need to meet the JAMB subject combination and O’Level requirements. Choosing the right university that fits your academic and personal preferences is also crucial. We hope this blog post has provided valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your educational journey. Thank you for reading!