Introduction
Fisheries and Aquaculture is one of the most promising environmental, biological, and agricultural science-based courses offered in Nigerian universities. As global demand for fish and aquatic resources continues to rise, the field has expanded beyond traditional fishing to include modern aquaculture systems, environmental sustainability, marine biology, fisheries economics, hatchery technology, water quality management, fish nutrition, fisheries governance, and more.Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing aquaculture industries in Africa. With a massive population that demands fish as a primary source of protein and a coastline rich in aquatic biodiversity, the study of Fisheries and Aquaculture has become crucial for food security, environmental protection, and economic development. This has made universities introduce specialized programmes to train experts who will manage the country’s aquatic resources, boost agricultural productivity, support the blue economy, and improve the standard of living of communities that depend on water-based activities.If you wish to study Fisheries and Aquaculture at the university, you must understand the JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, Direct Entry qualifications, JAMB cut-off marks, duration of the course, postgraduate pathways, and career opportunities.This comprehensive guide explores all these in detail.
1. JAMB Subject Combination for Fisheries and Aquaculture
To study Fisheries and Aquaculture in any Nigerian university, you must register the correct JAMB subjects. Wrong subject selection may disqualify you from admission, even if your scores are high.
Mandatory UTME Subject Combination:
- English Language (Compulsory for all students)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Any of the following:
- Physics
- Agriculture
- Mathematics
Why These Subjects Are Important
- Biology is essential because the course deals with living organisms—fish, aquatic animals, and marine ecosystems.
- Chemistry is vital for understanding fish nutrition, water quality, and laboratory analysis.
- Physics/Agriculture/Mathematics provide additional support for environmental monitoring, fish farm design, and scientific measurement.
Most Recommended Combination
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
This combination is accepted by all universities in Nigeria.
2. O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) Requirements for Fisheries and Aquaculture
To qualify for admission, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects.
Compulsory O’Level Subjects:
You must have credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Any of the following:
- Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Geography
- Economics
Important Notes
- Biology and Chemistry must be credits.
- Agricultural Science can replace Biology in some universities, but not all.
- A pass in Physics may be accepted, but a credit is preferred.
- Results must not be older than the institution allows (some accept results from any year).
Why Mathematics Matters
Even though Fisheries and Aquaculture is a science-based field, students use mathematics in:
- calculating feed ratios,
- measuring water parameters,
- designing aquaculture systems,
- statistical analysis in research.
3. Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Students seeking 200-level admission must meet certain requirements.
Acceptable Direct Entry Qualifications Include:
- NCE (National Certificate in Education)
- Subjects in agricultural science or biology-related fields
- Minimum of Merit or Upper Credit
- ND (National Diploma) in:
- Fisheries Technology
- Aquaculture
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Food Technology
- Marine Biology
Must be Upper Credit or Distinction. - HND (Higher National Diploma)
- Upper Credit in Fisheries or Aquaculture is usually acceptable.
- IJMB / JUPEB
- Minimum of 2 A-level passes from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- GCE Advanced Level
- Two passes in Biology and Chemistry.
Direct Entry Duration
- Students admitted through DE study for 3 years instead of 4 years.
4. JAMB Cut-off Marks for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Cut-off marks vary by university and by year. But most universities use similar benchmarks.
General JAMB Cut-off (National Minimum):
- 140 (but universities rarely accept this for science-based courses)
University Cut-off Marks for Fisheries & Aquaculture
Most universities set a cutoff between 150 – 180, while highly competitive schools may require 200+.Approximate examples (not official):
- Federal Universities: 170 – 200
- State Universities: 150 – 170
- Private Universities: 140 – 160
Post-UTME Screening Scores
After meeting the JAMB cut-off, you must pass the university’s Post-UTME or screening process.
5. Duration of the Course
The study duration depends on the mode of entry.
| Mode of Entry | Duration |
|---|
| UTME (100 level) | 4 years |
| Direct Entry | 3 years |
| Part-time (where available) | 5–6 years |
During the programme, students undergo:
- classroom lectures,
- laboratory practicals,
- farm practical training (SIWES),
- industrial attachment,
- research project in final year.
6. Universities Offering Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria
Many Nigerian universities offer this course under faculties like Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Marine Science, or Environmental Science.
Federal Universities Offering Fisheries and Aquaculture
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- University of Ibadan (UI) – Fisheries Management
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH)
- Federal University Dutse
- Federal University Wukari
State Universities Offering the Course
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Cross River University of Technology (UNICROSS)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Enugu State University (ESUT)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology
- Taraba State University
- Abia State University (ABSU)
Private Universities Offering Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Bowen University
- Babcock University
- Bells University of Technology
- Madonna University
- Nile University (some related programmes)
7. What Students Learn in Fisheries and Aquaculture
The programme is broad and covers:
- Fish biology
- Marine ecology
- Aquaculture technology
- Fisheries economics and extension
- Hatchery management
- Fish disease control
- Water quality and pollution management
- Fisheries governance and law
- Aquatic plant science
- Boat and fishing gear technology
Practical experience is vital, so students spend time in:
- aquaculture farms,
- rivers, lakes, and marine ecosystems,
- research labs,
- processing factories.
8. Postgraduate Requirements for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Students may pursue postgraduate studies to become specialists or researchers.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Requirements
To qualify for PGD in Fisheries or related fields, you must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree (Third Class or Lower Credit)
- HND qualification with at least Lower Credit
- Professional experience in aquaculture (an advantage)
Duration of PGD
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
9. Master’s (M.Sc.) Requirements in Fisheries and Aquaculture
To pursue a master’s degree, candidates must meet certain academic qualifications.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Biology, Marine Science, or Agriculture
- Minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2)
- Transcript and academic references
- NYSC certificate
Duration
- Full-time: 18–24 months
- Part-time: 2–3 years
Areas of Specialization
- Aquaculture
- Fish Nutrition
- Fish Health and Pathology
- Fisheries Economics
- Marine Ecology
- Fish Genetics
- Post-harvest Technology
- Fisheries Law and Management
10. PhD (Doctorate) Requirements in Fisheries and Aquaculture
A doctorate is for those who want to become researchers, professors, or senior consultants.
Requirements for PhD
- Master’s degree in Fisheries or related fields
- Minimum of 60% or B grade (depending on institution)
- Research proposal
- Interview assessment (for some universities)
Duration
- 3–5 years (depending on thesis progress)
PhD Focus Areas
- Advanced Aquaculture Systems
- Fish Biotechnology
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Climate Change and Fisheries
- Fisheries Governance and Policy
- Marine Resource Management
11. Career Opportunities for Fisheries and Aquaculture Graduates
Fisheries and Aquaculture is one of the most employable and entrepreneurial courses in Nigeria.
Government Employment Opportunities
Graduates can work in:
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Environment
- NIOMR (Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research)
- National Inland Waterways Authority
- River Basin Development Authorities
- Environmental Protection Agencies
Private Sector Opportunities
- Fish farm manager
- Hatchery manager
- Aquaculture consultant
- Water quality analyst
- Fisheries biologist
- Marine conservator
- Fish feed production specialist
Industrial and Blue Economy Opportunities
- Fisheries extension officer
- Seafood processing industries
- Research and development labs
- Marine tourism companies
- Export companies
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Graduates can start:
- Catfish farms
- Tilapia farms
- Fish hatcheries
- Ornamental fish businesses
- Fish feed production companies
- Snail and prawn farming
- Fish processing and packaging business (smoked fish, frozen fish, etc.)
Academic Career
- Teaching positions in universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics
- Research scientists
- Aquaculture trainers
International Opportunities
Graduates can work with:
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
- UNDP
- African Development Bank
- International Oceanographic Research Bodies
- NGOs focused on marine sustainability
12. Why Study Fisheries and Aquaculture?
- High demand for fish globally
- Government support for aquaculture development
- Opportunities for self-employment
- Contribution to national food security
- Ability to work both locally and internationally
- Practical, hands-on, and rewarding career pathway
13. Challenges and Solutions in the Field
Challenges
- Poor funding
- Water pollution
- Low awareness of modern aquaculture technologies
- High cost of fish feed
- Climate change effects on aquatic ecosystems
Solutions
- Training in improved aquaculture systems
- Adoption of recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Research in local feed production
- Sustainable fishing practices
- Environmental protection policies
Conclusion
Fisheries and Aquaculture is a rewarding and strategic course for Nigeria’s future. It plays a major role in food production, environmental sustainability, the blue economy, and scientific advancement. With the correct JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, Direct Entry qualifications, and a clear understanding of career opportunities, you can successfully pursue this field and build an impactful career.If you plan to study Fisheries and Aquaculture, this guide gives you everything you need to make the right decisions and prepare for admission.
