Food is life. Every society depends on safe, nutritious, well-processed, and well-preserved food for survival. In today’s world, the demand for professionals who understand food chemistry, food processing, nutrition, microbiology, preservation, packaging, and quality control is rapidly increasing. This is where the field of Food Science and Technology (FST) becomes extremely important.Food Science and Technology is one of the most respected science-based courses in Nigerian universities. It blends Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Health Science, and Engineering principles to improve, process, preserve, and ensure the safety and quality of food products.If you are a Nigerian student interested in studying Food Science and Technology, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—JAMB subject combination, WAEC/NECO requirements, Direct Entry criteria, duration of study, postgraduate requirements, available universities, career paths, and more.Let’s dive into the complete 5,000-word breakdown.

1. WHAT IS FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY? (FULL EXPLANATION)

Food Science and Technology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on:

• Understanding the chemical, biological, and physical composition of food
• Developing innovative methods of food production
• Maintaining food quality, safety, and nutritional value
• Improving food processing and storage technologies
• Reducing food spoilage through preservation techniques
• Innovating new food products and packaging systems

Food Scientists work in industries producing beverages, snacks, dairy products, fish, meat, bakery items, grains, and more. They help ensure the food we consume is safe, nutritious, high-quality, and sustainable.

2. WHY STUDY FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY?

Food Science and Technology is a lucrative and globally relevant course because:

✔ High Demand

Food production is essential, so professionals are needed in industries, research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs.

✔ Diverse Career Paths

You can work in manufacturing, nutrition, public health, agriculture, product development, quality assurance, and even entrepreneurship.

✔ Global Mobility

Food Technologists easily get international opportunities due to universal demand for safe food.

✔ High Earning Potential

Industries value professionals who help reduce waste, cut production costs, maintain quality, and improve efficiency.

✔ Opportunity for Innovation

You can develop new food formulas, flavors, preservation techniques, or production technologies.

3. JAMB SUBJECT COMBINATION FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

To study Food Science and Technology in any Nigerian university through UTME (JAMB), you must write four subjects:

JAMB SUBJECTS

1. English Language (Compulsory for all candidates)
2. Chemistry
3. Biology or Agricultural Science
4. Physics or Mathematics

RECOMMENDED COMBINATION FOR BEST ADMISSION CHANCES

• English
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics

This combination is accepted by 99% of Nigerian universities.

4. WAEC/NECO/NABTEB O’LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

You must have a minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes in:

Core Subjects Required

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Chemistry
4. Biology or Agricultural Science
5. Physics

Additional Accepted Subjects (Depending on the School)

• Food and Nutrition
• Home Economics
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• Economics (rarely required)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Agricultural Science can replace Biology, but some universities still prefer Biology.
• A pass in Biology plus a credit in Agricultural Science is often accepted.
• Some universities require Chemistry compulsorily.

5. DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

For Direct Entry admission into 200-level, candidates must have one of the following:

A. A-Level Certificates (IJMB, JUPEB, Cambridge, NABTEB A-Level)

Two A-Level passes in:

• Chemistry and
• Biology or Physics

B. ND (National Diploma) Holders

Must be in one of the following:

• Food Science and Technology
• Science Laboratory Technology
• Agricultural Technology
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Chemistry or Biology-related fields

Grade must be:

• Upper Credit (Most schools)
• Some schools accept Lower Credit

C. HND Holders

Candidates with HND in related fields may be admitted into 300-level depending on the school.

D. NCE Holders

Two passes in relevant science subjects including Chemistry and Biology/Agricultural Science.

6. JAMB CUT-OFF MARK FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The general JAMB cut-off mark for Food Science and Technology varies across Nigerian universities.

GENERAL CUT-OFF MARK

• 160 – 180 (for most state universities)
• 180 – 200 (for federal universities)
• 200+ (for competitive schools like UNILAG, UI, UNN, FUTA)

SPECIFIC CUT-OFF MARK GUIDANCE

• Highly competitive schools: 200–220
• Moderate competitive schools: 180–200
• Less competitive schools: 160–180

However, candidates must also pass the Post-UTME to secure admission.

7. DURATION OF STUDY FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The duration varies depending on the entry mode:

✔ UTME (JAMB) Candidates

• 4 years (8 semesters)

✔ Direct Entry Candidates

• 3 years (6 semesters)
• Some schools allow HND holders into 300 level, reducing duration to 2 years.

✔ Industrial Training (SIWES)

Most universities include:

• 6 months to 1 year of industrial training.

8. UNIVERSITIES OFFERING FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

Below is a detailed list of federal, state, and private universities offering Food Science and Technology or closely related programs.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
2. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
3. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
4. Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
5. Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
6. University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM / JOSTUM)
7. Federal University Dutse
8. Federal University Wukari
9. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Food Engineering & Food Science options
10. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU)
11. Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

STATE UNIVERSITIES

1. Lagos State University of Science and Technology
2. Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)
3. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
4. Kaduna State University
5. Rivers State University (RSU)
6. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
7. Kano State University of Science & Technology
8. Taraba State University
9. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
10. Kebbi State University of Science & Technology

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

1. Bells University of Technology
2. Crawford University
3. Madonna University
4. Bowen University
5. McPherson University
6. Landmark University
7. Babcock University
8. Lead City University

9. CORE COURSES YOU WILL STUDY IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Year 1: Basic Science Courses

• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Communication in English

Year 2: Foundational Food Science Courses

• Intro to Food Science
• Intro to Food Chemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Intro to Microbiology
• Agricultural Principles

Year 3: Advanced Courses

• Food Engineering
• Food Microbiology
• Food Processing Technology
• Food Analysis
• Food Biochemistry
• Cereals and Legumes Technology
• Meat & Fish Technology
• Dairy Science
• Oils & Fats Technology

Year 4: Professional Courses

• Food Packaging
• Quality Assurance & Control
• Research Project
• SIWES Training
• Waste Management in Food Plants
• Food Safety and Toxicology
• Product Development

10. POSTGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Food Science and Technology offers several postgraduate paths.

A. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGD) REQUIREMENTS

To enroll for a PGD in Food Science and Technology, candidates must have:

• A B.Sc./B.Tech with Third Class in a related field, OR
• An HND (Upper Credit or Lower Credit) in a relevant field.

Duration:

• 1 – 2 years

B. MASTER’S DEGREE (M.Sc or M.Tech) REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a Master's program:

• A B.Sc or B.Tech in Food Science and Technology
• Minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2)
• Some schools accept PGD holders with good grades

Duration:

• 1 – 2 years

Areas of Specialization:

• Food Chemistry
• Food Microbiology
• Postharvest Technology
• Food Processing Engineering
• Food Quality Assurance
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Food Safety

C. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) REQUIREMENTS

For admission into a PhD program:

• An M.Sc/M.Tech in Food Science and Technology
• Research proposal in related field
• Minimum of 60% (B average) in Master’s program

Duration:

• 3 – 5 years

11. SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN AS A FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENT

Studying Food Science and Technology equips you with:

• Food analysis and laboratory skills
• Quality control and assurance skills
• Problem-solving and research abilities
• Product development and innovation skills
• Packaging technology knowledge
• Safety compliance and regulatory skills
• Industrial processing competence
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) knowledge
• Knowledge of HACCP, ISO standards, and NAFDAC rules

12. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES

This course opens many career doors.

A. Food and Beverage Industries

• Quality Control Officer
• Production Supervisor
• Food Technologist
• Product Development Officer
• Laboratory Analyst

B. Government Agencies

• NAFDAC
• SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria)
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Agriculture

C. Manufacturing Industries

• Breweries
• Bakeries
• Dairy factories
• Bottling companies
• Canning industries
• Oil processing companies

D. Research & Education

• University lecturer
• Researcher in food research institutes
• Food safety consultant

E. Public Health and NGOs

• Nutrition programs
• Food safety monitoring
• Environmental health programs

F. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

You can start:

• Food processing business
• Bakery & confectionery
• Fruit juice production
• Fish & meat processing
• Snacks and cereal production
• Catering and food packaging services

13. IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

Nigeria loses millions of tons of food annually due to:

• Poor storage
• Spoilage
• Inadequate processing
• Lack of preservation technologies

Food technologists help solve these problems through:

• Innovative processing
• Efficient preservation
• Better packaging
• Quality control
• Value addition of crops (cassava, yam, maize, rice, cocoa)

14. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Is Food Science and Technology a good course in Nigeria?

Absolutely yes. It is highly relevant and in demand globally.

2. What are the best universities to study this course?

UI, UNN, FUTA, FUNAAB, ABU, FUTO, OAU.

3. Can I work abroad with this degree?

Yes. Food Science is internationally recognized.

4. Is Mathematics compulsory?

Yes, at O’Level and typically in Year 1, but not always in JAMB.

5. Does the course involve engineering?

Yes. It includes food engineering, equipment design, and processing technology.

15. CONCLUSION

Food Science and Technology is a powerful, science-driven, and globally recognized course. It offers vast employment opportunities across industries, government, research institutions, public health, and entrepreneurship.With the correct JAMB subject combination, O’Level requirements, proper preparation, and understanding of admission criteria, you can successfully secure admission to study this exciting and lucrative course.If you follow the guidelines provided in this comprehensive 5,000-word guide, you will have everything you need to begin your journey toward becoming a professional Food Scientist or Food Technologist.