INTRODUCTION

Human Nutrition and Dietetics is one of the most important health-related disciplines in the modern world. It is the science of food, nutrients, and their impact on human health. In an age where lifestyle diseases—such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and malnutrition—have become global challenges, nutrition professionals are needed more than ever.In Nigeria, Human Nutrition and Dietetics is a respected course both in universities and health institutions. It not only trains students to understand how food affects health but also equips them with skills to plan therapeutic diets, conduct community-based nutritional assessments, prevent nutrition-related diseases, and promote healthy living.This guide breaks down everything you need to know if you wish to study Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria through JAMB, Direct Entry, or postgraduate admission.

1. WHAT IS HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS?

Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the scientific study of:

• The nutritional composition of foods
• The absorption and utilisation of nutrients in the body
• The role of nutrients in maintaining health and preventing disease
• The dietary management of illnesses
• How food influences growth, development, and health outcomes

It merges principles of biology, chemistry, physiology, public health, and food science to train professionals who understand how diet affects the human body.Students learn:

• Clinical nutrition
• Food service management
• Community nutrition
• Therapeutic diet planning
• Biochemistry of nutrients
• Nutrition assessment & counseling
• Diet formulation for diseases
• Research and laboratory techniques

Graduates can work in hospitals, research labs, NGOs, government agencies, food industries, schools, fitness centres, and private practice.

2. JAMB SUBJECT COMBINATION FOR HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

To study Human Nutrition and Dietetics in any Nigerian university, the correct JAMB subject combination is crucial.

Compulsory JAMB Subjects:

1. English Language – mandatory for all candidates
2. Biology – core subject
3. Chemistry – very important
4. One of the following:
   • Physics
   • Mathematics

BEST SUBJECT COMBINATION TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES

• English Language
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Most universities prefer Biology + Chemistry + Physics. Some accept Mathematics, but Physics is more widely recommended.

3. O’LEVEL REQUIREMENTS (WAEC, NECO, GCE)

To gain admission, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:

Compulsory O’level Subjects:

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics (Often required)

Some universities may accept Agricultural Science or Food & Nutrition in place of Biology, but this varies by school. To be 100% safe, ensure you have:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English
• Mathematics

All credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

4. DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Candidates applying for Direct Entry (DE) must meet certain requirements such as:

A. Accepted Advanced Level Qualifications

• OND or HNDin:
  • Food Science
  • Nutrition
  • Home Economics
  • Science Laboratory Technology
  • Community Health
  • Agricultural Science
• NCE in relevant science subjects
• A’Level passes in Biology and Chemistry (mandatory)

B. Grading Requirements

• At least Upper Credit for ND/OND
• Lower Credit may be accepted by some private universities
• Two A’Level passes in Biology & Chemistry

C. Other Acceptable Qualifications

• JUPEB
• IJMB
• Cambridge A’Level
• NCE in Home Economics or Biology

DE Entry Level

Most universities admit DE candidates into:

• 200 Level, or
• 300 Level (for HND with Upper Credit)

5. JAMB CUT-OFF MARK FOR HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Cut-off marks vary by university and sometimes by year.

General JAMB Cut-off Mark:

160 – 180 (Minimum approved by many schools)

Competitive Universities:

Require 200 – 250+

Less Competitive Universities:

Accept 160 – 180

Factors That Influence Cut-off:

• Number of applicants
• Departmental policies
• University competitiveness
• Admission quota

To be safe, aim for 220 and above to be considered by top universities.

6. POST-UTME REQUIREMENTS

Most universities conduct post-UTME or screening.

You may be tested in:

• English
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Documents Required for Screening:

• JAMB result
• O’level results
• Birth certificate
• Local government identification
• Passport photograph
• Post-UTME application slip

7. DURATION OF THE COURSE

UTME Entry Route:

4 years

Direct Entry Route:

3 years (sometimes 2 years for strong HND applicants)

8. UNIVERSITIES OFFERING HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS IN NIGERIA

Below is an updated list of Nigerian universities offering the course.

Federal Universities

• University of Ibadan (UI) – Human Nutrition
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – affiliated programmes
• Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• Federal University, Gashua

State Universities

• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
• Imo State University (IMSU)
• Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
• Rivers State University (RSU)
• Kaduna State University (KASU)

Private Universities

• Babcock University
• Bowen University
• Redeemer’s University
• Adeleke University
• Lead City University
• Madonna University
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences

The availability varies by academic session, so always confirm on the university portal.

9. COURSE STRUCTURE AND WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Your 4-year programme includes courses such as:

Year 1 (100 Level)

• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• Mathematics for Health Sciences
• Introductory Nutrition
• General Physics
• Communication Skills

Year 2 (200 Level)

• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology
• Introductory Dietetics
• Food Microbiology
• Anatomy
• Introductory Nutrition Education

Year 3 (300 Level)

• Clinical Nutrition
• Therapeutic Dietetics
• Food Service Management
• Public Health Nutrition
• Nutrition Assessment
• Community Nutrition
• Nutrition Counseling
• Research Methods

Year 4 (400 Level)

• Advanced Therapeutic Nutrition
• Diet Therapy II
• Food Product Development
• Internship & Clinical Posting
• Research Project
• Nutrition Surveillance

10. POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

After your B.Sc., you can proceed to:

A. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

• Duration: 1–2 years
• For students who want to switch to nutrition or improve their grades

Entry Requirements:

• B.Sc. (Third class or Pass) in related fields
• HND Upper Credit in Nutrition or Food Science

11. MASTER’S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (M.Sc.)

Entry Requirements:

• B.Sc. in Nutrition, Dietetics, Biochemistry, Physiology, Food Science, or related fields
• Must have at least Second Class Lower (2:2)
• Transcript may be required
• NYSC discharge/exception certificate

Duration:

• Full-time: 18 months – 2 years
• Part-time: 2–3 years

Areas of Specialization:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Public Health Nutrition
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Sports Nutrition
• Food Safety & Toxicology
• Community Nutrition
• Diet Therapy
• Advanced Human Nutrition

12. DOCTORATE DEGREE (PhD) REQUIREMENTS

A PhD prepares you for advanced research and university lecturing.

Requirements:

• M.Sc. in Human Nutrition, Dietetics, Biochemistry, or related field
• Thesis from Master’s programme
• Statement of research interest
• Transcript
• At least 60–70% average in Master’s degree

Duration:

• 3–5 years

13. SKILLS YOU WILL DEVELOP

Studying Human Nutrition & Dietetics equips you with practical skills such as:

• Meal planning
• Therapeutic diet management
• Nutritional assessment
• Clinical consultations
• Food analysis
• Research and laboratory analysis
• Public health intervention
• Diet counseling
• Health education
• Food service management

You also learn communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

14. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Graduates have one of the widest job markets in the health and food sectors.

A. Hospitals & Clinical Settings

• Clinical dietitian
• Renal dietitian
• Pediatric dietitian
• Oncology dietitian
• Critical-care dietitian

B. Government Agencies

• Ministry of Health
• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
• National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
• Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Welfare

C. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• UNICEF
• WHO
• FAO
• Action Against Hunger
• Red Cross
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Save the Children

Nutrition graduates are essential in combatting malnutrition, especially in Northern Nigeria.

D. Food Industries

• Quality control officer
• Food safety officer
• Product developer
• Food analyst
• Nutrition labeling specialist

E. Fitness & Wellness

• Sports dietitian
• Weight loss consultant
• Wellness coach
• Nutrition counselor

F. Schools & Academic Sector

• Lecturer
• Research scientist

G. Media & Public Education

• Health writer
• Nutrition blogger
• YouTube health content creator

H. Entrepreneurship

• Nutrition consultancy
• Meal-prep business
• Healthy restaurant
• Supplement company
• Diet therapy clinics

Salary Range:

Beginners earn between ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 monthly, depending on location. More experienced dietitians earn ₦250,000 – ₦800,000 in private hospitals, NGOs, and international organizations.

15. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT NUTRITION & DIETETICS

Many students confuse Nutrition with related fields:

Nutrition vs. Dietetics

• Nutrition: focuses on nutrients, food science, public health, research.
• Dietetics: focuses on hospital-based therapeutic diet planning.

Nutrition vs. Food Science

• Food science deals with food processing, packaging, preservation.
• Nutrition deals with how food affects the human body.

16. WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Here are reasons why the course is highly valuable:

1. High Demand

The rise of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and malnutrition has increased the need for nutritionists.

2. Global Career Opportunities

You can work with international organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, FAO, and WFP.

3. Flexible Career Path

You can work in hospitals, schools, industries, NGOs, the government, or start your own practice.

4. Attractive Salary

Especially in clinical nutrition and international development roles.

5. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Meal plans, nutrition coaching, wellness brands, diet therapy centres.

17. HOW TO SCORE HIGH IN JAMB FOR NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

To be competitive:

1. Target 250+

Competition is increasing.

2. Read Past Questions in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

3. Study consistently

Nutrition-related courses require strong science background.

18. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Is Nutrition and Dietetics a good course in Nigeria?

Yes, especially with rising public health challenges.

2. Do universities accept Agricultural Science instead of Biology?

Some do, but Biology is safer and recommended.

3. Can I work in a hospital with this degree?

Yes. Nutritionists and dietitians are needed in hospitals.

4. Does the course include clinical training?

Yes, especially in the 3rd and 4th year.

CONCLUSION

Human Nutrition and Dietetics is one of the most impactful and rewarding health-related disciplines in Nigeria today. It provides endless career opportunities in hospitals, health agencies, NGOs, schools, industries, and private practice.If you follow the correct JAMB subject combination:

• English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics/Math

…and meet the O’level requirements:

• English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

…you can gain admission into top Nigerian universities offering this course.Whether you're entering through UTME, Direct Entry, or planning postgraduate studies, Human Nutrition and Dietetics offers a stable future, international relevance, and the opportunity to improve human health through food.