Agricultural Economics and Extension is one of the most important and fast-growing programmes within the field of agriculture in Nigerian universities. As the world becomes more concerned about food security, agricultural development, and sustainable farming systems, this course continues to rise in relevance. It prepares students to understand the economic principles behind agricultural production, the management of farm resources, food distribution, rural development, and communication techniques for educating farmers.
If you wish to study Agricultural Economics and Extension in Nigeria, you must understand the required JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, Direct Entry requirements, and cut-off marks, as well as the universities offering the course and future career opportunities. This guide provides everything you need to know before applying.
JAMB Subject Combination for Agricultural Economics and Extension
Choosing the correct JAMB UTME subjects is the first step toward gaining admission into this programme. The approved JAMB subjects are:
- Use of English – Compulsory for all candidates
- Chemistry – Essential for understanding soil chemistry, fertilizers, and agricultural processes
- Biology or Agriculture – Important for studying plant and animal production
- Mathematics or Physics – Required because agricultural economics involves calculations, statistics, and scientific reasoning
This combination applies to nearly all Nigerian universities offering the programme and must be filled correctly when registering for JAMB.
O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings. Agricultural Economics and Extension is both science-based and business-oriented, so the O’Level requirements reflect this.
Compulsory O’Level Subjects
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology/Agricultural Science
- Chemistry
One additional credit from the following:
- Physics
- Economics
- Geography
Important Notes:
- Most universities prefer Biology, but Agricultural Science is also accepted.
- Passing both Biology and Agricultural Science gives you an advantage in competitive schools.
- Some institutions may require credit in Economics, but this is not compulsory for all schools.
Meeting the O’Level requirements is essential, as universities will not process admission for candidates with incomplete results.
Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
Direct Entry is another pathway into Agricultural Economics and Extension. Candidates entering through DE usually gain admission into 200-level or 300-level, depending on the qualification and the admitting university.Below are the recognized Direct Entry requirements:
1. A-Level / IJMB / Cambridge
Candidates must have two A-Level passes in any of the following:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Agricultural Science
- Economics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Geography
2. OND / ND (Upper Credit)
A National Diploma in:
- Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Technology
- Crop Production
- Animal Health
- Fisheries Technology
- Agribusiness
- Cooperative Economics
or any related agricultural field.
3. NCE (Merit/Distinction)
Accepted NCE subjects include:
- Agricultural Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Integrated Science
- Home Economics (in some universities)
4. HND Holders
Candidates with an HND in Agriculture-related courses may be admitted to 300-level, depending on the university’s policies.Direct Entry candidates must also meet the same O’Level requirements as UTME candidates.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Agricultural Economics and Extension
Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets a general cut-off mark for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, each institution then determines its own departmental cut-off.Here is a general guide:
1. JAMB General Cut-Off Mark:
140 for universities, though some schools set higher requirements.
2. University-Specific Cut-Off Marks:
Most universities offering Agricultural Economics and Extension usually require a JAMB score between:
- 160 – 180 in less competitive schools
- 180 – 200+ in competitive universities like UI, UNN, OAU, FUNAAB, UNILORIN, ABU, and UNICAL
Candidates should aim higher than the minimum cut-off to increase their chances, especially in universities with many applicants.
Universities Offering Agricultural Economics and Extension in Nigeria
The course is widely available across federal, state, and private universities. Below is a list of schools that offer this programme:
Federal Universities
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
State Universities
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Cross River University of Technology (UNICROSS)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Private Universities
- Landmark University
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Madonna University
This list continues to grow as more institutions expand their agricultural programmes.
What You Will Study in Agricultural Economics and Extension
The programme blends principles of agriculture, economics, management, and communication. Students learn how to analyze agricultural productivity, manage farm resources efficiently, and work with rural communities.
Core Courses Include:
- Agricultural finance
- Production economics
- Resource and environmental economics
- Farm management
- Agricultural policy and development
- Agricultural extension methods
- Communication for rural development
- Agribusiness management
- Agricultural marketing
- Statistics and research methods
- Cooperatives and rural institutions
The combination of theory and practical training prepares students to solve real-world agricultural problems.
Postgraduate Requirements (PGD, M.Sc, PhD)
Many graduates of Agricultural Economics and Extension pursue postgraduate studies to specialize further or work in research, academia, or international development.
1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with Third Class
- HND with Upper Credit
- O’Level results meeting the Department's basic requirements
2. Master’s Degree (M.Sc / M.Agric) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Lower (2:2)
- Transcript from previous institution
- Research proposal (in some schools)
3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Requirements
- A relevant Master’s degree with at least CGPA 3.5 or 60%
- Research proposal and interview
- Evidence of publications (required by some universities)
Areas of specialization may include:
- Agricultural Production Economics
- Development Economics
- Agribusiness
- Agricultural Policy
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- Econometrics and Statistics
Career Opportunities for Graduates of Agricultural Economics and Extension
This course opens doors in many sectors because it combines agriculture, economics, business, extension communication, and rural development.
1. Government Agencies
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Agricultural Development Projects (ADP)
- River Basin Development Authorities
- State and Local Government agricultural units
- National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS)
2. Financial and Banking Sector
- Bank of Agriculture
- Commercial banks (Agric loan units)
- Development banks
- Microfinance institutions
- Agribusiness investment firms
3. Research and International Organizations
Graduates can work in:
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- FADAMA projects
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- USAID agricultural projects
- World Bank agricultural programs
4. Private Sector Opportunities
- Agribusiness companies
- Agro-processing firms
- Fertilizer companies
- Seed production companies
- Commodity trading firms
- Farm management companies
5. Education and Training
- Universities as lecturers
- Agricultural training institutes
- Extension training centers
6. Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Many graduates start their own businesses in:
- Agribusiness consulting
- Poultry, fishery, and livestock farming
- Food processing and packaging
- Crop production and value chain development
- Fertilizer and agro-chemical distribution
- Agricultural data analysis and farm management software consulting
Why Study Agricultural Economics and Extension?
There are many benefits to studying this course:
- It is highly relevant to global food security challenges
- Graduates are needed in research, finance, agribusiness, and rural development
- You can work locally or internationally
- Huge opportunities for self-employment
- Government and international organizations are investing heavily in agriculture
- You gain skills in communication, management, economics, and community development
This programme is ideal for students who want a career that combines science, economics, and service to society.
Conclusion
Agricultural Economics and Extension is a dynamic and impactful course with numerous opportunities in Nigeria and abroad. By understanding the correct JAMB subject combination, O’Level requirements, DE requirements, and cut-off marks, you can position yourself for successful admission. With strong postgraduate pathways and diverse career prospects, this course offers a rewarding future for anyone passionate about agriculture, economics, or rural development.
