ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH – (Requirements & Subject Combination)

Animal Production is emerging as a competitive field of study in Nigeria.

This blog post aims to provide you with comprehensive information about the subjects required for Animal Production, including the direct entry requirements.

We will also highlight universities in Nigeria that offer Animal Production programs, under the faculty of Agriculture/Veterinary Medicine.

Furthermore, we will discuss potential career opportunities for graduates in this field, along with special considerations or waivers for Animal Production.

JAMB UTME Subjects Requirement for Animal Production

To be eligible for admission into Animal Production programs in Nigerian universities, you must meet certain subject requirements. While the JAMB cut-off mark is generally 180, aiming for a score of 200 or above will enhance your chances of admission based on merit. The following three subjects are usually required for Animal Production:

1. Chemistry
2. Biology/Agricultural Science
3. Physics/Mathematics

Special Considerations (Waivers)

• LAUTECH: Requires Mathematics/Physics, Biology/Agricultural Sciences, and Chemistry.
• CRUTECH: Requires Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology.

O’Level Subject Combination for Animal Production

To pursue Animal Production, you need to have credit passes in five relevant O’Level subjects in your SSCE. The following subjects are required:

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

Special Considerations (Waivers)

• ABSU: Requires ‘O’ level credit in Physics.
• UMUDIKE: Same as in Agriculture.
• EKSU, CRUTECH, UNIZIK, and FUAM: Accept ‘O’ level pass in Physics.
• NDU: Requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, or Biology.
• FUNAAB: Same as in Agriculture Extension and Rural Development.
• FUTMINNA: Same as in Water Resources, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Technology.
• BAUCHI and ADSU: Accept ‘O’ level pass in Physics with ‘O’ level pass in Mathematics or vice versa.
• LAUTECH: Requires Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics, English Language, and Physics.
• JABU: Accepts ‘O’ level pass in Physics.
• UNIZIK: Accepts ‘O’ level pass in the English Language, Physics, or ‘O’ level credit pass in Mathematics or vice versa.
• FUTA: Requires 5 credit passes in SSC or its equivalent, including Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Agricultural Science, English Language, and Chemistry.

Animal Production Direct Entry Requirement

For Direct Entry (DE) admissions into Animal Production programs, the following requirements should be met:

• Two (2) ‘A’ level passes or equivalent in Chemistry and one (1) of Botany/Biology/Zoology/Geography/Agricultural Science/Geology/Economics/Mathematics.

Special Considerations (Waivers)

• UMUDIKE, EKSU, and MAKURDI: Same as in Agricultural Economics.
• UI: Requires 2 of Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, and ND/HND in Animal Health and Husbandry or Agriculture.
• NDU: Same as in Fisheries Technology.
• FUTMINNA and ATBU: Accept NCE, ND, and HND with overall credit passes in the Agricultural components of the program or a minimum of lower credit, along with 4 ‘O’ level credit passes in relevant subjects.
• FUTA: May consider Direct Entry candidates with National Diploma (ND) with a minimum of upper credit or its equivalent from recognized Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in relevant Agricultural Science programs. GCE ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics will also be considered.
• EKSU: Same as in Agricultural Economics and Extension. They don’t accept NCE.
• JABU: Accepts Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, and any others from Physics, Geography, Economics, and Mathematics. Also considers ND/NCE upper credit in relevant areas.
• FUNAAB: Accepts various qualifications, including ‘A’ level passes, ND/HND in Agriculture, and NCE credits in relevant subjects.

Universities in Nigeria Offering Animal Production Programs

Several universities in Nigeria provide Animal Production programs under the faculty of Agriculture/Veterinary Medicine. Here are some of the universities offering Animal Production:

1. Adamawa State University (ADSU)
2. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
3. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (UMUDIKE)
4. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
5. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
6. Ekiti State University (EKSU)
7. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
8. Crawford University
9. Niger Delta University (NDU)
10. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

Career Prospects in Animal Production

Graduates in Animal Production can explore various career opportunities. Some potential job roles include:

1. Pig Farmer
2. Egg Farmer
3. Dairy Farmer
4. Horse Breeder
5. Poultry Farmer
6. Animal Geneticist
7. Beef Cattle Farmer
8. Aquaculture Farmer
9. Animal Health Inspector
10. Veterinary Theriogenologist
11. Agricultural Extension Agent
12. Equine Extension Agent

FAQs on Requirements to Study Animal Production and Health

What are the basic academic qualifications required to study Animal Production and Health?

To study Animal Production and Health, you generally need to have completed secondary education with a strong background in science subjects. The key subjects typically required include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. In some cases, Agricultural Science or Mathematics may also be required. You must have good grades in these subjects, often with a minimum of a C grade or equivalent.

Do I need to take any specific entrance exams to be eligible for admission into an Animal Production and Health program?

Yes, most universities and colleges require you to pass an entrance exam as part of the admission process. In many countries, this could be a general university entrance exam like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria, or the SAT/ACT in the USA. These exams typically test your knowledge in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Some institutions may also have their own specific entrance tests or require a minimum score in the relevant science subjects.

Are there any other non-academic requirements for studying Animal Production and Health?

Besides academic qualifications, you may need to demonstrate an interest in agriculture or animal science through extracurricular activities, internships, or work experience in related fields. Some universities may also consider your performance in interviews or require you to submit a personal statement detailing your interest in the field. Additionally, proficiency in the language of instruction (usually English) is often required, and you may need to provide proof of language skills if you are an international student.

Conclusion

Pursuing a degree in Animal Production offers promising prospects in Nigeria.

By understanding the required subjects, entry requirements, and universities offering the program, you can prepare yourself for a successful admission process.

Moreover, with a degree in Animal Production, you can explore diverse career paths in livestock, agriculture, and veterinary sectors.