If you have a passion for plants, agriculture, and the environment, studying horticulture could be the perfect path for you.
Horticulture focuses on the cultivation, management, and study of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
In this blog post, we will explore the admission requirements and career opportunities available to aspiring horticulture students in Nigerian universities.
Admission Requirements for Horticulture in Nigerian Universities
To gain admission into a Nigerian university to study horticulture, aspiring students must meet specific requirements. These requirements are outlined below:
O’Level Subject Combination
Candidates should have at least five (5) credits in their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent. The required subjects are:
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Physics, Geography, or Economics
It is important to note that some universities may have additional requirements or preferences, which we will discuss further in the special requirements and remarks section.
JAMB Subject Combination
For the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), candidates must select the following subjects:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Chemistry
- Biology or Agriculture
- Any one of Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Economics
Special Requirements and Remarks for Universities Offering Horticulture
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB):
- Requires at least five (5) SSC credit passes, including Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
- Candidates with an ‘O’ level pass in Biology must possess an ‘O’ level credit pass in Agricultural Science. FUNAAB does not accept Agricultural Science in place of Biology.
- Does not accept Geography or Economics as part of the JAMB subject combination.
- Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA):
- Requires at least five (5) SSC credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and any one of Geography, Physics, or Economics.
- Candidates must have at least an ‘O’ level pass in Physics.
- Accepts National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of lower credit.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Candidates who are not using the UTME route to gain admission must fulfill the following requirements:
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry and any one of Biology, Botany, Zoology, or Agricultural Science.
Career Opportunities in Horticulture
With a degree in horticulture, graduates have various exciting career opportunities. Some of these include:
- Plant Pathologist
- Horticultural Consultant
- Ornamental Horticulturist
- Horticultural Technician
- Plant Care Worker
- Nursery Staffer
- Landscape Designer
- Pest Management Specialist
- Horticultural Inspector
- Business Management in Horticulture
FAQs
What are the general admission requirements to study Horticulture in Nigerian universities?
To study Horticulture in Nigerian universities, candidates must meet the following general requirements:
- UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) Requirements: Applicants must have at least five (5) O’level credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry, and any other science-related subject.
- UTME Subject Combination: The required subjects in the UTME are English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one other subject such as Physics or Geography.
- JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Candidates must meet or exceed the JAMB cut-off mark for the desired university (this varies by institution but is usually around 180–200).
Are there specific O’level subjects required to study Horticulture in Nigerian universities?
Yes, specific O’level subjects are required to be eligible for admission into a Horticulture program. These include:
- Compulsory Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry.
- Additional Subject: One other relevant subject, such as Physics, Geography, or Economics, depending on the university.
What are the direct entry requirements for Horticulture in Nigerian universities?
For direct entry into the Horticulture program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A-Level or Equivalent: Applicants must have at least two A-Level passes in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, or other related science subjects.
- ND/NCE/HND: Candidates with National Diploma (ND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agricultural Science or related fields can also apply, provided they have a good grade (usually a minimum of Lower Credit).
- O’Level Requirements: Candidates must also meet the O’level requirements of five credit passes, including the specified science subjects.
Conclusion
Horticulture offers a wide range of possibilities for individuals interested in plants, agriculture, and the environment.
Nigerian universities such as the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) provide excellent opportunities to study horticulture.
By meeting the admission requirements and pursuing a degree in this field, you can unlock rewarding career prospects in various sectors related to plants and horticulture.
