Are you interested in pursuing a career in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development?
This blog post provides valuable information for candidates applying to study this course at Nigerian universities.
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is a pure science course offered under the Faculty of Agriculture.
Here, we will discuss the required subjects for O’Level and JAMB UTME, universities offering the program, direct entry requirements, and the career prospects in this field.
O’Level Subjects for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development:
To be eligible for admission, you need to have five (5) SSC credit passes in the following subjects:
- Biology/Agricultural Science
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- One of the following subjects: Geography, Economics, or Physics.
Please note that this O’Level subject combination applies to WAEC, NECO, GCE, and their equivalents.
Waiver/Special Consideration:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) requires credit passes in English Language, Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics.
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) requires credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Biology/Agricultural Science. They also accept an O’Level pass in Physics, not exceeding two sittings.
- University of Ibadan (UI) requires credit in Agricultural Science and a pass in Biology, as well as credit passes in Biology/Agricultural Science, English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and any one of Economics, Geography, or Physics.
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUA) requires credit passes in Biology or Agricultural Science, English Language, Chemistry, Mathematics, and any other Science subject. An O’Level pass in Biology is required if Agricultural Science is chosen.
- Landmark University accepts credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Biology/Agricultural Science, and Chemistry, with an O’Level pass in Physics. An O’Level credit pass in Agricultural Science must be backed up with at least an O’Level pass in Biology.
JAMB UTME Subjects for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development:
Apart from the three compulsory JAMB subjects, you are expected to score a minimum of 180 in the UTME examination. The JAMB subject combination for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is as follows:
- Biology/Agriculture
- Mathematics or Physics
- Chemistry
Waiver/Special Consideration:
- Landmark University requires Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, and any one of Agricultural Science, Geography, or Biology.
Direct Entry Requirements:
If you are applying through direct entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Two ‘A’ level passes or equivalents in Chemistry and Agricultural Science/Biology/Botany/Mathematics/Zoology/Economics/Geology/Physics/Geography.
Waiver/Special Consideration:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) require at least two A level passes, not below grade C, in Chemistry and any one of Botany, Zoology, Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Biology, Economics, or Physics. They also accept upper credit HND/ND in Agricultural Science but do not accept NCE and First Degree. Candidates must also satisfy the UTME requirements.
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and Imo State University (IMSU) accept HND/ND for direct entry to 300/200 levels, respectively.
- FUNAAB requires two ‘A’ level credit passes in Chemistry and one in Botany/Zoology/Biology/Agricultural Science, Physics, or Mathematics. They also accept NCE credit in Biology, Agricultural Science, Physics, or Chemistry, in addition to the UTME requirements. Furthermore, an upper credit HND/ND in Agriculture from a recognized institution is accepted.
- University of Ibadan (UI) accepts HND or ND in related fields. Agricultural candidates are required to apply for Agriculture until the 500 level when options will be available.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) accepts ND/HND in Agriculture obtained at an upper credit level from a recognized institution. They also require two ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry and any one of Botany/Zoology/Biology/Agricultural Science, Economics, Mathematics, or Physics.
Universities in Nigeria Offering Agricultural Extension and Rural Development:
If you are interested in studying Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, you can consider the following universities in Nigeria:
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Career and Job Opportunities for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Graduates:
Upon completion of your studies, you can explore various career paths in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, including:
- Development Officer
- Lecturer
- Researcher
- Crops Agent
- Extension Agent/Officer/Specialist
- Livestock Agent
- Secondary School Teacher
Conclusion
If you have a passion for science and an interest in agricultural development, pursuing a degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development can provide you with excellent career opportunities. By meeting the subject requirements and considering the universities listed, you can start your journey towards a rewarding profession in this field.