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Read the full noticeSchool of Computing
B.Sc. Cyber Security
Programme Overview
The Cyber Security programme at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST) consists of a comprehensive undergraduate education in the protection of digital systems, networks, critical infrastructure, and information assets from cyber threats. For students in the programme, a core learning objective is building and demonstrating foundational competencies in cyber defence, digital forensics, secure systems administration, network security, applied cryptography, threat intelligence, and security governance through the successful completion of rigorous coursework, laboratory investigations, cyber range exercises, and a capstone research project. Students are also eligible for accelerated professional pathways, including postgraduate research, industry leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity sector.
Programme Distinctiveness
A Curriculum Benchmark Internationally
The UAST Cyber Security curriculum is benchmarked against leading cybersecurity programmes at institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University, Royal Holloway University of London, National University of Singapore, and University of Oxford, while addressing cyber defence, digital trust, and critical infrastructure protection challenges specific to Nigeria and Africa.
A Programme Rooted in National Priorities
While maintaining international standards, the programme equips graduates to address Nigeria's most pressing cybersecurity challenges: protection of critical infrastructure, digital forensics and cybercrime investigation, national cyber resilience, smart agriculture security, cloud and IoT security, financial services protection, and cybersecurity governance for digital transformation.
Integrated with National Academic Standards
The programme is structured around the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with a distinctive 30% UAST proprietary component that substantially strengthens competencies in ethical hacking and penetration testing, digital forensics and incident response, cloud and IoT security, artificial intelligence for cybersecurity, secure software engineering, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and smart agriculture, cyber threat intelligence, quantum-safe cryptography, cybersecurity governance and policy, and research methodology.
The UAST Advantage: Professional Competencies
Graduates of this programme acquire competencies in:
- Cyber Defence and Security Operations
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Secure Systems Administration
- Network Security and Defence
- Applied Cryptography and Secure Communications
- Cloud and Internet of Things Security
- Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
- Secure Software Engineering
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Quantum-Safe Cryptography
- Cybersecurity Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered over four academic years (100–400 Levels) and comprises UAST proprietary courses complementing the NUC 70% core curriculum.
Year One: Foundations
- Foundations of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
- Secure Computing Laboratory
- Technical Communication for Cybersecurity Professionals
- Emerging Cyber Threats and Digital Society
Year Two: Core Technical Competencies
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Linux Security and Secure Systems Administration
- Network Defence and Security Operations
- Applied Cryptography and Secure Communications
- Cybersecurity Research Methods
Year Three: Advanced Security Domains
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Cloud and Internet of Things Security
- Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
- Secure Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure and Smart Agriculture
Year Four: Research and Professional Integration
- Cyber Threat Intelligence and Advanced Persistent Threats
- Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, Compliance and Policy
- Quantum-Safe Cryptography and Future Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Cybersecurity Research Project, Professional Portfolio and Capstone
Career Pathways
UAST Cyber Security graduates are prepared for careers in:
Security Operations Centres
Security analysts, threat hunters, and incident responders
Digital Forensics and Investigation
Forensic examiners, cybercrime investigators, and e-discovery specialists
Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
Ethical hackers and security testers
Cloud and IoT Security
Cloud security architects and IoT security engineers
Critical Infrastructure Protection
ICS/SCADA security professionals and smart agriculture security specialists
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Threat intelligence analysts and strategic security advisors
Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance
Compliance officers, risk managers, and security auditors
Secure Software Engineering
Security developers, DevSecOps engineers, and application security specialists
Government and National Security
National CERT/CSIRT professionals, cyber policy advisors, and defence cybersecurity specialists
Financial Services and FinTech
Financial security analysts and secure payment systems specialists
Cybersecurity Consulting
Security advisors, risk consultants, and managed security service providers
Academia and Research
Postgraduate studies and cybersecurity research
Fast-Track and Professional Pathways
Qualified students are eligible for accelerated pathways, including:
Professional Certifications
- Preparation for globally recognised certifications including Security+, CySA+, CEH, CISSP, and cloud security credentials
Cyber Range Exercises
- Hands-on training in simulated cybersecurity environments
Industry Collaboration
- Partnerships with security organisations, government agencies, and financial institutions
Undergraduate Research
- Supervised research in emerging cybersecurity domains
Postgraduate Pathways
- Progression to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Cyber Security, Information Security, Digital Forensics, and related disciplines