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School of Agriculture

B.Sc. Food Science and Technology

Programme Overview

The Food Science and Technology programme at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST) consists of a comprehensive undergraduate education in the scientific, technological, and managerial aspects of food production, processing, quality assurance, and innovation. For students in the programme, a core learning objective is building and demonstrating foundational competencies in food chemistry, microbiology, engineering, processing, nutrition, food safety systems, and sustainable manufacturing through the successful completion of rigorous coursework, laboratory investigations, industrial experiences, and a capstone professional integration project. Students are also eligible for advanced professional pathways, including postgraduate research, industry leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures in the global food sector.

Programme Distinctiveness

A Curriculum Benchmark Internationally

The UAST Food Science and Technology curriculum is benchmarked against leading food science programmes at institutions including Wageningen University & Research, Cornell University, University of California-Davis, and University of Reading, while addressing food security, processing, and value-addition 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 food system challenges: post-harvest losses, food safety, food fortification, export competitiveness, sustainable processing, climate-resilient food production, and food entrepreneurship.

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 digital food analytics, artificial intelligence in food manufacturing, smart food factories, functional foods and nutraceuticals, food supply chain management, food entrepreneurship, sustainable food processing, international food trade, food industry consultancy, and executive leadership.

The UAST Advantage: Professional Competencies

Graduates of this programme acquire competencies in:

Food Systems and Value Chain Analysis
Food Chemistry and Product Development
Food Microbiology and Safety Systems
Food Process Engineering and Technology
Digital Transformation and Smart Manufacturing
Food Data Analytics and Statistical Computing
Sustainable Food Processing
Food Entrepreneurship and Innovation
International Food Trade and Regulatory Affairs
Executive Leadership and Corporate Governance

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered over five academic years (100–500 Levels) and comprises UAST proprietary courses complementing the NUC 70% core curriculum.

Year One: Foundations

Introduction to Food Systems and the Food Industry
Digital Literacy and ICT Applications in Food Science
Professional Communication and Scientific Writing
Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainable Food Systems

Year Two: Analytical Foundations

Food Data Analytics and Statistical Computing
Food Supply Chain Management and Digital Traceability
Programming Fundamentals for Food Science Applications
Food Product Innovation and Design Thinking
Research Methods and Experimental Design in Food Science

Year Three: Core Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Food Manufacturing
Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Personalized Nutrition
Food Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Venture Development
Food Safety Management Systems, HACCP and Global Standards
Sustainable Food Processing, Circular Bioeconomy and Green Manufacturing

Year Four: Advanced Industrial Applications

Food Industry Consultancy and Project Management
Smart Food Factories, Automation and Digital Transformation
Food Business Strategy, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs
Leadership, Quality Culture and Food Industry Governance
Professional Practice and Contemporary Issues in Food Science

Year Five: Executive and Professional Integration

Advanced Food Quality Systems, Accreditation and Laboratory Management
Strategic Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialization
Emerging Food Technologies and Future Food Systems
Executive Leadership in Food Enterprises
Capstone Professional Integration and Industry Futures

Career Pathways

UAST Food Science and Technology graduates are prepared for careers in:

Food Manufacturing Industries

Production management, quality assurance, product development, and process optimization

Government Regulatory Agencies

NAFDAC, SON, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and state food safety agencies

Export and International Trade

Quality compliance, export documentation, and international market access

Research and Academic Institutions

Food science research, product innovation, and postgraduate studies

Food Safety Consultancy

HACCP implementation, auditing, and food safety management systems

Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management

Logistics, procurement, and traceability systems

Food Entrepreneurship

Establishing food processing enterprises and value-added food businesses

Nutrition and Public Health Organizations

Nutrition programmes and food fortification initiatives

International Development Organizations

Food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition programmes

Fast-Track and Professional Pathways

Qualified students are eligible for accelerated pathways, including:

Industrial Training (SIWES)

Supervised internships in food manufacturing, quality assurance laboratories, and regulatory agencies

Professional Certifications

Preparation for certifications including HACCP, ISO 22000, and food safety auditing

Entrepreneurship Incubation

Access to food pilot plants, innovation hubs, and business incubation services

Postgraduate Pathways

Progression to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Food Science, Food Technology, and related disciplines

Admissions info Contact us