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Read the full noticeSchool of Allied Health Sciences
B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Programme Overview
The Nutrition and Dietetics programme at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST) consists of a comprehensive undergraduate education in the scientific, clinical, technological, agricultural, and entrepreneurial dimensions of human nutrition, dietetic practice, food systems, and sustainable development. For students in the programme, a core learning objective is building and demonstrating foundational competencies in nutrition science, clinical dietetics, community nutrition, food systems analysis, precision nutrition, artificial intelligence applications in nutrition, nutrition informatics, food product innovation, and sustainable food systems through the successful completion of rigorous coursework, laboratory investigations, clinical placements, industry internships, and a capstone innovation project. Students are also eligible for accelerated professional pathways, including postgraduate research, clinical specialisation, food industry leadership, public health nutrition, and entrepreneurial ventures in nutrition and food systems.
Programme Distinctiveness
A Curriculum Benchmark Internationally
The UAST Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum is benchmarked against leading nutrition programmes at institutions including Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Tufts University, Cornell University, University of California-Davis, Wageningen University & Research, King's College London, National University of Singapore, and The University of Tokyo, while addressing nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture 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 nutrition and food systems challenges: malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, food insecurity and sustainable agriculture, non-communicable diseases and clinical nutrition, food safety and quality assurance, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, indigenous food biodiversity, climate-smart food systems, digital health and nutrition informatics, and nutrition entrepreneurship for economic development.
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 food systems and agriculture, digital literacy and nutrition informatics, indigenous foods and food biodiversity, sustainable food systems, nutrition communication and behaviour change, functional foods and nutraceuticals, food composition database management, food product innovation, nutrition informatics, artificial intelligence applications in nutrition, precision nutrition and personalised dietetics, sustainable food systems and climate-smart nutrition, leadership and entrepreneurship, translational nutrition research, global nutrition policy and governance, humanitarian nutrition and emergency food systems, advanced clinical nutrition case management, nutrition innovation laboratory, emerging technologies in nutrition, nutrition consultancy and policy advocacy, and capstone innovation.
The UAST Advantage: Professional Competencies
Graduates of this programme acquire competencies in:
- Nutrition Science and Dietetics
- Clinical Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Community and Public Health Nutrition
- Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
- Nutrition Informatics and Digital Health
- Artificial Intelligence in Nutrition
- Precision Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
- Food Product Innovation and Commercialisation
- Sustainable Food Systems and Climate-Smart Nutrition
- Nutrition Policy and Global Governance
- Humanitarian Nutrition and Emergency Response
- Nutrition Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- Nutrition Consultancy and Policy Advocacy
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
- Food Systems, Agriculture and Human Nutrition
- Digital Literacy for Nutrition Professionals
- Indigenous Foods and Food Biodiversity
- Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems
Year Two: Core Nutrition Competencies
- Nutrition Communication and Behaviour Change
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
- Food Composition Database Management
- Food Product Innovation and Development
Year Three: Advanced Technologies and Systems
- Nutrition Informatics
- Artificial Intelligence Applications in Nutrition
- Precision Nutrition and Personalised Dietetics
- Sustainable Food Systems and Climate-Smart Nutrition
- Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Professional Practice in Nutrition
- Translational Nutrition Research and Innovation
Year Four: Professional Practice and Clinical Integration
- Global Nutrition, Food Policy and Governance
- Humanitarian Nutrition, Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Food Systems
- Advanced Clinical Nutrition Case Management
- Nutrition Innovation Laboratory and Functional Food Product Development
Year Five: Capstone and Professional Integration
- Advanced Precision Nutrition and Omics Applications
- Nutrition Consultancy, Science Communication and Policy Advocacy
- Food Industry Internship and Professional Practice Seminar
- Emerging Technologies in Nutrition and Digital Health
- Capstone Project in Nutrition Systems Innovation
- Global Grand Challenges in Nutrition and Sustainable Development
Career Pathways
UAST Human Nutrition and Dietetics graduates are prepared for careers in:
Clinical and Healthcare Settings
Clinical dietitians, nutrition support specialists, and diabetes educators
Public Health and Community Nutrition
Community nutritionists, public health nutritionists, and health promotion specialists
Food Industry and Product Development
Food product developers, quality assurance specialists, and nutrition consultants
Agricultural and Food Systems
Nutrition-sensitive agriculture specialists, food security analysts, and sustainable food systems consultants
Research and Academia
Nutrition researchers, academic faculty, and postgraduate students
Government and Policy
Nutrition policy advisors, regulatory officers, and programme managers
International Development and Humanitarian Organisations
Nutrition programme coordinators, emergency nutrition specialists, and development consultants
Nutrition Informatics and Digital Health
Digital nutrition specialists, telehealth dietitians, and nutrition informaticians
Private Practice and Consultancy
Independent dietetic consultants, nutrition entrepreneurs, and wellness practitioners
Non-Governmental Organisations
Nutrition programme managers, community health workers, and advocacy specialists
Fast-Track and Professional Pathways
Qualified students are eligible for accelerated pathways, including:
Clinical Internships
- Supervised clinical placements in teaching hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and community nutrition programmes
Industry Internships
- Placements in food manufacturing, agribusiness, and nutrition enterprises
Professional Certifications
- Preparation for certifications in clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, food safety, and quality management
Research Pathways
- Supervised undergraduate research and progression to postgraduate studies
Entrepreneurship Incubation
- Access to food innovation laboratories, prototyping support, and nutrition enterprise commercialisation services
Industry Collaboration
- Partnerships with food industries, healthcare institutions, agricultural organisations, and international development agencies