PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY

Food is one of the basic needs of life, while science and technology brings positive advancement to human condition. Philosophy of Food Science and Technology programme is to contribute innovatively to advancement in the nation food sector through postharvest processing of agricultural product to ensure food and nutritional security; and produce competent Food Scientist and Technologist who are empowered with technological and entrepreneurial skills that enhance problem solving through workable research, job creation and self-employment in food sector of the nation and internationally.

This shall be achieved through quality and outstanding teaching, scientific and societal values, research and community development.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objectives of the programme are to:

1. train students to understand/study the composition and behaviour of agricultural food material under diverse processing and storage conditions; and capable to apply the knowledge in production of safe and nutritious foods;
2. trained students capable of introducing new innovation and apply appropriate technology to process, preserve and package food for reduced drudgery, postharvest loses and food security;
3. train students who are competent to maintain and design food process equipment and innovatively develop locally made equipment for food production; and
4. ultimately, produce graduate with expertise and technological competency to establish and manage food industries, provide and formulate policy leading to food security; and able to transfer knowledge in food related higher institutions of learning.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

a) UTME

Candidate seeking admission into the five-year programme in food science and technology programme should possess the WASC or WASSC or GCE (O/L) or NECO or equivalent with credit passes in five subjects including English language, mathematics, chemistry, physics biology or agricultural science, at not more than two sittings. In addition, application must obtain an acceptable pass in the unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME).

UTME subjects: English language, mathematics or physics, chemistry, biology/agricultural science.

b) Direct Entry

Candidates may be admitted to 200 level if they have:

1. satisfied the general entry requirements for the University as specified in (a) above
2. obtained National Diploma (with a minimum of Upper Credit) or equivalent in Food Science and Technology or any other course adjudged relevant by the Department; or
3. good passes at GCE (Advanced Level), JUPEB or its equivalent in any two of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. In addition, candidates in this category may be required to audit and pass some first year courses to remedy deficiencies. These courses include GST 101, GST 111, AGP 102 and GST 102. If a student fails any of the courses, he/she will be required to offer it formally.

PROGRAMME DURATION

The bachelor of technology programme in food science and technology runs normally for 5 academic sessions for UTME candidates and 4 sessions for direct entry candidates. However, if the student fails to graduate within the normal number of sessions, he/she will not be allowed to exceed a total of 7 academic sessions in the case of UTME candidates and 6 for direct entry students.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

To be eligible for the award of B.Tech Degree in food science and technology, a student must have:

1. Passed all core (compulsory) courses as well as all university and school required courses and electives recommended for specialization;
2. Accumulated at least 202 units for students through UTME and 168 for those by direct entry, and obtain a CGPA of not less than 1.5 for 2017/18 session only; and not less than 1.0 for subsequent sessions.
3. Successfully completed all class works; industrial attachments, seminars and projects.

As part of the programme, students take part in the long vacation industrial practical work (SWEP-Student Work Experience Programmes), in the second semesters of 200 and 300 levels, to enable them reconcile the theoretical knowledge with what obtains in the industries and farms. In the second semester of 400 levels (4^th year), they also go on a six-month students’ industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) in a food industry.

Direct entry students (A’ level and Jupeb) are expected to register and pass the following general studies courses; GST 101, 102, 111, 112 and 113; GET 101 and 102