Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | B.Agric / B.Sc |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years (4 at some universities), then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Agriculture |
| Career field / body | Livestock industry and research; Nigerian Society for Animal Production |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Moderately competitive |
On this page
- What Animal Science is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Animal Science & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Animal Science is about
Animal Science is the study of the production, management and improvement of livestock — cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, pigs and more — for meat, milk, eggs and other products.
A brief history of the discipline
As demand for animal protein grew, animal science developed to make livestock production efficient, healthy and profitable. It is central to Nigeria’s livestock and poultry industries.
What you will study
You study animal nutrition, breeding and genetics, animal physiology, husbandry and management, animal health, and animal products, with farm practicals — and a project.
Why study Animal Science & who it suits
This course suits students interested in food, farming, science and the environment, who enjoy both fieldwork and applied science. An interest in livestock and animal production is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in livestock and poultry production, the animal-feed industry, agribusiness, research and extension, and government agencies, and in related roles in the food and agro-allied sector.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Animal Science pay grows in livestock production, the feed industry and agribusiness.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦250,000 – ₦550,000 |
| Senior / management & agribusiness | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Animal Science is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology Akure and the University of Ilorin.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Animal Science admission guide.
Is Animal Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Animal Science covers the production and management of livestock, with demand in poultry and livestock, the feed industry and agribusiness — and strong entrepreneurship potential.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Demand in livestock and poultry production.
- The feed industry and agribusiness.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential (poultry/livestock farming).
- Research and extension roles.
Challenges to weigh:
- Public pay is modest.
- Hands-on field work.
- Competitive.
- Income variable if self-employed.
It suits students interested in livestock and animal production.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Animal Science builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Animal nutrition and husbandry
- Breeding and genetics knowledge
- Farm management
- Problem-solving
- Practical skills
- Entrepreneurship
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Agric / B.Sc Animal Science (about 5 years) → NYSC → roles in livestock production, feed industry, agribusiness and research.
How to get in: Animal Science UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Animal Science is Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Chemistry — practise CBT
- Biology — practise CBT
- Agricultural Science — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Animal Science, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Animal Science in Nigeria?
It typically takes 5 years (4 at some universities), followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Animal Science?
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics
What can I do with an Animal Science degree?
Work in livestock and poultry production, the feed industry, agribusiness, research and extension, and the food and agro-allied sector.
Is Animal Science the same as Veterinary Medicine?
No — Animal Science focuses on producing and managing livestock, while Veterinary Medicine is a separate clinical profession treating animal diseases.
Is Animal Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — there is demand in livestock and poultry production, the feed industry and agribusiness, plus strong farming-entrepreneurship potential.
What jobs can I get with Animal Science?
Livestock and poultry production, the feed industry, agribusiness, research and extension — or your own livestock business.
Animal Science vs Veterinary Medicine?
Animal Science focuses on producing and managing livestock; Veterinary Medicine is a separate clinical profession treating animal diseases.
Can I start a livestock business?
Yes — the degree is well suited to poultry, livestock and other animal-production enterprises.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and the relevant professional/registration bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.