Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | B.Agric / B.Sc |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Agriculture |
| Career field / body | Aquaculture, fisheries management and research; Fisheries Society of Nigeria |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive |
On this page
- What Fisheries is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Fisheries & 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 Fisheries is about
Fisheries is the study of the production and management of fish and other aquatic resources — through both aquaculture (fish farming) and the management of wild capture fisheries.
A brief history of the discipline
As demand for fish protein grew and wild stocks came under pressure, fisheries science and aquaculture became vital to food security. Nigeria has strong potential in fish farming.
What you will study
You study aquaculture and fish farming, fish biology, fisheries management, fish nutrition and processing, and aquatic ecology, with practicals — and a project.
Why study Fisheries & 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 fish, aquaculture and aquatic life is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in fish farming and aquaculture, fisheries management, fish processing and marketing, research, and government and development agencies, and in agri-entrepreneurship.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Fisheries pay grows in aquaculture, fish processing and agribusiness, and supports strong self-employment.
| 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
Fisheries is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, University of Uyo, Lagos State University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.
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 Fisheries admission guide.
Is Fisheries a good course to study in Nigeria?
Fisheries covers the production and management of fish and aquatic resources, with strong aquaculture and entrepreneurship potential.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Aquaculture demand and food security.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential (fish farming).
- Processing, marketing and value-chain roles.
- Research and agency roles.
Challenges to weigh:
- Public pay is modest.
- Hands-on work.
- Competitive.
- Income variable if self-employed.
It suits students interested in fish, aquaculture and aquatic life.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Fisheries builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Aquaculture and fish biology
- Fisheries management
- Fish nutrition and processing
- Farm management
- Problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Agric / B.Sc Fisheries (4–5 years) → NYSC → roles in aquaculture, fisheries management, processing and research.
How to get in: Fisheries UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Fisheries is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, 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:
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 Fisheries, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Fisheries in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4–5 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Fisheries?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
What can I do with a Fisheries degree?
Work in fish farming and aquaculture, fisheries management, fish processing and marketing, research and development agencies, or start a fish-farming business.
Is fish farming a good business in Nigeria?
Yes — aquaculture has strong demand and growth potential, and a Fisheries degree provides the science and management skills for it.
Is Fisheries a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — aquaculture has strong demand and growth potential, and the degree provides the science and management skills for it, with strong self-employment options.
What jobs can I get?
Fish farming and aquaculture, fisheries management, fish processing and marketing, research and development agencies — or your own fish-farming business.
Is fish farming profitable in Nigeria?
It can be — aquaculture is in strong demand; profitability depends on good management, feed costs and marketing.
Can I start a fish farm with this degree?
Yes — the degree is well suited to founding and running aquaculture 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.