Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | B.Sc |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Agriculture / Technology |
| Career field / body | Food industry, QC and regulation; NIFST |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Food Science and Technology is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Food Science and Technology & 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 Food Science and Technology is about
Food Science and Technology is the study of the nature of food and the science of processing, preserving, packaging and ensuring the safety and quality of what we eat and drink.
A brief history of the discipline
As food moved from farm to factory to shelf, food science and technology became essential to feeding growing populations safely. It underpins Nigeria’s large food and beverage industry.
What you will study
You study food chemistry and microbiology, food processing and preservation, food engineering, food quality and safety, and product development, with laboratory work and industrial training — and a project.
Why study Food Science and Technology & 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 food, science and industry is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in the food and beverage industry, quality control and assurance, product development, food safety and regulation (such as NAFDAC and SON), research and entrepreneurship. Professional standing comes through the NIFST.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Food Science and Technology pays well in the food and beverage industry, quality control and product development.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦120,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Mid-level (QC / production) | ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Senior / industry & regulation | ₦800,000 – ₦1,800,000+ |
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
Food Science and Technology is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the Federal University of Technology Akure, the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, University of Nigeria, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, 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 Food Science and Technology admission guide.
Is Food Science and Technology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Food Science and Technology is the science of processing, preserving and ensuring the safety and quality of food, with strong demand in the large food and beverage industry.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Strong food and beverage industry demand.
- Quality control/assurance, product development and regulation roles.
- Good industry pay.
- Entrepreneurship potential (food products).
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry pay is modest.
- Laboratory- and industry-intensive.
- Competitive.
- Best roles reward experience.
It suits students interested in food, science and industry.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Food Science and Technology builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Food chemistry and microbiology
- Processing and preservation
- Quality control and safety
- Product development
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Food Science and Technology (4–5 years) → NYSC → roles in the food industry, QC/QA, product development, regulation and research, with NIFST professional membership.
How to get in: Food Science and Technology UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Food Science and Technology 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 Food Science and Technology, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Food Science and Technology in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4–5 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Food Science and Technology?
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics
What can I do with a Food Science and Technology degree?
Work in the food and beverage industry, quality control and assurance, product development, food safety and regulation, research or your own food business.
Is Food Science a good course?
Yes — the food and beverage industry is large and growing, with strong demand for graduates in processing, quality and product development.
Is Food Science and Technology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — the food and beverage industry is large and growing, with strong demand for graduates in processing, quality and product development, plus entrepreneurship potential.
What jobs can I get?
Roles in the food and beverage industry, quality control and assurance, product development, food safety and regulation, and research — or your own food business.
Does Food Science pay well?
Industry and quality-control roles pay well and grow with experience; entry pay is modest.
Can I start a food business with this degree?
Yes — the degree suits founding food-processing and food-product enterprises, backed by real food-safety and product-development skills.
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.