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 | Horticulture, agribusiness and landscaping |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive |
On this page
- What Horticulture is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Horticulture & 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 Horticulture is about
Horticulture is the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants — a specialised, high-value branch of crop production that also includes landscaping and gardening.
A brief history of the discipline
As demand grew for fresh produce, flowers and green spaces, horticulture developed into a distinct, commercially valuable field with strong entrepreneurship potential.
What you will study
You study fruit and vegetable production, floriculture and landscaping, nursery management and plant propagation, post-harvest handling and greenhouse technology, with practicals — and a project.
Why study Horticulture & 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 growing fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in commercial horticulture and agribusiness, landscaping and garden design, nursery and greenhouse enterprises, research and extension, and horticultural entrepreneurship.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Horticulture pay grows in commercial horticulture, agribusiness and landscaping, and supports entrepreneurship.
| 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
Horticulture is offered at a number of 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 Horticulture admission guide.
Is Horticulture a good course to study in Nigeria?
Horticulture is the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants — a high-value, entrepreneurial branch of agriculture.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- High-value horticulture and agribusiness.
- Landscaping and nursery opportunities.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential (fruits, vegetables, flowers).
- Research and extension roles.
Challenges to weigh:
- Modest starting pay.
- Hands-on work.
- Competitive.
- Income variable if self-employed.
It suits students who love growing fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Horticulture builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Horticultural production
- Landscaping and nursery management
- Post-harvest handling
- Farm and business management
- Problem-solving
- Practical skills
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Agric / B.Sc Horticulture (about 5 years) → NYSC → roles in horticulture, agribusiness, landscaping and research, or your own horticultural business.
How to get in: Horticulture UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Horticulture 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 Horticulture, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Horticulture in Nigeria?
It typically takes 5 years (4 at some universities), followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Horticulture?
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics
What is Horticulture?
The cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants, including landscaping — a high-value, entrepreneurial branch of crop production.
Where do graduates work?
In commercial horticulture and agribusiness, landscaping and garden design, nursery and greenhouse enterprises, research, or their own business.
Is Horticulture a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is a high-value, entrepreneurial branch of agriculture, with opportunities in commercial horticulture, landscaping and nurseries.
What jobs can I get?
Commercial horticulture and agribusiness, landscaping and garden design, nursery and greenhouse enterprises, research and extension — or your own business.
Is Horticulture profitable?
It can be — fruits, vegetables, flowers and landscaping are high-value; profitability depends on management and markets.
Horticulture vs Crop Science?
Horticulture focuses on high-value fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals (including landscaping); Crop Science covers staple and field crops more broadly.
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.