Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
|---|---|
| Duration | typically 4–5 years, then a clinical internship and NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Basic Medical Sciences / Agriculture / Health Sciences (varies by university) |
| Professional body | Nutrition Society of Nigeria / Dietitians Association of Nigeria (practising dietitians are registered) |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Human Nutrition and Dietetics is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Human Nutrition and Dietetics & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Human Nutrition and Dietetics is about
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the science of food, nutrients and how they affect health, together with dietetics — applying that science to prevent and treat disease through diet. It bridges food science, biochemistry and clinical care.
A brief history of the discipline
The field grew from home economics and food science into an increasingly clinical, evidence-based discipline as the links between diet and disease became clearer. In Nigeria, dietitians who practise clinically are professionally registered.
What you will study
Core areas include nutrition science and biochemistry, food science, clinical and therapeutic nutrition, community and public-health nutrition, and food-service management — usually with a supervised clinical internship.
Why study Human Nutrition and Dietetics & who it suits
This course suits students interested in food, health and science who enjoy working with and caring for people. Strong Biology and Chemistry help.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work as clinical dietitians in hospitals, in community and public-health nutrition, in the food and beverage industry, in research and consultancy, in academia, and with NGOs and health agencies.
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc degree → clinical internship → registration to practise as a dietitian → NYSC → practice, with postgraduate options for advancement.
How to get in: Human Nutrition and Dietetics UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, with five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
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 Human Nutrition and Dietetics, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria?
Typically 4–5 years depending on the university, followed by a clinical internship and the one-year NYSC for those practising as dietitians.
What are the JAMB subjects?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with O'Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
Broadly, dietitians are trained and registered to provide clinical dietary treatment (for example in hospitals), while 'nutritionist' is a wider term. Practising clinically requires the appropriate registration.
Where do graduates work?
Hospitals, community and public-health nutrition, the food industry, research, consultancy, academia and NGOs.
Is this a science course?
Yes — it is grounded in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, applied to food and health.
Sources: Summarised from Nigerian universities and professional nutrition/dietetics 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.