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 | Agriculture, land and environmental management |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive |
On this page
- What Soil Science is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Soil 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 Soil Science is about
Soil Science is the study of soils — their formation, properties and management — and how to use and conserve them for agriculture and the environment.
A brief history of the discipline
Healthy soil is the foundation of food production, and soil science is key to fertility, conservation and sustainable land use, which matter greatly to Nigerian agriculture and the environment.
What you will study
You study soil physics, chemistry and biology, soil fertility and plant nutrition, soil survey and classification, soil and water conservation, and land-use management, with fieldwork — and a project.
Why study Soil 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 soils, land and the environment is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in agriculture and land management, soil and environmental consultancy, the fertiliser and agro-input industry, research and extension, and government agencies.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Soil Science pay grows in agriculture, land and environmental management and the agro-input industry.
| 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
Soil 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 Soil Science admission guide.
Is Soil Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Soil Science is the study of soils and their management — key to agriculture and the environment — with roles in the agro-input industry, land and environmental management, and research.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Agriculture, land and environmental management, and the agro-input industry.
- Distinctive, niche expertise.
- Relevance to sustainability and food security.
- Consultancy potential.
Challenges to weigh:
- Public pay is modest.
- Field and laboratory work.
- A narrower job market.
- Competitive.
It suits students interested in soils, land and the environment.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Soil Science builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Soil analysis and fertility management
- Land-use and conservation
- Laboratory and field techniques
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Research
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Agric / B.Sc Soil Science (about 5 years) → NYSC → roles in agriculture, land and environmental management, agro-inputs and research.
How to get in: Soil Science UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Soil 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 Soil Science, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Soil Science in Nigeria?
It typically takes 5 years (4 at some universities), followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Soil Science?
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics
What can I do with a Soil Science degree?
Work in agriculture and land management, soil and environmental consultancy, the fertiliser and agro-input industry, research and government.
Why is soil science important?
Healthy soil underpins food production; soil scientists manage fertility, conservation and sustainable land use.
Is Soil Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes for those drawn to soils and land — it supports agriculture, the fertiliser/agro-input industry, land and environmental management, and research.
What jobs can I get?
Agriculture and land management, soil and environmental consultancy, the fertiliser and agro-input industry, research and government.
Why is Soil Science important?
Healthy soil underpins food production; soil scientists manage fertility, conservation and sustainable land use.
Does it pay well?
Public pay is modest, but consultancy, agro-input industry and environmental roles pay better and grow with experience.
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.