Prospective students aiming to study Animal Science in Nigerian universities must understand the correct JAMB subject combination to ensure successful admission. This guide provides comprehensive details on the required subjects, O-level credits, Direct Entry qualifications, top institutions, and cut-off marks for the 2026 academic session.
JAMB Subject Combination for Animal Science
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subject combination for Animal Science includes English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Mathematics or Physics. However, the exact combination may vary depending on the faculty under which the course is offered. Most universities place Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, while a few offer it under the Faculty of Science or Life Sciences.
For the Faculty of Agriculture, candidates must register for Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Mathematics or Physics. For the Faculty of Science or Life Sciences, the required subjects are Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics.
WAEC Subject Combination for Animal Science
To qualify for admission, candidates must obtain at least five credit passes in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), or National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). The required O-level credits include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one additional science subject such as Physics. For the Faculty of Science or Life Sciences, the credits must be in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Direct Entry Requirements for Animal Science
Direct Entry candidates must meet specific academic standards. For the Faculty of Agriculture, at least two A-level passes in Chemistry and one from Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agricultural Science, Economics, or Mathematics are required. Additionally, an ND or HND with at least a lower credit or merit pass in relevant agricultural programs is acceptable. For the Faculty of Science or Life Sciences, two A-level passes in Biology and Chemistry are needed, along with an ND or HND upper credit in relevant biological science disciplines.
Core Courses in Animal Science
Students enrolled in Animal Science study a range of biological and technical subjects. Core courses typically include Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry, which covers feed formulation and metabolic processes; Animal Breeding and Genetics, focusing on genetic improvement and trait inheritance; Animal Physiology and Reproduction, exploring body systems and reproductive techniques; and Livestock Production and Management, involving practical husbandry for poultry, pigs, and ruminants.
Top Universities for Animal Science in Nigeria
Several Nigerian universities offer excellent Animal Science programs with quality training and research facilities. Notable institutions include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Rivers State University (RSU), University of Ibadan (UI), Kaduna State University (KASU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Taraba State University (TASU), University of Calabar (UNICAL), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Benue State University (BSUM), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Landmark University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Kwara State University (KWASU), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Imo State University (IMSU), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Adamawa State University (ADSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Abia State University (ABSU), and Niger Delta University (NDU).
Polytechnics Offering Animal Science Related Programs
Several accredited Nigerian polytechnics approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) offer Animal Health and Production Technology (ND) programs. These include Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta; College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Mando, Kaduna; Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University (DAC-ABU); Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan; Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom; Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Owerri; Binyaminu Usman College of Agriculture, Hadejia; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo; Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture, Maiduguri; Anambra State College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu; Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa; Yobe State College of Agriculture, Gujba; College of Agriculture, Jalingo; Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Bauchi; Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev; Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; and Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Animal Science
The JAMB cut-off mark for Animal Science varies by institution. Highly competitive federal and top-tier state universities generally require scores between 180 and 200. Standard state universities often set cut-off marks between 150 and 170, while private institutions and less competitive schools may admit candidates with scores between 140 and 150. It is advisable to check the specific cut-off mark of your chosen university before applying.
Faculty of Animal Science at FUTO
At the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Animal Science and Technology is offered through the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT).
