Universities in Nigeria Offering Nutrition and Dietetics

Diet has recently emerged as a key factor in promoting health and well-being. As a result of this increased knowledge, students now recognize the importance of Nutrition and Dietetics as an essential field of study.

Numerous Nigerian institutions currently offer well-structured nutrition and dietetics programs to meet the rising need for competent professionals in this field. Whether you’re starting your academic career as an undergraduate or furthering your knowledge via postgraduate study, universities like these provide a variety of alternatives to prepare you for a successful career in this field.

The purpose of this article is to help you analyze a complete list of Nigerian Universities offering Nutrition and Dietetics, the general requirements needed to study a course like Nutrition and Dietetics, and other necessary information you might need. Read on to see a full list of Universities that offer Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria.

Universities in Nigeria Offering Nutrition and Dietetics

In some universities, you might find a course like Human Nutrition or Nutrition and Dietetics. The truth is that they are both the same. Human Nutrition is a new course in most Nigerian universities. However, it’s getting more popular each year. Just like in-demand fields like medicine, nutrition, and dietetics have become some of the most important after-courses in the most profound universities in Nigeria today.

Below is a complete list of Universities offering Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria:

Federal universities to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria (2024)

• University of Ibadan (UI) – College of Medicine
• University of Calabar (UNICAL) – Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Medical Sciences.
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) – Faculty of Agriculture
• Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Faculty of Basic Medical Science
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State
• University of Uyo (UNIUYO) – Not accredited for Nutrition and Dietetics.

State universities to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria

• Kaduna State University (KASU)
• Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma (AAU)
• Imo State University Owerri (IMSU)
• Nassarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)
• Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
• Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara (ZSU)
•  Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
• Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)
• University of Medical Sciences Ondo (UNIMED)
• Kogi State University, Anyigba (now Prince Abubakar Audu University)
• David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State
• State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno (Enugu)

Private universities in Nigeria to study Nutrition and Dietetics

• Afe Babalola University, Ado-ekiti (ABUAD)
• Babcock University Illishan Remo Ogun State
• Bowen University – College of Health Sciences
• Lead City University, Ibadan
• PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Portharcourt
• Bells University of Technology, Ota Ogun State
• Wesley University, Ondo
• Wellspring University, Irhihi-Ogbaneki, Benin-city, Edo State
• Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State
• Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State

List of Polytechnics offering Nutrition and Dietetics

• Federal Polytechnic, Offa
• Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
• Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
• Yaba College of Technology, Lagos
• Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina
• Kaduna Polytechnic

Requirement Neded to Study Nutrition and Dietetics Or Human Nutrition In Nigeria Universities

The requirements to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigerian universities typically vary by institution, but they generally include a combination of academic qualifications and specific subjects. Here’s a breakdown of the common requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs:

Undergraduate Requirements

To gain admission into an undergraduate program in Nutrition and Dietetics, students must meet the following:

O’Level Requirements

A minimum of five (5) credits in relevant subjects, including:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics (or another science subject like Food and Nutrition, Agricultural Science, or Health Science in some cases)

Note: These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

UTME (JAMB) Subject Combination

Candidates are required to write four UTME subjects:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics or Agricultural Science

Cut-Off Marks

• Most universities set a cut-off mark for admission. However, the general cut-off mark is between 180 and 250 in JAMB UTME.

Post-UTME Screening

• Candidates must pass the post-UTME screening conducted by their chosen institution.

Direct Entry Requirements

Candidates applying through Direct Entry must meet additional criteria, such as:

• A-Level Qualifications: At least two (2) A-Level passes in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Diploma or NCE: A diploma in Nutrition, Food Science, or a related field may be accepted for Direct Entry.
• OND/HND: Some institutions accept Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) holders with upper credit in related disciplines.

Postgraduate Requirements

For postgraduate studies, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in Nutrition and Dietetics, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Science, Biochemistry, or related fields with at least a Second Class Lower (2:2).
• For Ph.D. programs, a Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Submission of academic transcripts from previous institutions.
• Some programs, particularly professional ones, may require relevant work experience in dietetics, food science, or public health.
• Candidates may need to pass an entrance exam or attend an interview, depending on the institution.

Additional Considerations

• Some universities may require a health clearance as part of their admission process.
• Proficiency in English is necessary for candidates whose previous education was not conducted in English.

I hope you find this information helpful. We will make every attempt to update this list when additional universities gain accreditation to study Nutrition and Dietetics as a course. If you have any questions or need more clarification, please leave them in the comments section below. 

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