Nutrition and Dietetics courses in Nigerian universities

Nutritionists and dietitians are usually tasked with breaking down scientific knowledge about food concerning modern-day issues of health and disease. Nutrition and Dietetics courses in Nigerian universities can be done in Bells University of Technology, Babcock University, Osun State University, and many more. So here is a list of federal and public universities offering nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria.

Key takeaways

• Nutrition and dietetics courses give graduates wide-ranging options when it comes to the practical application of their knowledge.
• The direct entry requirements for a nutrition and dietetics course in Nigeria include: two A-Level passes in biology, chemistry, and either physics or agricultural science, and NCE credit/merit and ND credit, in addition to five credits in SSC or its equivalents.
• Applicants with O-Level qualifications are required to have five SSC credit passes.
• The subject combination for nutrition and dietetics includes chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, English, and either agricultural science or biology.

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Nutrition and Dietetics courses in Nigerian universities

Here is a look at the institutions offering food and nutrition courses in the country.

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)

This is a tertiary institution located in Keffi, Nigeria. The institution was created to encourage higher education in Keffi and its neighbouring areas. The institution offers a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics.

Bells University of Technology, Otta (BUT)

The Bells University of Technology, commonly known as Bellstech, was the first private institution of technology established in Nigeria. Founded back in 2004, the institution began admitting students in 2005. Today, one can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics at Bellstech.

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is one of the tertiary institutions owned and operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The institution offers a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics.

Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)

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The Imo State University in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, was established in 1981 through a law of the State House of Assembly. The university admitted the first students in 1981. ISU offers a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu. I was founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe and was formally opened on 7 October 1960. The institution has three campuses. The institution offers a national diploma in nutrition and dietetics as well as a bachelor's degree in the same.

Wesley University of Science and Technology (WUSTO)

Wesley University was formerly known as the Wesley University of Science and Technology. It was founded by the Methodist Church in Nigeria and granted an official operating license by the National Universities Commission in 2007. The institution offers a BSc. Nutrition and Dietetics course.

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is a tertiary institution located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The institution currently has a student population of over 30,000. One of the courses in the human sciences department is the Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics.

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Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo (BU)

BU is a private Christian co-educational Nigerian university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria. The institution offers a BSc in nutrition and dietetics.

Osun State University

OSU is a multi-campus university established by the Osun State Government under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Those looking to study nutrition and dietetics at Osun State University can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics.

Lead City University, Ibadan (LCU)

Lead City University is a private institution of higher learning in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The institution offers a BSc in human nutrition & dietetics under the faculty of public health.

Requirements of nutrition and dietetics courses in Nigeria

Like numerous other courses, there are various qualifications one can use to get enrolled in a nutrition and dietetics course. Here is a quick look.

Direct entry requirements

The direct entry option is open to applicants with A-level qualifications as well as those who sat NCE assessments. Here are the direct entry requirements for the nutrition and dietetics course.

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• Two A-Level passes in biology, chemistry, and either physics or agricultural science.
• NCE credit/merit and ND credit, in addition to five credits in SSC or its equivalents.

O-Level requirements

Applicants with O-Level qualifications are required to have five SSC credit passes. The subject combination for nutrition and dietetics includes chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, English, and either agricultural science or biology.

UTME subject combination requirements

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective undergraduates in Nigeria. Applicants with UTME qualifications looking to enrol in a nutrition and dietetics course must have credits in the following subjects.

• English Language
• Chemistry
• Biology/Agriculture
• Mathematics / Physics

What are the cut-off marks for nutrition and dietetics?

There is no single cut-off mark for nutrition and dietetics; it varies by university, but expect JAMB's general minimum (around 150 for 2025/2026) plus competitive departmental scores, often requiring credits in Biology, Chemistry, English, and Maths/Physics, with universities like UI setting specific Post-UTME scores.

Is human nutrition and dietetics a good course in Nigeria?

Yes, Human Nutrition and Dietetics is a good and increasingly vital course in Nigeria due to rising diet-related diseases (obesity, diabetes) and malnutrition.

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Job opportunities for nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria?

Nutrition and dietetics courses provide opportunities in hospitals, public health, the food industry, and private practice.

Is human nutrition and dietetics a professional course?

Yes, Human Nutrition and Dietetics is a recognized professional course, training graduates for roles as registered dietitians or nutritionists in healthcare.

Are there nutrition and dietetics courses in Nigeria that are offered online?

Yes, there are online nutrition and dietetics courses available for study in Nigeria, ranging from short certificates to postgraduate diplomas, offered by international platforms like Africa Training Institute, TECH España, and Oxford Home Study Centre, with options like full online degrees also available from universities like Atlantic International University.

Which schools offer a Master's in nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria

Several Nigerian universities offer Master's programs in Nutrition and Dietetics, including:

• Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB)
• University of Nigeria (Nsukka)
• Usmanu Danfodio University (Sokoto)
• Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
• Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

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Which university is best for nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria?

Some of the best universities to study Nutrition and Dietetics include: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

How many years does it take to study nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria?

Typically, a degree course will take four years, while a diploma takes two years.

Which Faculty is Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria?

This varies from one institution to another. Typically, the course can be found under the public health, human sciences, or nutrition science faculties.

Which is the best university to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria?

The best university to study nutrition and dietetics depends on numerous factors such as proximity, tuition fees, reputation, and structure. This means different people will have different institutions they deem the best. Still, some of the best include the Nasarawa State University and the Imo State University.

How much is a dietitian in Nigeria paid?

A person working as a dietitian in Nigeria typically earns around N646,000 per month. Salaries typically range from N297,000 on the lower side to about N1,030,000 on the higher side.

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There are numerous Nutrition and Dietetics courses in Nigerian universities. These institutions offer diploma and degree programs in nutrition. The available institutions are spread across various Nigerian states and cities.

Legit.ng recently published an article about the largest universities in Nigeria. The country is renowned for its vibrant economy and numerous educational institutions.

These universities vary greatly in size, student population, and courses offered. So, which are the largest higher education institutions in Nigeria, how big are they, and what are they best known for?

Source: Legit.ng