If you are curious about how raw agricultural materials are transformed into nutritious, safe, and high-quality food products, the B.Sc. Food Science and Technology programme offers you the scientific and practical training needed to excel in this field. The programme explores how food behaves during processing, how it can be preserved, packaged, and improved, and how to ensure it meets strict quality and safety standards.

You will develop a solid grounding in the biological, chemical, and engineering principles that shape modern food production. Through laboratory work, field experience, and industrial training, you will learn to solve real-world problems related to food quality, nutrition, product development, and consumer safety. The programme prepares you to play a meaningful role in Nigeria’s growing food and beverage industry, where innovation, safety, and sustainability are increasingly essential.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Food Science and Technology programme equips you with an in-depth understanding of food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, sensory evaluation, and food processing technologies. You will learn how to analyse the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of food; how to design safe processing systems; and how to develop new or improved food products that meet consumer needs.

The programme blends scientific theory with practical skills in food analysis, safety control, preservation techniques, and product innovation. You will also explore how food systems relate to health, nutrition, and national development. The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. 

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is drawn from the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). It combines foundational sciences, specialised food science courses, engineering applications, laboratory training, and industrial exposure through the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). At every level of study, you will deepen your scientific understanding while gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for professional practice in the food industry.

Your first year builds your scientific foundation with courses that introduce you to the biological, chemical, and physical principles of food and agricultural systems.

  1. General Biology
  2. General Chemistry
  3. General Physics
  4. Introduction to Food Science and Technology
  5. General Agriculture
  6. Mathematics and Statistics for Food Scientists
  7. Communication in English
  8. Nigerian Peoples and Culture

At this stage, you begin to study the core scientific components that influence food composition, safety, and nutritional quality.

  1. Food Chemistry I
  2. Food Microbiology I
  3. Human Nutrition
  4. Biochemistry for Food Scientists
  5. Introduction to Food Engineering
  6. Agricultural Economics
  7. Statistics and Computer Applications
  8. SIWES I (Introductory Industrial Exposure)

Your third year strengthens your understanding of processing techniques, preservation technologies, and quality assurance through applied laboratory and pilot-plant work.

  1. Food Chemistry II
  2. Food Microbiology II
  3. Food Processing and Preservation
  4. Food Engineering II
  5. Sensory Evaluation of Food
  6. Unit Operations in Food Processing
  7. Research Methods in Food Science
  8. SIWES II (Industrial Attachment)

Your final year focuses on food product innovation, quality control systems, food biotechnology, and advanced processing technologies. You will also complete an independent research project.

Courses include:

  1. Food Product Development
  2. Food Quality Control and Assurance
  3. Food Biotechnology
  4. Advanced Food Processing Technologies
  5. Food Packaging and Storage Systems
  6. Entrepreneurship in Food Science
  7. Research Project / Dissertation

Entry Requirements

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Possess at least five credit passes at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and one additional relevant science subject.
  2. Sit for the UTME with the required subject combination, including Chemistry and other relevant science subjects.
  3. Demonstrate a strong interest in scientific problem-solving and food-related studies.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and one relevant science subject.
  2. Hold an acceptable qualification such as:
    1. A-Level passes in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
    2. National Diploma (ND) or equivalent in Food Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Agriculture, or related fields with a minimum of Merit/Upper Credit.
  3. Meet all other requirements set by the University and the Department.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Food Science and Technology at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a blend of scientific depth, practical exposure, and industry relevance. You will learn from experienced academics who specialise in food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, and product development. Our laboratories and training facilities give you hands-on experience working with modern food processing and analytical equipment.

The programme integrates theory with practice through SIWES placements, field visits, industrial demonstrations, and research projects, helping you understand real-world food production challenges. You will also gain valuable competencies in food safety, quality control, sensory evaluation, and product innovation—skills that are increasingly sought after in Nigeria’s expanding food and beverages industry.

At OOU, we prepare you to contribute meaningfully to national food security, public health, and industrial development.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to investigate food-related problems using scientific methods. This project allows you to specialise in an area of interest such as food chemistry, microbial safety, product development, or processing technologies.

During the project, you will:

  1. Identify a relevant research problem in food science or food technology.
  2. Conduct laboratory experiments, field studies, or industry-based investigations.
  3. Analyse data using appropriate scientific and statistical tools.
  4. Present your findings in a structured research report.

The project serves as the capstone of your training, showcasing your technical competence, analytical skills, and readiness for advanced study or professional practice.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all prescribed core, elective, and general courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Complete all practical components, including laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and SIWES placements.
  4. Conduct, submit, and defend an original final-year research project.
  5. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Food Science and Technology, a degree that positions you for diverse professional opportunities in food production, safety, innovation, and quality management.

Career Opportunities

Your training in Food Science and Technology prepares you for versatile roles across the food and beverage sector, research institutes, regulatory agencies, and manufacturing industries.

You may work as a:

  1. Food processing technologist
  2. Quality assurance or quality control officer
  3. Food safety officer
  4. Product development specialist
  5. Food microbiologist
  6. Packaging and storage technologist
  7. Sensory evaluation analyst
  8. Nutrition and food service supervisor
  9. Research assistant
  10. Technical sales or product support officer

You may find employment in:

  1. Food and beverage manufacturing companies
  2. Regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and public health bodies
  3. Research institutes and laboratories
  4. Breweries, bakeries, confectioneries, and dairy industries
  5. Food packaging and preservation companies
  6. Agricultural and agro-allied industries
  7. Catering and institutional food services
  8. NGOs focused on nutrition and food security
  9. Entrepreneurship ventures in processing, distribution, or product innovation

The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Public Health, Food Engineering, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first-choice institution.
  2. Choose Food Science and Technology as your preferred programme.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the approved subject combination, including Chemistry and other relevant science subjects.
  4. Possess at least five O-Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and one other science subject.
  5. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an ND, NCE, or A-Level qualification in relevant science or food-related fields with at least a Merit/Upper Credit.
  2. Possess five O-Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and one additional science subject.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Food Science and Technology programme is overseen by a team of dedicated academics within the Department, committed to producing graduates who can advance food safety, quality, and innovation in Nigeria’s food industry.

Contact Information: