The B.Agric. Fisheries and Aquaculture programme provides you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to manage, conserve and cultivate aquatic organisms for food production, research and environmental sustainability. You will study fish biology, aquatic ecology, water quality, fish health, aquaculture systems and fisheries management, while developing hands-on competence in hatchery operations, fish farming, processing and value addition.
This programme prepares you to address global challenges such as food security, sustainable resource management and environmental conservation. You will graduate with the expertise required to support the development of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, contribute to research and work across public and private industries involved in aquatic food production.
Course Overview
The B.Agric. Fisheries and Aquaculture programme combines theoretical instruction with laboratory and field-based training. You will explore fisheries resources, aquatic ecosystems, capture fisheries, aquaculture production systems, genetics, nutrition, environmental management and post-harvest technology.
The programme runs for four years through UTME and three years through Direct Entry.
By engaging in practical sessions, field trips, farm placements, laboratory analysis and a final research project, you will acquire the scientific and technical competence required for modern fisheries and aquaculture practice.
Course Curriculum
You begin with foundational scientific courses such as:
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Introduction to Fisheries
- Basic Genetics
- Mathematics for Life Sciences
- Communication Skills
- Use of Library and Study Skills
You advance into discipline-focused courses such as:
- Fish Anatomy and Physiology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Fish Nutrition
- Biostatistics
- Introduction to Aquaculture Systems
- Fish Genetics and Breeding
- Applied Chemistry
Your professional training deepens through courses such as:
- Hatchery Management
- Aquaculture Production Techniques
- Fisheries Management
- Limnology
- Fish Health and Diseases
- Post-Harvest Fisheries Technology
- Research Methods
You complete your training with advanced courses such as:
- Aquaculture Engineering
- Environmental Impact Assessment in Aquaculture
- Fisheries Extension and Policy
- Seminar in Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Industrial Attachment / Field Experience
- Research Project
Entry Requirements
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have at least five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and any other relevant Science subject, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry and one other relevant Science subject.
- Meet the departmental and university cut-off marks.
- Demonstrate interest and aptitude in biological sciences, aquatic organisms and environmental sustainability.
- Satisfy all other general admission requirements of the university.
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- You must have five credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and one other acceptable subject, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Possess ND, NCE or equivalent qualifications in Fisheries, Biology, Agriculture or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
- Provide academic transcripts and supporting documents during the application.
- Meet the university’s general Direct Entry admission regulations.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Fisheries and Aquaculture at Olabisi Onabanjo University provides you with the scientific knowledge and practical training needed to manage aquatic resources, promote sustainable fish production and contribute to food security. The programme blends modern aquaculture technology with ecosystem management and fisheries science.
You will benefit from:
- A curriculum aligned with national and global standards in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- Experienced lecturers specialising in fish biology, aquaculture systems, aquatic ecology and fisheries management.
- Practical exposure through laboratory work, hatchery operations, fish pond management and field studies.
- Opportunities to develop technical, analytical and environmental management skills relevant to fisheries production.
- Hands-on experience with modern aquaculture techniques, water quality assessment and fish health practices.
- A strong foundation for careers in agriculture, aquaculture enterprises, extension services and environmental conservation.
This programme prepares you to contribute meaningfully to sustainable fisheries development at local, national and global levels.
Research Project
In your final year, you will complete a research project that demonstrates your ability to investigate issues in aquatic science, fish production, aquaculture technology or fisheries management. This research strengthens your capacity to identify challenges, test solutions and apply scientific methods to real-world problems in fisheries.
Working under the supervision of an academic mentor, you will:
- Choose a topic related to fish nutrition, fish breeding, water quality, aquaculture systems, aquatic ecology, fisheries economics or resource management.
- Conduct fieldwork, laboratory experiments, farm-based studies or data-driven research.
- Apply appropriate scientific, analytical and environmental assessment methods.
- Produce an academically rigorous project report that reflects strong scientific understanding.
Your project becomes the capstone of your training, preparing you for professional practice, entrepreneurship or advanced studies in Fisheries, Aquaculture or Marine Science.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
- Earn the minimum credit units prescribed for the four-year UTME pathway or the three-year Direct Entry route.
- Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
- Complete and defend your final-year research project.
- Fulfil all laboratory, fieldwork, farm practical and seminar obligations.
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. Fisheries and Aquaculture, a degree that equips you for roles in aquatic resource management, aquaculture production, environmental conservation, and fisheries development.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture opens diverse professional pathways across agriculture, environmental management, food production, research, and marine-related industries. You will be equipped to work in both public and private sectors, contributing to sustainable food systems and aquatic resource conservation.
You may pursue careers such as:
- Fisheries Officer
- Aquaculture Farm Manager
- Hatchery Technician
- Marine Resource Conservation Officer
- Fish Feed Production Specialist
- Aquatic Health Specialist
- Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant
- Research Assistant
- Water Quality Analyst
- Extension and Community Development Officer
You may find employment in:
- Fisheries departments and government agencies
- Private aquaculture farms and hatcheries
- Marine and freshwater research institutes
- Environmental and ecological management organisations
- Universities and colleges
- Food processing and seafood companies
- NGOs involved in sustainable fisheries and conservation
- Aquatic laboratories and water quality agencies
The programme also gives you a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Management, Environmental Science or related fields.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice institution.
- Select Fisheries and Aquaculture as your preferred programme.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Science subjects.
- Possess at least five O-Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and any other relevant science subject.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening and meet the departmental cut-off mark.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Possess ND, NCE or equivalent qualifications in Fisheries, Agriculture, Biology or other related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
- Present the required O-Level credit passes.
- Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents via the OOU admissions portal.
Course Coordinator
The B.Agric. Fisheries and Aquaculture programme is managed by a team of experienced lecturers, researchers and field experts within the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science.
Contact Information:
- Email: ffw.dept@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 5 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.)
- Department = Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife Production
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources, Ayetoro Campus
- Scholarship opportunities