B. Agricultural Engineering

Colleges and Faculties > College of Engineering and Environmental Studies (CEES) > Faculty of Engineering > Department of Agricultural Engineering > B. Agricultural Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to apply engineering principles to agricultural production, processing, and environmental management. The programme combines the fundamentals of engineering with agricultural and biological sciences to develop solutions for efficient food production, mechanisation, and sustainable natural resource utilisation.

You will learn how to design, construct, and manage systems and equipment used in farming, irrigation, post-harvest processing, and environmental control. The programme also emphasises innovation and problem-solving in areas such as mechanised agriculture, soil and water conservation, renewable energy systems, and agricultural technology development for rural advancement.

Course Overview

The programme runs for five academic years (ten semesters) and conforms fully to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Nigerian Universities as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

This multidisciplinary programme blends classroom instruction, laboratory practice, design projects, and fieldwork to provide a comprehensive engineering education with strong agricultural relevance. The core areas of study include:

  1. Farm power and machinery
  2. Soil and water engineering
  3. Agricultural structures and environmental control
  4. Food and process engineering
  5. Renewable energy and rural technology

Students are trained to develop engineering systems that enhance agricultural productivity while conserving resources and protecting the environment. The programme includes Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) placements and design-based projects that prepare you for professional practice, research, or entrepreneurship in the agricultural engineering sector.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum of the programme is structured to ensure a solid foundation in science, mathematics, engineering fundamentals, and agricultural applications.

  1. General Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  2. Introduction to Engineering and Design
  3. Engineering Drawing and Workshop Practice
  4. Introduction to Agricultural Engineering
  5. Biology and Ecology
  6. Communication Skills and General Studies
  1. Engineering Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  2. Fluid Mechanics and Strength of Materials
  3. Soil and Water Mechanics
  4. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals
  5. Agricultural Biology and Crop Science
  6. Computer Applications in Engineering
  1. Farm Power and Machinery
  2. Soil and Water Engineering
  3. Agricultural Process Engineering
  4. Irrigation and Drainage Systems
  5. Engineering Materials and Design
  6. SIWES (Industrial Training)
  1. Post-Harvest Technology and Processing
  2. Agricultural Structures and Environmental Control
  3. Renewable Energy and Bio-resources Systems
  4. Machine Design and Analysis
  5. Hydrology and Water Resource Engineering
  6. Project Planning and Management
  1. Farm Mechanisation and Systems Design
  2. Environmental and Waste Management in Agriculture
  3. Advanced Agricultural Process Engineering
  4. Design Project / Research Thesis
  5. Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship

This curriculum ensures that graduates are technically competent, environmentally conscious, and capable of developing sustainable engineering solutions for modern agriculture.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the programme is through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) route.

1. UTME (100-Level Entry)

To qualify for admission, you must have:

  1. At least five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one (1) other relevant subject (such as Biology, Agricultural Science, or Technical Drawing) obtained at not more than two sittings in the SSCE, GCE, NECO, or equivalent.
  2. A satisfactory score in the UTME, with the required subjects being English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
  3. Successful performance in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (200-Level Entry)

You may be admitted through Direct Entry if you have:

  1. GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) passes in at least two subjects, including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.
  2. A National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agricultural Engineering or related fields such as Mechanical or Civil Engineering, with at least Upper Credit.
  3. JUPEB or equivalent qualifications in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

All candidates must also satisfy the university’s general entry regulations for the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Studies.

Why study at OOU?

Studying agricultural engineering gives you a unique opportunity to combine engineering expertise with agricultural innovation, a key driver of national and global food security.

Here’s why OOU stands out:

  1. NUC-Compliant Curriculum: The programme follows the CCMAS approved by the National Universities Commission, ensuring that you receive a world-class and industry-relevant education.
  2. Experienced Faculty: You will learn from a blend of academics and practising engineers who bring field experience and research innovation into the classroom.
  3. Strong Practical Orientation: Through laboratory work, workshops, farm practice, and SIWES placements, you will gain hands-on experience in solving real-world agricultural challenges.
  4. Modern Facilities: The department is equipped with facilities for farm machinery, soil mechanics, irrigation, and processing technology to support effective learning.
  5. Innovation and Sustainability Focus: The programme emphasises renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and environmentally friendly engineering solutions.
  6. Career-Ready Training: By graduation, you will be ready to work as a professional engineer, researcher, consultant, or entrepreneur in the agricultural and food systems sector.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that integrates classroom knowledge with applied problem-solving in the field of agricultural engineering.

The research project enables you to:

  1. Identify a relevant agricultural engineering problem.
  2. Apply engineering design and analytical methods to develop solutions.
  3. Conduct field or laboratory experiments, collect data, and interpret results.
  4. Produce a comprehensive technical report and defend it before a departmental panel.

Possible research areas include:

  1. Design and fabrication of agricultural machines.
  2. Irrigation and drainage system design.
  3. Post-harvest processing and storage systems.
  4. Renewable energy and bioresource utilisation.
  5. Environmental control and waste management in agriculture.

This project strengthens your analytical and research skills while demonstrating your readiness for professional engineering practice or postgraduate studies.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Agricultural Engineering, you must satisfy both the departmental and university-wide graduation requirements.

Academic Requirements

You are required to:

  1. Complete a minimum of 168 credit units for UTME entrants and the approved equivalent for Direct Entry students.
  2. Pass all core, elective, and general studies courses listed in the programme structure.
  3. Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.50 on a 5-point scale.
  4. Complete the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) as well as all practical and design studio courses.
  5. Undertake and defend an independent research project in your final year to demonstrate competence in agricultural engineering problem-solving.

Grading and Degree Classification

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

Students who meet these requirements are awarded the B.Eng. (Hons) Agricultural Engineering degree, signifying readiness for professional practice and postgraduate study.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of agricultural engineering are well-equipped to pursue careers across a broad range of sectors where engineering meets agriculture, food production, and environmental management.

Potential career paths

  1. Agricultural Engineer / Farm Systems Engineer
  2. Irrigation and Drainage Engineer
  3. Post-Harvest and Processing Engineer
  4. Soil and Water Conservation Specialist
  5. Bioenergy and Renewable Systems Engineer
  6. Rural Infrastructure Development Officer
  7. Project Design and Evaluation Consultant
  8. Lecturer/Research Scientist

You can work in:

  1. Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources
  2. Agricultural Mechanisation and Engineering Services Agencies
  3. Food processing and manufacturing industries
  4. Research institutes and universities
  5. Environmental and renewable energy firms
  6. International development organisations
  7. Private agribusiness and consultancy firms

The programme also prepares you for professional registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and membership of relevant engineering societies.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Select agricultural engineering as your preferred course of study and Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the required subject combination: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
  4. Apply for and pass the university’s Post-UTME Screening Exercise.
  5. Complete your admission process and registration through the official OOU portal. 

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal and select agricultural engineering as your course of study.
  2. Upload your A-Level, ND, HND, or JUPEB qualifications in relevant subjects such as agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering.
  3. Participate in the university’s Direct Entry Screening Exercise.
  4. Successful candidates are admitted into the 200 Level and complete the programme in four academic sessions.

By choosing this programme, you position yourself at the forefront of modern agricultural innovation and sustainable engineering development.

Course Coordinator

The programme is managed by a team of qualified academics and practising engineers within the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. 

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 5 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  6. Department = Agricultural Engineering
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Ibogun Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities