Food Science and Technology Philosophy and Objectives

            Philosophy

There has been a shocking revelation by experts in recent times that the major cause of food shortage in Nigeria is food preservation and not production perse. This is because not less than 60 per cent of food produced in Nigeria is allowed to go waste every year due to microbial spoilage, chemical/ biochemical deterioration, insect and rodent infestation, and environmental hazards. Food preservation and processing mop up excess food, and thereby ensures availability of food stuffs at various nooks and crannies ofthe country allthe year round. The Department of Food Science and Technology, therefore, addresses itself to the problem of continuous basis to the Nigeria’s teeming population.

 

The philosophy of Food Science and Technology programme NAU is geared towards developing highly knowledgeable, skilled and inspired professionals that would provide innovative solutions to the challenges in food industry from production to processing that meets consumer demands.

 

 

 

            Objectives

Pursuant to its philosophy, the objectives of this programme are to produce Food science and Technology professionals equipped for key roles in national development.

  1. To inculcate in students a broad and balanced knowledge, skills and ethical orientation necessary for excellence as food scientists in industry, academia and public service.
  2. To intellectually stimulate a satisfying experience of learning and studying in different aspects of food science and technology.
  3. To impart to students the necessary knowledge and skills towards solving theoretical problems in food science and technology.
  4. To provide through training and orientation, an appreciation of the rewards of collaborative approach in solving complex food security and other related problems.
  5. To promote professional and institutional pride by providing strong support for student programmes associated with the most respected professional bodies or organizations.
  6. To develop in students, a range of transferable skills that are of value in food science and technology and other related disciplines.

The objectives mentioned above will be achieved by:

  1. Providing our graduates with a comprehensive understanding of;
  2. Chemistry and the chemistry of foods,
  3. Microbiology, the microbiology of foods and the role of microorganisms in relation to the quality and safety of foods,
  • Food engineering and processing technology
  1. Human nutrition
  2. Core concepts of marketing food and the management of innovation as well as relevant food legislations and organizations involved in food safety control.
  3. Developing in our graduates;
  4. Skills for research into useful new products, processes and services.
  5. Skills for essential management and entrepreneurial development.

 

            Job/ Career Opportunities for Food Science and Technology Graduates

Graduates of Food Science and Technology are in high demand in the labour market. The career opportunity for the Bachelor of Science (B. Sc,) graduate of Food Science and Technology are as follows:

  • Production manager in the food and allies industries which include breweries and bottling companies, flour mills, bakeries, biscuits and confectionary industries, water treatment factories, as well as dairy and fermentation industries and winery. Production manager in the food industry.
  • Research and development officer in the food industry.
  • Technical and sales representative in food and related industries.
  • Researchers and lecturers in Colleges, polytechnics, universities and research institutes
  • Government food inspectors in regulatory agencies like National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), etc.
  • Entrepreneurs in food businesses.
  • Scientific officers in ministry of agriculture
  • Officers in international organizations such as FAO, UN, Codex Alimentarius commissions

 

            Admission requirements and duration of programme

  1. For UME entry candidates (5 years programme):

The University Matriculation Examination (UME) subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology/Agricultural Science. To qualify for admission into the 5 years programme of B.Sc. Food Science and Technology, candidates must have credit passes in 5 WAEC/GCE/NECO subjects to include English language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology/Agriculture Science. Pass in Mathematics, may be considered if the candidate has a credit in Physics or vice versa.  The 5 credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings. Aside attaining the approved UME (UTME) minimum score, the candidate must score the required post-UTME of the University.

  1. For Direct Entry (4 years programme)

Direct entry students must possess HSC or GCE A/L in Chemistry and any of the following subjects, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Agricultural Science