Historical Background
In 2016, the University Management under the able leadership of Professor Jeremiah O. Ojediran established the Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES). The Centre has been undertaking agricultural and entrepreneurial actions in the University such as regular seminars on entrepreneurship and agricultural activities such as the one-hectare plantain farm, plots of vegetable farm, rearing of fish in plastic tanks, raising of nursery beds and many more.
The Centre also partnered with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited and others in carrying out her mandate. In the course of running the Centre, the need to have personnels who are specialists in agriculture, agricultural engineering and entrepreneurship to support her activities came up and the idea to have these three Departments came to the fore. Hence, after a successful resource verification exercise, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved a Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agriculture) programme in June 2023 at Bells University of Technology, Ota.
The Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (AAT) with programme in Agriculture; with options in Fisheries and Animal Science, Agronomy and Agribusiness. Subsequently, a pioneer Ag. Head of Department, Dr. J. A. Daramola was appointed to give administrative leadership, ensure academic standards and execute regulations based on Senate decisions.
Dr. John Abiodun Daramola
Ag. Head of Department
Philosophy, Aims and Objectives of the programme
Production of graduates that are adequately equipped with the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for engaging in productive and sustainable agricultural production.
The primary aim of the programme is to develop manpower for the teaching of agriculture as well as provide competent basic scientists for universities, research institutes, agricultural establishments and relevant industries. Also, the course is designed to provide in-depth programme in all areas of basic and applied agriculture. In addition, the students are expected to do same course from 100 to 400 level, engage in 6 months Industrial attachment (SIWES) and chose any of the three options in final year (500 level).
This is to expose them to meet their future employer’s needs upon graduation.
- To produce graduates geared towards self-employment
- To produce graduates with sufficient technical, productive and skills who will be involved in research, training and production in all aspects of agriculture
- To produce graduates that are relevant to themselves, industries and the society and who can contribute effectively to national development goals in Agriculture.
Degree options in the Department:
The 5-year programme in Agriculture leads to the award of B. Agriculture with options in the final
year in the following areas:
- B. Agriculture (Agronomy)
- B. Agriculture (Agribusiness) and
- B. Agriculture (Fisheries and Animal Science)
What Can I Do with an Agriculture Degree?
Jobs directly related to Agricultural degree include:
- Soil scientist
- Agronomist/Horticulturist
- Organic Crops Grower
- Fruit and Vegetable Grower
- Agricultural Loan Officer
- Agricultural Economist
- Food processing companies
- Plant breeder/geneticist
- Precision Agricultural Specialist
- Agric trade associations
- Agricultural consultant/Farm manager
- Forest Ecosystem/Products Processing Manager
- Agric produce marketer/ Food retail companies
- Animal Scientist/Aquaculturist/Poultry Farmer
- Agricultural and agri-pharmaceutical consultant
- Media – for roles in agricultural journalism
- Universities/Institutes – in research and lecturing positions.
- Government and local authorities – advisory and administrative roles
Unique Areas of Our Modern Agricultural Training:
- Aeroponics
- Aquaponics
- Hydroponics
- Agripreneurship
- Greenhouse technology
- Real-time/On-site Farm Practical Exposures
Undergraduate Admission Requirement
To be admitted into the 5-year B. Agriculture programme, candidates must have:
O’ Level: Credit Passes in 5 WASCE/GCE/NECO Subjects in not more than 2 sittings, to include English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Agricultural Science (Animal husbandry or Fisheries), Chemistry and Physics.
UTME Subjects: English Language, Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics .
Direct Entry (200 Level)
- Those that have satisfied the above stated minimum ‘O’ level conditions for admission and in addition have a minimum number of two A’ Level passes including Biology and any of Agricultural Science, Chemistry or Geography.
- Those that have satisfied the above stated minimum ‘O’ level conditions for admission, and in addition have obtained HND/OND/NCE in Agricultural Science, Biology (Botany and Zoology), Chemistry and related disciplines
