Animal Science
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE IN BRIEF
The faculty of agriculture was approved by the University Senate at its 15th meeting held on the 5th of July, 1975. The Faculty came into existence in 1979. The Faculty of Agriculture started a four-year integrated B.Sc. (Honours) degree programme for direct entry students with A Level or equivalent qualifications in 1980/81 session. The programme was based on a course unit system. The third year of the programme was devoted to on-farm practical training
In 1985/86 session, the programme was reviewed to allow for the admission of students into 100 level who would then graduate after 5 years. Since then, the practical training has shifted to the fourth year. From 1990 to date, the programme has been modified to a professional one named Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.).
The Department of Animal Science is one of the pioneer departments in the present Faculty of Agriculture. Thus, the Department of Animal Science started its first session in 1990/1991 academic session with Dr. Umunna N.N. serving as the pioneer Head of Department. The Department successfully graduated the first set of students in the year 1996 in which they were awarded B. Agric. with option in Animal Science.
The Department is presently running B. Agric. (Animal Science), Postgraduate Diploma in Livestock Production and Management (PGDLMP), M.Sc., MPhil, and PhD with specializations in Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Livestock Production Systems, Pasture and Range Management, and Livestock Product Science. The Department’s programmes are ranked among the best in the country.
The Department is endowed with outstanding scholars of national and international reputations, comprising of six (6) Professors, one (1) Reader, four (4) Senior Lecturers, and four (4) other academic staff, supported by more than six (6) secretarial and laboratory staff. Staff of the Department have published several research papers in local and international peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
The staff have also won scholarships from the European Union INCO-DC, the British Government (Chevening Scholarship), the Dutch Government (Netherlands Fellowship Programme), the French Government, Wageningen University (Wageningen Research Assistantship), the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Tertiary Institutions Fund (TETfund), and the FGN-NEEDS Assessment to pursue studies in world-class universities around the globe, leading to the awards of MSc. and PhD degrees.
The Department has attracted research grants and linkages/collaborations at both national and international levels for research in different domains of Animal Science and Animal Production. The Department of Animal Science organizes several activities such as field trips, practicals, and seminar series for undergraduate and postgraduate (M.Sc, M.Phil, and PhD) students. These sessions facilitate interdisciplinary discussions, enable shared learning, and provide a supportive and friendly environment for those in the early stages of their research to hone presentation skills and test out developing ideas.
Our Vission
We, the faculty, and staff aspire to:
- produce students who are adequately equipped with theoretical knowledge and skills required for productive and sustainable animal production
- train students for self-reliance
- equip students with sufficient technical, productive, and entrepreneural skills in animal science and production
- produce students who are relevant to themselves, the industry, and society
- prepare students for higher training and professional advancement in animal science and allied disciplines
- produce graduates who will serve in relevant agricultural institutions and corporate agricultural enterprises
- equip students with sufficient skills in the application of modern technologies to produce desirable, safe, and nutritious animal-derived foods
- train students to become efficient in the use of communication technology to support the contributions of animals to society
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We will achieve this vision through interactive learning, scholarship, and client-focused engagement with students, professionals in animal science, and consumers.
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Animal Science is to produce students who are adequately equipped with the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for productive animal production, and to engage and serve the public and the people who produce animals and animal products.
List of Academic Programs
Head of Department
(Animal Science)
Departments
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension & Rural Development
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Forestry and Environment
- Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering