Food Engineering is a vital field that blends the principles of engineering, biology, and physical sciences to develop efficient food processing systems. For science-inclined students who enjoy problem-solving and innovation in food production, this course offers exciting career opportunities in food manufacturing, quality control, product development, and even biotechnology. Here you will be getting to know about the Subject Combination for Food Engineering.
To secure admission into a Nigerian university for Food Engineering, meeting the correct subject requirements in your JAMB (UTME) is essential. Selecting the right subject combination increases your chances of gaining admission and avoids costly mistakes during the application process.
JAMB Subject Combination for Food Engineering
For the 2025/2026 JAMB UTME, the approved subject combination for Food Engineering is:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
O’Level Requirements
In addition to the UTME subjects, you must also meet the O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent) requirements. Typically, you will need at least five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- And either Biology, Agricultural Science, or Further Mathematics
Direct Entry Requirements
For Direct Entry candidates, you will need one of the following qualifications to be eligible for admission:
- A-Level passes in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- A Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc./B.Eng.) in a related field may also be considered for advanced placement.
- OND, HND, or NCE in relevant engineering or science disciplines such as Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
Course Duration for Food Engineering in Nigeria
The standard duration for studying Food Engineering in a Nigerian university is:
5 years (for UTME candidates). This duration applies to students who gain admission through JAMB UTME and begin from 100 level.
For Direct Entry (DE) Students: Students who enter via Direct Entry may spend 4 years, starting from 200 level, depending on the university’s policy and your entry qualification.
Top Nigerian Universities Offering Food Engineering
| S/N | Nigerian Universities to Study Food Engineering |
| 1 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) |
| 2 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife |
| 3 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) |
| 4 | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) |
| 5 | Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) |
| 6 | Bells University of Technology, Ota |
| 7 | University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) |
| 8 | Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) |
| 9 | University of Uyo (UNIUYO) |
| 10 | Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept a combination of two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO), but check the specific school’s policy.
Not compulsory, but having it can be an added advantage, especially in schools with competitive admission processes.
Yes. Food Engineering has strong relevance in agro-processing, manufacturing, product development, and food safety. The growing food industry in Nigeria makes it a promising career.
Food Engineering focuses more on designing processes and equipment for food production using engineering principles.
Food Science deals more with the biology, chemistry, and safety of food products.
No. Physics is a core subject required in both JAMB and O’Level for Food Engineering. Without it, you won’t meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes. Most universities require a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of industrial training (usually in 400 level), which contributes to your final grade.
