Agriculture remains one of the most vital sectors in Nigeria, playing a crucial role in food production, employment generation, and economic development. With the growing global demand for food and sustainable agricultural practices, the need for well-trained agricultural scientists has never been more pressing.
For students passionate about contributing to Nigeria's agricultural transformation, pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science is an excellent step forward. However, choosing the right institution can make a significant difference in the quality of education and practical exposure you receive.
In this guide, we highlight the top 10 universities in Nigeria to study Agricultural Science in 2025, based on academic reputation, research output, facilities, industry connections, and professional relevance.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Founded in 1948, the University of Ibadan is Nigeria’s first and arguably most prestigious university. It is consistently ranked as the best university in Nigeria, and its Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is one of the oldest and most reputable in the country.
UI offers a wide array of programs under Agricultural Science, including:
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Crop Protection and Environmental Biology
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Agricultural Economics
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Agronomy
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Animal Science
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Forest Resources Management
The faculty emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, with access to experimental farms, greenhouses, and modern research laboratories. Students also benefit from collaborations with institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Obafemi Awolowo University is widely recognized for academic excellence, especially in science and technology disciplines. The Faculty of Agriculture in OAU is one of the most structured in Nigeria, offering degrees in:
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Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
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Soil Science and Land Resources Management
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Animal Sciences
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Crop Production and Protection
OAU is known for producing graduates who are job-ready, thanks to its balanced curriculum that integrates classroom theory with practical fieldwork. Its affiliations with international bodies make it an attractive option for research and postgraduate studies.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
UNN stands out as one of Nigeria’s top federal universities with a longstanding commitment to agricultural advancement. The Faculty of Agriculture is among the largest and most comprehensive in the country, with departments covering:
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Agricultural Economics
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Crop Science
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Animal Science
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Soil Science
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Food Science and Technology
Students benefit from the university’s large demonstration farms and its close association with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI). UNN’s focus on research and community development makes it a leader in agricultural education in the South-East.
4. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
FUNAAB is a specialized university focused exclusively on agricultural sciences and related disciplines. Established in 1988, it has rapidly grown into one of the most respected agricultural universities in Nigeria and West Africa.
Key programs include:
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Agricultural Administration
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Animal Physiology
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Soil Science and Land Management
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Plant Breeding and Seed Technology
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Horticulture
FUNAAB’s strength lies in its modern teaching infrastructure, strong research base, and productive student-farm relationships. The university has partnerships with international organizations such as the FAO and World Bank.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University is a household name in Northern Nigeria and beyond. Its Faculty of Agriculture, one of the oldest in the country, is renowned for training thousands of professionals over the decades.
Courses offered include:
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Agricultural Engineering
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Agronomy
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Animal Science
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Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
ABU’s access to vast land resources allows students to participate in real-life farming and research. The university also has one of the most extensive agricultural libraries in the region.
6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
FUTA has made a name for itself by integrating technological innovation with agricultural education. The School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) provides top-notch training in:
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Crop, Soil and Pest Management
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Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology
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Animal Production and Health
FUTA’s emphasis on agritech and innovation makes it ideal for students interested in the future of smart farming, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient farming systems.
7. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
UNILORIN is respected for academic discipline and high educational standards. Its Faculty of Agriculture boasts a strong curriculum that includes:
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Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
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Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
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Animal Production
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Crop Protection
The university provides practical exposure through its large teaching and research farms. With a track record of producing graduates with practical skills, UNILORIN remains a strong option for aspiring agriculturists.
8. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
UNIPORT’s Faculty of Agriculture focuses on harnessing the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta region. The school promotes sustainable agriculture, offering programs like:
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Fisheries and Aquaculture
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Forestry and Wildlife Management
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Crop and Soil Science
Students benefit from the university’s partnerships with oil and gas companies focused on environmental sustainability and ecological restoration, which provides a unique niche for agricultural science students in the South-South.
9. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
MOUAU is a federal university dedicated to agricultural sciences, with an emphasis on practical training and community empowerment. It offers diverse BSc programs, such as:
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Agricultural Education
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Plant Health Management
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Agribusiness and Management
The university’s vision is to use agricultural science as a tool for rural development and poverty alleviation. It provides one of the most practical hands-on training experiences in Nigeria.
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso
LAUTECH’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences provides a blend of theory and technical skills in agriculture. Programs include:
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Crop and Environmental Protection
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Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
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Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology
LAUTECH’s approach to learning is interdisciplinary, often collaborating with its faculties of engineering and environmental sciences. This makes graduates particularly versatile and innovative.
Final Thoughts
Agriculture is more than just farming—it’s the science and business of food, sustainability, and economic growth. Nigeria’s diverse climate and vast land resources offer endless opportunities for innovation in this field. Whether you’re interested in crop production, animal science, agribusiness, or agricultural engineering, choosing the right university is the first step to a successful career.
The ten universities listed above are not only the best in Nigeria but are also recognized across Africa and beyond for their contributions to agricultural research and education. When selecting a school, be sure to consider factors such as:
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Accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
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Research facilities and experimental farms
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Internships and industry collaborations
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Alumni success and employability
By studying in any of these top institutions, you’ll be well-equipped to become a leader in the agricultural sector—empowering communities and feeding the future.
