BACKGROUND AND PHILOSOPHY
ANIMAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE
Animal science also referred to as Animal Agriculture is a branch of agriculture that provides basic training in the science and art of raising certain species of domesticated and non-domesticated animals for human consumption. It involves the application of many aspects of biological Science, behavioral science, physical science, environmental science and agricultural engineering to produce food and companion animals that meet man nutritional, social, companionship and to some extent labor requirements. Its knowledge encompasses animal breeding, feeding, care and management, and the processing of animals and their by products as gained through practical experience and research methods. Animal science also plays a significant role in food security of a nation.
Our philosophy/mission is to admit, train and produce individuals who are well equipped and balanced to take up the challenge of ensuring adequate animal protein supply and food security for the teaming population.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The broad objective of this elaborate training programme is to equip our Graduates with the required knowledge and skills that will enable them to face the challenging task of making more animal protein available to Nigerians on a sustainable basis.
Specifically, at the end of the B. Agric. Programme
(i) Young, dedicated, innovative professionals are prepared for careers in Animal Science.
(ii) Animal Science graduates would have been exposed to all areas of agriculture hence they are adequately equipped to play a vital role in the development of not only animal agriculture but all aspects of agricultural production.
(iii) They will be equipped to become successful entrepreneurs in any areas of the livestock industry.
(iv) Graduates would be able to engage in basic and applied research in Animal Science and by so doing proffer solution to the challenges of food security.
(v) Graduates will be soundly engaged in formulation and implementation of viable policies for the development of livestock industry in Nigeria.
The department has two (2) modes of entry
(i) University Matriculation Examination conducted by joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mode.
Candidates for entry under this mode must satisfy the university entry requirements and in doing so must have obtained credits in English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or GCE O/level
(ii) Direct Entry
For Direct Entry, candidates are required to obtain passes at the HSE or GCE Level in chemistry and biology. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Certificate in Education (NCE) and has good passes in the relevant subjects at ordinary level are also considered for Direct Entry.
The stress areas in the programme are as follows:
|Nutrition and Feeds||1|
|Genetics and Breeding||3|
|Techniques in Animal Experimentation||8|
|Project and Seminar||9|
a. Handling Academic Grievances
This would normally be handled by the Head, where the student is still aggrieved, he can petition to the Dean and even to the Senate through the Head and the Dean.
b. Student Academic Advising
Academic advisers from among academic staff are appointed for the various categories of students by the Head at the beginning of every session. For Postgraduate students, the Departmental Postgraduate Committee assigns supervisors based on areas of specialization. Undergraduates are also assigned to academic staff for final year project supervision.
Animal Science is a recognized profession (see The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act 2007, No.26) and graduates of Animal Science are Professionals with many job opportunities available to them. Such graduates find employment in academic institutions, industries, immigration services, customs department, meat processing industries, aggro-based industries, prison services, Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture and parastatals such as Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services, Animal Production Research Institutes, Agric. Department Agencies, Banks and related Institutions, Universities and other tertiary Institutions. Job opportunities also exist in the private sectors as managers of Animal Production farms, Feed/Mills, Hatcheries and other agric-businesses. Graduates can be self-employed as Management Production Consultants and Specialized livestock farm