B.Eng. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

The B.Eng. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program bridges the gap between biological systems and engineering principles. It focuses on the design, optimization, and management of equipment, facilities, and processes used in the production and processing of agricultural products. The curriculum delves into topics such as soil and water resource management, bioenergy, precision agriculture, and food processing technologies. Emphasizing sustainability, students learn to develop solutions that promote efficient resource utilization while minimizing environmental impact. By integrating engineering know-how with an understanding of biological systems, graduates are equipped to tackle challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and bioresource management, aligning with the world’s growing demands and environmental imperatives.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted into the degree programme in either of the following two ways:

1. Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Mode (5 Year Degree Programme)
2. Direct Entry (DE) Mode (4 Year Degree Programme)

• Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Mode

For the five-year degree programme, in addition to acceptable passes in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the minimum admission requirement is credit level passes in Senior School Certificate (SSC) in at least five subjects, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and other acceptable science subjects at not more than two sittings.

• Direct Entry (DE) Mode

For four-year Direct Entry, in addition to five (5) Senior School Certificate (SSC) credit passes, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, candidates with at least two passes in relevant subjects (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) at the GCE Advanced Level or IJMB or JUPEB may be considered for admission. Candidates who have good National Diploma (ND) results in relevant Engineering Technology programmes may also be considered for admission into 200 level. Holders of upper credit pass and above at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level are eligible for consideration for admission into 300 level.

Graduation Requirements

The following regulations shall govern the conditions for the award of an honours degree in Engineering and Technology:

1. Candidates admitted through the UTME mode shall have registered for a minimum of 150 and a maximum of 180 units of courses during the 5–year engineering degree programme. Such candidates shall have spent a minimum of ten academic semesters.
2. Candidates admitted through the Direct entry mode to 200 level, shall register for a minimum of 120 and a maximum of 150 units of courses during a 4–year engineering degree programme. Such candidates shall have spent a minimum of eight academic semesters.
3. HND holders who enter as Direct Entry candidates at 300 level shall register for a minimum of 90 units of courses and a maximum of 120 units of courses.
4. The minimum and maximum credit load per semester is 15 and 24 credit units, respectively.
5. A student shall have completed and passed all the Courses registered for, including all compulsory courses and such elective /optional courses as may be specified by the university/faculty or department; obtained a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) specified by the university but not less than 1.00.
6. A student shall also have earned the 15 credit units of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), 8 credit units of University General Study courses and four credit units of Entrepreneurship courses.

For graduates with a B.Eng. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, given the evolving global agricultural and biotechnological landscape, here are some notable career opportunities:

• Agricultural Engineer: Designing, testing, and implementing agricultural machinery, equipment, and structures to improve farming operations.
• Irrigation Engineer: Designing and managing irrigation systems to optimize water use for agricultural purposes.
• Bioresource Engineer: Developing sustainable technologies for the conversion of biological materials into energy or other value-added products.
• Precision Agriculture Specialist: Using technology to optimize crop yields and soil management while reducing resource use and environmental impact.
• Food Processing Engineer: Designing and optimizing processes for the production, preservation, and packaging of food products.
• Bioprocess Engineer: Designing and optimizing biological processes for the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, or other bioproducts.
• Agricultural Robotics Engineer: Developing automated systems and robots for tasks like planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops.
• Agricultural Extension Officer: Working with farmers and agricultural enterprises to introduce and implement new technologies and practices.
• Remote Sensing Specialist: Using satellite or drone imagery to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and other agricultural parameters.
• Research Scientist: Engaging in research to develop new technologies or methods in the agricultural and biosystems domain.

Given the pressing need for sustainable food production, efficient resource management, and innovative bio-based solutions, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers have significant roles to play in shaping a sustainable and food-secure future.