BSc. Soil Science

The B.Sc. Soil Science program dives deep into the study of soil as a critical resource, exploring its formation, classification, and physical, chemical, and biological properties. Students learn how soils function as a medium for plant growth, their role in water purification, and their influence on air quality. The program emphasizes sustainable soil management practices to ensure agricultural productivity, environmental health, and landscape stability. By integrating theory with field and laboratory work, students are equipped to address challenges such as soil degradation, salinization, and erosion. As global concerns about climate change, food security, and environmental conservation intensify, graduates emerge poised to contribute to sustainable land use, agriculture, and ecosystem management.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted into the degree programmes in soil science in the following two ways:

1. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME); and
2. Direct entry

UTME- Four-Year Degree Programme

In addition to acceptable passes in UTME, candidates must obtain credit level passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSC) in five subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, at a maximum of two sittings. Candidates must also have at least a pass in Physics.

Direct entry mode

Candidates must have at least 2 credit passes in advanced-level Chemistry and Biology in addition to 3 SSC credit passes prescribed for UTME entry mode. Holders of ND and HND in Agriculture and related fields with a minimum of Lower Credit are eligible for consideration for admission into 200 Level. Agriculture

Minimum duration

The minimum duration for the programme is 4 academic sessions (4-year duration) for candidates who entered through the UTME Mode. Direct Entry candidates admitted to the 200-level in Agriculture programmes will spend a minimum of 3 academic sessions (3-year duration)

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student shall have undergone 3 or 4 years of study, depending on his/ her entry point.

Course workload must meet the graduation requirements. Candidates admitted through the UTME mode shall have registered for at least a minimum of 120 units for the 4-year and 90 units for the direct entry programme in Agriculture and in other programmes as indicated under course requirements. Candidates must also have registered and passed all the compulsory courses specified for the programme.

The submission of an undergraduate project report based on supervised research is a graduation requirement which must not be compromised. This requirement exposes the student to problem-solving techniques and provides him with an ability to organize ideas from literature and research findings. In short, it prepares the student for the work ahead of graduation and for further training at the postgraduate level. This area of academic preparation needs to be maintained and developed further.

For graduates with a B.Sc. in Soil Science, in light of current global challenges and needs, here are some significant career opportunities:

• Soil Scientist: Conducting research on soil properties, classification, and management to advise on land use and agricultural practices.
• Land Reclamation Specialist: Working on projects to restore degraded lands, such as those affected by mining, erosion, or pollution.
• Soil Conservationist: Developing strategies to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health in agricultural or natural landscapes.
• Environmental Consultant: Advising on soil-related matters for construction, agriculture, and land use planning.
• Soil Surveyor: Mapping and classifying soils for various purposes, from agriculture to urban development.
• Soil Fertility Expert: Advising farmers on soil nutrient management, including fertilizer application and organic matter management.
• Research Scientist: Engaging in advanced research related to soil microbiology, chemistry, or physics in academic or private sector research institutions.
• Extension Officer: Educating farmers and the public on best soil management practices, erosion control, and sustainable agriculture.
• Regulatory Compliance Officer: Ensuring that industries and agricultural operations adhere to regulations related to soil health and environmental protection.
• Soil Testing Laboratory Technician: Overseeing soil sample analyses for nutrient content, contaminants, or other characteristics.

Given the global emphasis on sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation, soil scientists play an indispensable role in guiding policies, practices, and innovations that harness the potential and protect the integrity of this crucial resource.