Bachelor of Agriculture in Agronomy and Landscape Design

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the department is to provide a broad based, functional and practical training in Agronomy & Landscape Design bearing in mind the physical, mental and spiritual development of man that is characteristic of the Adventist education. The program is also designed to meet the needs of the immediate environment and agricultural sustainability. Such needs include boosting and improving crop production by developing appropriate manpower. Towards this end the Department offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in combined and special honor standards, in the following areas:

1. Agronomy
2. Agro- Forestry(PG)
3. Soil Science(PG)
4. Plant Breeding(PG)
5. Horticulture(PG)

OBJECTIVES

Graduates Bachelor of Agriculture in Agronomy and Landscape Design program are expected to be able to:

a) Take up employment in any agriculture related area

b) Establish and operate their own agribusiness as a mean of self-employment.

c) Engage in production and research that will provide solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural problems.

d) Practice environment friendly activities as they utilize modern and technological principles in their agricultural career.

PHILOSOPHY

The practice of Agriculture is as old as the creation, when God entrusted man the responsibility of caring for the beautiful and perfect Garden of Eden and all of nature. Man’s role as steward of the environment is still as binding today as ever. The challenge of food production to meet the needs of the ever increasing world population is indeed a daunting one. With increase in knowledge, giant strides have been taken from using primitive methods to hunt and gather food to the highly industrialized scientific and technological methods. In response to the call to stewardship and as a means of contributing to the development and growth of the human race, the department of Agronomy is committed to the training and holistic development of young persons as stewards of the environment and resources for the glory of God and the benefit of the human race.

In this era of sustainable development, Agriculture is expected to gradually assume its former position as the bedrock of the Nigerian economy. With the challenges of feeding the teeming world population and the increasing world-wide awareness and campaign for self-sufficiency in food production, there is an urgent need for appropriate man power development and technological expertise in the field of Agriculture. The vocational nature of this field also makes it paramount in any Adventist institution.

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

UME ENTRY MODE (100-LEVEL)

To be eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Agriculture Program in Agronomy of Babcock University, five O’ Level Credits in Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics, English and Economics or any other subject of the SSSCE/GCE/NECO with at least a pass in physics, passed at not more than two sittings are required of prospective candidates. The credit pass in Agricultural Science must be backed up with at least a pass in Biology. In addition, prospective candidates must pass the Babcock University entrance (written and oral) examinations.

DIRECT ENTRY MODE (200-LEVEL)

Candidates with the following qualifications are eligible for admission to 200-level;

1. Those that have satisfied the above minimum ‘O’ level conditions for admission, and in addition have a minimum of two credit passes at the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level or its equivalent in Chemistry, Biology (Botany and Zoology)/Agricultural Science.
2. Those that have satisfied the above minimum ‘O’ level conditions for admission, and in addition have obtained the National Diploma (ND) in Agriculture and related disciplines with a minimum of upper credit are eligible for direct entry into the five year course. The ND must be obtained from a School or College accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and recognized by the University.
3. Those that have satisfied the above minimum ‘O’ level conditions for admission, and in addition have obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) with a minimum of credit grade from a Nigerian College of Education accredited by appropriate body, and with relevant subject combinations from among: Agricultural Education.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

The program of courses leading to the Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric) Agronomy degree covers a period of 4 or 5 academic years/sessions depending on the mode of entry.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION

For the 5-year degree program, the first year (100 level) shall be a qualifying year. In order to proceed to the second year (200 level), students are expected to maintain acceptable minimum academic performance standards as defined by the University Administration. A minimum of 209 credits is required for graduation, as follows:

LEVEL	GEDS COURSES	DEPARTMENTAL COURSES	NON-DEPARTMENTAL COURSES	TOTAL
100	20 Credits	-	24 Credits	44
200	10 Credits	15 Credits	17 Credits	42
300	6 Credits	17 Credits	21 Credits	44
400	4	10 Credits	30 Credits	44
500	2	34 Credits	8 Credits	44
Total	42	175	100	218

Course Bulletin