Philosophy
Agricultural Economics applies the analytical models of economics to agricultural problems. It applies the principles of choice in the use of scarce resources such as land, labour capital and management in farming and allied activities. Â It seeks to offer practicable solutions in using scarce resources of the farmers for maximization of income.
Objectives and Scope of the B. Agric Programme
The programme is designed to provide broad practical and theoretical training in basic agricultural sciences for the first three years and a full years practical training in approved farms and other agro-based establishments during the fourth year. In the fifth or final year, the student is given intensive courses in the following areas of Agricultural Economics, namely: Farm Management and Production Economics, Economic Theories, Quantitative Techniques, Agric Finance and Project Analysis, Cooperative and Economic Development.
The broad objective of the programme is to provide our graduates with requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to apply relevant economic principles to the real life problems of Nigerian agriculture. In the fifth or final year, the student is given intensive courses in the following areas of Agricultural Economics, namely, Management, Production Economics, Economic Analysis, Econometrics, Marketing, Farm Accounting and Records, Cooperatives, Agricultural Finance, Agricultural Development and Policy, Planning and Appraisal Methods of Social Research. In addition, each student undertakes a project on a specified agricultural problem under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. At the end of the programme, the B. Agric graduate would have acquired adequate knowledge and skill in agriculture and related areas that would provide solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development problems and improve agricultural productivity in general. Some utilize their skills to establish and operate their own farm enterprises.
Admission Policy
Candidates secure admission into the Department through the UME entrance examination and direct entry. Candidates for admission by UME entrance examination must satisfy the University entry requirements and in doing so, must have obtained credits in Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics, English and the fifth credit may be in Physics, Economics or Geography in the West African School Certificate Examinations, and/or Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC). Holders of Higher School Certificate, Higher National Diploma/ND, University Diploma and Nigeria Certificate in Education especially with good passes in Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science as well as credit in Mathematics at the Ordinary Level are considered for direct entry. In this case, they may complete the degree programme in four or three years depending on qualification. For direct entry, candidates are required to obtain passes at the GCE level in Chemistry and Biology. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Certificate in education (NCE) and who have good passes in the relevant subjects at ordinary level are also considered for Direct Entry.
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