FUNAAB Set to Begin M.Sc. Agroecology Programme After NUC Approval

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Agroecology. This marks another forward step in FUNAAB’s effort to strengthen sustainable agricultural development and research in Nigeria and beyond.

The newly approved programme forms part of the European Union-funded ERASMUS+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project, known as AGRECOFARM (Agricultural Ecological Farming). The initiative promotes collaboration between African and European universities to advance agroecological education, research, and innovation.

About the FUNAAB M.Sc. Agroecology Programme

The FUNAAB M.Sc. Agroecology programme is hosted by the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE). It combines classroom learning, fieldwork, and research to prepare students for careers in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental management.

This two-year postgraduate programme is designed to equip students with practical knowledge and advanced skills in:

• Sustainable food production systems
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Natural resource management
• Agribusiness and mechanised farming systems

The curriculum includes four key specialisations:

1. Crop and Mechanisation
2. Livestock Systems Agroecology
3. Agribusiness and Sustainable Food Systems
4. Natural Resources and Environment

Through these focus areas, students will gain hands-on experience and develop the technical competence needed to address environmental and agricultural challenges in Africa.

Global Collaboration and Impact

The AGRECOFARM Project, launched in December 2023 in Matera, Italy, brings together a consortium of ten universities—four from Europe and six from Africa. European partners include the University of Basilicata (Italy), Danube University Krems (Austria), ISARA (France), and DMTR Consulting (Italy). African members comprise FUNAAB, the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo (Nigeria), the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana), Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (Ghana), Njala University, and the Central University of Modern Technology (Sierra Leone).

The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Union Green Deal, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, reaffirming FUNAAB’s global academic collaboration and environmental leadership.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second-Class Lower Division (2:2) in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
• Five O-Level credit passes, including English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
• Candidates with a Postgraduate Diploma and an Upper Credit in relevant disciplines may also apply.

Interested applicants can visit the official FUNAAB website for full details on application procedures and deadlines.

Closing Note

The FUNAAB M.Sc. Agroecology programme represents a strong commitment to sustainable food systems and research-driven education. By combining local expertise with global collaboration, it prepares the next generation of agroecologists to address real-world agricultural and environmental challenges across Africa.