Department of Crop Science and Pest Management
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Crop Science and Pest Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a premier center for agricultural education and research within the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT). Our department is dedicated to developing innovative agricultural professionals capable of enhancing crop productivity, managing pests sustainably, and promoting food security through advanced scientific knowledge and practical farming techniques.
Crop Science and Pest Management integrates the study of crop production, plant genetics, soil management, pest and disease control, and sustainable agricultural practices. Our comprehensive curriculum covers crop cultivation techniques, plant breeding methodologies, integrated pest management strategies, crop improvement, soil science, agricultural extension, farm mechanization, and environmental sustainability. Students develop strong technical competencies and practical skills through intensive coursework combined with extensive fieldwork on research farms and demonstration plots.
The department emphasizes hands-on learning with modern agricultural infrastructure including teaching and research farms, greenhouses, crop improvement laboratories, insectariums, soil testing facilities, and field equipment. We maintain strong partnerships with agricultural organizations, extension agencies, and private farms, providing students with internship opportunities through SIWES and collaborative agricultural projects. Our faculty members conduct cutting-edge research on crop varieties, pest management strategies, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming systems.
Our graduates are highly recognized for their expertise in crop management, pest control, and agricultural innovation. They demonstrate proficiency in crop production planning, integrated pest management implementation, plant breeding applications, and farm business management. Graduates pursue rewarding careers in agricultural extension services, farming enterprises, government agricultural agencies, food processing industries, research institutions, and agribusiness organizations, significantly contributing to Nigeria's agricultural development and food security agenda.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Agric/B.Tech in Crop Science and Pest Management - 4-year undergraduate program
- M.Agric/M.Tech in Crop Science - Postgraduate studies
- M.Agric in Integrated Pest Management - Specialized Masters
- Ph.D in Crop Science and Pest Management - Doctoral research program
Specialized Areas
- Crop Production and Agronomy
- Plant Breeding and Genetics
- Integrated Pest Management
- Crop Entomology
- Crop Diseases and Pathology
- Soil and Crop Nutrition
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Laboratory and Field Facilities
Teaching and Research Farms
Field plots for crop trials, breeding lines, pest management demonstrations
Greenhouses and Plant Houses
Controlled environment facilities for crop production research and plant breeding
Crop Improvement Laboratory
Tissue culture, seed testing, genetic analysis, plant propagation
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research in various crop science and pest management domains:
Crop Production and Agronomy
Crop cultivation techniques, production management, yield optimization, crop varieties, agronomic practices, crop calendars.
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Plant genetics, hybridization, variety development, trait selection, crop improvement, biotechnology applications.
Integrated Pest Management
IPM strategies, biological control, cultural practices, pest monitoring, chemical management, pest threshold determination.
Crop Entomology
Insect pests, beneficial insects, insect ecology, pest identification, population dynamics, entomological techniques.
Crop Diseases and Pathology
Fungal, bacterial, viral diseases, disease management, disease resistance, pathogen identification, epidemiology.
Soil and Crop Nutrition
Soil fertility management, nutrient management, soil testing, soil amendments, crop nutrition optimization.
Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Sustainable practices, organic farming, climate adaptation, conservation agriculture, environmental protection.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Crop Science and Pest Management enjoy diverse and rewarding career paths:
Agricultural Extension Officer
Extension services, farmer training, technology transfer
Crop Production Specialist
Crop management, production planning, yield improvement
Pest Management Consultant
IPM strategies, pest control, farm advisory
Plant Breeder
Crop improvement, variety development, genetics
Farm Manager
Farm operations, resource management, business
Research Scientist
Research, innovation, experimentation
Academic & Teaching
University lecturers, researchers, training
Agribusiness Professional
Food processing, agricultural trade, business
Agricultural Entrepreneur
Farm ownership, agribusiness startup, innovation
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score of 140-160+
- Subject combination: Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics/Physics, English Language
- Five O'Level credits in two sittings maximum
- Credit passes must include: Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Physics, and English Language
Direct Entry Requirements (200 Level)
- Two A'Level passes in Chemistry and Biology/Agricultural Science
- ND/HND upper credit in Agriculture or related field
- NCE merit pass in Agriculture or Integrated Science
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Crop Science and Pest Management now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General Library