Agriculture is often misunderstood as nothing more than planting crops or rearing animals. In reality, it is a broad and structured field that combines science, technology, management, and economics to produce food and other essential raw materials.
Modern agriculture involves the scientific study of soils, plants, and animals, the use of technology to improve productivity and efficiency, and the organisation of food production from the farm to the final consumer. It also covers processing, storage, transportation, and marketing, ensuring that food reaches people safely and sustainably.
Beyond production, agriculture plays a central role in national development and global stability. It supports industries, creates employment, drives trade, and sustains entire populations. Because food is a basic human need, agriculture remains one of the few sectors that will always be relevant, regardless of changes in technology, economy, or lifestyle.
1. Agriculture (General)
One of the broadest entry points into the field is a B.Sc. Agriculture (General). This course is designed to give you a solid foundation across multiple areas of agricultural science. These include crop production, soil management, pest and disease control, farm operations, and basic agricultural technology. It suits you if you are curious about how food systems work as a whole rather than focusing on one narrow area.
To succeed in this course, you need basic science ability, especially in Biology or Agricultural Science, alongside Mathematics and at least one physical science, such as Chemistry or Physics. More importantly, you need observation skills, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to combine theory with practical fieldwork.
Where can I work as a Graduate of Agriculture (General)
As a graduate of general agriculture, you could be employed across the public and private sectors. You may work as:
How Much Can I Earn As a General Agriculture Graduate
In Nigeria, as a graduate entering the workforce, you would typically earn between ₦1.5 million and ₦2.5 million annually, with your salary rising to ₦3 million–₦5 million (and as high as ₦10 million) as your experience, responsibility, and specialisation increase.
Institutions that commonly employ General Agriculture graduates are the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, state agricultural development programmes, research institutes, commercial farms, seed companies, and international development organisations.
2. Agricultural Engineering
If you have a strong interest in technology, machines, and systems, you may find Agricultural Engineering more suitable. This course applies engineering principles to agriculture, focusing on the design and management of farm machinery, irrigation systems, post-harvest processing equipment, and modern precision farming tools.
To study this course, you must have good analytical skills. In addition, you must be good with Mathematics and Physics, and solving practical engineering problems.
Where can I work as a Graduate of Agricultural Engineering?
You can work in design offices, manufacturing plants, processing facilities, or field installations with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.
As a graduate of agricultural engineering, you could also work with equipment manufacturing companies, large commercial farms, food processing plants, irrigation projects, construction firms, and government agencies. Some are employed by research institutes and international organisations involved in mechanisation and rural infrastructure.
How Much Can I Earn As a General Agriculture Engineering
You can expect an average annual income of around ₦2.5 million–₦3 million. Higher earnings are possible for those working in the private sector, consultancy, or large-scale industrial projects.
3. Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness
Do you prefer business, finance, and decision-making to laboratory or field work? Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness offers one of the most versatile and financially promising paths in agriculture. This field examines how agricultural resources are managed, how markets function, how farms and agribusinesses are financed, and how policies affect food production and rural livelihoods. To study this course, you must have good numerical ability, analytical thinking, and an interest in economics, management, and strategic planning.
Where can I work as a Graduate of Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness?
Graduates are employed far beyond farms. You can work in agribusiness companies, banks, commodity trading firms, government ministries, development agencies, NGOs, and international organisations. Common roles include agribusiness manager, market analyst, agricultural economist, farm finance officer, and policy or rural development specialist.
How Much Can I Earn As a General Agriculture Graduate
According to salary data for Nigeria, professionals working as agricultural economists, farm managers, or agribusiness consultants typically earns e between ₦2,000,000 and ₦5,000,000 per year, although exact amounts vary by employer, experience level, and location.
Recruitment and industry data also show that entry-level roles in the agricultural sector in Nigeria can start around ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000 per year, and mid-level to senior roles such as agribusiness manager can earn around ₦4,500,000 to ₦7,000,000 annually in established positions.
4. Animal Science or Veterinary-related field
If you are drawn to animals and biological sciences, you might want to pursue Animal Science or Veterinary-related fields. These courses focus on livestock production, animal nutrition, breeding, genetics, and health management. To study any of these courses, you must have patience, attention to detail, an interest in biology, and a willingness to work in environments ranging from farms to laboratories and clinics. While veterinary medicine requires further professional training, animal science alone provides strong employment opportunities.
Where can I work as a Graduate of an Animal Science or Veterinary-related Course
You could work in poultry and livestock farms, feed manufacturing companies, veterinary clinics, animal health companies, research institutes, and government agricultural agencies. You could also run private livestock businesses or consultancy services.
How Much Can I Earn As a General Agriculture Graduate
A survey of average salaries for Animal Scientists in Nigeria shows you can earn between about ₦3,000,000 and more than ₦7,000,000 per year as you gain experience and as your education level increases.
A Bachelor’s-level Animal Scientist averaged around ₦3.98M per year in one data set. With advanced degrees or experience, your average income could rise above ₦5M–₦7M.
In a broader agriculture salary overview, veterinary scientists (those focused on animal health at a professional level) are separately listed with salaries in the ₦5M–₦10M per year range
5. Crop Science and Soil Science
Another specialised, but increasingly important, area you may be interested in is Crop Science and Soil Science. These courses focus on how crops grow, how soils function, how yields can be improved, and how farming can remain environmentally sustainable. You would need a strong interest in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and data analysis. Students who enjoy research, experimentation, and long-term problem-solving often thrive in these fields.
Where can I work as a Crop and Soil Scientist
As a graduate, you could work as a crop consultant, soil scientist, seed production specialist, researcher, or environmental agriculture professional. Employment is common in research institutes, universities, seed companies, fertiliser firms, government agencies, and international agricultural organisations.
How Much Can I Earn As a Crop Science and Soil Science
A graduate of Crop Science or Soil Science typically earns between ₦1.5 million and ₦2.5 million per year at the entry level in Nigeria. With about three to six years of experience, earnings commonly rise to ₦3 million–₦5 million annually, especially for those working as crop consultants, soil analysts, production supervisors, or project officers in agribusiness companies and development organisations.
Professionals who gain strong field experience, specialise further, or obtain postgraduate qualifications often move into consultancy, senior research roles, or international agricultural projects. Their annual income ranges from about ₦5 million–₦7 million locally to ₦6 million–₦10 million or more in donor-funded or international roles, depending on the scope of work and employer.
Federal Universities (Agriculture / Related Courses)
State Universities (Agriculture / Related Courses)
Private Universities with Agriculture Programmes
Other Universities with Agriculture Courses
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
