BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Food Science and Technology was established in 1971 within the Faculty of Agriculture. While the academic discipline of Food Science and Technology is relatively new and has developed as a coordinated field of study, many aspects of food processing and preservation have been practiced for generations.
Initially, the Department commenced with a five-year program leading to the award of B.Sc. (Honours) Degree in Food Science and Technology. The development of the Department has been a steady progression, marked by significant milestones including the establishment of Postgraduate studies in 1987. This program, which offers degrees such as M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D., was reviewed and revised over the years to enhance its academic rigour and relevance.
Recently, a new program leading to the award of M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D., in Food Engineering has been approved by the Senate and is now fully accredited by the National Universities Commission. Additionally, the program has been accredited by the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN).
From its inception, the Department has been equipped with facilities to support teaching and research across key areas, including Food Microbiology, Food Chemistry, Food Processing and Engineering, Quality Control and Assessment, Nutrition, and Baking Technology. These developments underscore our commitment to excellence in training, research, and service in food value chain.
About the Department
MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY
To create a teaching and learning community for imparting appropriate skills and knowledge, behaviour and attitude; advance frontiers of knowledge that are relevant to national and global development; engender a sense of selfless public services; and promote and nurture the African culture and tradition.
VISION OF THE UNIVERSITY
The vision is of a top rated University in Africa, ranked among the best in the world, whose products occupy leadership positions in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian and global economy, that has harnessed modern technology, social, economic and financial strategies, built strong partnerships and linkages within and outside Nigeria and whose research contributes a substantial proportion of innovations to the Nigerian economy.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The need for manpower required for the preservation of many agricultural crops and development of products or processes that will provide nutritious and balanced diet to the people has been the concern of all involved in national development. The main objectives of the Department are to provide the course of instructions that will train the type of engineers, scientists and technologists capable of working effectively at the senior level in the food industry, food commodity, research institutes and government or private establishments related to food.