Human Nutrition and Dietetics goes far beyond calories, it’s the science that links what we eat to how we feel, grow, heal, and even perform. Moreover, this course might be ideal for you if your passion lies in promoting wellness through food, helping people recover from illness, or designing meal plans that prevent disease. JAMB subject combination for Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2026 has also been disclosed here.
What is Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the science of how food and nutrients affect human growth, metabolism, health, and disease prevention. It combines biology, chemistry, and health sciences to assess nutritional needs, plan appropriate diets, and promote healthy lifestyles.
Professionals in this field work in hospitals, schools, research centers, public health institutions, and food industries, where they advise individuals and communities on the best dietary practices for optimal health and disease management.
JAMB Subject Combination for Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2026
To study Human Nutrition and Dietetics in any Nigerian university, JAMB requires you to choose specific subjects that support the course’s scientific and health-focused structure.
| 1 | Use of English | Mandatory for all JAMB candidates and crucial for communication and writing clinical reports. |
| 2 | Chemistry | Important for understanding nutrient composition, food chemistry, and metabolism. |
| 3 | Biology | Key to studying body systems, digestion, and the effect of nutrients on human physiology. |
| 4 | Physics or Mathematics | Useful for understanding biochemical reactions, energy balance, and research statistics. |
Note: Some universities may prefer Physics over Mathematics or vice versa. Always check individual school requirements.
How are These Subjects Important to Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
| 1 | Use of English | Necessary for writing case reports, nutrition plans, research documentation, and counselling. |
| 2 | Chemistry | Explains food composition, digestion, nutrient breakdown, and interaction with medications. |
| 3 | Biology | Helps understand body systems, nutrition-related diseases, and human development. |
| 4 | Physics/Mathematics | Offers tools for energy calculations, metabolic measurements, and understanding lab instruments. |
List of Institutions offering the course in Nigeria
Here are some Nigerian universities offering Human Nutrition and Dietetics:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Madonna University
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Some universities may run this course under slightly different titles such as “Nutrition and Dietetics” or “Food and Nutrition.”
Additional requirements for Admission
To gain admission into a degree program in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, students must meet the following:
- O’Level Requirements: Five (5) credit passes including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics or any other relevant science subject
- Direct Entry Requirements: Candidates possessing any of the following qualifications, you can apply for admission through direct entry:
- Two (2) A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology, Physics or Agricultural Science
- ND or HND in Nutrition, Food Science, or related disciplines may be accepted
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I study Human Nutrition and Dietetics without Physics?
A: Yes, but it depends on the university. Some accept Mathematics instead.
Q: Is Agricultural Science accepted instead of Biology?
A: Not usually. Biology is preferred and often compulsory.
Q: What is the duration of the course?
A: Typically 4 years for UTME students and 3 years for Direct Entry candidates.
Q: What job can I do with a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
A: Roles include clinical dietitian, public health nutritionist, food safety officer, wellness consultant, or researcher.
Q: Is this course available in polytechnics?
A: Related ND/HND programs exist, but B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics is mostly offered at universities.
Q: What is the JAMB cut-off mark for the course?
A: Varies by university; ranges from 180 to 220 in most schools.
Q: Do I need to write post-UTME?
A: Yes, most universities require post-UTME for admission.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory in O’Level?
A: Yes, a credit pass in Mathematics is required.
Q: Is Nutrition and Dietetics the same as Food Science?
A: No. While both deal with food, Dietetics focuses more on human health and therapeutic uses of food.
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