NUC Approves Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Programme for Ekiti's FUTES

News in Brief

-NUC has accredited Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, along with 33 other programmes, at Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Ekiti State.

-The plan is to bolster its capacity to offer practical, industry-focused engineering programmes for students in the 2025/2026 academic session.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given the green light for the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, to begin offering Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering and 33 other programmes for students. 

This marks a significant milestone for the newly established institution as it prepares for the 2025/2026 academic session. 

It signals not only the start of fresh academic activities at FUTES but also highlights the growing recognition of the importance of agric-focused engineering education in Nigeria.

NUC Accreditation for Ekiti University

The Registrar of FUTES, Oluwole Dada, confirmed the recent NUC approval on Thursday, stating that it followed comprehensive inspections by four teams who evaluated the university's readiness—touring laboratories, teaching equipment, hostels, and more. 

With full accreditation for 34 programmes, including Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the university is now set to officially commence admissions and teaching. 

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, described this as a 'milestone,' emphasising FUTES’ goal of providing cutting-edge education tailored to address the needs of Nigeria’s modern agricultural sector.

“We are here for academic excellence, and that is the standard we want to set from the onset. Students who performed well in JAMB, WAEC, NECO or NABTEB will be admitted purely on merit, without fear or favour,” he said.

He advised interested admission seekers to rely only on verified information provided on the institution’s official website, www.futes.edu.ng, or to contact the office of the Registrar for guidance.

Earlier this year, in February, President Bola Tinubu signed into law two separate bills establishing FUTES in Iyin Ekiti and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.

Speaking through adviser Bayo Onanuga, he asserted that new specialised universities like FUTES will help address Nigeria’s educational needs, enhancing national research and fostering economic growth through innovation in agriculture and technology. 

Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Programme

Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering is a multidisciplinary course where engineering principles are applied to boost productivity in agriculture, manage biological systems, and improve environmental control. 

The course prepares students for careers in machine systems (power and design for agricultural machinery, including renewable energies), processing systems for food and biofuel production, crop and livestock management, irrigation, and waste management. Graduates acquire practical and theoretical knowledge for roles such as Design Engineers, Test Engineers, Energy Managers, and Environmental Control Engineers.

Core areas include:

• Farm Power and Machinery Engineering
• Soil and Water Resources Engineering
• Crop Processing, Storage, and Agro-Industrial Engineering
• Rural Electrification and Environmental Control Engineering
• Food Process and Forestry Engineering

A typical curriculum covers topics like robotics and automation for agriculture, renewable energy technologies, project management, artificial intelligence applications, greenhouse and aquaponic technology, and instrumentation. This equips graduates to solve real-world problems in food security, rural development, and industrial processing.

Other Nigerian Universities Offering the Course

Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering is offered at numerous institutions across Nigeria, reflecting its value and growing popularity.

Notable universities include Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State; University of Agriculture and Environmental  Sciences, Umuagwu, Imo State. It is also done in similar variations, as Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering in Bells University, Ota, Ogun state and other schools.