AKSU offers the following programmes through this Department:

1. Bachelor of Science (B.Fisheries) in Fisheries and Aquaculture

2. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Fisheries and Aquaculture

3. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Fisheries and Aquaculture with specialization options including:

   • Aquaculture and Fish Genetics

   • Fisheries Management

   • Fish Nutrition, Processing and Utilization

4. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Fisheries and Aquaculture with specialization options including:

   • Aquaculture and Fish Genetics

   • Fisheries Management

   • Fish Nutrition, Processing and Utilization
     
     

🎓Undergraduate Studies

University Requirements 

a.) Admission through JAMB and Post UTME

i. Admission into Akwa Ibom State University shall be through Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) OR Direct Entry. In addition to attaining, the general required standard in UTME, candidates must satisfy the general university requirement as well as the specific Faculty and Programs requirement. All Admissions shall be through JAMB.

ii. The candidate must be over 16 years of age by 1st October in the year of admission.

iii. Candidates must possess at least 5 credit passes in relevant subjects ( Biology /Agricultural Science/ Fisheries and Aquaculture, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and a credit pass in English language. Credit passes in Economics and Geography will be added advantages.) at GCE O/L, WASCE, SSCE, NECO or approved equivalents at not more than 2 sittings.

iv. Subjects to be offered at the University Matriculation Examination (UME) should include English Language, Biology/Agricultural Science/Fisheries and Aquaculture, Chemistry and any other science subject. 

iv. Satisfactory performance in the University Matriculation Examination.

v. Satisfactory performance in the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the University.

b.) Admission by Direct Entry

Candidate seeking admission into the university by direct entry should possess, in addition to the above, one of the following:

i. In addition to 6.1 (i) above, candidates should have at least two A-level passes or their equivalents in any of Biology, Botany, Agricultural Science, Zoology, Mathematics, Strength, Statistics, Physics, Economics, and Geography. 

ii. In addition to 6.1 (i) above, candidates should have OND or ND (Upper Credit)/HND (lower credit)/NCE (Credits in relevant subject(s) in Fisheries/Aquaculture, Marine Biology/Science, Biology/Agricultural Science, Wildlife Management, Animal Health and Husbandry. Veterinary Science, Food-Science, Biology-Education, Agricultural Science-Education, and any other closely related discipline are also considered.

iii. Satisfactory performance in the direct entry screening exercise conducted by the university. 

iv. In addition to (i) above, candidates with HND (not less than lower credits) in Fisheries/Aquaculture, Marine Biology/Science, Biology/Agricultural Science, Wildlife Management, Animal Health and Husbandry. Veterinary-Science, Food-Science, Biology-Education, Agricultural Science-Education, and any other closely related discipline may be admitted into Year 2 of the 5-year program and may be exempted from the SIWES practical training. 

v. Admission requirements are subject to review from time to time and open to both Nigerians and Non-Nigerians.

Other Admission Requirements

i. A pass in general paper at HSC or approved equivalents would not be accepted as a substitute for a credit pass in English Language at GCE O/L, WASCE, SSCE, NECO or approved equivalents.

ii. Interviews may be conducted as a component of the admission process in addition to UTME or Direct Entry by JAMB. 

iii. Specific Faculty/Departmental Requirements will be stipulated in addition to the general University entry requirements.

Transfer Admission

Candidates with adequate qualifications who wish to transfer from other universities to the Department of Crop Science shall be admitted into either Year II or Year II depending on their qualifications and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as approved by the University. Such candidates must submit an official transcript from their former Universities. There is no admission beyond Year II.

🎓🎓Postgraduate Studies

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

🔸SSCE with 5 credits including English and Mathematics (in not more than 2 sittings)

🔸One of:

• HND in Agriculture with Lower Credit

• Third Class Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or related science

• HND Pass with six years of cognate experience.

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

🔸SSCE with credits as above

🔸One of:

• Bachelor’s Degree (minimum of Second Class Lower) in Agriculture or science-related discipline

• HND Upper Credit plus PGD at Distinction level.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

🔸SSCE with credits as above

🔸One of:

• Master's Degree (minimum of Second Class Lower) in Agriculture or science-related discipline

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture engages in a wide range of academic, experimental, and field-based activities designed to strengthen teaching, research, and community development within the aquatic sciences. These activities support capacity building, innovation, and sustainable fisheries management across freshwater, brackish, and marine environments.

Aquaculture Production & Management

• Practical training in pond construction, stocking, feeding, and husbandry.

• Management of earthen ponds, concrete tanks, and tapolin system

• Breeding and seed production of key species such as catfish, shrimp, and crayfish.

Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology

• Formulation and evaluation of cost-effective diets using local ingredients.

• Feed quality assessment, proximate analysis, and nutrient optimization.

• Research on functional feed additives, probiotics, phytogenics, and micronutrients.

Fisheries Biology & Ecology

• Fish anatomy, taxonomy, and species identification.

• Studies on population dynamics, growth patterns, and reproductive biology.

• Monitoring of aquatic biodiversity in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters.

Water Quality & Environmental Monitoring

• Assessment of physicochemical parameters of freshwater and brackish water ecosystems.

• Pollution studies, bioindicators, and aquatic toxicology research.

• Environmental impact assessments (EIA) for fisheries and aquaculture projects.

Hatchery & Seed Technology

• Broodstock management, induced breeding, and larval rearing.

• Hatchery design, water recirculation systems, and seed quality improvement.

• Research on factors affecting survival, growth, and metabolic performance.

Post-Harvest Technology & Value Addition

• Processing methods including smoking, drying, icing, and packaging.

• Studies on indigenous technologies for reducing post-harvest losses.

• Quality assurance, food safety, and shelf-life enhancement of aquatic products.

Fisheries Extension & Community Engagement

• Training of fish farmers, processors, and local cooperatives.

• Dissemination of modern and indigenous aquaculture technologies.

• Collaborations with government and industry for capacity building.

Climate Change & Sustainable Fisheries

• Research on climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems and fish production.

• Development of adaptive strategies for coastal communities.

• Promotion of eco-friendly aquaculture practices.

Students’ Practical & Research Projects

• Field excursions, SIWES training, and industry exposure.

• Undergraduate and postgraduate research spanning nutrition, reproduction, ecology, and post-harvest studies.

• Hands-on laboratory and farm-based learning.

Departmental Publications

The department contributes to scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, project reports, and technical bulletins. Research outputs cover:

• Aquaculture nutrition and feed development

• Fish physiology, growth, and reproduction

• Water quality dynamics and ecosystem health

• Aquatic biodiversity and conservation

• Post-harvest technology and value-chain improvement

• Climate resilience and sustainability in fisheries

• Toxicity testing in fish exposed to a pollutant

These publications enhance the department’s visibility, support evidence-based policy development, and strengthen collaborations with national and international institutions.

The Department provides well-equipped laboratories, hatcheries, ponds, and processing units that support hands-on training and practical skill development. Students engage in real-life aquaculture operations, including breeding, feeding, water quality management, and fish processing. These facilities enhance experiential learning, bridge theory with practice, and prepare students for professional careers in fisheries and aquaculture.

Wet Laboratory (Wet Lab)

• Equipped for live fish handling

• Water quality analysis (pH, DO, ammonia, nitrite, hardness, salinity)

• Tanks, aerators, and filtration systems

Dry Laboratory (Dry Lab)

• Proximate composition analysis

• Feed formulation and testing

• Microscopy and histology sections

Hatchery Facility

• Indoor and outdoor hatchery units

• Broodstock holding tanks

• Larval rearing tanks and incubators

Aquaculture Farm / Fish Ponds

• Earthen ponds

• Concrete tanks

• Tapurlin tanks

Feed Mill / Feed Production Unit

• Feed mixer

• Pelleting machine

• Dryers

• Storage facility

Processing and Post-Harvest Unit

• Smoking kilns

• Drying racks

• Cold storage/freezers

• Packaging unit

Fisheries Biology & Ecology Laboratory

• Sampling equipment

• Specimen preservation

• Dissection tools and stereomicroscopes

Fisheries Hydrobiology / Limnology Lab

• Water sampling kits

• Plankton nets

• Sediment corers

• Analysis equipment

Marine/Freshwater Field Equipment Store

• canoes

• GPS devices

• Cast nets, seine nets

• Life jackets

Research & Training Classroom

• Audio-visual facilities

• Whiteboards/projectors

• Demonstration tools

Computer/ICT Laboratory

• Data analysis software (R, SPSS, GIS)

• High-speed internet for research

 Library/Resource Centre

• Textbooks, journals, theses, manuals

• Digital research access

Fish Museum or Specimen Room

• ·Preserved fish specimens

• Identification guides

Office & Administrative Facilities

• HOD office

• Staff offices

• Meeting rooms

🐟 Aquaculture Production & Management

• Fish farm manager (catfish, tilapia, shrimp, or ornamental fish farms)

• Hatchery manager or aquaculture production consultant

• Aquaculture systems designer (recirculatory, cage, or pond systems)

• Fish breeding and genetics specialist

• Aquatic feed formulation and nutrition expert
  
  

🌊 Fisheries Resource Management & Marine Science

• Fisheries officer or aquatic resource manager (government or NGO)

• Marine biologist or aquatic ecologist

• Fisheries policy analyst or management consultant

• Inland and coastal fisheries development officer

• Sustainable fisheries and ecosystem management specialist
  
  

🧫 Fish Health & Environmental Management

• Aquatic animal health technician or disease control officer

• Water quality control and monitoring officer

• Laboratory technologist in fish pathology or aquatic microbiology

• Biosecurity and aquatic ecosystem health specialist

• Environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultant for aquaculture projects
  
  

🍤 Fish Processing & Post-Harvest Technology

• Fish processing and preservation technologist

• Quality control and assurance officer in seafood industries

• Product development specialist (smoked, dried, or frozen fish products)

• Fish value chain and packaging technologist

• Seafood export and certification officer
  
  

🌾 Fisheries Extension & Community Development

• Fisheries extension officer (public or private sector)

• Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) fisheries specialist

• Community aquaculture development facilitator

• NGO or donor project officer in aquaculture and coastal livelihood programmes

• Training and capacity-building consultant in small-scale fisheries
  
  

🎓 Education, Research & Academia

• Lecturer or researcher in fisheries, aquaculture, or marine biology (with postgraduate qualification)

• Research scientist in aquatic ecology, nutrition, or fish breeding

• Research assistant in universities, research institutes, or international organizations (e.g., NIOMR, IITA, FAO)

• Fisheries laboratory technologist or instructor
  
  

💼 Entrepreneurship & Blue Economy Ventures

• Owner or manager of commercial fish farms or hatcheries

• Fish feed production entrepreneur

• Fish processing and packaging business owner

• Exporter of aquatic products (fish, shrimp, or ornamental species)

• Consultant in aquaculture project design, setup, and management
  
  

🏛️ Government & Regulatory Agencies

• Fisheries officer in Federal or State Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Roles in NAFDAC, SON, NIOMR, or NAQS (inspection, certification, and regulation of fishery products)

• Policy advisor or regulatory officer in marine resource management

• Inspector in maritime and coastal resource protection agencies
  
  

🌍 Specialized & Emerging Fields

• Climate-smart aquaculture and sustainability expert

• Aquatic biotechnology and genetic improvement researcher

• Oceanography and marine resource conservation specialist

• Blue economy and coastal development strategist

• Aquaculture engineering and automation specialist