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PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY The philosophy that guides this programme is the production of skilled manpower that is adequately trained and equipped with comprehensive knowledge required to be self-reliant in fish production. Such students are to be trained in an atmosphere with the widest possible human and material resources, through the adoption of effective techniques of instruction and exposure to the actual practice of fisheries management and aquaculture production. Consequently, there are opportunities for formal training at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the acquisition of basic and higher degrees, respectively. These training programmes are mounted through classroom instructions, laboratory practicals, field demonstration and Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The programme prepares the graduates to be self-reliant in Fish production and can be employed in any fisheries establishment, banks and other related field.

Programme Objective

The major objectives of the programme are to:

  • provide advanced education and training in the science and technology of fisheries, resources, aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity management to cater for the Higher Management Requirements of the nation.
  • provide functional education for Postgraduate students at Masters and Postgraduate diploma levels who will eventually become job makers and trainers of the captains of Industries and distinguished academics.
  • provide opportunity for problem solving research studies focused on fish production and utilization and provision of the necessary raw materials for the national agricultural Industries in this sub sector.
  • offer to the public the results of research break-through and foster the practical application of these results.
  • provide advanced studies and higher training in environmental impact assessment, environmental control and management, management of national biodiversity, and industrial bionutrients production, for sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation especially in rural areas.

Brief About the Department

In this technological age, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is on the vanguard of educating and producing sound technologically oriented and self reliant students that are job creators and not just job seekers. This novelty is possible because of the array of highly qualified, seasoned and dedicated lecturers in all facets of Fisheries and Aquaculture and staff in the department. Presently the Department has a population of 307 students, comprising Ph.D. Students (15), Masters Students, (17), Postgraduate Diploma students (3) and Undergraduate students (267). The Department has three Laboratories; Limnology, Analytical and Postgraduate Laboratories. These are in addition to the wet-Laboratory housing the indoor hatchery.The Department has a Teaching and Research Fish Farm for fish production and students’ practical demonstrations. The Fish Farm complex contains three fish production ponds, five experimental ponds in addition to twenty experimental concrete tanks. In the farm, fish are bred and fingerlings nurtured to adult size. There is a standard FUTA model smoking kiln which is used to process harvested fish thereby prolonging the shelf life and adding value as well as preventing fish wastage. Similarly, a feed mill is nearing completion on the farm. When completed, the mill will produce dry pelleted feed both for the University Farm and Fish Farmers can also take advantage of the fish mill to pellet feeds on payment of a token to the University. Recently, the Department received some equipment from the University STEP B: Centre for Excellence in Food Security. These includes eight (collapsible rubber/ plastic tanks, a unit of re-circulatory system, aerating systems, some digital weighing balance among other items, all these complement teaching and research in the Department. The Department is concluding plans for the establishment of an out-station on Owena Reservoir for effective teaching and research in capture fisheries management. The lecturers and staff in the Department work diligently to produce graduates that can compete favourably with their colleagues all over the world. This is achieved through proper integration and coordination of the equipment and facilities; and effective teaching and research for the students. This remains the major focus of all the staff in the Department. There is harmonious relationship between staff and students to make the Department an enviable foundation for increased fish production in Nigeria.