Nutrition and Dietetics career/job prospect in Nigeria (2024)

Are you planning to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria and wondering what your career can look like? Are you already studying and still haven’t aligned with a career path?

This post is written for you.

And if you just want to know whether Nutrition and Dietetics is a good career in Nigeria, YES it is.

Nutrition and Dietetics is a professional course and one of the most profitable courses in Nigeria. The reason you probably didn’t know that is due to the widespread misconception in Nigeria that nutrition and dietetics is often about “cooking”. Well, that misconception is going away now.

Nutrition and Dietetics is NOT all about cooking.

Yes, it can involve cooking and cooking methods. But its for the purpose of supervision of food processes in order to ensure food safety.

What Human Nutrition and Dietetics is all about is beyond that, as you will realize at the end of this post.

What is Nutrition and Dietetics about?

Nutrition and Dietetics is the application of the science of nutrition to the prevention and treatment of diseases. And as well promote good health through dietary measures.

Studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics will equip you with the necessary skills to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) in Nigeria.

Which is the only qualified health professional that can assess, diagnose and treat nutrition-related problems of individuals or a target population.

You will learn how food intake and nutrient requirements can be altered by illness, and how to apply therapeutic diets to treat various disease conditions.

On completion of the four-year academic programme in the university, you are required to proceed on the mandatory one-year internship at a teaching hospital to enable you become a Registered Dietitian (RD).

Or a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) as the case may be.

You see, Human Nutrition and Dietetics is not all about cooking.

It is a broad, practical, yet interesting, field that helps you positively affect the lives of many people.

Particularly in prevention and treatment of diseases, though, with the application of dietary measures.

In Nigeria, the department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics is domiciled in the Medical college of most universities. While it is in the Faculty of Agriculture in some.

This bares little meaning on the medical implication of this unique field.

As a prospective Nutritionist or Dietitian, you might also like to check out some of our other posts:

Tips to prevent diabetes, hepatitis, high blood pressure

List of Hospitals for IT/Internship in Human Nutrition & Dietetic

Career opportunities in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The direction your career takes will depend on your individual interest.

Most graduates of Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria seek employment in the hospital. So they can specialize in areas such as;

  • Child nutrition;
  • Community health;
  • Internal medicine;
  • Sports nutrition;
  • Nutritional support (enteral and parental nutrition) and
  • Advanced patient care.

While others move into;

  • Private practice;
  • Research;
  • Voluntary and non-governmental organization;
  • Nutrition counselling and
  • The food industry.

This blog contains five (5) career options for graduates of Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria. That’s in addition to the other career options already mentioned.

I have no doubt you will realize Human Nutrition and Dietetics is way beyond what you ever thought.

6 things you can do with a degree/higher diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

Below are work opportunities for graduates of Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria.

1. Private Practice

Once you are a Registered Dietician (RD) or Registered Dietician-Nutritionist (RDN), it means you have been licensed to practice as a Dietician.

You can practice independently with individual patients, or target group / population in your area of specialization. You will assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems.

Most common diet-related diseases such as stroke, obesity, diabetes, chronic heart diseases, ischaemia and other diseases require consistent management and monitoring.

A Dietitian comes in handy wherever these medications are.

You could work with people who have an eating disorder, HIV, digestive problems, food allergy, want to lose weight, need to put on weight perhaps after an illness or condition.

And, people who want to improve their sports performance.

As a Registered Dietitian (RD) on practicing independently. You use your knowledge of food to help your clients make the right decisions about food.

Especially, what to eat and how not to eat, which play a major role in the overall health and well being of individuals.

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

Nutritionist and Dietitian generally mean the same thing. Both terms are often used loosely to refer to a Doctor of food.

For example, a graduate of Nutrition and Dietetics is a Dietitian or Nutritionist, but not a Registered Dietitian.

More specifically,

Nutritionists are food experts that ensure the food we consume contain the right amount of nutrients we need. While Registered Dietitians are health professionals that apply nutrition knowledge to treat sickness and diseases.

To be a Registered Dietitian, you must undergo a one-year internship in an approved hospital for Dietetics internship. Then you will be given a license to practice.

Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians have slightly different training, though both perform similar roles. They’re also regulated by different professional bodies (Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and Dietetics Association of Nigeria).

Trust your question is answered!

2. Community Health Worker

Community health nutritionists work mainly in educating individuals and target groups / population in communities, villages, and urban areas.

They educated them on food choices, nutrition, health and disease relationship all to ensure members of the community have better health.

Here, you will have a lot of contact with the public. Reason why a good knowledge of sociology is vital for nutritionists.

Dietitians in community settings help in policy making to shape nutritional advice and guidelines for communities. In doing this, you may also work with other agencies such as schools, voluntary organisations, and the military.

You will inform and teach the public and other health professionals about diet and nutrition.

Your aim as a Registered Dietitian (RD) is to promote good health and prevent diseases in individuals and communities.

You could as well be leading a team of Dietitians and Nutritionists providing advice on nutrition to government for policy making.

3. Work in hospital

Registered Dietitians (RD) work in the hospital and form part of the health care team (physicians and other health professionals) in ward rounds in clinics.

You may work with health care professionals such as nurses, as well as supervise the work of Dietetic Technicians in the Dietetics unit / department of the hospital.

You will educate out-patients such as pregnant and lactating women about exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, child nutrition and other crucial areas for healthy child development.

As well as assess, diagnose, and treat diet-related diseases or conditions of in-patients in conjunction with other health professionals.

Really much. Right? I guess.

You will work with and educate people who need special diets as part of their treatment.

These include patients with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney disorders, pregnant and lactating women, burnt patients, post surgery, eating disorders, or digestive problems.

4. Work in tertiary institutions

Within research and academia, your career path is likely going to be similar to that of other research scientists.

You could work in public and private higher institutions of learning as a lecturer, research assistant / executive or work at a senior level in the university.

Many Nutritionists and Dietitians are currently lecturers in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

5. Work in companies and industries

Along industry lines, Nutritionists are very useful in organizations such a NAFDAC, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing companies (food and beverages).

They regulate food and drug contents, check for allergies and intolerance on the human system, drug-nutrient interaction, as well as several other functions.

Registered Nutritionists are at the heart of these organizations.

6. Start your own business

One of the things that make Nutrition and Dietetics such a unique field is the opportunities it presents in doing your own thing – Business. As a Nutritionist, you can  operate a natural food products and nutrition supplies outlet. You can also start your own Nutrition clinic for management of various chronic diseases.

With your experience and expertise, there are also many business opportunities in food industries, cafeterias, malls, fast foods and supermarkets that you can leverage on.

All those areas are all within your field of study.

If that doesn’t interest you, you can also branch out and delve into other areas of business with your managerial skills that you’ve acquired during your training.

How to register a business name in Nigeria | easy steps

7. Move Abroad

One of the quickest ways to japa is to study Nutrition and Dietetics or Nursing. With a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, opportunities abound for you to japa.

So if none of the career paths in Nigeria appeal to you, going abroad is an option you can explore.

Most advanced countries like Canada, UK, and the United States are in dire need of the services of Nutritionists and Dietitians. In fact, jobs in Nutrition sector is projected to grow thrice the current figure by 2030 in the UK alone.

Why? Take a look at their population and the conditions they often come down with. You will see your relevance there.

WRAP UP

What can I do with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics?

Graduates of Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria have the following career opportunities:

  1. Private practice.
  2. Community health.
  3. Hospital practice.
  4. Research and Academia.
  5. Industry/Company.
  6. Start your own business.
  7. Move abroad

The variety of what to do and where to work makes Nutrition and Dietetics a 21st century profession.

Does Nutrition and Dietetics have professional association?

The Association of Nigerian Dietitians – AND (formerly called Nigerian Dietetics Association – NDA/Dietitians Association of Nigeria – DAN) and Nutrition Society of Nigeria – NSN are both responsible for the regulation of Nutrition and Dietetics practice in Nigeria.

And there’s also the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria (IDN).

Is there induction for Nutrition and Dietetics graduates?

On completing your undergraduate degree, you will be inducted into the profession by the relevant professional bodies.

One, if you register with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) after finishing school, you will be inducted as a full member of the Nutrition Society.

Two, after your Dietetics internship, you are expected to write the Test of Professional Competence (TOPCE). If you are successful in the exam, you will be registered as a Dietitian and inducted.

Three, you can decide to join and be affiliated with any of the associations mentioned earlier.

Where do they do induction for Nutritionists and Dietitians?

Nutrition and Dietetics induction is usually done at annual conferences, unless there’s no conference for a particular year. Though this is rarely the case.

And in other cases, if there are many newly graduated/completed interns waiting for TOPCE and registration.

Also check out these 6 things you should do before finishing school.

How much is the salary of Nutritionists and Dietitians in Nigeria?

Your salary as a Nutritionist or Dietitian in Nigeria depends on where you’re working. Though food manufacturing industries and pharmaceutical companies reportedly pay Nutritionists very well.

Many Dietitians report job satisfaction working in the hospital. And the exact pay also depend on many things. For example, whether you just got a job straight out of school or have worked for years.

Dietitians working in hospital receive more than One Hundred and Fifty Thousand (₦150,000) monthly. Depending on your level, its even twice as much, plus other job benefits.

For private practice, one can’t specify how much Nutritionists and Dietitians earn. But one thing to know is that we often have financially stable clients able to pay for your service.

Depending on your interests and personality, you will find where you fit as a Nutritionist and Dietitian.

Entry requirements to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria

Applicants who have the basic admission requirements at O’level are eligible for admission.

While Nutrition and Dietetics is a five years course in some universities, it’s a four (4) years course in most universities.

Those with Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics or Registered Nurse certificate are eligible for admission into Nutrition and Dietetics through Direct entry.

O’level requirement:

You should have five (5) credits at O’level in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry at not more than two (2) sittings.

List of universities offering Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria

UTME subjects:

JAMB subject combination for Nutrition and Dietetics are:

  • Biology.
  • Physics and
  • Chemistry.

Those entry requirements are in addition to a minimum UTME cut off mark determined by JAMB each year.

If for any reason you are not satisfied or don’t meet the entry requirements specified above, you might consider a Polytechnic or College of Health Technology.

You can also study online with a foreign university right from your room. Or you apply for a scholarship to study abroad. Education is is now at your doorsteps.

Diet – surely the best medicine!

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog?

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Remember to leave a comment below if you have any question about this scholarship.

Latest comments (153)

I studied human anatomy (4) years and now I want to do PGD in nutrition and dietetics so my question is after this will I be a registered dietician?? Or I should go into nursing which is better?

Maxwell Tega

You can’t be a Registered Dietitian by doing PGD in Nutrition and Dietetics or going into Nursing. The only way to be a Registered Dietitian is to have your BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, and complete a one-year internship in any of the approved hospitals for Dietetics internship.

You can however, choose to do your PGD in Nutrition and Dietetics or go into Nursing depending on your long-term goals. But none of those paths lead to being a Registered Dietitian.

My mom asked me to choose between food science and technology or nutrition and dietetics.
So am confused on which one to choose, Cuz both talks about food.
I need some enlightenment on the both pls

Maxwell Tega

Food science has to do with food products/processing, while nutrition and dietetics involves using the knowledge of food and nutrients in treatment of illness and diseases.

Maxwell your write up is really enlightening. I have ND in Agricultural technology. Can I apply through DE for Nutrition and dietetics? I heard it’s under the faculty of Agriculture. What are my chances.

Thanks for your reply. I checked and it’s under the faculty of Agriculture in UNN, UNIUYO. I checked for UNN and it’s 4yrs for DE. Is the 1yr internship inside the 4yr? ’cause I was hoping to do it for 3yrs with DE. I also heard the department is populated by females. Please enlighten me Maxwell. Thanks.

Maxwell Tega

Yes, there are lots of females in the department across every school, but that not withstanding. Meanwhile, the internship is after the 4 years (for utme) and after the 3 years (for DE).

Thanks for taking time to reply. It really means a lot for me. I checked UNN, and it seems they set aptitude test for DE students. I fall under the catchment area(Edo State). I have a first class grade of 3.53/4.00. How is the aggregate calculated for DE students and will I need a jamb result also OR just my O’level & National Diploma?

Thanks. What is the departmental aggregate cutoff mark for this course in UNN and how is it calculated with ND&O’level results for DE?

Maxwell Tega

There is no DE cut off mark, the department admits based on number of candidates that apply.

Faith(bolu)

Wow I’m really impressed
I’m glad to be a Dietician in the making. Looking forward to more opportunities this course may bring and more of your write up.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge you’ve acquired

OKEKE Dorcas

Wow, Thanks this post answered exactly what I needed to know more on nutrition and dietetics.
Please I have a question,is it advisable to get national diploma (ND) for nutrition and dietetics,then do direct entry into University with the Same course

Maxwell Tega

I’m happy you found the post helpful. It’s a great thing to do, however, its better to get admission into nutrition and dietetics directly at university, instead of going through that long route.

Thank you sir for make it clear to me. So pls now which Dept should i go for in HND with ND SLT, cos i dont want to continue in it??. Thank you.

Maxwell Tega

Microbiology, Biochemistry or other biological science course. But if you don’t like any of those courses, you can write jamb to start afresh.

Hibatullah

Am really impressed, although nutrition and dietetics was never choice of course b4,but due to some circumstance my DAD changed my courses to nutrition and dietetics which I no knowledge about ,so decided to Google search, to know if the Course would in any way inline with my choice (medicine and surgery) and am quite impress to know almost the five fingers are pionting at the same direction.

Lajumoke T. Jones(RD)

Wow.. Lovely Writeup.. I must say I AM impressed.. The comments here elates me more.. Have being a Registered Dietitian for 6 years now after being a Nutritionist since 2012(as of writing).. Presently Working in One of the General Hospitals here in Lagos and I do my private practice some weekends too conveniently.. I must say the professional is lucrative so much that other professionals who are not in these field are cashing out.. Everyone is talking about Nutrition, wellness etc.. I can go on and on.. But Tega, you really did justice on this subject.. Won’t be surprised if you are also a RD.. So for students who are already or planning to be a Registered Dietitian or those who needs virtual holiday jobs as Pre-Nutritionist or IT’s you can chat me up on WhatsApp at 09027359297.. You can’t be on my Team and not have a First Class in School, because I will drill you to be the best.

Thanks a lot,I really found this very helpful.
But sir, does the faculty u are admitted in,has any effect to the process of becoming a registered dietitian. As some admits under faculty of agriculture while some,under medicine. So any effect at all

Nworgu precious

I studied biochemistry but now want to advance my career. Can I get a direct entry admission to study Nutrition and Dietetics or are there schools that offer part-time study on Nutrition and Dietetics

Hi Mr. Maxwell,

This is really amazing. I saw from one of your responses that you are about to start your internship. I am also a graduate of Nutrition and Dietetics. Please I’d like your advice on how to start my own internship too as I have been having some issues with it. Thank you

Maxwell Tega

That’s great and congratulations there. First, you need to decide where you’d like to take your internship or if you’re open to taking it at any location. Thereafter, you start looking up this site for updates on openings.

Impressive… I would have stil go further to study nutrition and dietetics even without any job opportunities bcos of my natural love for food medicine. You’ve added up my morale and am loving it. Want to knw if u are a dietician?

One of the best article have seen concerning a course am so so happy
Please I want to study this course Nutrition and dietetics in Nasarawa state university.
What is your advice on this sir

Fortunate

I so much want to study this course but my people refused to support me and I have also gotten admission on this course,am so helpless, they’re are forcing me to do what I do not want to do based on the kind of unemployment that is in Nigeria,I don’t know what to do about it

Great article! I had a catchy read through the piece.
Kindly, does university of Uyo accept 2019 JUPEB result of 14POINTS from another university into this program from 200 level, without placing a compulsory fee for admission?
Thanks in anticipation!

Maxwell Tega

Its my pleasure. JUPEB is a recognized requirement for direct entry admission into University of Uyo. And there’s no fee for admission aside obtaining the UNIUYO direct entry form.

Maxwell Tega

It’s difficult being a dietitian without having a first degree in Nutrition and Dietetics because the academic requirement for one-year internship in dietetics at a teaching hospital is a B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics, after which one becomes a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist. However, you can become a Nutritionist with your B.Sc. (Ed) in Home Economics.

Olawunmi Blessing

Good day Mr Max. Thanks for this article. Please I have Bsc. Home Science and Management (2:1) and wants to do my masters in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, pls is it possible/achievable and how do I go about it?

Maxwell Tega

Yes, its possible, and it depends on the specific university you’re interested in doing the masters and how their postgraduate programmes are structured. However, becoming to Registered Dietitian is a different thing altogether.

Hi, currently have a BSc in biochemistry and want to go for master in nutrition and dietetics…..pls do you know the school that offers this cause and how to go about it? Thanks

Maxwell Tega

University of Calabar offers Masters in Nutrition and Food Science since you already have a B.Sc in Biovhemistry. Other universities also offer masters in related fields concerning nutrition like that.

I just got admitted in to the university to study human nutrition and dietetics…. felt so bad, because I thought the course was not a profitable one…..but after reading this article, I have a better idea and I’m ready to put in my very best.

Maxwell Tega

I’m happy to learn that. And that’s great, put it your best and you will sure profit from it because nutrition and dietetics is the present and future, especially knowing that almost all chronic diseases and health condition are diet-related.

Maxwell Tega

It can only be possible if you go back to school through direct entry to study Human Nutrition and Dietetics. After which, you do a one-year internship which will enable you become to Dietitian. If its something you’re willing to do, that’s the only path.

Vincent Egbo

Tega, it’s nice to know that my dear brother is the one I have been reading about. My daughter who is about entry SS 2 who all d while said she’s going for neurosurgery suddenly said she changed her mind that she wants to be a nutritionist, at first it almost bordered me but after reading your write up, i think I will encourage her. Pls can I get your phone number? I am Vincent Egbo. An urhobo man from Ughelli. Thanks. Mine is 08035159081

Maxwell Tega

I’m really happy to know that you found this content helpful. Nutrition and Dietetics is a great career path and I’m delighted you have decided to encourage your daughter to follow this discipline. 08179683487.

Thank you, Max for this post.

I have a BSc degree in Biochemistry and I intend doing a MSc in Nutrition. Can I be admitted into a dietetic internship programme after the MS studies? Thank you.
P.S. It is MSc in Nutrition not MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Maxwell Tega

No you can’t. The only academic requirement to proceed on one-year dietetics internship at recognized hospital is a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics. This is the only way to become a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN). However, an M.Sc. in Nutrition can enable you become a Nutritionist.

Maxwell Tega

You are welcome. You will need to go back to school through direct entry to study Nutrition and Dietetics. After which, you proceed on a one-year internship at a supervised health facility (especially a teaching hospital) to become a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN).

Wow am very happy for your information, all I want to ask is that if some one go to college of health and used 3 years, if that person want to further more how many years he /she will use in university, and after that the person will do IT then one year service

Hi Tega. Thank you for this!
For someone who has a BSc in Food Technology and is going for masters in Nutrition and Dietetics, will there still be need for one year internship before the person gets licensed as a registered dietitian?

Mojisola Adebayo

I’m glad to have stumbled upon this post. I have a BSc in Food Technology and planning to get an MSc in Nutrition and dietetics. To get licensed as a registered dietitian, will I still be required to do 1 year internship in a teaching hospital or do I automatically get licensed on completing the MSc program? Thank you.

Maxwell Tega

You are welcome. Though you may be qualified to do a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics on the back of your B.Sc in Food Technology, a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics cannot qualify you to be a Registered Dietitian.
So you will still be required to do a one year internship at an approved hospital before you become a licenced Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN).
In normal circumstance however, you are required to have a first degree or a minimum of HND in Nutrition and Dietetics, and a one-year internship at an hospital before being licenced as a Registered Dietitian.

Dr Waritimi E.Gilbert

I have MBBS and MSc in anatomy and run a private medical practice and am interested in nutrition and dietetics what do i need to do to become one of them and to enhance my prevate clinical practice do i need to do a diploma before MSc and PHd

Maxwell Tega

Since you already have an MBBS, you can do a Masters in Public Health Nutrition (MPH) to be a professional Nutritionist. However to be a Registered Dietitian, you’ll need a licence to practice, meaning you have to do a PGD in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Maxwell Tega

Yes, all the hospitals listed on this post pay Dietetics interns during the course of the one-year program, the only thing is; what they pay vary from hospital to hospital. Dietetics is very pronounce at the University College Hospital, Ibadan compared to all the others.

I am student of doctor diet and nutritional science, 500 level. Please explain what process Am I going to follow for getting license and how much is the fee. If possible, Here’s my WhatsApp number (+923054060815) please kindly send me the details. Thank you.

Maxwell Tega

There’s a slightly different process of getting licenced as a Registered Dietitian in your country. Basically, completing your bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming professional food doctor.