Courses Offered at CAST Lafia
The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia (CAST Lafia) is one of the leading mono-technology institutions in Nigeria. Established in 2015, the college aims to produce skilled manpower in various fields of agriculture, science, technology, engineering, home economics and management.
CAST Lafia offers a wide range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs across 6 schools. These programs equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to careers in agriculture, technology, business, hospitality, engineering and allied fields.
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Below is an in-depth overview of the major courses available at CAST Lafia.
School of Agriculture
The School of Agriculture at CAST Lafia focuses on training skilled agricultural technicians and technologists. It offers the following ND and HND programs:
ND Agricultural Technology
This 4-semester program provides training in crop production, animal husbandry, farm machinery operations and general agriculture. Students are equipped with skills in modern agricultural techniques and farm management principles. Graduates can work as agricultural technicians, farm supervisors or crop inspectors.
Relevant O’level subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Agric Science/Basic Science
ND Animal Health and Production Technology
This program covers various aspects of livestock production, animal nutrition, breeding, health management, product processing and marketing. Graduates are equipped to work as livestock supervisors, animal health assistants or animal production technicians.
Relevant O’level subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Agric Science/Basic Science
ND Horticulture
Students learn propagation and management of various crops, nursery establishment, landscaping, fruit/vegetable production, post-harvest handling and processing. Graduates are suited for careers as horticulture technicians in public/private establishments.
Relevant O’level subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Agric Science/Basic Science
HND Agribusiness Management
This program focuses on the business, economic and managerial aspects of agricultural enterprises. Graduates can work as farm managers, agro-business executives, agricultural loan officers etc.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Agricultural Extension and Management
Students learn extension strategies for disseminating agricultural innovations and providing advisory services to farmers. Graduates are equipped for roles as agricultural extension officers.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Animal Health Technology
The program covers animal diseases, clinical diagnosis, treatment, prevention, food hygiene and production. Graduates can work in veterinary clinics, livestock farms, abattoirs, animal nutrition and pharmaceutical firms.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Animal Production Technology
Students learn breeding, nutrition, housing and healthcare of livestock including cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and rabbits. Graduates are suited for careers as livestock technologists or technical officers.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Crop Production Technology
This program focuses on pre-planting, planting, crop management, harvesting, storage, processing, distribution and marketing operations. Graduates can work as crop production supervisors, inspectors, technicians etc.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Fisheries Technology
Students learn about fish species, breeding, nutrition, pond construction, aquaculture techniques and fishery resource management. Graduates are equipped for roles as fish farm technicians and managers.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Home and Rural Economics
This program focuses on applying scientific knowledge to improve family and rural life. Students learn nutrition, home management, interior decoration, textile design etc. Graduates are suited to work as family life educators or home economics advisors.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Horticulture and Landscape Technology
The program covers nursery, greenhouse production, turf management, interior and outdoor landscaping, floral design etc. Graduates can work as horticulturists, landscape designers or supervisors.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Pest Management Technology
Students learn safe and effective strategies to prevent, control or eliminate agricultural pests and vectors. Graduates are equipped to work as pest control technicians and officers.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
HND Post-Harvest Technology
This program focuses on post-harvest handling, storage, processing, preservation, packaging, distribution and marketing of agricultural produce. Graduates are suited for post-harvest technologist roles.
Entry requirement: ND in relevant field with a minimum of Lower Credit.
School of Applied Sciences and Technology
This school houses programs in the core sciences, information technology and engineering fields. Courses offered include:
ND Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering
Students learn how to apply engineering principles to agricultural production, processing and environmental conservation. Graduates can work on the design and management of agricultural structures, equipment and processes.
Relevant O’level subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Basic Science or Technical Drawing
ND Computer Science
This program focuses on software development, computer systems, data management, networks, and algorithms. Graduates are equipped for roles as programmers, software developers, database administrators etc.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science
ND Computer Engineering
Students learn the design, development and application of computer software and hardware systems. Graduates are suited for careers in IT consulting, networking, data center management, and tech support.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Technical Drawing
ND Electrical and Electronic Engineering
This program covers analysis, design, installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, systems and machinery. Graduates can work as technicians in power stations, manufacturing plants, telecoms etc.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Basic Science or Technical Drawing
School of Engineering and Environmental Technology
This school focuses on training engineering technicians with specialization in civil engineering and related fields. The key program offered is:
ND Civil Engineering
Students learn design, construction and maintenance of physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, drainage systems, and buildings. Graduates are equipped for roles as civil engineering technicians.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Basic Science or Metal/Woodwork
School of General Studies
The School of General Studies runs courses in business, mass communication, public administration and related fields. Programs offered include:
ND Business Administration
This program equips students with knowledge and competencies in basic business functions like marketing, accounting, human resource management etc. Graduates are suited for entry level administrative roles.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Accounts or Business Methods
ND Mass Communication
Students learn investigative journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, media laws and ethics. Graduates can work as reporters, broadcasters, correspondents, press secretaries etc.
Relevant O’level subjects: English Literature, Government, History, CRK or Commerce
ND Public Administration
This program focuses on principles of organization, policy formulation and implementation in the public sector. Graduates can work in local, state and federal government agencies.
Relevant O’level subjects: Government, History, CRK or Commerce
School of Home Economics and Hospitality Management
This school offers programs related to hospitality, tourism, home management, food and nutrition. Available courses are:
ND Catering and Hotel Management
Students learn food preparation, menu planning, food service, housekeeping, front office operations, tour operations etc. Graduates are suited for jobs in hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, resorts etc.
Relevant O’level subjects: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agric Science
ND Fashion Design and Clothing Technology
This program covers sewing, pattern making, garment construction, fashion illustration, textiles, clothing care and entrepreneurship in fashion business. Graduates can work as fashion designers, tailors, costume designers etc.
Relevant O’level subjects: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agric Science
School of Management Technology
This school focuses on developing management skills alongside technological competencies. The key program offered is:
ND Cooperative Economics and Management
Students learn cooperative legislation, bookkeeping, distribution, financing, organizational management, entrepreneurship etc. Graduates are equipped to manage various cooperative societies.
Relevant O’level subjects: Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Accounts or Business Methods
General Requirements for Admission
To qualify for admission into any ND program at CAST Lafia, applicants must:
- Possess a minimum of 5 O’level credits including English and Mathematics obtained in not more than 2 sittings.
- Meet minimum UTME cut-off mark for the program.
- Pass the post-UTME screening exercise if required.
For HND admission, applicants must:
- Possess an ND with a minimum of Lower Credit grade in relevant program.
- Meet departmental Post-UTME/admission requirements.
Meeting departmental requirements for your desired program is necessary for admission at CAST Lafia. All applicants should consult the college website or admissions office for more details on qualification requirements and application process.
College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia Requirements.
When applying to study at CAST Lafia, it is important to understand the admission requirements, which vary depending on the level of study you are seeking. This article provides a detailed overview of the admission requirements for ND and HND programs at CAST Lafia.
General Admission Requirements
There are some general requirements that all applicants to CAST Lafia must meet, regardless of the program or level of study:
- Nigerian Citizenship: You must be a Nigerian citizen or possess a valid resident permit to be eligible to apply.
- O’Level Requirements: At a minimum, you must have five O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. The specific O’Level subjects required depend on the program you are applying to.
- Meet Age Requirements: You must meet the minimum and maximum age requirements for the program you are applying to.
- No Criminal Records: You must not have any criminal records or disciplinary issues.
- Health Fitness: You must be certified medically fit by a recognized hospital/medical practitioner.
Meeting these basic requirements is essential but not a guarantee of admission. The specific admission requirements vary for ND and HND levels, as explained below.
Admission Requirements for ND Programs
To be eligible for admission into any of the ND programs at CAST Lafia, you must:
- Meet JAMB Cut-Off Mark: Obtain the minimum JAMB cut-off mark for your program of choice. The cut-off mark is set by JAMB annually.
- Pass Post UTME: In addition to meeting the JAMB cut-off mark, you must pass the CAST Lafia post UTME screening exercise. This typically involves a written test and may also include an oral interview.
- O’Level Subjects: Have credit passes (minimum of C6) in five relevant O’Level subjects including English, Mathematics, and other subjects depending on your program of choice.
- Age Limit: Be between 16 and 25 years of age.
The Post-UTME screening is taken seriously at CAST Lafia. You must pass this test to stand a chance of gaining admission. It is therefore crucial to adequately prepare for the screening.
Admission Requirements for HND Programs
To be eligible to apply for any of the HND programs at CAST Lafia, the requirements include:
- ND with Minimum CGPA: You must have completed a relevant ND program from an approved institution with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
- O’Level Requirements: Have five credit passes (minimum of C6) in relevant O’Level subjects including English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and any other 2 subjects depending on your program of choice.
- JAMB Not Required: You do not need to write JAMB again when applying for HND level. Your ND results are sufficient.
- Age Limit: Be between 20 and 35 years old.
- NYSC Discharge Certificate (if applicable): If you underwent the mandatory NYSC program after finishing your ND, make sure to include your NYSC discharge certificate.
Meeting these requirements makes you eligible to apply, but does not guarantee admission. HND programs are competitive, so your ND performance is particularly important.
Application Guidelines
To have the best shot at admission into CAST Lafia, make sure you adhere to the application guidelines:
- Application Forms: Obtain a copy of the CAST Lafia admission application form online or from the school. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
- Required Documents: Attach all required documents including your O’Level results, JAMB details, ND certificate (for HND), NYSC discharge certificate if any, and other program-specific documents.
- Application Fees: Pay the stipulated application, screening and/or tuition fees. This can be paid online, to a bank account, or directly at the college.
- Admission Screening: Upon completing your application, prepare thoroughly for the admission screening exercise if required.
- Follow Up: Follow up appropriately to track the status of your application.
- Accept Offer: If admitted, follow the registration guidelines and accept your admission offer on time. Delayed acceptance could lead to forfeiting your admission.
Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates your commitment and enhances your chances of securing admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does CAST Lafia accept awaiting O’Level results?
CAST Lafia may accept awaiting results but you will need to provide the official results before you are allowed to register for classes if admitted.
2. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for admission at CAST Lafia?
The JAMB cut-off mark varies from year to year and depends on the program. Typically it ranges from 160 to 200 for various programs.
3. How competitive is admission at CAST Lafia? Admission into CAST Lafia is quite competitive, especially for popular programs. Meeting the cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. Excelling in Post-UTME and having a great application helps.
4. What is the Post UTME screening format? It involves a written test covering your program of choice and general knowledge. There may also be an oral interview assessing your motivation and interest.
5. How can I get the CAST Lafia admission application form? You can download the form online from the CAST Lafia website. You can also obtain it in person from the school’s admission office.
6. What is the deadline for CAST Lafia admission application? Deadlines vary by program but are typically set between March and September each year. Check on the official website for specific deadlines.
7. Does CAST Lafia allow transferring students? Yes, HND students can transfer in relevant credits from other recognized institutions. Your grades will be assessed before credits are awarded.
8. I have ND but my CGPA is less than 2.00, can I still apply? Unfortunately, the minimum CGPA for HND admission at CAST Lafia is 2.00, so you may not qualify with a CGPA below that.
Conclusion
CAST Lafia equips students with the knowledge and skills for exciting careers in various fields of agriculture, science, technology, business and allied areas. By offering practice-oriented programs, this premier college produces graduates who can make strong impact in diverse sectors.Prospective students are welcome to apply into their desired programs after carefully reviewing the admission requirements.