Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Prof. Mbilari Badawi Mshelia Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
Brief Introduction
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is domiciled in the Faculty of Agriculture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi (FUAMB), Adamawa State, Nigeria. The Department was established to build human capacity and generate scientific knowledge in fisheries resource management and aquaculture production, in response to the growing demand for sustainable fish protein supply, employment generation, and food security in the North-East sub-region and Nigeria at large.
Situated within a region endowed with significant inland water resources, including the Kiri Reservoir on the Gongola River, the Department is uniquely positioned to combine classroom instruction with field-based and laboratory research on fish biology, genetics, water quality, aquaculture systems, and post-harvest fisheries technology. The Department runs undergraduate programmes leading to the award of B.Agric./B.Sc. (Fisheries and Aquaculture) and supports postgraduate research at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels, alongside active engagement in externally funded research (including TETFund National Research Fund collaborative projects) and community/industry outreach.
The Department’s academic staff bring together expertise spanning fish genetics and cytogenetics, ecotoxicology, aquaculture nutrition, water quality management, fisheries extension, and post-harvest technology, supported by teaching and research laboratories, demonstration fish ponds/hatchery facilities, and strong linkages with national research institutes such as the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR).
Our Vision
Vision
To be a leading centre of excellence in fisheries and aquaculture education, research, and innovation in Nigeria and the African sub-region, producing globally competitive graduates and technologies that drive sustainable aquatic resource development and food security.
Our Mission
Mission
The mission of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is to:
- Provide sound theoretical and practical training in fisheries science and aquaculture technology to produce competent, innovative, and employable graduates.
- Conduct cutting-edge, problem-solving research into fish biology, genetics, aquaculture systems, water quality, and post-harvest fisheries technology.
- Promote the sustainable exploitation, conservation, and management of Nigeria’s inland and coastal fisheries resources.
- Transfer research findings and improved aquaculture technologies to fish farmers, processors, and other stakeholders through extension and outreach services.
- Foster collaborative partnerships with research institutes, government agencies, and industry to advance the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector.
Main Functions of the Department
In line with its mandate, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture performs the following core functions:
- Teaching and Curriculum Delivery: Design and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in fisheries biology, aquaculture production, fish genetics, water quality management, and fisheries economics/extension.
- Research and Innovation: Generation of new knowledge and technologies in fish breeding and genetics, aquaculture nutrition and feed formulation, ecotoxicology, water quality monitoring, and post-harvest loss reduction.
- Postgraduate Supervision: Supervision of M.Sc. and Ph.D. research in areas such as cytogenetics, molecular genetics, DNA barcoding, dietary supplementation trials, and bioaccumulation studies in fish and other aquatic fauna.
- Grant and Proposal Development: Development and management of externally funded research proposals (e.g., TETFund National Research Fund) in collaboration with national and international research institutions such as NIFFR.
- Extension and Community Outreach: Transfer of improved aquaculture practices, hatchery management techniques, and fish health management to farmers and cooperatives within Adamawa State and beyond.
- Laboratory and Field Research Support: Maintenance of teaching/research laboratories, demonstration fish ponds, and hatchery units to support practical training and experimental research.
- Technical and Advisory Services: Provision of consultancy and advisory services on aquaculture project design, water quality assessment, and fish farm management to government and private stakeholders.
- Collaboration and Networking: Building linkages with sister departments, national research institutes, and international bodies to strengthen research capacity and secure funding for fisheries development.
Admission Requirement
- A minimum of five (5) credit passes in SSCE, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB (in not more than two sittings). The required subjects must include: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
- Obtain a minimum JAMB (UTME) score of 150 or above.
- Participate in and satisfy the University’s post-UTME/Screening Exercise.
Direct Entry Requirements
- Meet the minimum O’Level requirements.
- A National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or NCE in Fisheries or a related discipline.
Organizational Structure of the Department
The Department operates under the leadership of the Head of Department, who is supported by academic staff organized loosely along core research/teaching areas, technical and laboratory staff, and administrative support staff. The structure below illustrates the reporting lines within the Department.
This structure ensures effective coordination of teaching, research, and administrative functions, with the Head of Department reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and, ultimately, to the Vice-Chancellor through Senate.
Members of the Department
PROF. MBILARI BADAWA MSHELIA
Fisheries and Aquaculture
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