Enrolment options
Community Nutrition and Dietetics
PGD Community Nutrition and Dietetics 2024/25
Course start dateMonday, 8 December 2025
Course end dateMonday, 5 January 2026
Post Graduate Diploma in Community Nutrition and Dietetics
Programme Overview for Prospective Students
Address Nigeria's dual burden of malnutrition through this specialized postgraduate programme designed to equip community health professionals with comprehensive skills in nutrition science, dietary management, and community-based interventions. This diploma combines scientific knowledge with practical application to prevent, detect, and manage nutritional disorders while promoting optimal health through evidence-based dietary practices at the community level.
Programme Structure
First Semester (23 Credit Units)
Establish foundational knowledge in nutrition science, food systems, and community health principles.
| Course Code | Course Title | CU | LH | PH | CH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHIN 711 | Applied Anatomy | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIN 712 | Applied Physiology | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIN 713 | Food Biochemistry | 2 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| CHIN 714 | Food Microbiology | 2 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| CHIN 715 | Behavioral Science in Nutrition | 2 | 45 | - | 45 |
| CHIN 716 | Nutrition Ecology | 2 | 45 | - | 45 |
| CHIN 717 | Nutritional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Advocacy | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIG 711 | Bioethics | 3 | 45 | - | 45 |
| CHIG 712 | Research Methods and Seminar | 3 | 45 | - | 45 |
Second Semester (22 Credit Units)
Develop clinical nutrition skills and apply knowledge in practical community settings.
| Course Code | Course Title | CU | LH | PH | CH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHIN 721 | Food Science and Law | 2 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| CHIN 722 | Nutritional Assessments and Education | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIN 723 | Nutritional Growth, Development and Diseases | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIN 724 | Management of Common Nutritional Diseases | 3 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| CHIN 725 | Practicum | 2 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| CHIG 721 | Community Health Management | 3 | 45 | - | 45 |
| CHIG 722 | Research Project | 6 | 30 | 180 | 210 |
Total Programme: 45 Credit Units | 1,035 Contact Hours
What You Will Learn to Do
Nutritional Assessment and Disease Detection:
- Detect and diagnose various nutritional diseases and deficiencies through comprehensive assessment methods
- Conduct anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests, and dietary assessments
- Apply nutritional epidemiology principles to identify community nutrition patterns and risks
- Monitor nutritional status across different population groups and life stages
Nutrition Education and Counseling:
- Organize and implement effective nutrition education programmes for diverse community groups
- Provide individualized nutrition counseling based on cultural, economic, and health considerations
- Apply behavioral science principles to promote sustainable dietary change
- Design and deliver food demonstration sessions for clients and community members
- Develop culturally appropriate nutrition education materials and resources
Dietary Management and Therapeutic Nutrition:
- Prescribe appropriate nutritional diets for different categories of clients requiring special dietary management
- Develop therapeutic meal plans for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and malnutrition
- Manage common nutritional diseases through evidence-based dietary interventions
- Apply food science principles to ensure food safety, quality, and nutritional value
- Coordinate community nutrition programmes for vulnerable populations
Who Should Enroll?
- Community Health Practitioners seeking specialization in nutrition and dietetics
- Primary Healthcare Workers responsible for nutrition education and counseling
- Public Health Nutrition Officers at local government and state levels
- NGO Staff implementing nutrition and food security programmes
- Hospital and Clinic Staff managing therapeutic nutrition services
- Healthcare Professionals expanding their nutrition service capabilities
Career Pathways
- Community Nutrition Specialists in primary health centers and clinics
- Nutrition Programme Coordinators for government and non-governmental organizations
- Therapeutic Diet Counselors for chronic disease management
- Food Demonstration and Education Officers
- Nutrition Surveillance and Monitoring Officers
- Public Health Advocates for food and nutrition policies
- Research Officers in nutrition and dietary studies
Programme Highlights
- Practical Focus: 630 hours of hands-on training and practical application
- Comprehensive Curriculum: From food biochemistry to community nutrition management
- Behavioral Science Integration: Understanding dietary change and adherence
- Research Component: Complete a community-based nutrition research project
- Food Demonstration Skills: Practical training in food preparation and presentation
- MCPD Accreditation: Counts toward Mandatory Continuous Professional Development
- National Relevance: Addresses Nigeria's specific nutrition challenges and opportunities
Key Areas of Competence
- Nutritional assessment techniques and interpretation
- Management of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
- Dietary management of non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, obesity)
- Infant and young child feeding counseling and support
- Food safety, hygiene, and preservation methods
- Community mobilization for nutrition programmes
- Nutrition advocacy and policy engagement
Why This Programme Is Essential
- Addresses Nigeria's dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition
- Builds capacity to achieve national nutrition targets and Sustainable Development Goals
- Provides practical skills for immediate application in diverse community settings
- Supports national efforts to reduce diet-related non-communicable diseases
- Enhances career opportunities in the growing field of public health nutrition
- Empowers communities to make informed dietary choices and improve nutritional status
Become a specialist in community nutrition and contribute to improving dietary practices and nutritional status across Nigerian communities. Equip yourself with evidence-based skills to prevent, detect, and manage nutritional disorders while promoting optimal health through appropriate dietary interventions.