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.