They gave the advice in Lagos at the 41st Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) Day and the 1st Victoria Ojo Food Science and Technology Memorial School Debate.
A fellow of NIFST, Mrs Dolapo Coker, said that taking up careers in the fields of food science and technology was necessary, due to their importance to the economy.
Coker described food science and technology as fields of integrated study in basic sciences such as Microbiology, Micro chemistry, Nutrition, Biotechnology and Engineering.
They complement the development and management of foods resources, she said.
According to her, good health is the most sorted after thing in life and good nutrition will give people good health.
“Good nutrition is primary to healthcare. Food science is the noblest profession in the world.
“Food technologists know the science of food and nutrition which are geared toward the benefit of the nation,” she said.
Also, Mr Sola Olawale, a former chairman of NIFST, Lagos Chapter, said that a career in food technology would ensure versatility, as one would fit into different areas of the career.
Olawale said that it was the responsible of the food technologists to ensure that food was available throughout the year.
He said that considering career in the food technology would ensure flexibility and availability of jobs.
Similarly, Dr Folashade Ayinde, Chief Lecturer, Food Technology Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, listed careers in the field to include food technologist, biochemist and nutritionist.
According to her, others are: quality assurance, packaging specialist, food product consultant and sensory evaluation.
She advised youths to join NIFST, saying that would enable them to be conversant with the experiences they would need before going into the industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme also featured school debate on: “Using Roots and Tubers to Grow the Nigeria Economy”.
Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu, was the overall winner in the debate, United Senior High School; Ikorodu, came second, while Great Omega College, Ikorodu came third.
The schools were awarded trophies and plaques.
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