Proven Top Engineering Courses To Study In Nigeria

If you’re thinking about studying engineering in Nigeria but aren’t sure which course to choose, you’re not alone. With so many options—civil, mechanical, electrical, and even software engineering—it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: some engineering courses stand out because of their high demand, great career prospects, and real-world impact.

In this guide, we’ll break down the proven top engineering courses to study in Nigeria in 2025. Whether you want to build skyscrapers, design cutting-edge tech, or work in the oil and gas industry, this post will help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive in!

Why Should I Study Engineering In Nigeria?
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Engineering Course To Study
JAMB Subject Combination For Engineering Courses
Top Engineering Courses You Can Study In Nigeria
Best Nigerian Universities To Study Engineering
Where Can An Engineer Work In Nigeria?
What Is The Job Outlook For Engineers In Nigeria?
How Much Does An Engineer Earn In Nigeria?
FAQs On Top Engineering Courses To Study In Nigeria
References
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Why Should I Study Engineering In Nigeria?

Studying engineering in Nigeria has several benefits, despite the challenges. Here are some key reasons why you should consider it:

1. Engineering is an education of the future

Completing an engineering course means you get to be part of the future leaders who drive change in the world. From technology to sustainability, engineering is deeply entrenched in what is to come, according to UNESCO’s latest Engineering For Sustainable Development report.

The report maintains that since engineering is a capacity-building career, it’s not only continuous in terms of learning, but a career in the field works side-by-side with the development of science and technology.

It means engineers can always expect to work with the latest programs and technology available, and we are seldom left behind doing things the ‘old way. According to the reports, a key focus now is the promotion of sustainable development, and education is also adapted to this methodology.

2. Accredited Engineering Programs

Many Nigerian universities have engineering programs accredited by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), ensuring that graduates meet professional standards and can practice locally or internationally.

3. High Demand for Engineers in Nigeria

Nigeria’s growing industries—such as oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, and manufacturing—rely heavily on engineers. This means engineering graduates have opportunities in multiple sectors.

4. Diverse Specializations

Nigerian universities offer various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, petroleum, chemical, computer engineering, etc. The availability of various areas allows students to specialize based on their interests.

5. Possibility of pursuing a graduate degree abroad

A Nigerian undergraduate engineering degree can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing master’s or PhD programs abroad.

Keep reading to find out the few factors you need to consider when choosing an engineering course to study in Nigeria.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Engineering Course To Study

When choosing an engineering course to study, several factors should be considered to ensure you select the right path that aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Area of Interests and Strengths

Engineering covers various fields, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, petroleum, agricultural, aeronautical, and computer engineering. Consider your passion, problem-solving skills, and the subjects you enjoy most (e.g., if you like coding, computer engineering might be a good choice).

2. Career Opportunities

Browse the job prospects of different engineering courses. Some fields, like software engineering and petroleum engineering, may have higher demand and better salaries in Nigeria and abroad.

3. Accreditation and Reputation of the Course

Make sure that the engineering course is accredited by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and that the university has a good reputation for engineering education.

4. Industry Demand

Choose a field of engineering that is in high demand in Nigeria and around the world, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, or automation engineering.

5. Availability of Facilities and Practical Training

Look for universities with well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience. Engineering is a practical field, so access to real-world training is crucial.

JAMB Subject Combination For Engineering Courses

Candidates seeking to apply for engineering courses in the forthcoming JAMB must take English language and the following three subjects: mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

For O’level requirements, you need five SSCE credit passes in physics, chemistry, mathematics, English language, and any other science subject.

Top Engineering Courses You Can Study In Nigeria

Here are some of the top engineering courses you can study in Nigeria based on job opportunities, industry demand, and prospects:

Civil Engineering – Focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings.
Mechanical Engineering – Deals with the design, production, and maintenance of mechanical systems, including engines and machines.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering – Covers power generation, telecommunications, circuit design, and automation.
Computer Engineering – Combines electrical engineering and computer science to develop hardware and software systems.
Petroleum Engineering – Focuses on oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production.
Chemical Engineering – Involves the processing of raw materials into useful products like fuel, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering – Applies engineering principles to agriculture, irrigation, and food processing.
Mechatronics Engineering – Integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering for automation and robotics.
Aerospace Engineering

Best Nigerian Universities To Study Engineering

1. The Federal University Of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

FUTA’s best engineering courses are:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Civil Engineering

2. The Federal University Of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)

FUTO’s best Engineering courses include;

Mechanical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

3. The University Of Benin (UNIBEN)

UNIBEN’s best Engineering courses include;

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering

4. University Of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN’s best engineering courses are:

Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering

5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG’s best engineering courses are:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Civil Engineering

6. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU’s best Engineering courses include:

Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Agricultural Engineering

7. The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

FUTMINNA’s best Engineering courses are:

Agricultural/Bio-Resources Engineering
Computer Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Civil Engineering

8. Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology (LAUTECH)

LAUTECH’s best Engineering courses include:

Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

9. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

OOU’s best Engineering courses are:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Agricultural Engineering

10. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

UNN’s best Engineering courses Include;

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Petroleum engineering

Where Can An Engineer Work In Nigeria?

As an engineer, you can work almost anywhere in Nigeria. The specific Engineering field greatly determines this, but generally, engineers can find employment in the following sectors:

1. Oil & Gas Industry

Companies: Shell, Chevron, NNPC, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Seplat Energy
Roles: Petroleum Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer

2. Construction & Civil Engineering

Companies: Julius Berger, Cappa & D’Alberto, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Costain West Africa
Roles: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Site Engineer

3. Telecommunications Industry

Companies: MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile, Huawei Technologies
Roles: Network Engineer, Telecom Engineer, RF Engineer

4. Power & Energy Sector

Companies: Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Schneider Electric, Siemens
Roles: Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Energy Consultant

5. Manufacturing & FMCG Industry

Companies: Nestlé Nigeria, Dangote Group, Nigerian Breweries, Procter & Gamble
Roles: Production Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Quality Control Engineer

6. Information Technology (IT) & Software Engineering

Companies: Andela, Flutterwave, Paystack, Interswitch
Roles: Software Engineer, Data Engineer, DevOps Engineer

7. Automotive & Transportation Industry

Companies: Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Dangote Sinotruk, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)
Roles: Automotive Engineer, Transport Engineer, Mechanical Engineer

8. Aviation & Aerospace Industry

Companies: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, Air Peace
Roles: Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

9. Academia & Research Institutions

Institutions: Universities, Polytechnics, Research Institutes (e.g., NASENI, FIIRO)
Roles: Lecturer, Research Engineer

10. Environmental & Water Resources Engineering

Companies: Federal Ministry of Water Resources, LASEPA, UNICEF Nigeria
Roles: Environmental Engineer, Water Resources Engineer

11. Agriculture & Agro-Allied Industry

Companies: Olam Nigeria, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Presco Plc
Roles: Agricultural Engineer, Food Process Engineer

You may want to see Frequently Asked Questions On JAMB 2025 | All UTME FAQs

12. Government Agencies & Regulatory Bodies

Agencies: COREN, NNPC, Ministry of Works & Housing
Roles: Regulatory Engineer, Policy Advisor

13. Consulting & Project Management Firms

Companies: Arup, GCI Consulting, Deloitte Nigeria
Roles: Engineering Consultant, Project Manager

14. Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship

Opportunities: Setting up a construction firm, software development company, manufacturing business, etc.

What Is The Job Outlook For Engineers In Nigeria?

Data on BusinessWire projects that the Engineering sector in Nigeria will see a 4.3% growth from 2023 to 2026. This means new job opportunities, especially for skilled workers and engineers.

How Much Does An Engineer Earn In Nigeria?

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an Engineer is NGN 220,833 per month in Nigeria, with an average salary of NGN 200,000 per month. These numbers represent the median, the midpoint of the ranges from their proprietary Total Pay Estimate model, and are based on salaries collected from our users.

FAQs On Top Engineering Courses To Study In Nigeria

Which engineering course pays the most in Nigeria?

Engineering salaries depend on industry and experience. Generally, Petroleum Engineering, Software Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering are among the highest-paying fields due to demand in the oil, tech, and automation industries.

What is the easiest engineering course to study?

No engineering course is “easy,” but some students find Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering or Environmental Engineering more manageable because they involve less complex calculations compared to Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.

How long does it take to complete an Engineering degree in Nigeria?

It takes 5 years to graduate with a B.Eng. degree from a Nigerian University.

References

vocal.media – Choosing the Right Engineering Course: A Comprehensive Guide
businessday.ng – 10 career opportunities with an engineering degree and salaries

Author

Chukwudumebi

Odumije is a graduate of Mass Communication from the prestigious Imo State University. He is a lifelong learner with a passion for making education updates and insights engaging and accessible to all. Here, he shares tips, tricks, and resources for students, parents, and educators alike.
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