All Engineering Courses Offered in Nigeria; A Complete Guide (with the best universities to study each)

All Engineering Courses Offered in Nigeria; A Complete Guide (with the best universities to study each)

Length: comprehensive long-form guide (detailed coverage of each engineering discipline offered across Nigerian universities, career outcomes, and recommended schools).
Sources used: National Universities Commission (NUC CCMAS and accreditation pages), COREN accreditation listings, university faculty pages, independent rankings & guides. (Nigerian University of Communications)

Contents (quick navigation)

1. Overview: Engineering education in Nigeria
2. How engineering programs are accredited and benchmarked (NUC & professional bodies)
3. Broad list of engineering disciplines offered in Nigeria (short catalogue)
4. Deep dives — discipline by discipline:
   • Civil Engineering
   • Mechanical Engineering
   • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
   • Computer / Software / Systems Engineering
   • Chemical Engineering
   • Petroleum / Gas Engineering
   • Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
   • Mining & Petroleum Engineering (and related mineral engineering)
   • Agricultural / Biosystems Engineering
   • Biomedical / Medical Engineering
   • Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering
   • Marine / Ocean Engineering & Naval Architecture
   • Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
   • Industrial & Production Engineering (and Manufacturing)
   • Environmental Engineering
   • Structural Engineering (often a Civil specialization)
   • Automotive Engineering (and Automotive Technology)
   • Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
   • Architectural Engineering / Building Technology (engineering track)
   • Others (e.g., Petroleum & Gas, Polymer & Textile, Materials Science, Geoinformatics)
5. How to choose the best university and program for your engineering interest
6. Top universities in Nigeria for engineering (how to compare them)
7. Career paths, certification, and postgraduate options
8. Practical tips for aspirants (admission, JAMB/UTME subject combos, internships)
9. Conclusion and next steps
10. References & helpful links

1 — Overview: engineering education in Nigeria

Engineering is one of the most important and diversified professional fields in Nigeria. Engineers design, build, maintain and improve everything from houses, roads and water systems (civil), to power plants (electrical/power), to phones and networks (electrical/electronic and telecommunications), to vehicles (mechanical/automotive), and to the chemical processes that underpin industry and pharmaceuticals (chemical engineering).

Today Nigerian universities offer a very wide range of engineering programmes — traditional core branches (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) plus many modern, interdisciplinary programmes (Mechatronics, Materials & Metallurgical, Petroleum & Gas, Biomedical, Software/Computer Engineering). The NUC publishes Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS / CCMAS) documents that describe minimum content and program expectations for engineering degrees in Nigeria; these form the regulatory baseline for universities. (Nigerian University of Communications)

Accreditation and professional recognition are essential: graduating from an accredited programme makes you eligible for registration with professional bodies (e.g., COREN for engineering technologists, though regulation depends on the specific engineering field) and is often required for graduate employment and postgraduate study. See COREN’s list of accredited universities/programmes for engineering. (coren.gov.ng)

2 — How engineering programs are accredited and benchmarked

Two institutions matter most:

• National Universities Commission (NUC) sets academic standards (CCMAS/BMAS) and accredits university programmes. Their engineering CCMAS provides the minimum academic standards expected across engineering disciplines in Nigeria. Universities must align curricula and facilities with CCMAS to secure and maintain accreditation. (Nigerian University of Communications)
• Professional regulatory bodies — depending on the discipline, other bodies certify professional readiness (for example, COREN lists accredited engineering technology and related programmes; other bodies include the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and discipline-specific organizations). Always confirm both NUC accreditation and the relevant professional body’s recognition for the specific programme you want. (coren.gov.ng)

3 — Catalogue: engineering disciplines offered in Nigerian universities

Below is an inclusive catalogue of engineering and closely related technology degrees commonly available across Nigerian universities (some programmes are more commonly run in universities of technology; others are in conventional universities):

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering (often within Civil)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering (sometimes split into Electrical Engineering and Electronics & Electrical)
• Computer Engineering / Software Engineering / Systems Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering / Petroleum & Gas Engineering
• Metallurgical & Materials Engineering / Materials Science & Engineering
• Mining Engineering / Mineral & Mining Engineering
• Agricultural/Biosystems/Environmental Agricultural Engineering
• Biomedical / Medical Engineering (Bioengineering)
• Mechatronics Engineering / Robotics
• Marine / Ocean Engineering & Naval Architecture
• Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
• Industrial & Production / Manufacturing Engineering
• Environmental & Sanitary Engineering
• Marine Engineering / Offshore Technology (in some specialist schools)
• Automotive Engineering (more common in polytechnics and specific university programs)
• Polymer / Textile / Ceramic Engineering (offered in a few schools)
• Geomatics / Surveying & Geoinformatics (engineering/technology track)
• Building Technology / Architectural Engineering / Quantity Surveying (engineering/tech adjacent)
• Systems Engineering & Control Engineering (specialization in some universities)

This list follows the NUC CCMAS taxonomy (which also includes newer transdisciplinary programmes introduced to match market demand). NUC’s CCMAS engineering document and programme lists are the primary references for what must be taught and what constitutes a recognised engineering degree in Nigeria. (Nigerian University of Communications)

4 — Discipline deep dives (what you study, career paths, and best universities)

Below each discipline you’ll find:

• A short explanation of the field
• Core subjects & practical skills you’ll learn
• Typical employers and career directions
• Recommended Nigerian universities known for strength in that discipline (with sources)

Note on university recommendations: I list several universities commonly recognised for strength in engineering based on accreditation, institutional focus (technology universities), and ranking sources (eduRank / scimago / NUC lists). Where appropriate I cite NUC, university faculty pages, or independent ranking pages for verification. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)

Civil Engineering

Overview: Civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure: roads, bridges, dams, water supply, buildings, airports, and urban infrastructure. It is a foundational engineering field critical to national development.

Core subjects & skills: Structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, transportation engineering, construction management, construction materials, surveying, CAD and BIM (Building Information Modelling), project management, environmental engineering fundamentals.

Career paths: Construction companies, consultancy, government public works (Ministry of Works), water & sanitation agencies, transport authorities, planning agencies, large-scale project management, structural design consultancies.

Top universities to study Civil Engineering (Nigeria):

• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) — strong engineering focus and numerous civil engineering specialities. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Faculty of Engineering has a long tradition in Civil Engineering; proximity to Lagos projects aids practical exposure. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• University of Ibadan (UI) — strong academic calibre and research base. (See general ranking lists for engineering strength.) (EduRank)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — large engineering faculty with civil specializations and research capacity. (EduRank)

(Other credible options: UNN, UNILORIN, UNIBEN, FUTO, FUTMINNA, UNN — check NUC accreditation lists for an up-to-date roster.) (Nigerian University of Communications)

Mechanical Engineering

Overview: Mechanical engineering focuses on machines, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, thermofluids, heat transfer, design and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Core subjects & skills: Mechanics, dynamics, materials science, manufacturing engineering, CAD/CAM, thermodynamics, machine design, instrumentation, robotics and mechatronics basics, maintenance engineering.

Career paths: Manufacturing plants, oil & gas, automotive industry, power plants, HVAC, mechatronics and robotics, bearing & pump manufacturers, roles in R&D and product development.

Top universities (Mechanical Engineering):

• FUTA — technology-focused, robust mechanical engineering labs and manufacturing emphasis. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• UNILAG — recognized engineering faculty with mechanical track. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University) — strong engineering tradition including mechanical engineering. (EduRank)

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Overview: A broad field covering power systems, electrical machines, control systems, electronics, embedded systems, telecommunications, signal processing and power electronics.

Core subjects & skills: Circuit theory, power systems, machines, power electronics, analog/digital electronics, microcontrollers, DSP (digital signal processing), control systems, renewable energy, electrical installations, protection systems.

Career paths: Power utilities (GENCOs/TSP/DisCos), telecommunication companies, electronics manufacturers, automation and control firms, renewable energy firms, instrumentation, embedded systems, ICT & networking.

Top universities (Electrical/Electronic):

• FUTA — noted for electrical and electronics options in its engineering school. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• UNILAG — strong electrical/electronic programmes and industry access in Lagos. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• University of Ibadan (UI) — research and academic depth in electrical engineering. (EduRank)

Computer Engineering / Software Engineering / Systems Engineering

Overview: Computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science; software engineering focuses on software development life cycle, while systems engineering addresses complex system integration.

Core subjects & skills: Digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems, programming, operating systems, data structures & algorithms, software engineering processes, databases, networking, cybersecurity, machine learning basics.

Career paths: Software & ICT firms, systems integration, embedded systems, fintech, telecoms, startups, hardware design companies, data engineering, cybersecurity roles.

Top universities (Computer/Software/Systems):

• UNILAG — strong CS and computing links; Lagos’ tech ecosystem supplies internships. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• Covenant University — private, strong ICT orientation and good facilities (noted among private engineering schools). (Nigerian Private Schools Directory)
• FUTA and UNN — recognized technology & systems programmes. (seet.futa.edu.ng)

Chemical Engineering

Overview: Chemical engineering covers chemical process design, reaction engineering, process control, petroleum refining, pharmachem and materials processing.

Core subjects & skills: Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, process control, reactor design, unit operations, instrumentation, process safety, petrochemicals and refinery engineering.

Career paths: Petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical companies, food processing, water treatment, process engineering, petrochemical research and consultancy.

Top universities (Chemical Engineering):

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) — chemical engineering programs with industry connections. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• FUTA — technology orientation including chemical & process engineering. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• UNN / UI / ABU — institutions with established chemical engineering departments and research activities. (EduRank)

Petroleum & Gas Engineering (and Petroleum Engineering)

Overview: Focused on upstream & downstream oil & gas operations, reservoir engineering, drilling, production, and petroleum economy — highly relevant in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Core subjects & skills: Reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, production operations, petroleum geology, petrophysics, well testing and stimulation, oil & gas economics, HSE (Health, Safety & Environment).

Career paths: Oil & gas majors and service companies (Shell, Chevron, NNPC, Total), drilling companies, reservoir & production engineering, petroleum consultancy, offshore platforms, refinery operations.

Top universities (Petroleum Engineering):

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) — historically strong in petroleum and petroleum engineering research and student exposure to the oil industry (Port Harcourt is an oil industry hub). (EduRank)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN) and FUTA and FUTMINNA have active petroleum programs and related research profiles. (Check NUC accreditation lists for current programme approvals). (Nigerian University of Communications)

Metallurgical & Materials Engineering (Materials Science & Engineering)

Overview: Focus on metals, alloys, advanced materials, materials processing, corrosion, failure analysis, and materials design.

Core subjects & skills: Physical metallurgy, materials characterization, heat treatment, corrosion, metallurgical testing, materials for engineering applications, failure and fracture mechanics.

Career paths: Materials R&D, metallurgical plants, manufacturing, aerospace materials, corrosion engineering, materials testing laboratories, additive manufacturing & composites.

Top universities (Metallurgical/Materials):

• FUTA (materials engineering tracks), UNN, UNIBEN, ABU — these universities run metallurgical or materials programmes; check NUC/CCMAS for specific accreditation. (University Courses in Nigeria)

Mining Engineering & Mineral Engineering

Overview: Mining engineering involves extraction, processing and safe management of mineral resources — significant in regions with mining activity.

Core subjects & skills: Mine design, mineral processing, rock mechanics, drilling & blasting, mine ventilation, safety & environmental management, mineral economics.

Career paths: Mining companies, mineral processing plants, geological survey agencies, consulting, safety and environmental management in mining operations.

Top universities (Mining / Mineral Eng.):

• FUTA (has mining and materials engineering), ABU, UNN — universities with strong engineering schools and specialized mineral programs. (University Courses in Nigeria)

Agricultural / Biosystems Engineering

Overview: Applies engineering principles to agriculture — farm mechanization, irrigation, food processing, post-harvest engineering.

Core subjects & skills: Soil & water engineering, farm machinery, irrigation systems, food processing engineering, agricultural systems modelling.

Career paths: Agricultural machinery companies, irrigation & water management agencies, NGOs in rural development, food processing industry.

Top universities (Agricultural/Biosystems):

• FUTA, UNILORIN, FUTMINNA and universities with agricultural technology faculties often run these programmes; check NUC lists for accredited schools. (University Courses in Nigeria)

Biomedical / Medical Engineering

Overview: Biomedical engineering merges engineering with medicine — medical instrumentation, imaging, biomaterials, prosthetics, clinical engineering.

Core subjects & skills: Biomedical instrumentation, medical imaging, biomaterials, physiological systems, hospital equipment maintenance, bio-signal processing.

Career paths: Medical device firms, hospitals (clinical engineering departments), research labs, prosthetics & rehabilitation tech companies.

Top universities (Biomedical):

• UNN, UI, UNILAG and some universities of technology and federal universities of technology now offer biomedical or bio-engineering options; accreditation status should be confirmed via NUC/CCMAS. (EduRank)

Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering

Overview: Interdisciplinary engineering combining mechanical, electrical, control systems and computing to build automated machines and robots.

Core subjects & skills: Control systems, embedded programming, sensors and actuators, robotics kinematics, automation, PLCs, mechatronic system design.

Career paths: Automation & industrial control, robotics integrators, automotive automation, R&D, manufacturing process automation.

Top universities (Mechatronics/Robotics):

• Some universities (FUTA, FUTMINNA, and emerging programmes at specialized technology universities) have introduced Mechatronics and Robotics as new NUC-approved programmes; these are growing fields that many universities now offer under new CCMAS entries. Check NUC for newly approved programmes. (Facebook)

Marine / Ocean Engineering & Naval Architecture

Overview: Design of ships, offshore structures, and marine systems — relevant for offshore oil & gas, shipping and maritime industries.

Core subjects & skills: Naval architecture, ship design, offshore structural design, hydrodynamics, marine propulsion, ocean engineering, marine materials and corrosion.

Career paths: Shipyards, offshore oil & gas engineering companies, naval architecture consultancies, marine equipment manufacturers, port authorities.

Top universities (Marine / Naval Architecture):

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) and UNIPORT (University of Port Harcourt) — coastal universities with maritime and marine engineering links; specialized marine programmes exist in a limited number of institutions. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)

Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering

Overview: Design, manufacture and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace systems. A specialized field offered by relatively few Nigerian universities.

Core subjects & skills: Aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion, avionics, flight testing, aerospace materials.

Career paths: Aviation industry, aircraft maintenance organizations (AMOs), aerospace R&D, national aviation authorities, airlines.

Top universities (Aeronautical/Aerospace):

• Some specialized technology universities and select conventional universities now offer aeronautical or aerospace engineering under NUC’s expanding CCMAS list; these are emerging programmes—confirm availability via NUC listings. (nuc-ccmas.ng)

Industrial & Production Engineering (Manufacturing)

Overview: Improves efficiency of manufacturing systems: production planning, quality assurance, operations research, logistics.

Core subjects & skills: Operations research, plant layout and design, materials handling, production planning, quality control, supply chain engineering.

Career paths: Manufacturing companies, process optimization, operations management, quality and production engineers.

Top universities: FUTA, UNILAG, UNN and other universities with strong engineering faculties. (University Courses in Nigeria)

Environmental & Sanitary Engineering

Overview: Designed to protect public health by managing water supply, wastewater, solid waste, and environmental pollution controls.

Core subjects & skills: Water & wastewater engineering, sanitation engineering, environmental impact assessment, pollution control, solid waste engineering.

Career paths: Water boards, environmental agencies, consultancies, NGOs, industries with environmental compliance units.

Top universities: UNILAG, FUTA, UI and other established engineering faculties. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)

Automotive Engineering

Overview: Concerned with automobile design, manufacturing, electronics, diagnostics and maintenance.

Core subjects & skills: Vehicle dynamics, internal combustion engines, automotive electronics, powertrain, chassis design, vehicle safety systems.

Career paths: Automotive manufacturing, maintenance & aftersales, vehicle testing, OEM suppliers.

Top universities / institutions: Specialized polytechnics and some universities have automotive engineering/technology tracks; check NUC and polytechnic accreditation pages for program availability. (coren.gov.ng)

Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

Overview: Design and maintenance of communication systems, wireless networks, RF engineering, optical communications.

Core subjects & skills: Analog & digital communications, RF design, signal processing, mobile communications, optical networks, satellite communication.

Career paths: Telecom companies (MTN, Airtel, Globacom), network infrastructure providers, R&D, broadcasters.

Top universities: UNILAG, FUTA, UI, UNN — strong electronics and telecom engineering programmes. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)

Architectural Engineering / Building Technology (engineering track)

Overview: Sits at the intersection of architecture and engineering — building services, structural considerations and construction technology.

Core subjects & skills: Structural design basics, building services engineering (HVAC, electrical), construction management, materials engineering.

Career paths: Building service firms, construction management, HVAC & electrical design consultancies.

Top universities: Many universities have Building Technology or Architectural Engineering units (FUTA, UNILAG, UNN) — check NUC / departmental web pages for details. (University Courses in Nigeria)

Specialized & Emerging Engineering Fields

NUC’s CCMAS and periodic approvals indicate growing adoption of specializations like Mechatronics, Materials & Metallurgical, Marine, Aerospace, Renewable & Solar Engineering, Robotics, Data & Systems Engineering, and Petroleum-adjacent disciplines. NUC occasionally approves new programmes to reflect industry demand — always check NUC’s approvals page for the latest list. (Trending News)

5 — How to choose the best university and program for your engineering interest

Choosing an engineering programme & school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Consider these criteria:

1. Accreditation & recognition — confirm NUC and the relevant professional body recognize the programme. NUC’s CCMAS and accreditation records are authoritative. (Nigerian University of Communications)
2. Program fit — does the university offer the exact specialization you want (e.g., petroleum engineering vs. general mechanical)?
3. Lab & workshop facilities — engineering is hands-on; labs, power systems labs, electronics labs, machine shops, and software suites matter. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
4. Industry connections & internships — universities near industry hubs (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Jos) often provide better internship opportunities. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
5. Faculty & research output — experienced lecturers and active research groups benefit learning and postgraduate pathways. (Ranking and research indexes like Scimago can be indicative.) (scimagoir.com)
6. Graduate outcomes — where do graduates work? Do alumni enter oil & gas, power sector, telecoms, manufacturing?
7. Academic environment & strike stability — private universities often have fewer disruptions, but public universities may offer stronger research and lower tuition. (Nigerian Private Schools Directory)

6 — Top universities in Nigeria for engineering (how to compare them)

Based on accreditation, institutional focus, research output and reputation, several Nigerian universities consistently appear on “best engineering” lists:

• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) — renowned technology focus and breadth of engineering programmes. (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG) — long-standing engineering faculty, strong industry ties in Lagos. (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• University of Ibadan (UI) — strong academic research and reputable engineering departments. (EduRank)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — balanced engineering research and teaching excellence. (EduRank)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — longstanding engineering tradition and accredited programmes. (EduRank)
• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) — technology & engineering emphasis. (See NUC accreditation lists.) (Nigerian University of Communications)

Independent ranking pages (eduRank, Scimago, Nipes, OpportunityLeaks) also list these institutions as leading engineering schools in Nigeria. Use those pages for comparative research; and always confirm accreditation for the specific program you want via NUC/CORen pages. (EduRank)

7 — Career paths, professional certification, and postgraduate options

Professional registration: After graduating from an accredited engineering programme, many engineers register with the appropriate professional body in Nigeria (e.g., Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for chartered engineers/technologists). This can be essential for certain job roles and for signatory responsibilities on projects. (coren.gov.ng)

Graduate study & specialization: Master’s and PhD programmes are available at many Nigerian universities in specialized fields: Structural Engineering, Power Systems, Petroleum Reservoir Engineering, Materials Science, Control & Automation, Robotics, and Renewable Energy. Postgraduate study is common for research roles, academia, and high-level technical positions.

Industry certifications & short courses: For employability, engineers often obtain certifications (e.g., PLC & SCADA for automation roles, data science for computing crossover roles, CAD/CAM and BIM certification for civil/architectural tracks). Hands-on internships and industrial training (SIWES) are crucial stepping stones.

8 — Practical tips for aspirants (admission, subjects, internships)

UTME/JAMB subject combinations: Typical subjects for engineering UTME: English (compulsory), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (or Technical Drawing for some architectural/engineering tech programs). For specialized programmes (e.g., Agricultural or biomedical), check the specific university’s brochure.

O’Level requirements: At least five credits in WAEC/NECO including Mathematics, English, Physics and Chemistry (or Biology for some tracks). Confirm the exact O’Level subject requirements per university.

Prepare for Post-UTME / Screening: Most universities run post-UTME screening tests and may check interest-specific aptitude for engineering students.

Industrial Training (SIWES): Take SIWES seriously — internships translate to job offers and practical skills. Seek attachments with reputable firms, labs, power utilities, telecom firms, or oil & gas companies depending on your field.

Self-driven projects: Build portfolios — design projects, programming projects, small fabrication or electronics projects — to demonstrate practical skills to employers and for graduate school applications.

9 — Conclusion

Engineering in Nigeria is broad and evolving. The NUC’s CCMAS documents define the academic baseline; COREN and other professional bodies handle professional recognition. Whether your interest is in building the nation’s infrastructure (civil), powering industries and homes (electrical), designing vehicles & machines (mechanical), extracting oil & gas (petroleum), or building the next generation of intelligent machines (mechatronics/robotics), Nigerian universities offer diverse, accredited programmes to launch those careers.

Top technology-focused universities (e.g., FUTA, FUTMINNA, UNILAG) and longstanding research institutions (UI, OAU, UNN, ABU) are consistently recommended for engineering courses — but the best university for you depends on your specialization choice, location, budget and career goals. Always confirm current accreditation and programme availability on the NUC site before applying. (Nigerian University of Communications)

10 — Key references & verification links

• National Universities Commission (NUC) — CCMAS and programme accreditation pages. (Primary authoritative resource for program minimum academic standards.) (Nigerian University of Communications)
• NUC accreditation / programme results (sample PDFs and accreditation reports). (Nigerian University of Communications)
• COREN — list of accredited universities / engineering technology programmes. (coren.gov.ng)
• Federal University of Technology, Akure — School of Engineering & Engineering Technology (example of a technology university with wide engineering offerings). (seet.futa.edu.ng)
• University of Lagos — Faculty of Engineering (institutional page). (engineering.unilag.edu.ng)
• eduRank / Edurank engineering rankings for Nigeria (comparative lists). (EduRank)
• Independent guides & lists (Nipes, OpportunityLeaks, NigeriaPrivateSchools) — useful snapshots of perceived strengths and private university listings. (nipes.org)