Top 10 Best Universities to Study Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria (2025)

Best universities to study petroleum engineering in Nigeria. Petroleum engineering is one of the most in-demand courses among Nigerian students, and for good reason. With Nigeria being a top oil-producing country in Africa, the need for skilled professionals in the oil and gas sector is growing rapidly. If you’re considering a career in this field, knowing the best universities to study petroleum engineering in Nigeria is your first step toward success.

In this post, StartSmart Nigeria breaks down the top petroleum engineering universities in the country, what makes them outstanding, and why they’re trusted by students and industry leaders alike.

Why Study Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s economy heavily relies on oil and gas, and many multinational companies operate within its borders. By studying petroleum engineering locally, you gain:

• Industry-Relevant Experience: Training in the same environment where you’ll eventually work.
• Affordability: Nigerian universities are more cost-effective than studying abroad.
• Local Job Advantage: Companies value engineers who understand the local terrain, regulations, and systems.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a University

Before picking a school, consider these:

• ✅ Accreditation: Ensure the university is officially approved to offer petroleum engineering.
• 🧪 Facilities: Labs and field equipment should support hands-on learning.
• 👨‍🏫 Qualified Lecturers: Instructors with real industry experience are a big plus.
• 🤝 Industry Links: Strong connections with oil companies lead to internships and job placements.
• 🎓 Graduate Success: Alumni working in top oil firms reflect a university’s credibility.

Best Universities to Study Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria

1. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Benin City, Edo State

UNIBEN has a well-established petroleum engineering department with modern labs and experienced lecturers. The school’s strong industry reputation means graduates often land jobs in major oil companies.

2. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – Rivers State

Located in the heart of the oil-rich Niger Delta, UNIPORT has direct access to oil industry activities and partners. It also houses a Center for Petroleum Studies, giving students access to specialized resources.

3. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) – Delta State

FUPRE is Nigeria’s first petroleum-focused university. With specialized programs and consistent industry support, it’s built to train future oil engineers with hands-on practicals and real-world exposure.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Ile-Ife, Osun State

Known for academic excellence, OAU offers a solid petroleum engineering curriculum backed by modern labs and strong faculty-industry collaborations.

5. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos State

UNILAG offers petroleum and gas engineering and is strategically located near oil company headquarters. This gives students access to professional events, job interviews, and internships.

6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Zaria, Kaduna State

One of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected universities, ABU provides well-rounded petroleum engineering training and is backed by solid infrastructure and seasoned lecturers.

7. Niger Delta University (NDU) – Bayelsa State

Situated in an oil-producing region, NDU offers real-world learning opportunities through fieldwork, research, and strong links to the oil industry.

8. Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State

As a leading private institution, Covenant University combines academic excellence with industry-focused training. Its graduates are often sought after in engineering fields due to the school’s quality education and leadership training.

9. Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) – Port Harcourt, Rivers State

With its proximity to oil companies, RSUST offers valuable hands-on experience and regular interaction with industry professionals.

10. Madonna University

Madonna is a private university offering petroleum engineering with an emphasis on discipline, quality instruction, and growing ties with the oil sector. Students benefit from well-structured training programs.

Why These Schools Stand Out

These universities were selected based on their:

• Proven academic track records
• Strong oil and gas industry links
• Quality teaching and learning environments
• High graduate employability rates

If you’re serious about building a career in petroleum engineering, enrolling in one of these universities will give you a solid foundation.

Conclusion

Studying petroleum engineering in Nigeria is a smart move, especially with so many excellent institutions offering the program. Whether you choose FUPRE for its specialization, UNIPORT for its location, or UNILAG for its connections, you’re on the right path.

At StartSmart Nigeria, we recommend choosing a school that aligns with your career goals, has strong industry ties, and provides practical learning experiences.

✅ Stay Updated with StartSmart Nigeria

For more career tips, university guides, and education updates in Nigeria, follow StartSmart Nigeria and never miss out on the information that matters.