The petroleum industry in Nigeria has seen explosive growth in the past decade, and this trend is expected to continue in the future.
In fact, according to verifiable reports, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is one of the most important contributors to its GDP in past few years!
If you’re interested in getting an education in petroleum engineering in Nigeria, there are plenty of options from which to choose.
Whether you want to explore various career paths or work as an independent consultant for oil exploration firms or energy companies.
But with so many universities offering petroleum engineering courses in Nigeria, it can be difficult to pick the right one to suit your needs and goals, so here’s a compiled list of the top 8 best universities offering petroleum engineering in Nigeria to help you make the right decision.
What Is Petroleum Engineering?
Petroleum engineering is a specialty that deals with extracting crude oil and natural gas from undersea rock formations, along with land-based deposits.
Engineers use a wide range of tools to accomplish their tasks, including computer modeling and simulation, as well as high-tech drilling equipment.
For this reason, petroleum engineers are highly sought after as graduates and have excellent job prospects when they enter the workforce, as companies need their expertise across many areas of the business.
This can mean extra training for petroleum engineers. To practice their skills, these professionals also spend time at oil and gas production facilities or work for large energy companies directly.
Aspiring to become a Petroleum Engineer in Nigeria? Then check out the following lists of universities offering petroleum engineering in Nigeria.
8 Best Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria
1. The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
The FUPRE institution was established in March 2007 in Delta State when it was approved during a Federal Executive Council meeting in 2007 with the motive to build a University that will specialize in producing certified individuals for the Nigeria Oil and Gas sector.
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources was sharing facilities with NUC (National Universities Commission) before it permanently moved to its main campus located at Umgbomro in Delta state.
2. University Of Benin (UNIBEN)
Formerly known as the Institute of Technology, UNIBEN was established in 1970 and is a Nigeria Federal Government-owned public research university situated in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria with a population of over 77,000 students.
The University of Benin has 15 faculties in total and one of them is the Faculty of Engineering. This is one of UNIBEN’s pioneer courses and it was created in 1973 to run Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering programs.
Few UNIBEN prominent alumni are former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, Tom Ilube, Patience Maselli, Basket Mouth and so many more.
3. University of Ibadan (UI)
Same as UNIBEN, the University of Ibadan (UI) is a federal government-owned public research university in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
It was founded by the British in 1948 with an initial enrollment of 104 students, 49 of which are academic staff members.
It offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs in several areas of study.
UI became an independent university and has its own authority in 1962 and is also the oldest degree-awarding higher institution in the whole of Nigeria.
There are 17 faculties with 92 academic departments subdivided under them, one of these is the Renewable Natural Resources faculty that let you study to be a petroleum engineer.
4. Covenant University
Covenant University is Nigeria’s leading private university, located in Ota, Ogun State, and established on 21 October 2002.
CU is currently ranked 7th place in Nigeria Best Universities 2022 edition and is also the first Nigerian university to be ranked in the top 400 by THE (Times Higher Education).
Covenant University is affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide as it is a Christian institution committed to growing dynamic vision-driven individuals.
Some of CU’s notable alumni are Baaj Adebule, Nonso Amadi, Bimbo Ademoye, Adebukola Oladipupo, Spellz, Simi, Anny Robert, and Odunayo Eweniyi.
5. Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is a tertiary institution with an academic program geared toward training highly-skilled professionals. The university’s faculty of engineering has a few engineering departments under it and one of them is petroleum engineering.
RSUST was established in 1972 as a University College but became a full-fledged University in 1980. Since then, Rivers State University has been growing in size with 22,400 students enrolled, 17,900 Undergraduates, 4,500 Postgraduates, and 3,000 Administrative staff.
6. Igbinedion University, Okada
Igbinedion University is located in Okada, Edo State. It has produced numerous petroleum engineers and even won an award for its excellent teaching standards.
Igbinedion University is a privately-owned Nigeria university founded in 1999. It was founded by Sir Gabriel Osawary Igbinedion CFR, he is a philanthropist, billionaire, and very famous chief in Benin.
There are 7 faculties in total at IU and over 5,000 enrolled students. The university also has a strong reputation after producing over 10,000 graduates in various courses and preparing them to work in various country sectors.
Few of Igbinedion University are Regina Daniels, Sisi Yemmie, Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi, and Agboola Ajayi
7. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Petroleum engineering has been a popular choice of study at UNILAG. With some of its facilities ranked among Africa’s best and most state-of-the-art, it’s no wonder that so many students choose to study petroleum engineering here.
UNILAG is a public research university located in Lagos State, Nigeria. It was established in 1962 which makes it one of the first generation high institutions in Nigeria and is ranked among the top universities in the world education publications.
The University of Lagos currently has three campuses on the mainland of Lagos and two campuses located in Yaba. According to a 2017 report, there are over 55,000 students enrolled in UNILAG, 43,784 Undergraduates, 9,070 Postgraduates, 552 Administrative staff, and 1,736 Academic staff.
8. Federal University of Technology, Owerri( FUTO)
The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) is a premier tertiary education institution located in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria.
It was established in 1980 making it the oldest university of technology in Nigeria. There are foundational 225 students and 60 staff of which 28 are academic staff and 32 are non-academic staff.
Some of FUTO’s notable alumni are Smart Adeyemi, Paul Obiefule, Nnenna Oti, and Ndubuisi Ekekwe.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in petroleum engineering, one of these schools may be just what you’re looking for.
Each university has its own strengths and weaknesses, and while they all offer varying levels of program degrees, they all have the ability to prepare students for careers that span exploration to development.
If you have any questions at all, kindly leave a comment below. Hope this comprehensive list of “universities offering petroleum engineering in Nigeria” will help you find your prospective higher institution.
