Are you aspiring to study Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session? If so, understanding the JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, and direct entry criteria is crucial for securing admission into any accredited Nigerian university. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing a career in Petroleum Engineering, including the JAMB UTME subject combination, O’level requirements, direct entry options, and a list of universities offering the course.
What is Petroleum Engineering?
Petroleum Engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the exploration, extraction, production, and management of oil and gas resources. It is a highly competitive and lucrative field that demands a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering principles. Petroleum engineers design and operate systems that extract, process, transport, and store petroleum products, making them vital players in the global energy sector.
JAMB UTME Subject Combination for Petroleum Engineering 2025/2026
To qualify for admission into a Petroleum Engineering program, you must sit for the JAMB UTME and meet the required subject combination. The four compulsory subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
To be eligible for admission, you need to score a minimum of 180 in your JAMB UTME. However, some universities may have higher cut-off marks, so it’s essential to verify the specific requirements of your preferred institution.
JAMB UTME Syllabus for Petroleum Engineering
The JAMB UTME syllabus for Petroleum Engineering covers the following topics:
- English Language: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, oral English, summary, and literature.
- Mathematics: Number and numeration, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and probability.
- Physics: Measurement and units, motion, force and equilibrium, work and energy, heat and temperature, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and practical physics.
- Chemistry: Atomic structure and periodic table, chemical bonding and structure, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, states of matter and solutions, acids and bases, electrochemistry and redox reactions, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and practical chemistry.
You can download the JAMB UTME syllabus from the official JAMB website or use the JAMB CBT practice software and app to prepare effectively.
O’Level Requirements for Petroleum Engineering 2025/2026
To study Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria, you must have at least five (5) credits in your O’level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB). The compulsory subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Any one Science subject (Biology or Agricultural Science)
You can combine your O’level results from one or two sittings. However, some universities may not accept two sittings or may have specific subject combinations. Always check the JAMB brochure for detailed requirements.
Direct Entry Requirements for Petroleum Engineering 2025/2026
If you hold a higher qualification than O’level, such as A’level (IJMB or Cambridge), ND (National Diploma), HND (Higher National Diploma), or NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education), you can apply for direct entry admission. The requirements vary depending on your qualification:
- A’level: Two or three A’level passes in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- ND/HND: Upper credit or distinction in Petroleum Engineering or related fields from a recognized institution.
- NCE: Credit or merit in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
You must also register for JAMB direct entry and choose a university offering Petroleum Engineering as your first choice. Some universities may require you to pass a screening test or interview.
List of Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria
As of 2023/2025, the following 18 universities in Nigeria offer Petroleum Engineering:
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Covenant University (CU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI)
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE)
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- Gregory University Uturu (GUU)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Igbinedion University Okada (IUO)
- Madonna University Elele (MU)
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OSUSTECH)
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt (RSUST)
- Technical University Ibadan (TECH-U)
For detailed admission requirements, tuition fees, and other specifics, visit the official websites of these universities or the JAMB portal.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to prepare for your academic journey. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Best of luck in your pursuit of a career in Petroleum Engineering!
