Petroleum engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the exploration, production, and management of oil and gas resources. Petroleum engineers design and manage systems to extract, process, transport, and store petroleum products. This field is highly competitive and offers lucrative opportunities, requiring a solid background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering principles.
If you are interested in pursuing petroleum engineering at any accredited Nigerian university, it is essential to understand the JAMB subject combination for petroleum engineering and the O’level and direct entry requirements. This blog post provides all the information needed to prepare for JAMB UTME and direct entry registration for petroleum engineering in the 2025/2026 academic session.
JAMB UTME Subject Combination for Petroleum Engineering 2025/2026
The JAMB UTME subject combination for petroleum engineering consists of four core subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
To be eligible for admission into any university offering petroleum engineering in Nigeria, you must score at least 180 in your JAMB UTME. However, some universities have higher cut-off marks, so be sure to check the specific requirements of your preferred institution before applying.
JAMB UTME Syllabus for Petroleum Engineering
To succeed in your JAMB UTME, you need to familiarize yourself with the syllabus. Below are the topics covered for each subject:
- 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, stoichiometry, states of matter, acids and bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and practical chemistry.
You can download the full JAMB UTME syllabus for petroleum engineering from the official JAMB website or use the JAMB CBT practice software and app to prepare.
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 required subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- One Science subject (Biology or Agricultural Science)
You can combine results from one or two sittings. However, some universities may not accept two sittings or may have specific subject combinations they prefer. Always check the JAMB brochure for remarks/waivers specific to the university you are applying to.
Direct Entry Requirements for Petroleum Engineering 2025/2026
If you possess qualifications higher 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 into petroleum engineering. Below are the general requirements:
- A’level: Two or three passes in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- ND/HND: Upper credit or distinction in Petroleum Engineering or a related field from a recognized institution.
- NCE: Credit or merit in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
You must also register for JAMB direct entry and select a university offering petroleum engineering as your first choice. Some universities may require you to take a screening test or interview before final admission.
List of Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering in Nigeria (2025/2026)
According to the JAMB brochure, as of the 2025/2026 academic session, 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)
Check the admission requirements, tuition fees, and other details on the official websites of these universities or on the JAMB portal.
Conclusion
Petroleum engineering is a challenging but rewarding course that can provide numerous career opportunities in the oil and gas industry. To gain admission, you must meet the JAMB subject combination, as well as the O’level and direct entry requirements. Scoring high in the JAMB UTME or direct entry exams can significantly increase your chances of admission into your desired institution.
We hope this blog post has provided all the necessary information for your petroleum engineering journey. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to drop a comment below. Best of luck with your academic endeavors!
FAQs
What is the cut-off mark for petroleum engineering?
Most universities require a minimum JAMB score of 180, though some may have higher cut-off marks.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for petroleum engineering?
Yes, you can combine WAEC and NECO results, but some universities may not accept two sittings, so check the university’s specific requirements.
Do I need to write post-UTME for petroleum engineering?
Yes, most universities conduct post-UTME or screening tests as part of the admission process.
Do I need to write post-UTME for petroleum engineering?
Petroleum engineering focuses on the exploration and extraction of oil and gas, while chemical engineering deals with the broader application of chemistry to industrial processes.