Petroleum Engineering is one of Nigeria's most competitive engineering courses, driven by its direct link to the oil and gas industry. The JAMB cut off mark for Petroleum Engineering for the 2026/2027 academic session falls between 180 and 290. Federal universities expect scores near the top of this range, while state and private institutions set lower thresholds.

The field focuses on exploration, drilling, production, processing, and management of crude oil and natural gas.

Students study geology, reservoir engineering, drilling technology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, petroleum production, offshore operations, and pipeline systems. They also gain practical laboratory and industrial training.

The programme blends engineering, physics, chemistry, and environmental science to improve oil extraction and energy production. Graduates work as petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, production engineers, pipeline engineers, and energy consultants.

Employers include oil and gas companies, refineries, energy firms, petrochemical industries, offshore drilling companies, environmental agencies, engineering consultancies, and research institutes.

Below are the cut off marks, admission requirements, subject combinations, and career opportunities for all universities.

Federal Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering

Federal universities offering Petroleum Engineering are among the most competitive institutions for engineering courses in Nigeria.

UniversityCut Off MarkPost UTMEState
University of Lagos (UNILAG)260 to 290YesLagos
University of Ibadan (UI)250 to 280YesOyo
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)250 to 280YesEnugu
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)240 to 270YesOsun
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)240 to 270YesRivers
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)230 to 260YesDelta
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria230 to 250YesKaduna
University of Benin (UNIBEN)230 to 250YesEdo
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)220 to 250YesImo
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)220 to 240YesOndo
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)220 to 240YesKwara
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)210 to 230YesKano
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka210 to 230YesAnambra

State Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering

Some state universities also offer Petroleum Engineering with slightly lower admission requirements compared to highly competitive federal universities.

UniversityCut Off MarkPost UTMEState
Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt220 to 240YesRivers
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka210 to 230YesDelta
Lagos State University (LASU)210 to 230YesLagos
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)200 to 220YesEnugu
Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)190 to 210YesAkwa Ibom
Kaduna State University (KASU)190 to 210YesKaduna

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Approved JAMB Cut Off Marks 2026/2027 for All Nigerian Institutions

Private Universities Offering Petroleum Engineering

Private universities offering Petroleum Engineering generally accept lower JAMB scores, although tuition fees are usually higher.

UniversityCut Off MarkPost UTMEState
Covenant University, Ota230 to 250YesOgun
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)210 to 230YesEkiti
Bells University of Technology, Ota190 to 210YesOgun
Babcock University, Ilishan Remo190 to 210YesOgun
Landmark University, Omu-Aran180 to 200YesKwara
Lead City University, Ibadan180 to 190YesOyo

JAMB Subject Combination for Petroleum Engineering

Candidates applying for Petroleum Engineering are generally required to register for the following subjects in JAMB:

These subjects are compulsory in almost all universities offering Petroleum Engineering.

O’Level Requirements for Petroleum Engineering

Applicants must possess at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Required subjects commonly include:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • One other science subject

Most universities may also accept combined results if permitted under their admission policies.

Careers in Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering opens career doors in oil exploration, energy production, drilling operations, and industrial engineering sectors.

Career PathDescription
Petroleum EngineerDesign and manage oil and gas extraction processes.
Drilling EngineerSupervise drilling operations and oil well development.
Reservoir EngineerAnalyse underground oil and gas reservoirs for efficient production.
Production EngineerManage petroleum production systems and processing operations.
Pipeline EngineerDesign and maintain oil and gas transportation systems.
Offshore EngineerWork on offshore drilling platforms and marine oil operations.
Energy ConsultantProvide technical advice on energy production and management.
Refinery EngineerSupervise refining processes for petroleum products.
Environmental Safety OfficerEnsure environmental and safety compliance in oil operations.
Research EngineerResearch energy systems and petroleum technology.