Chemical engineering is one of the most dynamic and versatile branches of engineering. It deals with the design, development, and operation of processes that convert raw materials into useful products such as fuels, fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial chemicals. In Nigeria, chemical engineers play a key role in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, food processing, cement, pharmaceuticals, and environmental management.
With Nigeria’s industrial sector growing steadily, there is increasing demand for chemical engineers who can solve real-world challenges such as refining crude oil, processing agricultural products, producing essential chemicals, and managing waste sustainably.
Choosing the right university to study chemical engineering is a major decision for any student. The quality of training, facilities, industry exposure, and accreditation status of your institution will determine your career prospects in Nigeria and abroad.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the top 10 best universities to study chemical engineering in Nigeria (2025). You will also learn about admission requirements, program highlights, comparison factors, FAQs, and practical tips for securing admission.
Why Studying Chemical Engineering in Nigeria Matters
Chemical engineering is central to Nigeria’s economy because it supports industries that generate jobs, revenue, and national development. Its importance includes:
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Oil and Gas Industry – Nigeria’s refining, petrochemical, and natural gas industries rely heavily on chemical engineers.
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Food and Beverage Industry – Chemical engineers design and optimize processes for breweries, food factories, and packaging plants.
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Pharmaceuticals – Production of medicines and vaccines depends on chemical engineering processes.
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Agriculture – Fertilizers, pesticides, and agrochemicals are produced through chemical engineering.
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Environmental Protection – Waste treatment, pollution control, and renewable energy systems require chemical engineering expertise.
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Cement and Construction Materials – Chemical engineers oversee processes in cement factories and materials science.
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Job Opportunities – Graduates work in refineries, chemical plants, research institutions, and consulting firms.
In short, chemical engineering is not just about chemicals; it is about transforming lives and industries through innovation.
Admission Requirements and Eligibility for Chemical Engineering in Nigeria
O’Level (WAEC/NECO) Requirements
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Minimum of five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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English Language
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One other relevant science subject (e.g., Biology, Further Mathematics, or Technical Drawing).
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UTME (JAMB) Requirements
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Compulsory subjects:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Recommended UTME score: 220–250+ for top universities.
Direct Entry Requirements
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Two A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics or Chemistry.
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ND/HND in relevant engineering fields with Upper Credit or higher.
Additional Criteria
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Post-UTME Screening – Each university organizes internal assessments.
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Age Requirement – Minimum age of 16 years by admission year.
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Medical Fitness – Required for laboratory and field safety.
Top 10 Best Universities to Study Chemical Engineering in Nigeria (2025)
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos
Highlights:
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Well-recognized for chemical and process engineering studies.
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Strong laboratory facilities and research centers.
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Located near industrial hubs in Lagos, providing internship opportunities.
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Focus on petroleum refining, polymers, and environmental engineering.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 250+ is competitive.
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Distinctions in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
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Prepare for UNILAG’s competitive Post-UTME screening.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Highlights:
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Strong academic tradition in process engineering.
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Focus areas include petroleum, environmental, and food process engineering.
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Well-equipped laboratories and chemical pilot plants.
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Strong alumni presence in oil companies and manufacturing industries.
Admission Tips:
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Target UTME score: 230–240+.
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Excellent grades in WAEC/NECO core science subjects.
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Strong Post-UTME preparation is necessary.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Highlights:
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One of Nigeria’s largest faculties of engineering.
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Chemical engineering program with strong focus on petroleum refining and gas processing.
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Affordable tuition compared to southern universities.
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Good research culture with emphasis on industrial processes.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 220+.
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Strong WAEC results, especially in Chemistry.
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Strong preparation for ABU’s internal screening test.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Highlights:
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Offers chemical engineering with strong focus on petrochemicals, polymers, and materials science.
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Excellent research centers and laboratories.
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Opportunities for student research and industrial collaboration.
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Well-respected faculty with industry experience.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 230+.
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Distinctions in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
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Good performance in UNN Post-UTME.
5. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Highlights:
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Located in Nigeria’s oil and gas capital.
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Chemical engineering program tailored for petroleum and natural gas processing.
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Strong collaboration with oil companies for internships and projects.
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Excellent laboratories and practical learning opportunities.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 220–230+.
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Excellent performance in Physics and Chemistry.
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Prepare well for Post-UTME.
6. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
Highlights:
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Specialized university of technology with strong engineering focus.
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Chemical engineering program emphasizes industrial processes and renewable energy.
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Opportunities for practical training through SIWES and industry projects.
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Active student research and innovation culture.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 230+ recommended.
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Strong WAEC results.
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Participate in pre-university science/engineering competitions.
7. University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City
Highlights:
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Strong chemical engineering program with a balance of theory and practice.
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Focus on process optimization, reaction engineering, and polymer science.
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Good internship programs and industry exposure.
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Affordable tuition compared to private universities.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 220+.
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Distinctions in Chemistry and Mathematics.
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Good Post-UTME preparation needed.
8. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
Highlights:
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Known for its practical, technology-oriented chemical engineering curriculum.
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Research emphasis on sustainable energy and process design.
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Well-equipped laboratories and academic support.
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Opportunities for SIWES placement with industries in northern Nigeria.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 220–230+.
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Excellent grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
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Strong performance in Post-UTME.
9. Covenant University, Ota
Highlights:
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Leading private university with modern facilities.
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Chemical engineering program focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Excellent laboratories and research centers.
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Partnerships with industries for internships and placements.
Admission Tips:
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High UTME score required (230+).
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Very strong WAEC/NECO grades.
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Be prepared for stricter admission requirements than federal universities.
10. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso
Highlights:
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Specialized in technology-based disciplines.
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Chemical engineering program strong in industrial applications.
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Research areas include process design, environmental engineering, and materials science.
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Affordable tuition compared to private institutions.
Admission Tips:
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UTME score of 210–220+.
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Strong credits in Chemistry and Physics.
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Good preparation for LAUTECH’s Post-UTME.
Factors That Make These Universities Stand Out
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NUC and COREN Accreditation – All listed universities are accredited.
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Modern Facilities – Laboratories, pilot plants, and software for process design.
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Experienced Faculty – Lecturers with industry and academic expertise.
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Industry Connections – Oil, gas, food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries.
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Research Strength – Focus on petrochemicals, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
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Career Support – Opportunities for internships, industrial training, and job placement.
Summary Table: Top 10 Universities for Chemical Engineering in Nigeria (2025)
| Rank | University | Location | Key Features | Admission Tips |
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| 1 | UNILAG | Lagos | Oil refining, polymers, environmental focus | UTME 250+, strong Post-UTME |
| 2 | OAU | Ile-Ife | Process engineering, strong alumni | UTME 230+, WAEC excellence |
| 3 | ABU | Zaria | Affordable, petroleum focus | UTME 220+, screening success |
| 4 | UNN | Nsukka | Polymers, materials science | UTME 230+, good Post-UTME |
| 5 | UNIPORT | Port Harcourt | Oil & gas hub, strong labs | UTME 220+, Chemistry strength |
| 6 | FUTO | Owerri | Renewable energy, practical | UTME 230+, project readiness |
| 7 | UNIBEN | Benin City | Balanced theory & practice | UTME 220+, science strength |
| 8 | FUTMINNA | Minna | Sustainable energy, SIWES | UTME 220+, Post-UTME prep |
| 9 | Covenant Univ. | Ota | Private, innovation-driven | UTME 230+, very strong WAEC |
| 10 | LAUTECH | Ogbomoso | Industrial applications | UTME 210+, Post-UTME prep |
FAQs: Best Universities for Chemical Engineering in Nigeria
1. Which university is best for chemical engineering in Nigeria?
UNILAG, OAU, and UNIPORT are considered the best due to location, facilities, and oil & gas links.
2. How many years is chemical engineering in Nigeria?
Most universities offer a 5-year Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng).
3. What UTME subjects are required for chemical engineering?
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
4. Is chemical engineering competitive in Nigeria?
Yes, very competitive, especially in UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNIPORT.
5. Can I use NECO results for chemical engineering admission?
Yes, provided you have five credits in the required subjects.
6. Do chemical engineering students go for SIWES?
Yes, industrial training is compulsory in all accredited programs.
7. What jobs can chemical engineers do in Nigeria?
Refineries, chemical plants, food processing, pharmaceuticals, cement, consulting, and research.
8. Do private universities offer chemical engineering?
Yes, Covenant University is a top option among private schools.
9. Is chemical engineering a good career in Nigeria?
Yes, it offers strong career prospects in oil & gas, industry, and research.
10. Can I specialize after B.Eng in chemical engineering?
Yes, with MSc or PhD in petroleum, environmental, process, or biochemical engineering.
Conclusion
Chemical engineering is one of the most rewarding and versatile engineering fields in Nigeria. With strong demand in oil and gas, manufacturing, food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental industries, chemical engineers are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The top 10 universities listed above are the best places to pursue this course in 2025. They combine accreditation, strong facilities, experienced lecturers, and industry exposure to give students the skills needed for success.
If you are passionate about problem-solving, innovation, and industrial processes, then chemical engineering is a perfect career path for you. Focus on excelling in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, aim for high UTME scores, and prepare well for Post-UTME. With determination, your journey into chemical engineering can lead to a successful, impactful, and financially rewarding career.