10 Best Universities to Study Civil Engineering in Nigeria

Are you aware that civil engineers are responsible for some of the most iconic and heroic structures in Nigeria, from bridges to skyscrapers? Those beautiful and giant structures are the work of civil engineers.

Walk with me as I take you through this sojourn to the top universities for civil engineering in Nigeria. Different universities have what distinguishes them from the others or what makes them stand out in a particular field than the others. This article will expose you to the best universities to study civil engineering in Nigeria. The course “civil engineering” can be seen as the bedrock of modern infrastructure, which is vital and of great essence to societal development and economic growth, with a wide range of career opportunities that future civil engineers can explore.

The demand for civil engineers in Nigeria continues to rise as urban development cuts across the country, and it’s this high demand for civil engineers that one must ensure that one attends the best university to study the course. Rapid population growth increases the need for housing, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt experience constant construction projects to accommodate more people and businesses.

10 best universities to study civil engineering in Nigeria

Selecting the best universities to study civil engineering in Nigeria requires evaluating several key factors. Accreditation is the most important, as recognised bodies like COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) and international organisations ensure quality education. A university with global accreditation, such as recognition under the Washington Accord, offers better career opportunities.

Faculty expertise plays a vital role. Universities with experienced professors, industry professionals, and researchers provide better learning experiences. Modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, software tools, and structural testing equipment, also enhance practical knowledge.

Industry partnerships and internship opportunities help students gain real-life experience. Universities that collaborate with construction firms, government agencies, and international engineering bodies offer better career prospects.  Research output is another factor, as institutions with strong engineering research contribute to innovation and global development.

Finally, graduate employability matters. Universities with a high employment rate for civil engineering graduates provide better chances for job placement. Considering these criteria helps students choose institutions that offer quality education and career growth.

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG is one of the top universities in Nigeria to study civil engineering because the faculty has COREN accreditation. She has well-equipped laboratories and industry partnerships with civil engineering firms that enable their students to go for internships at reputable places, equipping them with the knowledge they need to become the best civil engineers. Over time, UNILAG has produced top civil engineers working in Nigeria and abroad.

2. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)

ABU Zaria remains one of the oldest universities in Nigeria and one of the best universities to study civil engineering. It is also renowned for its research in civil engineering. Her department of civil engineering is under the Faculty of Engineering. She is also fully accredited with COREN and well-versed with engineering tools necessary for students’ knowledge in civil engineering.

3. University of Ibadan (UI)

This is the first university in Nigeria, popularly known as the first and best. The Department of Civil Engineering is located within the Faculty of Engineering at UI. She offers a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) program in Civil Engineering, which typically lasts five years. To be admitted into the Civil Engineering program, candidates must meet the general admission requirements of the university and the specific requirements of the Department of Civil Engineering. UI is one of the best universities to study civil engineering because they offer specialised courses in structural and transportation engineering.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU remains one of the reputable universities with a strong focus on practical training, making the students relate very well to the practical aspect of what is being taught. The department of civil engineering at OAU is under the Faculty of Technology. The OAU Civil Engineering program is designed to train engineers who would be capable of analysing, designing, constructing, and maintaining physical facilities for the development of the environment. The facilities of interest include structural systems, water supply, wastewater systems, and transportation systems. 

The program is planned such that its products would have been thoroughly trained in structural analysis and structural design, surveying, and highway engineering. 

5. Covenant University

Covenant is a private university with world-class infrastructure and also one of the universities that has ranked highly in Nigeria’s engineering education. Her Civil Engineering department is part of the College of Engineering, which also includes departments for Electrical and Information Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. The program is structured in such a way that students will have the opportunity to take courses that will provide a basic understanding of all areas of civil engineering practice while they can concentrate on any of the following options in the final year: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources and environmental engineering, and construction engineering. It’s one of the best universities to study civil engineering. Its goal is geared towards training civil engineers who will collaborate to create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life. 

6. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

FUTA is one of the best universities to study civil engineering, as it focuses on innovation and technology in civil engineering. Her civil engineering students are well-equipped and well-acquainted with the pros and cons of civil engineering. As a technology university, she is also accredited with COREN fully and has over time produced top-performing graduates in the construction industry.

7. Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

One of the northern universities that can’t be undermined when it comes to technological advancement. FUTMINNA is also accredited with COREN and also has good facilities for geotechnical and structural engineering, giving the students the opportunity to focus on the areas that picked their interest.

8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

The Civil Engineering program at UNN has received full accreditation from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). UNN Civil Engineering is one of the oldest civil engineering programs in Nigeria. The university is known for its strong research department in materials and geotechnical engineering, exposing its students to more resources to make them competent future civil engineers.

9. Lagos State University (LASU)

LASU is a state university with improving engineering programs and also growing reputation for producing skilled engineers. She is one of the top universities that offer civil engineering despite being a state university. She is fully accredited with COREN and has good facilities to teach the practical aspect of the course to her students and also collaborated with top engineering firms for her students’ internship.

10. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

The department of civil engineering in BUK offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (5 years for UTME students, 4 years for DE students), Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (PGDCE), Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. 

Bayero remains one of the best engineering schools in Northern Nigeria. It is known for its well-structured programs and modern facilities.

The department of civil engineering in Bayero is also fully accredited by COREN and equipped with laboratories for material testing, public health engineering, soil mechanics, structures, highways, surveys, hydraulics, and hydrology. 

The curriculum is designed to relate academic work with practical industrial realities and capabilities, and the department works with related institutions to provide practical inputs to support students’ classroom work, making it one of the best universities to study civil engineering.

How to Choose the Best University to Study Civil Engineering

Choosing the best university to study civil engineering is a personal decision and you should consider the following when making the decision;

• Consider tuition fees and affordability.

• Look at campus location and accessibility.

• Check student reviews and rankings.

Civil engineers have diverse job opportunities after graduation, as their skills apply to various industries. Many graduates work in construction companies, where they design and supervise building projects, including roads, bridges, and residential structures. Others join government agencies that focus on urban planning, transportation, and environmental management.

The importance of choosing the right university to study civil engineering in Nigeria can not be undermined, as this goes a long way in producing the best future civil engineers. If you’re passionate about engineering, which university would you like to consider?