Aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria - Top 6
Aeronautical engineering is a prestigious career globally. These professionals design and develop spacecraft. The industry is highly competitive, and many companies offer impressive compensation packages. If you want to join this field, you should familiarise yourself with the top aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria.

Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Top 6 aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria
- How much is the tuition fee for aeronautical engineering?
- What is an aeronautical engineering salary in Nigeria?
- How many years does it take to study aeronautical engineering?
- What was the first college to offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
- Which universities offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
- Which university is best to study aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
- What is the cut-off mark for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
- What is the JAMB combination for aeronautical engineering?
- What are the JAMB requirements for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
- Does UNILAG offer aeronautical engineering?
- Does Covenant University offer aeronautical engineering?
- Which university is best for aeronautical engineering in the world?
Key takeaways
- Only a handful of Nigerian universities offer dedicated aeronautical/aerospace engineering programs.
- Recommended institutes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
- NUC- and NCAA-accredited universities offer strong, hands-on, practical, and technical training for aviation careers.
- University admission is competitive, often requiring JAMB scores of 200 or higher, though the official minimum is around 140.
Top 6 aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria
Aeronautical engineers must excel in applied mathematics, theory, knowledge and problem-solving. Below is a list of aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria and their locations:
Ranking | University | Location |
1. | Ahmadu Bello University | Kaduna State |
2. | Obafemi Awolowo University | Osun State |
3. | Afe Babalola University | Ekiti State |
4. | Delta State University, Abraka | Delta State |
5. | Lagos State University | Lagos State |
6. | Kwara State University | Kwara State |

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Aeronautical engineering is a prestigious career in Nigeria. While direct local jobs are fewer in the country, skills in aerospace/aeronautics are valuable globally and in growing African aviation hubs, making it a viable career path. Below are the best aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria:
1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) - Kaduna State

Source: UGC
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
- Year of establishment: 1962
- Type: Public
- Website: abu.edu.ng
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is one of the leading federal universities that offers aeronautical engineering in Nigeria. It offers various aeronautical telecommunications engineering and aircraft maintenance engineering courses.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) - Osun State

Source: UGC
- Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Year of establishment: 1960
- Type: Public
- Website:oauife.edu.ng
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, is one of the few federal universities that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria. It is one of the three institutions of higher learning established in the country in 1960. It was created following a report submitted to the Nigerian Federal Government.
3. Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) - Ekiti State

Source: UGC
- Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Year of establishment: 2009
- Type: Private
- Website:admissions.abuad.edu.ng
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is one of the few private universities that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria. The institution was founded by lawyer Afe Babalola in 2009. The institution's College of Engineering offers aerospace and astronautical programmes.
4. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) - Delta State

Source: UGC
- Location: Abraka, Delta State
- Year of establishment: 1992
- Type: Public
- Website: delsu.edu.ng
Delta State University, Abraka, serves as a key source of educated personnel, particularly aeronautical engineering graduates, for the Nigerian Air Force. The institute trains people to design, handle, and maintain aircraft and spacecraft for the Air Force.
5. Lagos State University (LASU) - Lagos State

Source: UGC
- Location: Ojo, Lagos State
- Year of establishment: 1983
- Type: Public
- Website: lasu.edu.ng
Lagos State University (LASU) is an institution of higher learning that seeks excellence in teaching, research, and service to humanity. Its Faculty of Engineering has an Aerospace Engineering Department. This department has qualified and experienced staff who produce competent graduates.
6. Kwara State University (KWASU) - Kwara State

Source: UGC
- Location: Malete, Kwara State
- Year of establishment: 2009
- Type: Public
- Website: portal.kwasu.edu.ng
Kwara State University (KWASU) is one of the top universities that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria. It established a degree programme in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in February 2017. Two KWASU students recorded a significant research breakthrough in 2021 by designing and constructing a light aircraft, which underwent a test flight in the first quarter of 2022.
How much is the tuition fee for aeronautical engineering?
Tuition fees for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria depend on the institution. Expect several hundred thousand to millions of Naira for tuition plus separate costs for books, materials, and certifications.
Public universities might have lower costs, while private institutions might be a bit costly. Once you gain admission into one of the institutions of higher learning listed above, you will receive a fee structure showing the amount you should pay per semester.
What is an aeronautical engineering salary in Nigeria?
Aeronautical engineering salaries in Nigeria vary widely by experience and employer, but generally range from around N2 million annually for entry-level roles at some airlines like Air Peace, to over NGN 10 Million for experienced Licensed Aircraft Engineers (LAEs) at major carriers like Aero-contractors, with senior roles potentially exceeding this significantly, reflecting high demand for skilled professionals in aviation maintenance and design.
How many years does it take to study aeronautical engineering?
It takes four to five years for a Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering in Nigeria, plus additional time for Master's degrees (another 1-2 years) or specialized certifications, all depending on the institution and program structure.
What was the first college to offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna is a key early provider for aeronautical skills, established in 1977; however, Kwara State University (KWASU) is often cited as the first to offer a full university degree in aeronautical engineering, with accreditation, followed by federal universities like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) offering similar programs, and newer institutions like Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) emerging later.
Which universities offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
You can find out the top 10 aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria from the following list.
State and federal universities that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Lagos State University
- Kwara State University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
- University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering (UAE), Ebonyi
Private universities that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria include:
- Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM)
- Afe Babalola University
- University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering (UAE) is a newly approved institution located in Ezza, Ebonyi State
Specialized institutes that offer aeronautical engineering in Nigeria
- Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
Other specialized institutes that offer aviation courses, not necessarily aeronautical engineering, include:
- International Aviation College (IAC)
- Universal School of Aviation (USA)
- Lagos Aviation Academy
- Lagos Aviation School, Aeroport College
- Landover Aviation Business School (LABS)
- Admal Aviation College
- Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA)
- Eastwing Aviation Institute (EAI)
- Dhaewood Aviation Business School (DABS)
- Sky Aviation Training
Which university is best to study aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
Choose an institution that has been accredited by the NCAA and other relevant authorities and has a history of producing competent graduates. Some top options in the country are:
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Port Harcourt (UniPort)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Covenant University
What is the cut-off mark for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
Cut-off marks for an aeronautical engineering degree vary by university in Nigeria, but generally, you need a JAMB score of 200 and above.
What is the JAMB combination for aeronautical engineering?
You need to pass English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, with strong performance in the core sciences, to study aeronautical engineering in Nigeria.
What are the JAMB requirements for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria?
The core requirements for aeronautical engineering in Nigeria include:
JAMB UTME requirements:
- Compulsory Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Target Score: Aim for a high score (e.g., 200+) in UTME to be competitive, as cut-offs vary by institution.
O'Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) requirements:
- Credit Passes: Five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and at least one other Science or Technical subject (like Further Maths or Technical Drawing).
Direct Entry requirements:
- 'A' Levels: Two 'A' Level passes in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- ND/HND: Upper Credit in relevant National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical/Aircraft Engineering.
Does UNILAG offer aeronautical engineering?
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) offers aeronautical engineering. To confirm specifics like entry requirements or program details, you should visit UNILAG's official website and check their Faculty of Engineering or admissions pages.
Does Covenant University offer aeronautical engineering?
Covenant University (CU) does not currently offer Aeronautical Engineering, despite some outdated information suggesting otherwise; their official admissions page explicitly states they don't, though they have plans for other colleges like Law and Medicine, so checking their website for updates is best.
Which university is best for aeronautical engineering in the world?
Some of the best institutions to study aeronautical engineering are listed below.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- Stanford University, USA
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Harvard University, US
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
- Beihang University, China
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA
- Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
- National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
- University of Oxford, UK
- National University of Defense Technology, China
There are a few aeronautical engineering universities in Nigeria. These institutions are accredited by the relevant authorities and have qualified trainers to produce competent graduates.
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