Schools That Offer Marine Engineering in Nigeria

Marine engineering is the design, build and maintenance of the machinery that runs ships, offshore platforms and port infrastructure. In Nigeria, the discipline opens roles in oil and gas, the merchant navy, the navy, port operations and shipbuilding.

Only a handful of Nigerian institutions offer the full degree. This guide covers every accredited university that offers a B.Eng. in Marine Engineering, plus the maritime academies and polytechnics that train at ND/HND level.

What Marine Engineering Covers

Marine engineers design, install, operate and maintain:

• Ship propulsion (diesel, gas turbine, steam, hybrid-electric)
• Onboard auxiliary systems — refrigeration, fresh water, sewage, hydraulics
• Offshore platform machinery (drilling, processing, lifting)
• Port equipment (cranes, ship-to-shore loaders, dry-dock systems)

The closely related field, naval architecture, deals with hull shape, stability and structural design rather than the machinery — most Nigerian programmes blend the two.

Universities in Nigeria That Offer Marine Engineering

1. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko (NMU)

NMU, established in 2018, is Nigeria’s only fully maritime-focused public university. Located in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State. The Faculty of Engineering offers B.Eng. Marine Engineering, B.Eng. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, plus Nautical Science, Port Management and Transport Logistics on the maritime sciences side. Its proximity to operational waterways gives students live training on ship systems.

Web: nmu.edu.ng

2. Rivers State University (RSU)

Formerly Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), renamed Rivers State University in 2017. Founded in 1980, located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Department of Marine Engineering sits under the Faculty of Engineering and is fully NUC-accredited. Industry links include Nigerdock PLC and the Institute of Marine Engineers, London. Specialisations span shipbuilding, ship power systems, ship administration and offshore oil and gas.

Web: rsu.edu.ng

3. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)

Established in 2007 in Delta State as a specialised petroleum and energy university. Marine Engineering at FUPRE links closely with the offshore oil and gas industry. The department maintains partnerships with onshore and offshore companies for industrial training, and its curriculum is reviewed regularly to stay aligned with industry standards.

Web: fupre.edu.ng

4. Niger Delta University (NDU)

<img class="wp-image-62322" src="https://awajis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ndu.png" alt="Niger Delta University" width="643" height="263" /] Niger Delta University

NDU was established by the Bayelsa State government in 2000. Located on Wilberforce Island, 30 km from Yenagoa. The Faculty of Engineering hosts a Marine Engineering department with hands-on labs and a strong lecturer-student ratio. NUC-accredited, with comparatively low fees for a state university.

Web: ndu.edu.ng

5. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)

<img class="wp-image-62323" src="https://awajis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/6e4f0daa98c2fb1104bcd490da44fbb8.jpg" alt="Akwa Ibom State University" width="676" height="440" /] Akwa Ibom State University

AKSU started academic activities in November 2010. Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture is one of its founding departments under the Faculty of Engineering. The programme covers vessel design, build, maintenance and repair, with industry partnerships for student internships at Nigerian ship construction and consulting firms.

Web: aksu.edu.ng

JAMB and O-Level Requirements

JAMB UTME Subject Combination

Compulsory: English Language
Other three: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

O-Level (WAEC/SSCE/NECO) Requirements

Five credit passes at not more than two sittings, including:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• One other Science subject (Biology, Further Maths, Geography or Technical Drawing)

Direct Entry Requirements

• ‘A’ level passes in Physics and Mathematics, or
• National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) at upper credit minimum in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

JAMB UTME cut-off marks for Marine Engineering at the universities above generally sit between 180 and 220, depending on departmental capacity each year.

Polytechnics and Maritime Academies

If you want to enter the industry as a marine technician, ship’s officer or merchant navy cadet rather than a chartered engineer, the routes below run ND/HND or certificate programmes accredited by NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency).

Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (MAN Oron)

A federal government-owned maritime training institution in Akwa Ibom State, accredited by NIMASA and recognised under STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). Offers ND, HND and Postgraduate Diplomas in:

• Nautical Science (ship navigation)
• Marine Engineering
• Maritime Transport and Business Management
• Port and Shipping Management

Address: P.M.B. 1089, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Web: maritimeacademy.gov.ng

Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos (FCFMT)

Federal college on Victoria Island offering ND in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Maritime Transport, Industrial and Labour Studies, Horticulture and Fisheries Technology; plus HND in Fisheries Technology and Maritime Transport. Also runs short STCW certificate courses (Safety Management, Jetty Operation, Marine Safety, Cargo Operations, Oil Spill Management).

Web: fcfmt.edu.ng

Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu (DSSMT)

State-owned maritime polytechnic in Burutu, Delta State. ND programmes cover Marine Engineering, Oil and Gas Engineering, Ship and Boat Building Engineering, Nautical Science and Seamanship, Oceanography, Maritime Transport, Industrial Safety and Estate Management.

Web: dsmt.edu.ng

Global Maritime Academy of Nigeria (GMAN)

Private maritime academy in Ogoni-Olomu, Ughelli South, Delta State. Runs ND in Marine Engineering (full-time only), Shipping Management, Maritime Transport and Security Management.

Web: gma.edu.ng

Merchant Navy Maritime Academy (MNMA)

Private maritime college located at Iwopin, Ogun Waterside, Ogun State. Departments: Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Shipping Management. Phone: 0803 428 4505 / 0812 829 5766.
Web: merchantnavymaritimeacademy.sch.ng

Stars Maritime Academy (SMA), Lagos

Stars Maritime Academy runs short and long courses in Shipping Practice, Cargo Handling, Maritime Administration, Freight Forwarding, and Import/Export, all benchmarked to international standards.

Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN)

Professional shipping body that operates the College of Maritime Technologies (COMAT) at Magbon, Badagry Expressway, Lagos. Trains shipping management practitioners.
Web: cisn.edu.ng

Career Paths After Graduation

• Offshore oil and gas: Maintenance, commissioning and operations engineer roles with TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron, NLNG and indigenous players (Seplat, Heirs Energies)
• Merchant navy: Cadet officer onboard Nigerian-flagged vessels and international shipping lines, after STCW certification
• Nigerian Navy and NIMASA: Government roles in defence and maritime regulation
• Shipyards and dry docks: Engineering roles at Nigerdock and the Naval Dockyard Limited
• Port operations: Equipment engineer at the Lagos and Onne ports under NPA and concessionaires (APM Terminals, ENL, Tin-Can)

Starting salaries for marine engineering graduates in offshore roles run around ₦400,000–₦900,000 per month for entry-level platform positions, rising to ₦2 million+ at senior level. Onshore and shipyard roles pay less but offer faster career progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Nigerian universities offer marine engineering?

Five universities currently run an accredited B.Eng. in Marine Engineering: Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Rivers State University, FUPRE, Niger Delta University and Akwa Ibom State University. Additional institutions offer related programmes (Naval Architecture, Maritime Transport) without a full marine engineering degree.

How long is a marine engineering degree in Nigeria?

Five years for full UTME entry, four years for direct-entry candidates with an ND, HND or A-Level background.

Can I become a marine engineer through a polytechnic instead?

Yes. ND plus HND in Marine Engineering from MAN Oron, FCFMT Lagos or DSSMT Burutu qualifies you for engineer-level seagoing roles after STCW certification. The university route is required if you want to register as a chartered engineer with COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria).

Is marine engineering the same as naval architecture?

No. Marine engineering covers the machinery and propulsion of ships and offshore structures. Naval architecture covers hull design, stability and overall ship structure. Most Nigerian programmes teach both with one as the major and the other as supporting modules.

What is STCW certification and do I need it?

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) is the IMO-administered global standard for seagoing personnel. You need an STCW certificate if you intend to work onboard any commercial vessel. Nigerian academies (MAN Oron, MNMA, FCFMT) deliver STCW-accredited training.

Is marine engineering a good career in Nigeria?

Strong. Nigeria runs the largest offshore oil and gas operations in West Africa, plus the busiest port complexes (Lagos and Onne). Demand for trained marine engineers exceeds local supply, and many Nigerian-trained engineers work in the Gulf, Singapore and the North Sea.

What is the cut-off mark for marine engineering in Nigeria?

JAMB UTME cut-offs vary year-on-year between roughly 180 and 220. Federal universities (FUPRE, NMU) usually pitch higher than state universities (NDU, AKSU). Always check each school’s current departmental cut-off when JAMB releases scores.

Are there scholarships specifically for marine engineering students?

Yes. PTDF, NLNG, Total Energies and Shell scholarships all favour engineering students, including marine engineering. NIMASA also runs the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), which sponsors selected cadets through foreign maritime institutions in the UK, Egypt, the Philippines and India.

What does a marine engineer earn in Nigeria?

Onshore entry-level roles start around ₦200,000–₦350,000 per month. Offshore platform roles for entry-level engineers run ₦400,000–₦900,000 per month. Senior offshore engineers and chief engineers on international vessels earn USD-denominated packages comparable to global rates.