BSc (Hons) Petroleum Chemistry
Fuel the Future. Master the Science Behind Energy.
Program Overview
This specialized program applies the core principles of chemistry to the entire petroleum value chain, from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream refining and petrochemical production. You will gain expertise in analyzing hydrocarbons, solving complex production challenges, and developing sustainable processes for the energy industry.
Why This Program?
- •Get hands-on experience in our modern laboratories with crude oil assay testing, distillation units, and chromatographic equipment.
- •Benefit from our strong industry ties with guaranteed internship placements at leading oil and gas companies.
- •Learn the specific chemical processes and challenges relevant to the Niger Delta region's crude oil composition.
- •Focus on emerging areas like flow assurance, refinery chemistry, and environmental remediation.
Real-World Importance
•Petroleum chemists are the problem-solvers of the energy sector.
•They ensure the quality of fuel we put in our cars, develop new materials from plastics to pharmaceuticals, and work on cutting-edge solutions to reduce environmental impact, such as carbon capture and cleaner refining techniques.
•They are essential to maximizing the value of Nigeria's natural resources while pioneering the path to a sustainable energy future..
Curriculum Overview
Program Structure
Key Topics
Course Outline
Year 1: Foundational Sciences
Year 2: Core Chemistry Principles
Year 3: Applied Petroleum Chemistry
Year 4: Specialization & Capstone
Career Opportunities
Production Chemist
Potential Sectors:
Process Chemist
Potential Sectors:
Quality Control/Assurance Chemist
Potential Sectors:
Environmental Chemist
Potential Sectors:
Research Scientist
Potential Sectors:
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
O'Level Requirements
- •English Language
- •Mathematics
- •Chemistry
- •Physics
- •Biology or Further Mathematics
Five (5) O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings. Chemistry and Physics are core subjects. Private universities may accept one sitting.
JAMB Subjects
- •English Language (Compulsory)
- •Chemistry
- •Physics
- •Mathematics or Biology
JAMB Score Requirements
Minimum Score
150
Competitive Score
200
Petroleum Chemistry may require a higher competitive score due to its specialized nature.
Direct Entry Requirements
Other Requirements
Grading System
Our Successful Alumni
Ngozi Eze
Senior Process Chemist, TotalEnergies
Class of 2015
"The practical labs at SAU mirrored the real-world problems I faced on the offshore platform. The program's focus on Niger Delta crude specifics gave me a significant advantage from day one."
Did You Know?
Meet Your Department Head
Dr. Kenichi Okoro
Professor of Petrochemical Engineering & Chemistry
“Nigeria's economy is built on oil and gas, but its future will be built on the scientists who innovate within it. This program is your gateway to a high-impact career where you will directly contribute to national revenue, energy security, and technological advancement.”
With a PhD from Imperial College London and 15 years of experience at Shell, Dr. Okoro is a leading expert in catalysis and refinery process optimization. He holds several patents for improving fuel efficiency.
Accreditation
Exam Preparation
This program provides a direct pathway to professional certification with the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) and is excellent preparation for roles requiring certification from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
Facilities & Resources
- •Petroleum Processing Lab with small-scale distillation and cracking units.
- •Analytical Chemistry Lab with Gas Chromatographs (GC), HPLC, and Spectrophotometers.
- •Drilling Fluids and Production Chemistry Lab for emulsion and corrosion testing.
Industry Connections
Partners
Initiatives
- •Annual Petrobowl Competition
- •Industry Advisory Board Projects
- •Field Trips to Refineries and Flow Stations
Scholarship Opportunities
NNPC/SAU National Energy Scholarship
Full tuition scholarship for top-performing students, sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.