If you have a passion for vehicles and modern automotive systems, then Automobile Engineering could be your dream course. Many brilliant students lose admission opportunities each year simply because they selected the wrong JAMB subject combination for Automobile Engineering during registration.
That’s why this guide is here to help you avoid that mistake and choose the right subjects that will qualify you for admission into Nigerian universities or polytechnics offering Automobile Engineering in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Whether you’re applying through UTME or Direct Entry, everything you need to know about subject combinations, O’Level combinations, and Direct Entry qualifications is right here.
What is Automobile Engineering?
Automobile Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, production, and maintenance of vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. It combines principles from mechanical, electrical, electronics, safety, and software engineering to ensure vehicles are safe, efficient, and comfortable.
In simple terms, it’s the course that teaches you how vehicles work and how to build, repair, or improve them.
Benefits of Studying Automobile Engineering
Studying Automobile Engineering comes with numerous benefits, especially for students who have a passion for cars, machines, and how things work. One of the biggest advantages is the wide range of career opportunities it offers. Automobile engineers are in high demand across industries like vehicle manufacturing, repair services, transportation companies, and even research and development sectors.
The course equips you with both practical and technical skills, allowing you to not just understand how vehicles function, but also how to design, maintain, and improve them. It’s a globally relevant course, meaning your skills can open doors to international job opportunities.
As the automobile world shifts towards innovations like electric cars and smart vehicles, studying this course puts you at the center of technological advancement and creativity.
Moreover, with experience, automobile engineers earn attractive salaries, and many go on to become self-employed by starting their own auto workshops or engineering services.
Overall, it’s a rewarding course for students who love hands-on work, innovation, and building a career that’s future-driven.
JAMB Subject Combination For Automobile Engineering
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
O’level Requirements for Automobile Engineering
You must have at least five (5) credit passes, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
One other subject such as:
- Technical Drawing
- Further Mathematics
- Basic Electricity
- Metal Work
- Biology
Direct Entry Requirements
For candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE), you must have:
A-Level passes in Mathematics and Physics
OR
ND or NCE in relevant Engineering or Technical fields with at least a Lower Credit
List of Universities Offering Automobile / Automotive Engineering
Federal Universities
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – Automotive Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi – Automobile Engineering
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – Automobile Engineering
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – Auto specializations
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – Courses in Automobile Engineering
- National Defense Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna – B.Eng. in Automotive Engineering
- Kano University of Science & Technology (KUST), Wudil – Automotive Engineering
State Universities
Bauchi State University – Automobile Engineering
Lagos State University (LASU) – Auto-related Mechanical Engineering
Private Universities
Elizade University, Ilara‑Mokin – Automotive Engineering (stand‑alone)
Covenant University, Ota – Automobile specialization
Babcock University, Ilishan‑Remo – Courses in Auto/Mechanical Engineering
Conclusion
From federal to private universities, more institutions are now embracing Automobile Engineering as a full-fledged program or specialization, giving passionate students a platform to thrive. With the right JAMB subject combination, solid O’Level results, and an eye on universities offering the course, you’re already one step closer to turning your dream into a reality.
So, whether you want to design, repair, or revolutionize the way vehicles function in the future, Automobile Engineering sets you on a path filled with purpose, relevance, and high-impact opportunities. Start preparing today, the road to success begins with the right information and the courage to follow your passion.
What is the Difference between Automobile and Automotive Engineering?
Many people confuse Automobile Engineering and Automotive Engineering, but they’re not the same. Let me break it down for you clearly and simply:
1. Automobile Engineering
- Focus: Deals mainly with the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles that run on roads.
- Scope: It’s more specific, centred on road vehicles only.
- Subjects Covered: Engine design, vehicle chassis, body, braking systems, and fuel technology.
- Career Roles: Automobile engineers usually work in car manufacturing companies, service stations, transport corporations, and road vehicle testing centers.
2. Automotive Engineering
- Focus: A broader field that covers all types of motor vehicles, not just road cars. This includes motorcycles, trucks, buses, off-road vehicles, and even components for aerospace and marine applications.
- Scope: Wider than Automobile Engineering because it deals with the entire automotive sector, including electrical systems, electronics, safety engineering, and modern innovations like EVs (electric vehicles), hybrids, and autonomous vehicles.
- Subjects Covered: In addition to engines and chassis, it involves mechatronics, robotics, vehicle electronics, AI in vehicles, emission control, and alternative fuels.
- Career Roles: Automotive engineers work in a range of industries — car companies, research and development centers, defense (military vehicles), aerospace, robotics, and EV technology firms.
The Simple way to remember:
- Automobile Engineering = Narrow (focuses on cars and road vehicles).
- Automotive Engineering = Broad (covers all vehicles + modern tech).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the correct JAMB subject combination for Automobile Engineering?
Answer: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
2. Is Automobile Engineering the same as Mechanical Engineering?
Answer: Not exactly. While they are related, Automobile Engineering focuses specifically on vehicles and transportation systems, while Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of machines and mechanics. Some universities offer it as a specialization under Mechanical Engineering.
3. Can I study Automobile Engineering without Physics?
Answer: No. Physics is compulsory for both JAMB and O’Level requirements because the course is science and engineering-based.
4. What are the O’Level subjects required for Automobile Engineering?
Answer: You need at least 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other subject like Technical Drawing, Biology, or Further Maths.
5. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Automobile Engineering?
Answer: The general minimum is 180, but top universities may require 200 or more, depending on the year and competition.
6. Can I apply through Direct Entry (DE)?
Answer: Yes. You can apply with A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics, or with ND/NCE in relevant engineering or technical fields, preferably with at least Lower Credit or Merit.
7. Are there Nigerian universities that offer pure Automobile Engineering?
Answer: Yes! Some of them include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Elizade University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.
8. What careers can I pursue with a degree in Automobile Engineering?
Answer: You can become an Automobile Engineer, Vehicle Designer, Workshop Manager, Auto Researcher, Quality Control Officer, or even start your own auto-related business.
9. Is Automobile Engineering a good course in Nigeria?
Answer: Absolutely! With Nigeria’s growing transport sector, increasing reliance on road vehicles, and the rise of electric car trends, Automobile Engineering is both relevant and rewarding, especially for those willing to apply themselves
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