Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | B.Sc Quantity Surveying |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Environmental Sciences |
| Career field / body | Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN); NIQS |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Quantity Surveying is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Quantity Surveying & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Quantity Surveying is about
Quantity Surveying is the profession of managing the cost and contracts of construction projects — measuring work, estimating and controlling costs, and ensuring value for money.
A brief history of the discipline
As building projects grew larger and costlier, the quantity surveyor became essential to budgeting and contracts. In Nigeria the profession is regulated by QSRBN.
What you will study
You study measurement and estimating, construction technology, contract administration, cost planning and control, and the economics of construction — with practical work and a project.
Why study Quantity Surveying & who it suits
This course suits creative, practical and technically-minded students interested in the built environment, land and design. Strong numeracy and an interest in construction and cost management are ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work as quantity surveyors and cost consultants in construction, real estate and consultancy firms, and in the public sector. Professional registration is with QSRBN.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Quantity Surveying is a well-paid construction profession, with strong consultancy and own-practice potential.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Mid-level (registered) | ₦400,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Senior / principal / own practice | ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Quantity Surveying is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, the Federal University of Technology Akure, Covenant University and the University of Nigeria, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Quantity Surveying admission guide.
Is Quantity Surveying a good course to study in Nigeria?
Quantity Surveying is the cost and contract management of construction — a well-paid, respected profession with strong consultancy potential.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- A well-paid, respected construction profession.
- A clear QSRBN professional path.
- Strong consultancy and own-practice potential.
- A clear, valued niche.
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry pay is modest.
- Competitive.
- Detail- and numbers-heavy.
- Income tracks construction cycles.
It suits numerate students interested in construction and cost management.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Quantity Surveying builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Measurement and estimating
- Cost planning and control
- Contract administration
- Numeracy
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Quantity Surveying (5 years) → NYSC → cost/contract roles in construction, with QSRBN registration for professional practice.
How to get in: Quantity Surveying UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Quantity Surveying is Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Physics — practise CBT
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Chemistry — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Quantity Surveying, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Quantity Surveying in Nigeria?
It typically takes 5 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Quantity Surveying?
Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics
What does a quantity surveyor do?
They manage the cost and contracts of construction projects — measuring work, estimating and controlling costs, and ensuring value for money.
Is Quantity Surveying a good course?
Yes — it is a respected, well-paid construction profession with a clear registration path (QSRBN) and strong demand.
Is Quantity Surveying a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is a respected, well-paid construction profession with a clear registration path (QSRBN) and strong consultancy and own-practice potential.
Does Quantity Surveying pay well?
Yes — it is among the better-paid construction professions, especially with experience and consultancy.
Quantity Surveying vs Building vs Civil Engineering?
Quantity Surveying manages cost and contracts; Building manages construction; Civil Engineering designs and builds. They work together on projects.
Is QSRBN registration needed?
It is not compulsory to graduate, but QSRBN registration is required to practise fully as a quantity surveyor.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and the relevant professional/registration bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.